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Frequently Asked Questions

Electrolysis: Permanent Hair Removal

Are you unsure whether electrolysis is the best method to get rid of your unwanted hair or blemishes? The best thing to do is to book a consultation with our qualified electrologist who will be able to put you at ease and decide if it is the right treatment for you.

If you would like to have all of the information before meeting with us, here are the answers to the vast majority of questions people ask before their treatment.

Electrolysis is a safe, effective, progressively permanent method of removing unwanted hair.

Indeed it is the only permanent method of hair removal and is therefore in great demand.

With the choice of 3 methods of electrolysis techniques: Blend, Diathermy and Galvanic there is something to suit everyone. Treatment will be ‘tailor made’ to suit you.

A tiny probe (about the size of an eyelash) is inserted into the hair follicle where a short burst of energy is targeted at the root of the hair. This burst of energy prevents nutrients feeding the follicle and the new hair growth becomes weaker and finer.

After a course of treatments the follicle is no longer able to produce new hairs and complete hair free results are obtained. Each hair follicle requires a number of treatments because each follicle has its own growing cycle. Electrolysis works by weakening the hair follicle and eventually destroying its ability to produce hairs. Results take a little time, but just like dieting, it’s not the crash diet but the healthy eating plan that works in the long run.

Electrolysis was first documented by a doctor in 1875 and is proven both effective, permanent and totally safe when performed correctly. Ask to see the therapist’s Electrolysis Certificate and any updated training certificates they may have had recently if you feel unsure in any way. Modern technology has meant electrolysis has become gentler, more comfortable and even more effective. It’s an affordable, modern treatment increasingly popular today.

Both laser and electrolysis are very effective for removing superfluous hair. Although they both have their uses electrolysis is the only proven permanent method of hair removal. Laser hair removal does have its limitations. The laser is attracted to the pigment within the hair, therefore white hair is difficult to treat. Hair growth as a result of a hormonal imbalance is also difficult to treat. The hair density can be reduced greatly but it is necessary to continue with electrolysis to obtain further results.

This is personal to you, the area you are having treated and how quickly your hair grows. Your electrolysis will take into account your hair growth cycle and your skin sensitivity to create a treatment plan that works quickly, but the priority should always be on long lasting results.

Again, this is down to the individual. Electrolysis treats each individual hair repeatedly as gently as possible so the hair becomes weaker and no tissue damage is caused. The cause of hair growth will influence the amount of treatments required. Hair growth occurs in three stages: anagen (growth), catagen (transition), and telogen (resting/shedding). Treatment efficacy is highest during the growth phase and most possibly during catagen (transition) phase when the hair follicle is most responsive. Unfortunately, pinpointing the exact stage of individual hairs is difficult. Hence, adhering to regular treatment sessions becomes essential. Allowing too much time after an unsuccessful treatment permits the hair to enter a stage where treatments may not yield favourable results. A treatment plan should be discussed with your electrologist during your consultation to give you some indication of the commitment required.

Each hair requires more than one treatment because each individual hair has its own growing cycle and blood supply. Electrolysis works by weakening the hair and eventually destroying it. Courses of treatment are therefore imperative. Results take a little more time, similar to dieting it’s not the crash diet but the healthy eating plan that works in the long run.

Electrolysis, laser and IPL can work hand in hand for the very best results.Unlike laser or IPL, nearly all areas of the body and types of hair can be successfully treated with electrolysis.. Laser/IPL can quickly treat large areas of hair, but you will need electrolysis to complete these treatments where laser/IPL is unable to finish the job. Electrolysis can also remove white hairs that laser and IPL are unable to treat.

There may be some hair growth between treatments. To manage these you should cut the hair as this will temporarily remove them without interfering with the root of the hair and affecting results. Tweezing, threading and waxing must be avoided during a course of electrolysis.

You will have a consultation to determine if treatment is suitable for you and which method is best. You will have an opportunity to ask questions about the treatment and to experience a ‘taster’ session plus your treatment plan will be discussed.

Skin Lab Sydney uses Sterex single use disposable probes, these probes are used to totally eliminate any risk of cross infection. For each client a brand new sterile probe is used and you will usually see the individually packed sterile probe being opened in front of you.

Treatment sessions are normally charged in multiples of 15 minutes. Electrolysis is progressively permanent which means you come frequently to start with then the treatments become more spread out until you are coming only 2 or 3 times a year, after which treatment is said to be finished.

Electrolysis: Diathermy (Advanced Blemish Removal)

If you have ever felt embarrassed by what you feel are unsightly skin blemishes on your face or body please make an appointment for a private consultation. We will discuss your concerns; explain the process, the likely effects of treatment and home care requirements.

The techniques we use are established and proven; in fact doctors were using an early type of this treatment back in the early 1900’s to treat broken capillaries, spider naevi, warts and xanthelasma (yellow pigmented areas found on the eyelids). It has progressed and improved beyond recognition with modern technology and is a safe, comfortable and effective treatment in high demand today.

With today’s modern equipment, we can offer a minimally invasive, highly effective method of treatment which requires minimal after care and suitable for a wide variety of blemishes. Results are often instantaneous and life enhancing, so don’t let skin blemishes control you, book now for a consultation.

These treatments often offer instantaneous results but the length of treatment very much depends on your specific blemish and skin condition. Your aesthetic electrologist will advise you during your consultation, however the area of concern must not be over-treated and your skin reactivity will be taken into account. Spacing technique and treatment intervals will be carefully considered in your treatment plan as well as your requirements, needs and wishes.

A wide diversity of skin blemishes can be treated:
Facial Thread Veins – commonly found around the nose and on the cheeks
Blood Spots – bright red vascular blemishes frequently found on the midriff, back or front
Spider Naevus – a central dilated capillary with smaller capillaries like the legs of a spider
Skin Tags – Commonly found on the neck, underarm and areas of friction
Milia – Tiny white hard lumps containing keratin
Some blemishes may require a GP’s written consent prior to treatment.

In some cases the electrologist may need confirmation that it is safe to treat your blemish. They may also need GP consent to ensure that their insurance is valid for more complex treatments. 

The treated blemish should not return but others may occur depending on the root cause. Your aesthetic electrologist will advise you during your consultation.

Restrictions to treatment

Electrolysis can only be performed on a healthy skin. If there is any evidence of a skin disease or disorder in the treatable area then treatment may not commence. Some conditions may prevent treatment until the skin has healed e.g. cold sores, eczema or active acne etc. Some conditions may prevent treatment such as vitiligo. During the consultation the area to be treated will be assessed and in some cases the electrologist may require written consent from your Doctor prior to treatment.

It is safe to give blood as an electrolysis client as all materials are sterilsed and disposable. Although, when donating the nurse may suggest that you have to wait 12 months following your last treatment. It is advisable to check with your blood donation centre first.

It is possible to have an electrolysis treatment during pregnancy as the tiny amounts of current used will not affect the pregnancy. Although you may find that salon/clinics will not offer treatment during the first trimester. There are 2 methods of electrolysis mainly offered in salons today, the blend method and short wave diathermy. The blend method allows the current to flow through the body and short wave diathermy remains at the tip of the needle. Some salons/clinics may prefer to offer short wave diathermy only to pregnant clients.

A detailed answer to provide information about your business, build trust with potential clients, and help convince the visitor that you are a good fit for them.

Unfortunately, electrolysis is not offered to clients with a pacemaker. This is for the safety of the client. Electrolysis uses an electrical current to treat the hair and this could affect the pacemaker. Some pacemakers are insulated, and it is possible to offer the treatment. Firstly, it is advisable to obtain a letter of consent from both the G.P. and the pacemaker manufacturer. Also check that your insurance will cover you.

There are usually two methods of electrolysis offered, short wave diathermy and the blend method. The blend method may leave a metallic taste experienced in the mouth, therefore, if you have a lot of fillings or metal braces, the short wave diathermy method may be preferred.

We usually recommend that swimming (if in a public pool) gets a night off while the skin calms down to ensure no minor infection can happen. If the skin has returned to normal and is not hot or warm, sore, pink or red and no sign of any swelling then there should be no problem. Your electrologist will advise you during the initial consultation

This depends on where you are going, the area that you are having treated and the density of the hair growth in this area. Holidays, even sunbathing beach holidays, should be fine, as long as the skin has fully recovered from treatment and there’s no sign of sensitivity. Your electrologist will advise you following a skin analysis and knowing your medical history. For example, if you are a heavy smoker or a diabetic you may heal slower and this must be taken into account.