Electrolysis - Permanent Hair Removal
At Vineyard Electrolysis & Clinical Aesthetics, we take your permanent hair removal needs seriously.
General Information
Electrolysis is the only
permanent method of hair removal. Originating in 1875, continued medical
research and development has made electrolysis a reliable and safe method
of treatment recognized by the American Medical Association and the
Federal Drug Administration. In addition to cosmetic need, electrolysis
serves other functions, such as removing ingrown hair in order to
prevent the formation of cysts, or other dermatological problems due
to disturbances connected with the hair follicle.
Causes Of Excessive Hair
Current medical science indicates that excessive, unwanted hair is primarily caused by three factors:
- Normal Systemic Changes…
Normal growth and development bring about a change in hair growth, i.e., puberty, pregnancy and menopause. Common pattern changes include an increase in hair follicle activity and an overall darkening/thickening of the hair shaft. Stress and illness can also be a factor. - Heredity…
Hereditary hirsutism is common in all nationalities, some more than others. Electrolysis can permanently solve this problem regardless of skin or hair color, or the quantity of hair that needs to be treated. - Glandular Disturbances…
Sometimes the glands that make up our endocrine system (the system that controls our growth and development) become imbalanced. An imbalance can result in growth of excessive hair. Certain medications can also be a contributing factor.
Electrolysis Vs. Other Methods
Tweezing and waxing remove only the hair shaft, leaving the dermal papilla and the matrix, which are capable of producing more hair. In fact, the violent action of tweezing and waxing can actually stimulate the follicle to grow a deeper, coarser, stronger hair.
Shaving and depilatories remove only surface hair, even the fine vellous
hair which should remain to give your face a soft appearance. Shaving
promotes ingrowns and cuts all vellous hair, which become stubbly. The
use of depilatories can cause a chemical burn of the skin surface tissue,
which becomes red and irritated.
Bleaching coarsens the hair by making it more porous and dry. In many cases, bleached hair can be just as or even more noticeable due to the change in texture and contrast of color.
Laser assisted hair removal has been given authorization by the FDA to claim permanent hair reduction. only. It is not permanent, nor is it painless. Any claims made otherwise are misleading. Additionally, laser hair removal has not been evaluated for long term safety of the patients skin or health. It is not ideal for all skin or hair colors, as it is pigment driven. Laser is not capable of targeting the hair selectively; electrolysis treatments are often sought to clear the treated area after a series of laser treatments.
Normal Hair Growth Cycle
Each hair follicle, regardless of the area of the body, produces hair independently at a varying rate. After the hair has sloughed, the follicle becomes dormant for a period varying from a few weeks to a few months and then begins once again to produce hair. Much of the perceived “regrowth” that occurs during the initial treatment period is actually undergrowth hair emerging from dormancy. Understanding the nature of hair growth will enable you to have reasonable expectations. Estimates regarding overall length of treatment may be given only in generalities. Each individual circumstance will vary according to several factors. Electrolysis is not an overnight solution; however, with time and commitment it is a permanent solution.
How Does The Procedure Work?
Electrolysis involves the insertion of a fine, sterilized, disposable probe into the hair follicle (a natural opening in the skin), a brief application of low level electrical current and epilation (removal) of the treated hair.
Effective treatment of the mid and lower follicle area accomplishes permanent follicular disablement. If the dermal papilla (the source of nourishment for the hair) and the matrix (the reproductive organ of the hair) are destroyed, no further hair growth will occur. If the follicle is damaged, an undernourished hair will regrow. This hair will be weaker, finer and more susceptible to treatment. Electrology involves labor intensive, intricate, precision procedures, requires professional judgment and must be performed in a sanitary environment by a skilled practitioner for optimal results.
What Are The Areas That Can Be Worked On?
Electrolysis can be performed
on any area of the body, excluding the inner ear and the nasal canal
area. A physicians written authorization is necessary before an electrologist
can remove hair from a mole or birthmark.
Frequency of Treatment
The number of treatments required will vary from person to person. Some contributing factors are:
- Skin Type
- Extent And Coarseness Of Hair Growth
- Client Tolerance
- Previous Hair Removal Methods Used
It is important that treatment is performed upon any detection of regrowth.
Regrowth is finer and more vulnerable to treatment. If left untreated,
the hair will rebuild itself back to its original depth and diameter.
Consistency in maintaining a prescribed course of treatment scheduling
will significantly influence progress. As the treatment progresses and
hair growth decreases, sessions become less and less frequent and shorter
in duration.
All consultations and treatment sessions are held in the strictest confidence.
Appearance of Treated Areas
Following treatment, there may be a slight redness &/or inflammation.
This will vary from person to person and is temporary, disappearing after
only a short time. Occasionally, pinpoint crusting may occur on treated
areas. This is a normal healing process. Specific aftercare procedures
based on individual considerations will be recommended to facilitate natural
healing. Aftercare will involve normal cleansing, application of an antiseptic
and aloe vera gel, avoiding excessive sun exposure for several days and
refraining from scratching or irritating the treated area. Using sunscreen
on a daily basis is highly recommended for everyone to protect the skin
from sun damage, and thus premature aging.
Are Treatments Painful?
Electrolysis can cause some slight discomfort which is relative to the clients’ tolerance and the area of treatment. If a client experiences discomfort, adjustments can be made to create a more comfortable treatment. Avoidance of sugar, alcohol and caffeine prior to the treatment will enhance your relaxation and help you to maintain a calm nervous system.
Services For Men
Excessive, undesired hair growth is not gender biased; men often seek electrolysis treatments to remove unwanted hair from a variety of areas. Brow, beard & ear grooming as well as body work are all common areas that men have treated.
Is Electrolysis Expensive?
Considering the over-all benefits, the cost is nominal because the treatment is permanent. Continuous use of temporary methods over a period of many years will cost you much more in dollars, time and embarrassment. Regained self-assurance and individual confidence, along with other psychological benefits can make electrolysis quite a bargain!
The State of California requires licensure for all practicing electrologists. This includes completed training in an accredited school and passing a state board exam. Licensed since 1995, I am also a Board Certified Professional Electrologist. I am a member of the American Electrology Association and a active member and previous officer of the Electrologists’ Association of California.
As an electrologist who has also been a client, I realize on a daily basis the benefits derived as a result of treatment. I also recognize the need and importance of sanitation and a private, professional environment. Specializing in the Blend and Thermolysis modalities, it is my sincere desire to serve your electrology needs with the highest quality treatment program professionally available.
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