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Electrolysis Hair Removal
Electrolysis - Permanent Hair Removal
Medical electrolysis devices destroy hair growth with a shortwave radio frequency after a thin probe is placed in the hair follicle. Risks from these methods include infection from an unsterile needle and scarring from improper technique. Electrolysis is considered a permanent hair removal method, since it destroys the hair follicle. The hair root is not destroyed if the needle misses the mark or if insufficient electricity is delivered to destroy it. Hair may grow back slowly after electrolysis.
Mona Wexler, an electrologist in Bethesda, Md. says "Electrolysis requires a series of treatments over a period of time. It's not just a one, two, or three time thing. For example, the process for a forearm takes a series of appointments once a week for about a year. You may have a first clearing of both forearms in about eight hours of treatment over two months. After that, you have to catch the hairs that are coming in on a different cycle of growth. For the best results, you want to treat each hair during its active growing stage. Electrolysis may not always be the best approach, some men who begin electrolysis to get rid of the hair on their back soon stop, because it can be a huge, costly, and very time consuming job, depending on the amount of hair."
- Electrolysis is not quick, not simple, not cheap.
- Each hair is treated individually.
- Results are long lasting, but some hair may grow back.
- Electrolysis requires a series of appointments over a period of time. Expect to spend considerable time and money on electrolysis hair removal.
- Not recommeded for large areas, it can take up to 50 hours just to do one calf.
- Some people do not respond to treatment.
- Performing electrolysis on yourself is very difficult and not recommended. Electrolysis should be done by a skilled professional using proper equipment. Electrolysis may be done by a dermatologist, by an electrolysis technician, or in some cases by a facial technologist or esthetician.
- Many U.S. states do not regulate the practice of electrolysis. Check to make sure your state regulates the practice of electrolysis.
Pain Factor: Similar to a bee sting.
Cost: Approximately $45 and up for one hour. Cost for completed treatment approximately $1,000 to $3,000 or more, depending on many factors, such as the amount of hair in the area you want removed. Example, eyebrows are a smaller area compared to arms, legs, or your back (prices can vary).
Warning: Major risks of electrolysis are electrical shock (which can occur if the needle is not properly insulated), infection from an unsterile needle or other infection control problem, and scarring resulting from improper technique.
References:
From the Food and Drug Administration
September 1996
www.fda.gov