Electrolysis is a permanent hair removal treatment using needles to destroy each unwanted hair follicle at its source.
Finding a qualified practitioner and adhering to their aftercare recommendations are both key steps towards minimizing unwanted side effects like scabs, redness and swelling.
Redness
Redness following electrolysis treatments is very common and may last from 1 to 2 days, making icing your area periodically throughout the day an effective remedy. Others find they can control it through moisturizing with soothing cream such as Dana Elise Solutions offers her clients post treatment session.
Pitting of the skin is an extremely rare side effect of electrolysis that only appears in certain instances. It occurs when dead space left by hair removal is filled in by scar tissue (wounded collagen) left from hair removal, creating an downward pull on the skin which makes it appear lumpy or bumpy. Over time, however, wound collagen will develop into smooth tissue which should reduce or eliminate this pitted appearance.
Electrolysis treatments may cause bruises if an electrologist uses methods that increase their likelihood. Bruises result from pressure applied by needle or probe when puncturing wall of follicle; witch hazel can help prevent this from occurring and it is wise not to pick at any scabs that form.
Scabs are nature’s band-aids and often appear the day following your appointment. Honey colored or darker in tone, they provide protection to healing skin. It is important that if there is excessive scabbing occurring after any session it be reported immediately as this could indicate that another type of needle or less aggressive treatment method would be better suited.
Pustules
Your body may produce pustules (pimples) as your immune system fights bacteria that enter open follicles during electrolysis. This is completely normal; just keep the area clean and moisturized to reduce irritation. If the pustules persist, speak to your electrologist who may suggest another treatment method or stronger numbing cream for added comfort.
Other potential side effects may include bruising to the treated area. This could be caused by either pressure from your electrologist’s fingers on your skin, or when their electrolysis probe hits a blood vessel feeding hair follicles; any bruises should fade within several days and witch hazel can help alleviate them temporarily.
As with electrolysis, ingrown hairs may result from damage done to the follicle during electrolysis and should only occur if you tweeze or pluck at the area prior to electrolysis treatment. To minimize this possibility, always follow your electrologist’s recommendations on aftercare for your chin area after treatment.
Electrolysis facial hair removal treatments typically cause some side effects that will subside as your skin heals; it typically takes 6-8 treatments before seeing significant results from electrolysis facial hair removal. When choosing an electrologist, be sure they use only needle electrolysis, not photoepilators or tweezers, for best results.
Swelling
After electrolysis, your skin may become red and swollen but should return to its usual state within an hour or two due to blood vessels being dilated and hair follicles being opened; this reaction can occur with all forms of electrolysis; for those with sensitive skin this could happen more readily and could be minimized with use of numbing cream before treatment and staying out of direct sunlight for 48-hrs before your appointment.
Pustules, small inflamed blister-like lesions that produce yellow fluid, may occur as an unintended side effect of electrolysis, although this should pass soon after treatment is finished. Should any pustules appear, use warm compresses or salicylic acid sparingly until it heals on its own.
Pitting of the skin may be caused by dead hair follicles filling up with scar tissue and creating pitted patches on the surface of your skin. It’s a normal and natural process and will gradually fade over time, typically within one year, as scar tissue transforms into smooth tissues.
After each treatment, our clients should use the soothing gel provided to speed healing. In addition, it is advisable to avoid shaving or deodorant use (which clogs pores and increases swelling) while exercise, tanning and hot baths should also be avoided until their skin has fully recovered.
Discomfort
Electrolysis discomfort levels vary significantly among individuals. The amount of discomfort experienced depends on your tolerance level, how the procedure (numbing) is conducted and what kind of treatment being performed; many report feeling similar sensations to being bitten by mosquitoes.
Redness may appear after being treated, which is completely normal and will dissipate within a few days. A skin lightening cream can be helpful in minimizing discolorations caused by laser therapy treatments.
Commonly, a small scab will form at the opening of a hair follicle, providing nature’s band-aid. Honey colored or darker hued patches provide protection for sensitive areas. It is important that you inform your electrologist if this happens as they will know if it indicates infection or need additional measures like using skin care products in healing processes.
Rarely is the follicle damaged enough to cause severe scabbing; this happens less frequently nowadays with modern multi-probe galvanic methods than it did previously when done by hand alone. To avoid this possibility altogether and treat your skin appropriately – including not tweezing or digging at the area and staying out of direct sunlight – is key.
Discoloration
Good electrologists take great care not to overtreat their client’s skin; however, accidents do sometimes happen. An excessively reddening skin condition or over treatment could indicate either that an allergic reaction is taking place during electrolysis hair removal session, or that your skin is more sensitive than expected – changing needle type, current settings or length of treatments could reduce these side effects and result in reduced side effects.
These symptoms could be the result of many different factors; most likely they’re caused by electrolysis treatment irritating hair follicles and will usually resolve itself as your skin heals. If they don’t fade within a short period, however, speak to your physician regarding Alpha-Hydroxy Acids or chemical peels as potential solutions.
Electrolysis offers many advantages despite any temporary side effects, as it is the only permanent method of hair removal that works on all skin types and doesn’t damage surrounding tissue like other methods like shaving, plucking or waxing do. When searching for an electrologist qualified enough to use high-quality equipment and treat you skin respectfully – ask friends or family members for recommendations or search online – then arrange a meeting to ask any questions and learn about the process beforehand.
Itching
Electrolysis often results in itching as a side effect; however, this usually subsides after some time has passed. This side effect is caused by hair follicles opening up and releasing hair-growing cells and fluid, and should subsided once your skin heals itself. Other issues, including an overtreatment or too high current setting could also contribute to itching – one reason it is important to choose your practitioner carefully by seeking referrals from other clients who have undergone electrolysis treatment.
Pitting may occur after electrolysis for some individuals, as a result of dead spaces being filled in by scar tissue that pulls downward on the surface of skin, creating pitted results on its surface. It typically takes about one year for this scarring to smooth itself out into smooth tissue again.
Importantly, keep in mind that any side effects from electrolysis are temporary and natural; many will resolve on their own after several days. If any adverse reactions bother you, talk with your electrologist about it – she may recommend an aloe gel without fragrances or menthol that helps soothe redness or irritation between treatments.
Be wary of bleaching your hair immediately before an electrolysis appointment as this can hinder the ability of the electrologist to see your roots. A numbing cream may also help provide comfort during this experience.
