Shaving and waxing are only short-term solutions that may lead to ingrown hairs; FDA-approved electrolysis provides permanent hair removal.
Electrolysis is a method that involves inserting a sterile needle into each individual hair follicle to deliver an electric current which destroys it and prevents future hair growth.
This article will outline various FDA-approved treatments and devices for permanent hair reduction:
Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal works by targeting each individual hair follicle with light. This light destroys them, stopping future hair growth. Any new growth usually returns thinner and lighter. Multiple treatments may be required at four- or six-week intervals until all unwanted hair has been permanently eradicated; for others there may need to be annual touch up treatments.
Laser treatment can be uncomfortable, so to ease discomfort a topical anesthetic should be applied prior to beginning. Some individuals experience redness and swelling that will subside within several days; rare instances could include skin discoloration post treatment. If concerned about possible adverse side effects consult your dermatologist about using a prescription topical anesthetic before the procedure.
Note that although lasers are FDA-approved to permanently reduce hair, they aren’t fail-proof. According to experts, cosmetic office laser devices must be calibrated and operated by trained professionals in order to deliver effective and safe results. Furthermore, devices should also be updated regularly to keep up with advances in technology as well as account for factors like hair type; some lasers may not be effective against blonde, white or gray tresses.
Electrolysis is FDA approved permanent hair removal method. Electrologists are trained to use small probes inserted into each hair follicle with small electric current applied through them in order to destroy each growth center of each individual hair follicle and root system; over time this causes its roots to die off, eventually falling out from their respective follicles; once dead hairs have fallen out they are then collected using tweezers from those same follicles by hand.
Electrolysis is one of the most sought-after and common cosmetic treatments for hair reduction, costing between $300 and $500 for multiple sessions. Some insurance policies cover these expenses; please check with your individual health plan or flexible spending account provider to learn more.
Electrolysis
Electrolysis is an FDA-approved permanent hair removal method in which an extremely fine probe is inserted into each follicle opening without puncturing skin, then electricity travels down through it until reaching the base of each follicle, damaging it permanently and stopping hair growth. Electrolysis treatments can be done anywhere on the face or body and may even remove dark colored hair that cannot be effectively addressed with laser technology.
Electrologists are specially trained to deliver safe and effective electrolysis treatments. When visiting their practice for consultations or treatments, make sure you ask about their credentials as an electrologist as this will play an integral role in your experience and success! You should feel comfortable working with whomever you decide upon as they will play an integral part in both experiences!
Electrolysis destroys hair follicles permanently, but other untreated follicles may still activate and produce hair growth due to hormones, pregnancy/menopause symptoms, repeated waxing/plucking/tweezing sessions, heredity factors or medication use. That is why it is crucial that you attend all scheduled electrolysis appointments even if the results do not seem immediate.
Electrolysis may be somewhat uncomfortable, depending on your pain tolerance and area treated. You might experience something resembling a stinging or pinpricking sensation that gradually becomes less uncomfortable as your treatments progress; some areas, like the groin or neck are particularly sensitive; these could require further treatments than cheeks or chin.
Electrolysis and Laser Hair Removal are FDA-approved permanent hair removal methods available, yet each approach differs in how it works and the length of treatments necessary to get optimal results. Laser Hair Removal typically offers more immediate solutions while Electrolysis needs several visits over time to achieve its goals. If you want help choosing which method best fits you, give us a call for a complimentary consult session!
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels utilize a solution to exfoliate the outer layers of skin, revealing newer, smoother tissue beneath. They can help improve the appearance of aging skin, sun damage and acne scars as well as address other cosmetic concerns like blotchiness or uneven skin tone. Furthermore, in certain instances chemical peels may help avoid more invasive surgical procedures altogether.
Your doctor will determine which peel is right for your condition and desired outcomes, such as acne or discoloration, using mild peels containing glycolic acid; deep peels for wrinkles and scarring may use phenol or salicylic acid instead. Before any procedure, they will review your medical history and perform a physical exam of the area being treated; be sure to inform them if there has been a history of herpes outbreaks, unusual scarring, X-rays of your face or any tendency towards keloids formation.
Your doctor will apply a peel solution directly to the targeted area. They may also opt for topical anesthetic or painkiller medications as part of this treatment, and you might feel tightness, irritation and redness during or following it. Sun exposure must be limited while using protective ointment (e.g. Vaseline). Follow-up appointments should be made so your physician can monitor healing progress.
After receiving a chemical peel, skin typically heals within two weeks; however, its color may alter or you could lose the ability to tan. Furthermore, darker-skinned people are likely to experience an imbalance in pigmentation and this condition.
Rarely, deep chemical peels may lead to permanent scarring; this is generally limited to the very thin layer of skin removed during treatment and will generally recover within months or years of returning back to its normal state. Sometimes a dark brown or black blotch might develop which typically subsides as soon as they heal properly.
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)
IPL machines differ from laser hair removal in that they target large areas rather than individual follicles, using multi-wavelength light therapy to target pigment and destroy its source for permanent hair reduction, freckles and other spots. Furthermore, these treatments may help fade visible capillaries (telangiectasias) as well as even out your skin tone.
An IPL treatment uses light energy to strike dark pigment cells on the skin and cause them to change color and disappear while at the same time damaging hair follicles to stop producing new hair growth. After four or six treatments, smooth and hairless skin should emerge.
At IPL treatment sessions, patients typically wear eye protection as the light penetrates deeply into their skin to target specific areas. Depending on the area being treated, treatment typically does not cause pain; older IPL equipment could cause discomfort similar to being singed by bacon grease or snapped rubber band; newer technology now features cooling handpieces which reduce heat and sensitivity during light pulse delivery.
IPL treatments are non-ablative, meaning they target only the deeper layers of skin (the dermis), without altering or damaging its outermost layer (the epidermis). As such, this procedure may be beneficial to those with light to medium complexions looking to treat fine lines and wrinkles, discoloration, uneven skin tone or vascular lesions.
IPL can be an excellent way of treating rosacea. Similar to how it works with hair removal, IPL treats redness and splotches associated with rosacea by targeting blood vessels. By injuring these vessels under controlled injury conditions, IPL treatments may cause them to close off, alleviating symptoms. Furthermore, its painless operation makes IPL an attractive option and it can be used on both the face and body. Keep in mind though that IPL results are slower-acting than lasers; more sessions may be required in order to maintain results year round; therefore regular treatments throughout the year will ensure best results are maintained.
