Electrolysis for permanent hair removal
The process begins online with a virtual consultation using the Get Harley Platform to help to prepare you for your first visit to the clinic. Any other health or skin issues that could potentially impact on the procedure will be discussed.
Your suitability will be assessed and you will be sent a consent form and aftercare forms for review before your first appointment. If you are assessed as suitable for a first 15 minute appointment a booking link will be sent to you. The cost of the first appointment is £35, which is the standard fee of the 15 minute appointment. At the first appointment your written consent will be obtained and there will be the opportunity to discuss any further questions you have about the procedure.
Appointments for permanent hair removal are either 15 minutes or 30 minutes long. If the area is suitable to have dermalux LED treatment afterwards, this will be available after each hair removal session as a complementary service.
Electrolysis for permanent hair removal requires long term commitment to the process.
What is electrolysis?
Electrolysis is a treatment to mainly used to remove unwanted facial and body hair. Electrolysis is the only method of hair removal which is allowed, by law, to be described as permanent. (Laser hair removal leads to permanent hair reduction) It is carried out by inserting extremely fine needles that carry an electrical current into individual hair follicles which lie under the surface of the skin, to destroy the hair at the root and prevent regrowth. When carried out correctly, electrolysis removes hair permanently, although several sessions may be required.
The service is available to adults over the age of 18 and excludes intimate areas.
Who is it for?
It can be used on most people including men and women who want body hair removed for:
- cosmetic reasons
- women who are suffering from hirsuitism (excess hair in a male pattern), which can be caused by the menopause, conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome or steroid use, and
- clients who are undergoing gender reassignment from male to female.
Why should I choose it over laser or IPL?
Electrolysis is the only method of hair removal that can claim to be permanent. Results are enhanced on the face when appropriate medication is used.
Laser and IPL hair removal can only claim to lead to permanent hair reduction. There is a recognised complication with laser and IPL called paradoxical hair growth.
It has been suggested that individuals with darker skin types (III-V) with dark, thick hair and underlying hormonal conditions may be at increased risk of experiencing the condition. To read more please click here.
Who can't have electrolysis?
Conditions that may prevent treatment include: haemophilia, heart disorders, pacemakers, cochlear implant, contagious diseases and disorders, Hepatitis B, HIV, cancer or epilepsy.
Conditions that may restrict treatment: steroid drugs, endocrine disorders, metal plates and pins, cardiovascular disorders, loss of tactile sensation in localised areas, skin disorders and diseases, nickel allergy, hairy moles, pregnancy, drugs/alcohol, cuts/abrasions/bruising, emotional problems, dermagraphic skin condition, microdermabrasion or dermabrasion, chemical peels, latex allergy (wear vinyl gloves), certain medications or creams (e.g. Ro-accutane, Retin A, retinol), breast implants (contra-indication to underarm treatment), epilepsy, diabetes, psoriasis, eczema, acne, dermabrasion on the areas to be treated.
Is it painful?
Sensation is relative. For most people it can be described as a bee sting or a similar sensation to tattooing.
What does the skin look like after treatment?
Immediately after treatment the area usually looks pink/red. However, special aftercare products will be applied to the treated area. This can include Sterex aftercare products/Clinisept/ Zo Skin Health Soothing Ointment or Calecim Night Recovery Cream.
What are the risks?
The area is likely to look pink/red and lumpy immediately after the treatment. This will last for a few hours, sometimes several days.
Longer term side effects may include, but
are not limited to:
– Inflammation of the hair follicle
– Swelling
– Bruising
– Small blister and/or pinpoint bleeding
– Hyperpigmentation (more likely on darker skin types and those prone to tanning)
– Pitted scarring
How many treatments are needed?
The question of how long it will take to permanently remove the unwanted hair is always asked, but it is impossible to give an accurate answer. Small areas can take up to 4 years. This may appear daunting, but treatment will not always be weekly, but will reduce to once every 2,3,4 or even 6 weeks as the strength of the hair is reduced. The length of each treatment period is also reduced over time.
What type of needles are used?
This clinic only uses Sterex needles. Both gold and steel needles are available.
- Gold needles are manufactured from medical grade stainless steel and then 24 carat gold plated. This is for use with clients with allergies to nickel offering a smooth insertion and improved conductivity associated with gold.
- Steel needles are manufactured from medical grade stainless steel. This provides essential flexibility and feel. There is less chance of inaccurate probing as the needle will bend if it meets any resistance.
- Insulated steel needles are used for people with darker skins. This is because darker skins are more prone to hyper-pigmentation and insulated needles only release the current from the tip of the needle causing less damage to the skin. These are manufactured from medical grade stainless steel and coated with a specialist medical grade insulation material. The insulated needles are suitable for sensitive skin types but can only be used with the short wave Diathermy method (which is the one where you do not have to hold the electrode in your hand).
How do I start the process?
The process begins online with a remote assessment through the Get Harley Platform.
At the appointment your medical history and issues relevant to the electrolysis procedure will be discussed. It is very important to wear sunscreen to reduce the risk of developing post inflammatory hyperpigmentation, so this will be discussed at the appointment.
Other cosmetic skin concerns can be discussed at remote follow up appointments on the Get Haley Platform if you wish.
If you are suitable for electrolysis you will be invited to book in for an up to 15 minute appointment. During this appointment your tolerance to the procedure will be experienced, and you will be sent home with a Sterex aftercare product. This clinic recommends Zo Skin Health Soothing Ointment for faster healing which would need to be purchased separately (Zo Skin Health product prices cannot be advertised online)
The faster, but more uncomfortable method will be tried first. If this is too much then you will be swapped over to the gentler blend method where you hold an electrode in your hand. It is also an opportunity to see how your hair follicle responds to the different needle types.
What aftercare products can I use?
From the clinic
You will be given an aftercare product to take home at the first session. This will be a Sterex product.
There is also the option to buy the Zo Skin Health soothing ointment Pictured) which is – highest recommended as a home based aftercare product. It is a multifunctional skin hydration system with added lipid replenisher to help restore disrupted skin barrier function. It is a luxury product (authorised Zo Skin Health stockists are not allowed to advertise the price online)
From the Get Harley Platform
– Clinisept aftercare spray. Clinisept+ provides antimicrobial protection before, during and after every aesthetic procedure whilst soothing and calming, providing the optimum environment for rapid skin recovery.
– Oxygenetix camouflage. Oxygenetix combines a leave-on healing mask with exceptional natural coverage to the highest cosmetic standards. Most camouflage products are heavy and chalky in texture and can’t be used on raw, wet skin. Oxygenetix can – actively promoting enhanced healing through its breathable matrix formulation.
Why is Dermalux LED light treatment included after each treatment?
The process of electrolysis causes trauma to the skin. The heat from the probe also increases the risk of post inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Using the Dermalux LED light treatment will help with healing, which is the most common reason for spacing out treatments.
Can electrolysis be used for anything else?
Electrolysis can also be used to remove superficial skin blemishes, moles, skin tags, thread veins and blood spots, usually in just one session of electrolysis.
Please click here to find out more about blemish removal with electrolysis.
Aftercare
It is very important that you follow the aftercare instructions carefully:
- Do not have any hot baths or showers for the next 24 hours
- Do not use any perfumed products for the next 24 hours such as:
- Perfumed soaps/cleansers
- Perfumed creams
- Perfumed sprays
- Perfumed bubble baths
- Perfumed shower gels
- Perfumed talcum powder
- Do not sunbathe or use sunbeds for the next 24 hours
- Avoid wearing tight clothing that might rub or chafe
- Do not use deodorant or antiperspirant on the treated area for the next 24 hours
- Try to avoid touching the area
- Do not have a sauna or any form of heat treatment for the next 24 hours
Please do not use ice.
Electro-epilation irritates the skin and all the above may increase that effect
Sunscreen
Sun protection is essential after electrolysis.
A non comedogenic physical sunscreen should be worn every day to reduce the risk of post inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Previous clients have found the sunscreens below to be helpful.
Can anything else help?
There is a prescription medication that can be prescribed depending on where the hair is. This can be discussed as part of the consultation process.
What should I do if I develop a problem after the procedure?
Please let the clinic know as soon as possible so that you can be started on a suitable treatment programme.
The most common changes relate to changes in pigmentation and texture. In most cases this is temporary, but it is important to flag up any changes as early as possible so that you can start a daily skincare programme. You may also wish to try in-clinic treatments which can optimise your skin’s health in the long term.
Options include: SkinBetter Science, ESK skincare, ZO Skin Health.