Beauty Clinic: What to do about post-electrolysis scarring — Beauty Bible (2024)

Q. A beauty therapist recommended and then carried out electrolysis treatment to remove some hairs around my mouth. As a result I am left with small holes, which are quite visible. She told me they would heal and return to normal but after a year they are still quite obvious. Is there anything that could help? A.That is distressing and we sympathise. According to consultant dermatologist Dr. Nick Lowe ‘this is a big problem with electrolysis. We [dermatologists] often see tiny little punched out scars, medically called pinhead atrophic scars, which may occur early on or sometimes years later. Although they are small, they can be quite deep.’

The reason, he explains is due to micro inflammation from the needle, which causes collagen damage and in some cases pigmentation problems. In darker skins, it can cause hypopigmentation, ie lack of pigmentation.

Dr Lowe recommends consulting a dermatologist or a GP with a special interest in dermatology. For his patients he has found that Fraxel laser treatment gives the best success for light olive to paler skins for this type of scarring as it tightens the skin round the scars, which shrinks the little scars. For darker skins, he would use Fractional Radio Frequency. Between two and five sessions are usually needed, depending on the number and depth of scars. Dr Lowe also prescribes tretinoin, a form of vitamin A, to help maintain the collagen support and keep the scars minimised.

Dr Lowe does not recommend chemical peels or micro needling to correct pinhead scars. ‘You have to be able to go in more deeply and input energy to tighten collagen and stimulate new collagen.’

Finally, Dr Lowe recommends being sure of the skills of the therapist who treats you. Ask for credentials and experience. Anyone doing electrolysis should be a member of the British Institute & Association of Electrolysis/electrolysis.co.uk.

Beauty Clinic: What to do about post-electrolysis scarring — Beauty Bible (2024)

FAQs

How to heal electrolysis scarring? ›

In some cases, removing scabs can result in scarring. So please, however difficult it may be: leave the scabs alone! Regular application of the soothing gel will assist in the healing process. In the face most scabs disappear after 3 days, on the rest of the body it takes up to 2 weeks.

How long does it take for electrolysis marks to fade? ›

These small blemishes are cauterised and removed instantly, with small red marks or scabbing appearing after treatment. These will disappear after 7-10 days. The current cauterises the blemish and the milia is reabsorbed back into the skin.

How to treat hyperpigmentation from electrolysis? ›

You can use products to help the process along, but ultimately time is the best healer. Some clients find success improving longer-lasting hyperpigmentation using products like Lac-hydrin, Retin A (tretinoin), hydraquinone, and glycolic acid, all of which stimulate an exfoliating effect on the skin.

How to treat electrolysis burns? ›

Treatment with a mild steroid cream such as hydrocortisone 0.5% (eg: Dermaid Cream by Ego Pharmaceuticals) may help to settle the reaction if it occurs. Very rarely the reaction to the electrode may be more severe resulting in a minor “burn like” reaction.

How long does it take for electrolysis scabs to heal? ›

Healing time can vary, but typically, small scabs from galvanic multi probe electrolysis take around a week or two to fully heal. During this time, your body is making sure everything is just right before the scab comes off.

What are the permanent side effects of electrolysis? ›

Skin damage

Going to an inexperienced electrolysis technician can cause permanent skin damage. Because electrolysis involves permanently damaging the hair follicle, it can damage other parts of the skin if the probe is placed incorrectly. Sadly, it's one of the most common side effects of electrolysis.

What are the homecare and aftercare of electrolysis? ›

After care lotion or gel should be applied using clean cotton wool. Avoid the use of make-up and perfumed products over the area. If crusting does appear do not pick or rub this off. Avoid exposure to intense heat such as hot showers, saunas, steam rooms.

Is vaseline good after electrolysis? ›

You can apply aloe vera or vaseline to the treated area the night after your treatment. This will help your skin heal even faster, especially facial areas. Apply with Q-tips or clean hands.

How to get rid of electrolysis bumps? ›

PIMPLES OR PUSTULES - CHIN ACNE

If you are prone to developing pustules, apply a warm compress as soon as you get home after a treatment to help prevent their formation. Salicylic acid may be used sparingly to help dry out a pustule once it appears.

Why do I have black spots on my face after electrolysis? ›

These dark spots are a sign that the skin is doing it's job and healing the irritated area; they will fade over time. Do not use a bleaching cream on these areas as this can cause light spots (hypopigmentation) when the skin returns to normal.

How long does it take for electrolysis moles to heal? ›

After Treatment

After your advanced electrolysis treatment is complete, you may expect some fine crusts or scabs. Please do not touch these scabs or pick them off. This may last anywhere between 5-14 days while the skin imperfection heals. It is also common to experience redness and swelling for the first 24 hours.

How to heal electrolysis scars? ›

Keeping the area moisturized will help prevent scabs from forming.. APPLY COLD COMPRESS. to reduce inflammation and swelling. Using an Icepack on the treated area following treatment will reduce selling and inflammation.

What is the best cream to use after electrolysis? ›

Sterex Witch Hazel and Aloe Vera gel should be applied liberally using clean, damp cotton wool immediately after electrolysis to soothe, calm redness and prevent infection. Continue applying Aloe Vera gel for the next 21 days.

Can electrolysis cause hypopigmentation? ›

No matter what color of skin and hair you have, electrolysis works. Where those with lighter skin may experience temporary redness from electrolysis, those with darker skin may experience dark spots (temporary hyperpigmentation). If you have been tweezing the hair, the irritation from that can also cause dark spots.

How to get rid of bumps after electrolysis? ›

PIMPLES OR PUSTULES - CHIN ACNE

If you are prone to developing pustules, apply a warm compress as soon as you get home after a treatment to help prevent their formation. Salicylic acid may be used sparingly to help dry out a pustule once it appears.

Can I put Neosporin after electrolysis? ›

Apply a thin layer of any over the counter antibiotic ointment to help you heal faster, such as Neosporin, Hydrocortisone, calamine lotion, Bacitracin, Polysporin, or any other antibacterial ointment for the first 2 nights following treatment.

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