Side Effects - Barbara's Electrology & European Facials (2024)

Permanent Hair Removal is the Number One Side Effect of Electrolysis

Side Effects - Barbara's Electrology & European Facials (1)

Other Side Effects from Electrolysis are Temporary

Permanent hair removal is the number one side effect of electrolysis. Before you get to your “hair free” status you might experience less-desirable side effects. This article will explain the common and uncommon reactions that may occur after an electrolysis treatment.

Side effects and their severity will depend on four factors. Those factors include your type of skin, theaggressiveness of your treatments, the techniques and skills of your electrologist, and your compliance in following aftercare recommendations.

REDNESS

The most common side effect you can expect is redness. This reaction is caused by a dilation and congestion of superficial capillaries. Also known as erythema, redness is short-lived. The recommended aftercare is to apply a compress of witch hazel for several minutes to several hours after the treatment.

REDNESS WITH A HISTAMINE RESPONSE

Redness may be accompanied by a histamine response at the site of the follicle. This reaction may look like a mosquito bite and is aheat inducedorphysical urticaria,also described ashives, which appears within two to five minutes of treatment. This reaction usually subsides within hours of the treatment.

The aftercare for a histamine response can be selected from the following:

For extreme reactions and as a preventative measure take an oral antihistamine prior to treatment.Follow manufacturer directions when taking over-the-counter medications.

Apply a topical antihistamine during or immediately after treatment.

For mild reactions apply a compress of witch hazel with small amount of wintergreen alcohol added.

Occasionally, bumps on the skin will last longer than expected. This is not a frequent side effect, nor is it alarming. Keep skin clean without overusing products and do not pick, scratch or squeeze the bumps.


PINPOINT SCABS

A day or so after treatment, a scab may form at the treated follicle's opening. This is nature's band-aid and it protects the healing follicle. It is common for pinpoint scabs to appear on body areas after an electrolysis treatment. It is less common for them to appear on the face.

Utilize the following steps if a scab appears:

1. Keep it clean. Gently wash with mild soap and water, rinse and pat dry. Avoid rubbing the areas.

2. Keep the scab moist. Triple antibiotic ointments can be used to prevent infection and helps keep the scab moist.

3. Avoid picking or scratching the area. It may itch, so look for an antibiotic ointment with a topical analgesic.

PIMPLES OR PUSTULES - CHIN ACNE

Another infrequent side effect of electrolysis is the appearance of a pustule a day or two after treatment. A pustule is a small, inflamed, blister-like lesion. 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.

Most skin damage electrologists see has been caused by digging and picking of the skin prior to electrolysis treatments. Chin acne will clear up after electrolysis if it was caused by tweezing. Root sheath remnants inflame the skin, broken hairs become ingrown, and most home tweezing is done with unclean instruments resulting in acne in the area. Electrolysis/permanent hair removal is the ONLY method to clear this problem.

SCARS

Scar formation is not a side effect of electrolysis treatments. A scar is fibrous tissue that replaces normal skin after an injury. Electrolysis treatments can cause minor lesions which do not result in scars. Over-treatment and improper aftercare, along with over zealous temporary methods such as tweezing can result in damage to the skin known as pitting, which is often temporary. Loss of pigment at the site of the follicle may occur with over-treatment on melanin-rich skin. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) may occur on some olive-toned skin types. PIH usually subsides once the irritation of treatments has been stopped. Pigmentation spots known as melasma are unrelated to electrolysis treatments but may become more noticeable once excess hair is removed.

COMMUNICATION IS IMPORTANT!

  • Contact your electrologist if you have any reaction that concerns you. Permanent hair removal as an electrolysis side effect outweighs other side effects a million to one.
  • Communication between you and your electrologist is important in helping you reach your hair removal goal. It is common for the first treatment to result in the most skin reaction, so talk to your electrologist if this occurs.
  • Make sure that your electrologistutilizes medical sterilization for instruments and provides you with a new pre-sterilized and disposable electrolysis probe at every appointment.
  • It is important for you to comply with aftercare procedures to avoid infection. Stop all tweezing and handle your skin carefully.

Disclaimer: Please use caution and follow directions when using any over-the-counter product. Contact your physician for medical advice as this article is not presented as medical advice.

©Barbara Greathouse, CPE This work may be reproduced as a complete document without alteration as long as credit and link back are provided.

To learn more about your healing skin after electrolysis watch videos by Michael Bono.

Side Effects - Barbara's Electrology & European Facials (2024)

FAQs

Does electrolysis have side effects? ›

Electrolysis is very safe. Very slight risks of infection (from an unsterile needle) or scarring exist if the electrolysis is not done correctly. These risks are very low if you choose a certified, professional electrolysis practice. You may have a slight reddening of the skin during or right after treatment.

What is a downside to electrolysis? ›

Electrolysis Cons

It's a time-consuming procedure requiring multiple sessions. Skin discoloration is a possibility. The electricity in the device can actually destroy the capillaries in the surrounding areas. It can be very painful. It is not recommended for people with rosacea since the skin is so easily irritated.

Who should avoid electrolysis? ›

Absolute Contra-Indications – Requires a Doctor's Note: Diabetes, heart condition, hemophilia, pacemaker, seizures, transplant, surgery.

What are the after effects of electrolysis? ›

Skin Reaction- Redness, Swelling, Scabs, Infection, Scarring - Hair removal by electrolysis does cause minor redness, swelling, dryness, blisters or even scab formation in the skin immediately after treatment, depending on the skin sensitivity, quality of equipment used, strength of current used (high currents have a ...

What is the main disadvantage of electrolysis? ›

Some disadvantages of using electrolysis in metal extraction include the high cost of equipment and energy, the need for a constant supply of electric current, and the generation of waste products that must be disposed of safely.

Does electrolysis affect the heart? ›

For men and women electrolysis is usually a safe and permanent process of hair removal. However, it is should not be used for patients with pacemakers because it can interrupt the electronics to cause potentially dangerous heart rhythms.

Is electrolysis bad for face? ›

Electrolysis hair removal is clinically proven to be a safe and effective hair removal method for all hair and skin types, including sensitive skin. You may expect to feel some discomfort during the treatment due to the brief heat sensations, but this is only temporary.

How many sessions of electrolysis for face? ›

The exact number of sessions varies. However, it usually runs between 8 and 12 sessions. Nevertheless, it's important to remember that outcomes can differ among individuals, and certain individuals might necessitate a greater or lesser number of sessions.

Why is electrolysis not popular? ›

Dr Emma Wedgeworth, consultant dermatologist and British Skin Foundation spokesperson, explains that electrolysis has become less popular with the introduction of laser hair removal because it is much more time-consuming (hairs are zapped individually) and requires weekly appointments for a year or more.

What is better than electrolysis? ›

Laser/Light Treatment

If a laser or light based hair removal method has been used, electrolysis should be avoided in the treated area for two weeks to ensure maximum healing potential from the laser or IPL. Ideally the two treatments should be performed completely separately with many weeks in-between treatments.

Does hair grow back after electrolysis? ›

During the initial few sessions, hairs will begin to regrow after one to six weeks – as these hairs were dormant at the time of the procedure. Over multiple sessions, previously dormant hairs will be targeted, eventually leading to complete and permanent hair removal.

What are the complications of electrolysis? ›

The removal of heat generated by the passage of electric current is one of the major problems in most forms of electrophoresis. Any temperature difference causes variations in the rates of migration through the medium, resulting in distortion in the bands of separated molecules.

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 happens when you stop electrolysis? ›

We cannot know how many hairs will eventually grow or when your body will stimulate new growth. It is therefore very important that electrolysis is performed upon the detection of re-growth. Left untreated, hair will reconstitute itself to its original diameter and depth.

How long does it take your face to heal after electrolysis? ›

POINTS TO REMEMBER FOR 48 HOURS* AFTER TREATMENT

Continue applying Aloe Vera gel for the next 21 days. To prevent irritation and the spread of infection, do not pick spots or small blood scabs which may appear a couple of days after treatment and depending on the skin, may take between 7–21 days to heal.

Does hair fall out immediately after electrolysis? ›

A – Generally, areas can be cleared in 6 months to a year, if the client is dedicated to completing regular treatments. Because there are three different growing cycles, some hair remains hidden at any given time, and it may take several months to a year to completely clear an area.

How many years does electrolysis last? ›

However, it's important to remember – the results last forever. Indeed, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the American Medical Association (AMA) consider electrolysis the only permanent hair removal method.

Is electrolysis safer than laser? ›

No Risk of Skin Damage

Electrolysis is a non-invasive hair removal method that does not cause any skin damage. Laser hair removal, on the other hand, can cause skin damage if not performed by a trained professional or if the wrong type of laser is used.

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