In an effort to have perfectly smooth and clean skin, people have come up with many ways to remove unwanted vegetation. From basic shaving to supernova methods that promise to get rid of it forever. One of these methods is electrolysis, reviews of which are contradictory.
Description of procedure
The main indication for use is enhanced hair growth, for example, caused by an imbalance of hormones. The main advantage of the technique is the removal of hairs of different sizes, thickness and color. This method lends itself to any area on the face and body, the only exception is the area of the axillary hollows. However, as with other hardware methods, one session for the complete disappearance of hairiness is not enough, you will need at least three.
The procedure of electrolysis is reminiscent of light acupuncture. To reduce sensitivity, cosmetologists use anesthesia or pain medication. Next, thin needles are inserted into the base of the hairs, through which current is supplied.
After the session, the hairs disappear and do not grow for three years, then the procedure must be repeated.
Kinds
According to reviews about electrolysis, it is possible to remove the excess cover not only of a dark color, but also light and thin hairs. Using a weak current supply creates a high temperature inside the follicle, which leads to its destruction. The procedure is very effective for any part of the body, but still experts recommend choosing the type individually.
There are 5 main methods of the procedure.
- Electrolysis. In the process, a direct current is applied, under the influence of which sodium hydroxide is formed around the follicle, due to which the shell is burned. This technique is painful, but after conducting it often causes irritation and redness. The session is quite long, so it is used for small areas of the skin.
- Thermolysis. For removal, high-frequency, but alternating current is used. Destruction is carried out under the influence of heating, which occurs due to an electrical impulse. According to reviews of electrolysis, in a short period of time, you can process quite large areas of the skin. The disadvantages include the impossibility of removing hairs with a curved root and the risk of atrophic scars in sensitive areas.
- Forceps method. In the process, instead of classical electrodes, special tweezers are used. This method is used for areas with particularly sensitive skin. Therefore, the electrolysis of the bikini area is performed precisely by the forceps method. The advantage of the technique is the absence of contact with the skin, and this reduces the risk of burns after the procedure.
- Blend Method The principle of operation has collected the technique of electrolysis and thermolysis. Thanks to this, it is possible to remove hairs with a curved root. After the needle is inserted, an alternating current is initially supplied, it destroys the root, and then it is replaced by a constant one, it helps to completely destroy the hair.
- The Flash method is an advanced thermolysis. However, since special insulation for the needle is used, this method is non-traumatic and painless. It is recommended to be used only for arms and legs, electrolysis of the face and bikini area is strictly prohibited.
Application area
Using this method, you can remove hair on any part of the body. In terms of safety, electrolysis has a 120-year history of effectiveness. Masters apply high-quality methods of disinfection and sterilization, since the final result of the procedure depends on this.
- Legs. Although the highest speed is possible on this site, nevertheless, experience shows that in order to get a 100% result, it will take about 6 months of a monthly visit. It should be noted that each time there will be less hairs and they will become less noticeable.
- A person is considered the most difficult zone, only sparing programs are allowed here. Therefore, no matter how you want to speed up the process, you will need many sessions in one zone, especially with regard to electrolysis over the lip. But the result is worth it. Indeed, in the end, there will be no black antennae, whiskers and beards, since women do not need it.
- Bikini is considered the most delicate area, but the process there is the fastest. Hair disappears easily and without a trace. And also, if desired, carry out a deep bikini procedure.
- Arms. It is not necessary to have completely smooth skin, so you can limit yourself to removing only long or hard hairs. This gives an excellent aesthetic effect.
Devices for electrolysis
The leading position in the equipment market is occupied by the Spanish brand ROS'S. The following devices are popular:
- Depil-Plus 13 Mhz is the most expensive model. With its application, the removal process is significantly accelerated, without loss of quality. There is a function of air ozonation, which allows for additional antibacterial protection. It works in several modes: blend, thermolysis, flash, electrolysis.
- Depil plus-2 also makes it possible to do different types of electrolysis. The device is characterized by cooling of the skin, which helps to reduce pain.
- Kh-12 Plus is a classic modification with needle electrodes. It is extremely easy to use, does not have additional functions and programs.
- EHVCh-20-MTUSI is a Russian-made device. According to users in the reviews, its characteristics are not inferior to the well-known Spanish competitor, in addition, the cost of the procedure on it is much lower.
pros
We highlight the following:
- Due to the effect of electric current, complete destruction of the follicles is formed and hair growth is permanently stopped.
- The method helps to remove hair of any structure, quality and color.
- Low cost.
- If there is sufficient experience, the procedure can be performed at home. For this, portable devices are used.
- Using new methods (flash and blend), you can avoid the appearance of pain.
Minuses
We highlight the following:
- The duration of the session is long.
- When using individual devices, the pain is quite high, so painkillers are often used.
- The price of some needles is high, which leads to an increase in the cost of the procedure.
- If sterility is not respected, skin can be infected.
- Masters of electrolysis claim that often there are red dots and tissue swelling occurs. Basically, this goes away on its own over a period of time.
- Hair grows often enough.
- The result depends on the skill of the master.
Contraindications
Many customers are interested in whether it is possible to do electrolysis for everyone, or are there restrictions? To this, experts respond that there are contraindications. These cases include:
- viral and infectious diseases;
- chronic and acute skin ailments;
- diabetes;
- hypertension
- oncology;
- blood problems
- hepatitis;
- varicose veins;
- epilepsy
- disturbances in the activity of the endocrine system;
- the presence of a pacemaker;
- the intrauterine device is considered a contraindication to the treatment of the bikini zone;
- a tendency to form colloidal and hyperplastic scars;
- increased sensitivity to current;
- intolerance to metal alloys.
There are a lot of contraindications to electrolysis, therefore, before starting the procedure, it is better to consult with specialists.
Preparation for the procedure
Before the start is not recommended:
- visit the bathhouse, pool or solarium;
- take hormones;
- sunbathe.
Some masters advise cleaning the skin with a scrub the day before the procedure. The length of the hairs should be 2.5-4 mm. The skin is then treated with an antiseptic lotion or cleanser.
Anesthesia
In order not to have such an effect of electrolysis as pain, it is recommended to choose an anesthetic method in advance.
- The cosmetologist carries out all injections immediately before the session. For this, 2% lidocaine or 2% ultracaine is used. The effect of drugs lasts up to three hours.
- When an Emla anesthetic cream is used, it is applied on its own 2 hours before hair removal. The layer thickness should be 2 mm. For one bikini session, approximately 1 tube of the drug is used. From above, everything is closed with an occlusive dressing or cling film. It is important that the air does not fall under the coating, as the mass will dry out. After removing the dressing, the cream lasts 20-30 minutes.
- Lidocaine sprays are often used in this procedure. This is considered the easiest way, and the tool is applied exclusively by a doctor before starting hair removal.
Execution technique
The needle must only be disposable. Most often, it is unpacked at the client. At the time of the session, the patient lies or sits, while holding a neutral electrode in his hand. The beautician carefully inserts the needle into the bulb and presses the button to apply the discharge. At this moment, the destruction of the follicle occurs. At the moment of impulse, pain is often felt. After processing the hair is removed with tweezers. Next, the procedure is repeated in the same way. At the end, the skin is treated with Chlorhexidine and a therapeutic ointment with anti-inflammatory properties is applied, namely Levomekol, Panthenol or 1% Dermazin.
It is very important, if there are any contraindications to electrolysis, tell your beautician about this.
Recovery
After the procedure, the skin does not require special care. Although there are a number of recommendations that are advised to adhere to:
- during the day do not wet the treated area;
- in case of moisture, wipe the skin immediately with an alcohol solution or sprinkle with talcum powder;
- weekly trips to the sauna, bathhouse or solarium are not allowed.
Most often, after the procedure, redness and swelling appears. Do not worry, as this is a natural recovery process.
Effects
If the procedure is correctly performed, then serious complications are not observed, but nevertheless:
- after exposure to such pulses, red dots remain. Then they are replaced by crusts and turn into white spots. Finally, the skin is restored within 7-12 days;
- there is a likelihood of swelling and hyperemia, disappearing after 3-7 days;
- itching is also considered normal after the procedure.
If the master or patient does not maintain the correct safety precautions, the following complications are possible:
- hyperpigmentation - is formed due to the removal of the crust and the influence of ultraviolet radiation after the procedure.
- inflammation and infection - are mainly a consequence of a violation of the rules of antiseptics or improper care of the cover in the future;
- burns - appear due to insufficient qualifications;
- hair ingrowth - most often formed due to burns of surrounding follicles. Subsequently, inflammation begins to form under the skin, which leads to the formation of a small scar at the exit of the hair. A villus cannot pass through such a barrier and grows under the skin.
- scars - arise due to an individual tendency to their formation;
- hemorrhage and the formation of hematomas - appear after the needle goes beyond the follicle and damage to nearby vessels.
Prices
The cost of the procedure will depend on the apparatus used, the region of the location of the salon and the qualifications of the specialist.
The price is calculated based on the cost of 1 minute of using an anesthetic drug.
Needles for electrolysis will cost from 100-300 rubles. For women, the cost of one minute of hair removal will cost about 30-35 rubles, and for men - 37-40 rubles. A similar procedure for the body will be cheaper, the weaker sex - 25-27 rubles, and the strong - 30-40 rubles.
The use of subcutaneous injections will be 180-200 rubles, and if you use Emla cream, you will need to pay 400-450 rubles.
Anesthesia with subcutaneous injections will rise at about 180-200 rubles / hour, with the use of Emla cream, you will need to pay 400-450 rubles.
Reviews
Electrolysis is a very popular procedure today. Thanks to it, you can get rid of vegetation for a long period of time. According to experts, before starting the procedure, patients fill out a questionnaire to which an individual needle is attached. This is done in order to avoid infection.
According to customer stories, it is known that before hair removal, an anesthetic is applied to the skin and after it works, the procedure begins. Electric shocks are quite sensitive, and by the end of the session the pain is very difficult to endure. Therefore, this method is not suitable for customers with high susceptibility.
Throughout the session, the skin gradually swells and it is sometimes difficult to get into the hole for removing the follicle. If this happens, then this will not only cause pain, but may give rise to other consequences, namely the remaining scars on the surface of the skin. If the scars are minimal, then they will disappear in just a few months, and the hairs will disappear for at least three years.
According to the stories of patients, after the procedure is completed, especially if face electrolysis is performed, a calming ointment is applied to the affected areas. And one day after the procedure, crusts form. According to doctors, it is strictly forbidden to pick them off, as it is necessary that they come off on their own, otherwise an infection can get.
The number of sessions customers adjust individually, depending on the results.
Analyzing the reviews of women who have experienced electrolysis, we can conclude that, despite the fact that the procedure is painful, it is quite effective, although it requires several sessions.