Electrolysis Safety

A patient can end up with scabs if he or she sweats excessively, or has skin exfoliated 5 or 6 hours before a procedure or 48 hours afterwards. Any activity that causes sweating should be avoided during this time including: exercise, sauna, Jacuzzi, etc.

How can I predict when I may get skin damage?

It’s a good idea to carry a mirror or ask the technician to give you one. Ask to see the area, if you can. Check the surface area after the first few hairs are removed, and then again after the first five minutes of treatment to see if there’s a delayed reaction from the treatment. If your skin becomes very swollen, then you may end up with a nightmare experience of scars or pitting (an indentation-like hole in the skin). An injury can happen over time. Rather than an immediate skin reaction, the skin tissue can be injured when it’s not treated properly over the duration of many treatments, weakening and destroying the skin.

If the electrologist is using the I.B. probe (a fine wire filament that has a silicone coating insulating the skin from most of the heat that’s transmitted) you will hardly feel any sensation at all. Therefore, you may not feel the discomfort enough to realize something is going wrong. Additionally some individuals have a higher tolerance for pain, so be careful, you might still be receiving permanent skin damage.

Proper aftercare is essential to prevent skin injuries. Scabbing and scarring occurs from too much current (heat), a shallow insertion (too close to the skin’s surface) and more. A warning sign is severe swelling, lumpiness, more than a slight pink, white or lighter color where the hair was treated.

If you see evidence of these problems or unsanitary conditions, which can also cause infections, tell the operator you are uncomfortable about the treatment and you have to leave.

How can I prepare for my session? What can I expect during the healing process? What should I do for aftercare?

The night before your treatment, make sure you get plenty of sleep and keep alcohol consumption to a minimum. Before your treatment, and for the remainder of the day after your treatment, do not workout hard, sweat, or put any type of topical creme, lotion, cologne, makeup or any other beauty products on the treated area.

Do not use any over-the-counter exfoliating products on your skin two days prior to, or four days after, your treatment. Your skin will be hypersensitive. Because prescription products are stronger, do not use them for a week after electrolysis.

For the next three days, do not shave with razors. When you do shave, do not pull your skin taut, as this will cause a rash in the area.

The information set forth on this site is a general discussion of electrolysis and dermatology issues which vary from individual to individual and is, therefore, NOT a substitute for a personalized consultation and/or medical advice. Neither Vivian Orgel nor MBBC, Inc. assume responsibility for any injury that may result from misinterpretation of the information herein as the proper advice should be from a board certified dermatologist before beginning any procedure. Vivian Orgel is an employee of MBBC, Inc.

900 Granby St., Suite 104, Norfolk, VA 23510

Phone:(757) 630-2540

Advanced Electrolysis