What is the difference between electrolysis and Lasze/IPL?

Electrolysis uses a needle inserted into each individual hair follicle down which a current is passed to heat and cauterise the blood supply to each hair.  Electrolysis is the only form of permenant hair removal that both the Advertising Standards Association in UK and FDA in USA recognise as permanent hair removal.  Laser/IPL will treat areas of hair using a laser or light based lamp which can stop the hair from growing for several months before another treatment is needed and is refered to as progressive hair removal.  Laser/IPL can be used to treat darker hair on a fair skin, but once the regrowth of hair becomes sparse then Laser/IPL is not so economical or effecteive.  Laser and IPL will not treat white or fair hairs and it can not be used on a sun tanned skin.

What areas can be treated with electrolysis?

Any area can be treated with electrolysis, with no area being too embarrassing such as: inner nostrils, top of nose, and inner ear.  For women common areas are the face, chest, nipples, abdomin, bikini, arms, fingers and toes. For men we regularly treat upper arms, around the ears, top of nose, top of back, edges of beard and around neck area where ingrowing hairs can be a problem.  Transgender/transsexual females will often require full beard removal and pre-surgery genital hair removal before sex reassignment surgery.

Does electrolysis hurt?

This is very personal and differs from person to person depending on many factors.  What you feel is the heat that is generated at the base of the needle. People have diffring pain thresholds and some areas can be a little more

sensative than others.  Other factors that can effect sensation are how tired you are, stress levels and hormone fluctuations such as PMT.  The electrolygist will always adjust settings so the treatment is tolerable.  If necessary there is an anaesthetic cream which can be topically applied prior to treatment and this will be discussed during the initial consultation.

What skin reaction should I expect after treatment?

Directly after treatment you may feel some heat in the area treated, some redness and slight swelling which takes approximately an hour to go down. There maybe some tiny pin-prick scabs that form over surface of foillicle opening about 3 days after treatment, especially where stronger hairs on the body have been removed.  This can occasionally happen on the face if hair is predominatley strong, has a tendancy to ingrow or the follicle is distorted.  It is very importantthat these are left to heal and drop off in their own time and the application of antisceptic is maintained.  (see After Care)

Is the treatment safe?

Surrey Electrolysis always perform their treatments using sterile, disposable needles recommended by the Public Health Laboratory Service, and a brand new needle is used for each treatment session. It is essential to always follow the after care advise given.

Do I have to let hairs grow for treatment?

The hair has to be just long enough to see and get hold of with tweesers.  In between treatments the hair must not be removed by pulling out.  You can cut, shave or apply a hair removing cream so long as there is enough time for hair length to be visible on the day of your next appointment.  If using a hair removal cream it is recommeended to allow two weeks after its use before having an elctrolysis session.

Can I have electrolysis when pregnant?

Pregancy is not normally a contr-indication to thrmolysis method of electrolysis.  This uses an alternating current (AC) at a very weak intensity, there is no risk to mother or baby provided both are healthy.  However it is advisable to avoid "Blend" and "Galvanic" methods of electrolysis during the pregnancy.