| Electrolysis Achieves Permanent Hair Removal – With Unsurpassed Results |
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Choosing Laser Hair Removal over Electrolysis Which is Better or Best – it’s Up to You!
I have encountered this question hundreds of times whether it is with a potential client, or in social settings. The debates have been many. I know what you’re thinking – “Oh she’s an electrologist, of course she would say that electrolysis is the way to go!” I have watched the development of laser hair removal over the years, and make my judgments based on facts. I hope after you review the comparisons of each, you will walk away with additional information that will help you further in your decision-making process. I encourage you to do research on your own and be an informed consumer. Your decision will be made based on what is best for you and your particular circumstances. I invite you to view my Testimonial page and read for yourself what electrolysis can do for you both physically and psychologically.
Best regards,
Caroline DelJuidice, CPE
Board Certified Electrologist
| ELECTROLYSIS | LASER HAIR REMOVAL |
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| FDA DESIGNATION: PERMANENT HAIR REMOVAL | FDA DESIGNATION: PERMANENT HAIR REDUCTION |
| Safe and effective treatment for ALL hairs – dark, blond white and red and ALL skin types, light and dark. The practitioner needs enough length of the hair to grasp with the forceps for treatment. Hair does not have to be long for treatment. Avoid waxing/tweezing/threading prior to treatment. If there is large volume, cutting or shaving is preferred as it does not affect activity below the skin | Treatment for individuals with dark hair and light skin (not blond, gray or red hair or dark skin). Hairs are to be visible but shaved short the day of the procedure. Avoid waxing or tweezing the hair and electrolysis three weeks before treatment. |
| Application: Timing and Intensity, how much for how long (micro seconds) is selected based on specific hair type utilizing a very fine probe which is inserted into the follicle. The entire follicle unit is treated individually for effective destruction of specific hair within the follicle. There are various technique applications available with state-of-the art computerized technology | Application: Treatment of desired area containing many hairs which may contain dark, light, white and red hairs. Results may be optimized for dark hairs in the area but not effective for blond, gray or red hairs. Goggles must be worn to prevent exposure of your eyes to laser light |
| Practitioner: Skilled, Board Certified and/or licensed Electrologist (depending on state) who is mandated to attend continuing education events to retain credential/license. The consumer should always ask for the practitioner’s credentials and experience in the field Office should be clean and professional. Always ask about the practitioner’s infection control practices. | Practitioner: Since lasers are prescription medical devices they should be used only under the direction of a licensed practitioner (state specific) preferably an MD who is board certified in dermatology or similar specialty. If another licensed person (i.e. physician’s assistant/licensed nurse) performs the procedure, the MD should supervise and be available onsite during treatments. Consumer should thoroughly check the credentials of nonmedical personnel performing the treatments, if other than in a medical setting |
| Side effects: depending on skin type and sensitivity, some redness/swelling may occur (which will subside within an hour or two) possible hyperpigmentation/hypopigmentation (if overtreated) is possible, scabbing may occur. Sunlight should be avoided directly on treatment area before and after procedure. Avoid makeup application directly after treatment to avoid bacteria from entering the skin. Skin should be kept clean post treatment |
Side effects: may include swelling, redness and possible scarring possible hyperpigmentation/hypopigmentation, scabbing, changes in hair patterns – possible stimulation of new growth in areas next to treated areas) Sunlight should be avoided during healing after procedure. |
| Sun exposure: treatment should be avoided with any sunburn in the area to be treated. Tanning should be avoided pre and post treatment. Sunscreen should always be worn whenever you are in the sun. Tanning booths should be avoided; the UV light damages the skin. What you will feel during treatment: There is a sensation associated with the electrolysis procedure, which one might interpret as a slight warming effect, but with today’s computer-assisted technology, client comfort has been maximized. Certain areas are more sensitive than others. Topical anesthetics can be applied prior to treatment for those who may be oversensitive. Hair is removed from follicle | Sun exposure: using sunless tanning products and tan from sun exposure will affect the start of treatment. Tan from sun exposure must be completely gone before starting treatments because tanning increases the risk of side effects mentioned above. Sunscreen must be worn whenever you are in the sun, avoid tanning booths, the UV light damages skin. Avoid sun exposure four to six weeks before treatment |
| Results: 100 percent removal of hair over a period of time (hair growth cycle dependent), consistency of treatment | Results: for suitable candidates, there may be a 20-90 percent reduction over a period of time (hair growth cycle dependent), consistency of treatment |
| Cost: not routinely covered by insurance Electrolysis is considered very cost effective when compared to other temporary hair removal methods, such as laser. A schedule is set up at the consultation depending on the needs of each client which will determine the length and frequency of electrolysis treatments. Commitment and consistency are key elements for successful hair removal | Cost: not routinely covered by insurance Expect 6 to 8 treatments scheduled 6 to 8 weeks apart (approx) to achieve reduction. Consultation will determine frequency and cost Consistency is key for this process. |
Portions of the above information have been summarized from the Laser Hair Removal section of the web site www.mayoclinic.com.
Laser Facts Center for Devices and Radiological Health Food and Drug Administration found at www.fda.gov state the following: "Manufacturers may not claim that laser hair removal is either painless or permanent unless the FDA determines that there are sufficient data to demonstrate such results. Several manufacturers received FDA permission to claim "permanent reduction, NOT "permanent removal" for their lasers. This means that although laser treatments with these devices will permanently reduce the total number of body hairs, they will not result in permanent removal of all hair."
"Electrolysis is considered a permanent hair removal method, since it destroys the hair follicle."
