2831 Camino del Rio South suite 304 92108 us
Frequently asked questions
What is electrolysis?
* Electrolysis was invented in 1875 by Dr. Charles E. Michel (1833-1913).
* To this day Electrolysis is the ONLY method of permanent hair removal approved by the FDA.
* Electrolysis is the process of applying a small amount of electrical current to the base of the hair follicle and destroying it. This current coagulates the blood supply and germ cells responsible for hair growth.
* There are 3 modalities used in electrolysis:
Galvanic (direct current); The hair follicle is destroyed by chemical action.
Thermolysis (high frequency current)
The hair follicle is destroyed by heat production.
Blend (direct and alternating current)
Simultaneous use of Galvanic and Thermolysis currents create heat and chemical action to destroy the hair follicle.
How does electrolysis work?
* A very fine sterile probe is inserted into the hair follicle, which is a natural opening in the skin. The skin is not pierced or broken.
* Once the probe has been inserted, a small amount of electrical current is applied.
* The current cauterizes the papilla (tiny capillary responsible for hair growth).
* The current loosens the hair within the follicle, so with tweezers the hair slides out effortlessly.
* You should not feel the insertion into the follicle, or the removal of the hair, but you will feel a tolerable amount of current.
* The procedure is repeated for each hair in the area.
* The blood supply to the hair is diminished with each treatment, and subsequent hairs grow back finer until the blood supply is completely destroyed and the follicle can not produce another hair.
What does electrolysis feel like?
* Every client is different, some feel nothing more than a warm sensation while others my feel the procedure feels like a small pinch with heat.
* A topical anesthesia can be applied if desired, most of which are available over the counter and can be applied before your treatments.
Is electrolysis safe?
* Mariposa Electrolysis performs under the highest standards of cleanliness and safely. We surpass CA State Standards.
* Unlike other practices, we only used sealed, pre-sterilized disposable probes for all treatments.
* We NEVER re-process or re-use probes
* We ALWAYS utilize fresh, latex free medical grade disposable gloves for each treatment and sterilized sealed tweezers.
* Please note the following conditions which should NOT receive treatment:
Pacemakers
Defibrillators
Diabetics, especially Type 1 due to poor circulation and ability to heal
Clients on heavy anti-coagulants (require a note from physician)
Pregnant women
Are there any side effects?
* Immediately following a treatment, there may be slight redness and or swelling, which usally disappers within a few minutes to a few hour.
* Small white dots and or tiny red dots may appear.
* Occasionally, stubborn thicker hairs which require a slightly elevated current, will develop a small crust after treatment.
*It is important not to scratch or pick at an area after it has been treated. Also important is to tell your electrolgist about any skin reactions that do occur, so that you can work together to lessen their occurrences.
Why choose electrolysis over other methods of hair removal?
* Electrolysis is the ONLY way to achieve permanent hair removal
* Electrolysis is the only FDA-approved permanent hair removal treatment. Laser hair removal treatments are not approved by the FDA for permanent hair removal. They are approved for permanent hair REDUCTION. Laser hair removal can also be temporary.
* Waxing, plucking and shaving are temporary and these methods can actually increase hair growth in areas such as the upper lip, chin, breasts, and abdomen.
Electrolysis vs laser:
* Laser is hair REDUCTION, NOT permanent hair removal.
* Electrolysis is the only FDA approved method of permanent hair removal.
* Electrolysis is effective on all skin and hair colors as well as fine and course hair.
* Laser is not effective on all skin and hair colors and is not regarded as permanent, but instead it is FDA approved as a method of hair
reduction.
* Laser relies on the pigment of the hair in contrast with the pigment of the skin to be effective. For this reason laser is only effective on black or dark brown hair in contrast with light colored skin.
* Laser does not completely destroy the follicle. Laser treatments only weaken the follicles, allowing for a period of decreased growth, thus
reducing the size and thickness of the hair in the treated area. Additionally, laser hair removal has not been evaluated for the long-term
safety of the skin.
What causes excess hair?
* Conditions which cause an increase in blood supply to the skin or excess of certain hormones in the circulatory system cause excess hair.
* Excess hair is not abnormal but is simply undesirable socially.
* The causes of hair growth are classified as:
* Congenital (heredity or ethnicity)
* Systemic (endocrine dysfunctions, stress, medications, normal biological changes such as puberty and menopause)
* Topical (excess weight, chaffing and temporary methods of hair removal)
Are all hairs eliminated in one treatment or is regrowth to be expected?
* Deep, coarse hairs cannot always be eliminated with one treatment.
* Breaking down the hair growth cells may require additional treatments.
* Hairs have differing cycles of growth, many of which are not visible on the skin at the same time.
* Hair growth cycles vary amongst individuals, so we will design a treatment plan for specific needs.
* You will achieve the best results when compliant to your treatment plan/schedule. Each follicle requires multiple treatments.
How do I get faster results?
* Stop tweezing, waxing, threading, etc.
* Commit to the treatment schedule
* Stay hydrated for your treatments
* Motivate your tolerance levels
How many visits before I’m hair free?
* At your free consultation we will discuss a safe and effective treatment plan and approximately how many treatments
* Depending on the frequency of your hair growth cycle, we will determine how we schedule your visits
* At first, you will come in more frequently, then less and less
What do I need to do before coming in for my treatment?
* Do not shave, wax or use other methods of hair removal for at least 3 days
* The hair needs to be long enough to be grabbed by sterile tweezers
* If you need to minimize hair appearance before your treatment please just trim hair with scissors
* Be sure to drink plenty of water the day before and day of treatment
* Try to avoid caffeine on day of treatment