Stafford Electrolysis
What is Electrolysis?
Electrology is the science of permanent hair removal utilizing only solid
needle/probe devices. (top)
How is it Performed?
A fine sterile needle/probe is inserted into the hair follicle, this needle
directs small amount of electrical energy, which destroys the hair growth
tissue. When this is competently and skillfully accomplished, the regenerative
ability of the hair follicle is permanently eliminated. Proven safe and
effective since 1875, electrolysis provides the best answer to the problem of
unwanted hair.
Is There More Than One Method of Electrolysis?
There are three different methods (modalities) used to accomplish this:
Our Safety Standards
We follow the standards set forth by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in
Atlanta. Including sterilization of all instruments, high-level disinfections of
other surfaces and only use STERILE DISPOSABLE probes/needles, all of
which are gold or stainless steel. We only use DISPOSABLE latex or vinyl
gloves. (top)
Why Do You Have Unwanted Hair?
Statistics show that most people have facial or body hair, which they feel
detracts from their appearance. Superfluous hair growth is often the result of
normal biologic changes in which both males and females undergo
throughout life. As humans advance through puberty, pregnancies, menopause,
midlife and ageing, fluctuations in hormone levels in both genders may cause
increased hair growth in areas that have never before been affected.
Excessive hair may also be due to such diverse causes as heredity, medication
side effects and stress. It can be associated with endocrine dysfunction, which
may cause irregular menstrual cycles, ovarian disorders, and diabetes or thyroid
irregularities. We are trained to recognize hair growth patterns, which may
require a referral to a physician.
Please visit our
links page for more information regarding causes of excessive hair growth.
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Who can be Treated?
Electrolysis treatment is the permanent answer to unwanted hair no matter your
gender, your post-puberty age or your ethnicity.
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What Areas can be Treated?
Electrolysis has few limits when it comes to removing hair from the human body.
Regulations appropriately preclude hair removal from mucous membranes (inside
the nose), the breasts of a pregnant woman, inside the ears, moles (unless you
can provide a written release from your physician), and any known area of
communicable or suspicious skin conditions. This leaves a world of smooth, sleek
skin.
From hairline, eyebrows, upper lip and chin, to underarms, bikini line and toes,
virtually every area of the body can be effectively treated.
Your electrologist is a professional. Her/his experience and education in the
practice and theoretical aspects of electrology are always available to make you
a better-informed patient. An appointment for a confidential consultation is
conducted in the privacy of a professional office.
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What to Expect
Your first visit will include a confidential consultation during which time your
medical history will be noted. Hair growth and the electrolysis procedure will
be thoroughly explained and all your questions will be answered. Your
practitioner will always welcome further discussion or offer clarification about
your treatments.
Although there are no long-term side effects with having electrolysis, aside
from the permanent absence of hair, you should expect to experience a slight
redness and puffiness in the treatment area. Depending on the area treated, this
reaction usually lasts for about one hour, but rarely more than two days when
the post treatment care suggested by your Electrologist is followed.
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Does it Work?
Developed by a physician in 1875 and elegant in its simplicity, electrolysis has
been the only recognized method of permanent hair removal for every skin type,
every degree of skin pigmentation and every level of sensitivity. Unchallenged
by newcomers into the hair removal market, electrolysis remains everyone’s very
best choice in safe, permanent hair removal.
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How long does it take?
Effective hair elimination is always accomplished through a series of treatments
uniquely designed for each person and each area of the body in which
permanent hair removal is desired. Continuity of treatment is the most important
element in achieving the permanent hair removal and pristine skin you want.
Permanent results are best achieved by the faithful participation of each
patient in a planned program that has been tailored to her/his individual needs.
The time in which one achieves permanent results is dependent on such factors as
one’s medical circumstances, age, previous temporary hair removal methods used,
the size of the area to be treated and the density of hair growth. An
electrologist is trained to determine the frequency and treatment time necessary
for each person to achieve the pristine, hair-free skin she/he desires.
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Does it Hurt?
Some people may experience some minimal discomfort with electrolysis treatment.
Since certain areas of the body are more sensitive to treatment than others, and
each person interprets these experiences differently, the sensations associated
with electrolysis will vary. Though the vast majority of electrolysis patients
experience little discomfort, there are several very effective topical
anesthetizing creams available. We apply a Neurocaine solution as needed, which
most patients find helpful. However, for the more sensitive client we recommend
Emla, which is available with a Dr.’s prescription (this is generally covered by
most medical insurance companies) and can be applied 1 hr. prior to treatment.
Ela Max is another topical anesthetic, available, over the counter and also must
be applied in advance. (top)
Is it Safe?
Proven safe and effective for many generations, today’s electrolysis is
conducted by well-qualified practitioners, using state-of-the-art, computerized
equipment. Electrologists are strongly encouraged to follow AEA Infection
Control Standards, which were developed in conjunction with the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Today’s single-use, pre-sterilized,
disposable needles have a perfected design and high polish for the optimum in
patient comfort. Practitioner education has advanced miles beyond anything ever
conceived by the first electrologist. Today’s electrology consumer has the
benefit of a truly progressive hair removal treatment resulting in beautifully
smooth, hair-free skin.
A professional electrology office can be recognized by a clean, professional
environment and consistent use of sterile, disposable needles and sterile
forceps (tweezers). Your practitioner will wear a fresh pair of examination
gloves for each treatment and will welcome a discussion regarding the office’s
sterilization procedures. (top)
What About Re-growth?
All hairs have differing cycles of growth and are not visible on the surface of
the skin at the same time. Hair normally grows for its usual cycle and then
naturally sheds and replaces itself. Following active growing periods, most hair
follicles go into a dormant stage. The period of dormancy may last for an
indefinite period of time, however, replacement hairs usually appear within 3 to
12 months. The appearance of these coarse replacement hairs from dormant hair
follicles should not be mistaken as re-growth from previously treated follicles.
You should expect to see some re-growth in the treated area for a period of time.
This is normal, however, with subsequent treatments the hair will become finer
in texture until the entire regeneration cycle has been permanently destroyed.
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Why not use temporary methods?
Caution should be exercised when choosing a temporary method of hair removal.
Most temporary methods can irritate the skin and may result in increased hair
growth.
These methods require constant attention and still will not achieve the look and
feel desired. Some of these methods and products can be harmful to the skin.
Constant shaving, waxing, tweezing, bleaching, depilatories and the use of home
mechanical devices can, over time, cause skin irritation, ingrown hairs and
sometimes scarring. They almost always compound the problem rather than
alleviate it.
The relatively recent introduction of light-based hair removal devices into the
marketplace has focused public attention on hair removal. Only some of these
light-based devices, more often than not found in medical offices, have been
given FDA approval to claim "permanent hair reduction" for their machines. The
FDA reserves "PERMANENT HAIR REMOVAL" claims exclusively for
electrolysis. Since there are still questions regarding the long-term effect on
skin from light-based devices, combined with the sheer numbers of machines (both
laser and flash lamp) on the market, consumers are encouraged to make the effort
to fully understand the procedure, its risks and likelihood of long-term success
when choosing light-based treatment for unwanted hair growth.
Still the PERMANENT answer to eliminating unwanted hair, electrolysis has
withstood the test of time. With no bells, whistles, or major advertising
campaigns designed to enhance its image, the reality of the safety and
effectiveness of electrolysis treatment has been trusted by generations of women
and men. A simple, elegant, permanent treatment for unwanted hair growth,
electrolysis is the gold standard in the permanent removal of unwanted
hair...and has been since 1875.
For many, electrolysis is a personal requirement, especially for those who have
been discouraged by the unsuccessful results from temporary hair removal
methods. Keeping your ultimate goal in mind, good judgment must be exercised
when choosing how to deal with unwanted hair. Remember... Electrolysis is a
commitment you make to yourself, for yourself.
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The Massachusetts Association of Electrologists, Inc, made the above information available. All rights reserved Copyright © 2002
American Electrology Association, Contact Stafford Electrolysis
Copyright © 2004- 2006 Stafford Electrolysis Stafford, VA