1875 The first person to use electrolysis for hair removal was Dr. Charles E. Michel (1833 - 1913), a St. Louis, Missouri ophthalmologist (eye doctor) who, in 1875, reported the results of his use of electrolysis in trichiasis (ingrown eyelashes) (St. Louis Clinical Record, October, 1875, 2:145-148). He had been performing electrolysis since 1869.
Dr. W.A. Hardaway, a St. Louis, Missouri dermatologist, gave the credit for the first use of electrolysis to Dr. Michel (Transactions of the American Dermatological Association, 1878, 4:337-340.) In this paper, Dr. Hardaway described his own results and those of others; an indication that numerous other physicians were also performing electrolysis.
1880 - 1900 The use of electrolysis became well known in the latter part of the nineteenth century. During this time, Dan Mahler established an electrolysis practice, and subsequently, an electrolysis equipment firm. The family business exists today as the Instantron Company, which has been operating continuously for over a century and is one of the world's largest suppliers to the electrolysis profession.
1916 Paul N. Kree, of New York, developed the multiple needle technique for galvanic electrolysis. He was instrumental in the increased marketing of electrolysis services to the general public. Electrolysis spread from the medical profession to lay electrologists. The Kree Company dominated the performance and teaching of electrolysis in North America until the late1970's. ELECTROLYSIS IS A SIMPLE PROCESS
The electrologist inserts a very fine, sterile probe alongside the hair in the hair follicle. A very slight amount of electrical current is applied through this probe, which destroys the hair root, ending further growth. The skin is not punctured or harmed in any way, and for most people the entire process causes very little discomfort.
Most patients report tweezing and waxing to be much more uncomfortable then electrolysis treatments.
ELECTROLYSIS METHODS
Three methods or "modalities" are used in electrology.
Galvanic, thermolysis, and blend all have their own merits, and one method is not better than another. Don't let any electrolysis tell you any differently. Your success depends directly on the skill of the electrologist, the type of hair being removed, the condition of the skin and the pain threshold of the client.
All three methods, when properly performed, can be thorough at destroying the hair matrix cells, and leaving follicles incapable of regrowing hair. TAILORED TO THE PATIENTS NEEDS
Electrolysis treatment programs are tailored to the patient’s needs. Many factors determine the number and length of treatments required. Some of these may include the condition of the skin to be treated, the sensitivity of the skin, the number of follicles involved and even past methods of hair removal can impact treatment.
Many patients find weekly sessions of fifteen to sixty minutes effective. The closer you adhere to the schedule recommended by your electrologist, the more effectively you can free yourself of hair forever.
Electrolysis continues to be a safe method FDA approved permanent hair removal method.
AFTER TREATMENT
It is perfectly normal for a slight redeness and/or swelling to occur in the area of treatment. This usually subsides quickly. Occasionally, tiny eschars, which are a natural part of the healing process, may also appear.
Left undisturbed, these too, quickly disappear. Your electrologist may recommend the use of an antibiotic cream or antiseptic lotion to enhance the healing process. Cosmetics should not be used for the first 24 hours after treatment. Sunlight and tanning beds deserve special consideration and should be discussed with your electrologist. ELECTROLYSIS SAVES YOU MONEY!
When you calculate the cost of electrolysis, consider the many thousands of dollars over a lifetime you'll spend on creams, razors and waxing. Not to mention the most important thing in your life, the countless hundreds of hours lost pursuing a temporary result instead of a permanent one.
ELECTROLYSIS IS A SIMPLE PROCESS
