Treatments

Electrical Epilation.

The three methods are:

• Galvanic - which produces a chemical action.
• Short wave Diathermy ? or Thermolysis which produces heat.
• Blend- a mix or ?blend? of the galvanic and short wave diathermy current.

Which ever method is used, the process involves the insertion of a very fine probe into the hair follicle and the release of an electrical current. The current, whether by the chemical reaction, by the intense heat produced, or by a combination of both, destroys the cell producing part of the follicle, inhibiting or preventing the growth of a new hair.

These results may not be achieved immediately, but with regular, precise treatments, the hair growth will be reduced and finally, totally eliminated in most cases.

Comparisons of the effects of the different methods

• The galvanic causes a chemical reaction to occur (Caustic levels of sodium hydroxide are produced), which takes time to develop and continues working after the probe has been removed.
• Short wave diathermy is much faster and the cauterisation of the cells stop immediately the current is cut.
• Diathermy requires a greater degree of accuracy within the follicle to achieve good results, as the destructive heating pattern is far more contained, than the sodium hydroxide produced by the galvanic current.
• The ?blend? of the galvanic and diathermy currents produces the more reliable effects of the caustic sodium hydroxide, but at a much quicker rate, due to the catalyst of the heat from the diathermy current.
• The galvanic and blend method of epilation are more effective on curved or distorted follicles because the chemical produced i.e. Sodium hydroxide spreads and is able to fill the follicle, whereas the high frequency pattern from the diathermy current requires the probe to be placed accurately at the base of the follicle.

There is continual discussion as to which method is the least painful. Ultimately, the degree of discomfort will depend on the skills of the electrolysist, the pain threshold of the client and the sensitivity of the skin.

Contraindications

• Skin diseases.
• Cuts, abrasions
• Recent scars
• Keloid scars
• Bruises
• Sunburn
• Congenital sensitivity to any form of friction on the skin
• Dermatitis / eczema
• Loss of skin sensation
• Hypertension / anxiety / stress
• Malignant lesions or undiagnosed lesions
• Asthma
• Vascular disorders
• Hepatitis B and C
• Metal plates, pins or excessive metal fillings if using galvanic or blend
• Heart disorders*
• Epilepsy*
• Pregnancy*
• Endocrine disorders*

* Only to be carried out with medical approval.