Before & After Your Appointment
Before Your
Appointment
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Stop all methods of hair removal other than shaving or trimming in the areas to be treated. The hair needs to be long enough to see the direction of growth and to be grasped with tweezers.
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It’s helpful to exfoliate the area to be treated with a soft loofah or sugar (not salt) scrub to remove dead cells that can clog follicles.
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Drink extra water during the 24 hours before your treatment and especially the day of. The more hydrated you are, the more comfortable the treatment will be.
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Avoid alcohol and caffeine for 24 hours prior to your treatment as both can dehydrate and worsen your discomfort.
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Limit sun exposure and always wear sunscreen! Sunburned skin cannot be treated.
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Taking pain medication such as ibuprofen or applying a topical numbing cream (many are sold over-the-counter with up to 5% lidocaine), 45-60 minutes prior to your appointment can help to minimize discomfort.
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Discontinue use of irritating skin products containing irritating ingredients like glycolic acid or salicylic acid and all retinol products, at least 5 days prior to treatment. In addition, do not undergo intensive dermatologic procedures such as chemical peels, IPL, fillers, or microneedling for at least 2 weeks prior to treatment.
There are some circumstances and conditions in which electrolysis is restricted, precautionary measures must be taken, or treatments should be avoided altogether. Safety always comes first. When in doubt, ask!
Electrolysis is
Not Permitted
Pacemaker
Epilepsy or a history of seizures
Currently undergoing cancer treatment
Restrictions/Cautions
Surgery - 6-12 month wait, depending on healing process
Use of Botox or other injectable fillers or a major dermatologic procedure such as microneedling – wait 2 weeks
Use of containing retinols and AHA/BHA acids – discontinue use and wait 1 week
Accutane – wait 6 months
Active skin inflammation, infection, or disease such as fungal, viral, bacterial, or parasitic infections, sunburn, wounds, etc. – wait until completely healed or resolved
History of hyper/hypopigmentation problems – take precautions
History of keloid scarring – take precautions
Cardiovascular disorders and use of anticoagulant drugs prescribed for this condition - take precautions
Auditory devices must be turned off or if not possible, physician’s approval will be required
Blood disorders and diseases such as hemophilia, HIV, AIDS, and hepatitis – must be under control or fully recovered
After Your
Appointment
Do your best to keep the area clean and free from bacteria and irritants. THIS MEANS DO NOT TOUCH!
You may experience redness, slight swelling, tenderness, small scabs or whiteheads. This is normal and should subside within a couple of days.
Wash skin with a mild cleanser, no fragrance, alcohol or acids to avoid additional irritation and dryness. You can cleanse the area with alcohol-free witch hazel between washings. A light moisturizer free from fragrance, alcohol, and ‘anti-aging’ acids/chemicals is recommended for the first 24-48 hours. No heavy creams or oils.
After 24 hours, if your skin has any areas that are especially irritated, you may lightly apply an over-the-counter antibacterial ointment or hydrocortisone cream (at least 1% to reduce inflammation), 2–3x/day for the next couple of days, using a Q-tip or very clean hands.
To reduce swelling and redness, ice wrapped in a clean towel or even just a cold, wet washcloth can be applied for 5-10 minutes, several times a day.
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Do not rub, scratch, or pick at the treated area to avoid transferring dirt and bacteria to the skin which can cause break-outs or infection in the hair follicle.
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Moisturize with a light, quality lotion that doesn’t contain skin irritating chemicals or acids, fragrance, or alcohol. Nothing heavy or oily.
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Do not wear makeup or deodorant for 24 hours after treatments.
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Avoid activities that cause excessive sweating for 24 hours. The bacteria in perspiration can increase the risk of break-outs or infection in the treated hair follicles.
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Stay out of the sun for 48 hours after treatment to lower the risk of sunburn and hyperpigmentation. Your skin defends against UV rays by producing melanin, or pigment. Sometimes skin that is injured or traumatized can over-produce pigment in those areas. Always, always wear sunscreen!
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Do not expose your skin to a high heat environment or chemicals for 48 hours following treatment.
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To help calm redness or swelling, hold a cold cloth or ice wrapped in a thin towel on the treated area for 5-10 minutes, 2-3x/day for the first 48 hours.
Between treatments, you can clip or shave your hair. NO waxing, tweezing, threading, sugaring, depilatory products, or laser treatments in the areas where you are receiving electrolysis.