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Electrology Explaination

Started by Terri-Gene, December 25, 2005, 05:32:16 PM

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Terri-Gene

Electrolysis
The Proven Method of Permanent Hair Removal


Permanent hair removal with electrolysis  Utilizing solid needle type devices is the only proven method of permanent hair removal.

Further information can be obtained from the American Electrology Association (AEA).  The world's largest organization of professional electrology practitioner's .at www.electrology.com.

With many methods of hair removal on the market today, one fact is clear, electrolysis is the only PROVEN method for removing unwanted hair Permanently.

Electrolysis is the permanent removal of hair from the human body using a fine needle to apply a measured amount of electricity to the base of the hair follicle, causing destruction of the follicle.

Unwanted hair is a problem that can cause embarrassment or totally alter the way in which your life is conducted.  Whether a cosmetic problem or a symptom of disease, unwanted hair can be effectively removed.

Developed by a physician over one hundred years ago, electrolysis even into the 21st century remains the only proven method of permanent hair removal.

In 1875, Dr. Charles Michel and Ophthalmologist invented a procedure to remove ingrown eyelashes utilizing galvanic current, hence the name electrolysis.

In modern times, taking advantage of new technologies todays's electrolysis is performed by well qualified practitioners using state of the art computerized equipment and practicing up to date sterilization procedures.  Electrolysis has continued to evolve and advance as the most effective method of hair removal.

Today, electrolysis  encompasses three methods:

1.   Electtrolysis – Direct current  (DC)
2.   Thermolysis  - Alternating current (DC)
3.   The Blend    - Both of the above Currents

Electrolysis is the only dependable method of permanent hair removal.  Temporary methods such as shaving, tweezing, depilatories, waxing, stringing and lazer require lifetime maintenance.  Skin irritations, ingrown hairs, discoloration and scaring can result.  These methods can actually contribute to an increase in hair growth activity.  Despite all the claims from many "advanced" methods on the market today, not one has proven to be as effective as electrolysis.

The American Electrology Association (AEA) with the assistance of the Centers for Disease  Control and Prevention (CDC) developed national infection control standards that include sterilization of all electrology instruments which may have parenteral contact.  Pre-sterialized, single use disposable needles are recommended.  The standards are consistant Standard Precautions safety which includes hand washing and use of a fresh pair of disposable gloves for each treatment.  Your electrologist should thoroughly discuss this important issue with you.

The number of treatments necessary varies with each person.  Factors such as hair growth cycles, the quantity and structure of hair presented, previous use of temporary hair removal methods, heredity, hormone function, normal physiologic changes, certain medications and stress influence the treatment program for each individual. It is very important to adhere to the recommended treatment schedule ato achieve optimum results in the shortest period of time.

Deep coarse hairs cannot always be eliminated whith one treatment, thus, breaking down the hair germ sells may require additional treatments.  During the course of treatment and due to the cyclic nature of hair growth, new hairs as well as hairs emerging from a dormant phase, will be treated and may be visible at the same time as finer re-growth hairs.

All hairs have differing cycles of growth activity 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, hair follicles go into a dormant phase.  This period of dormancy hay 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 regrowth from previously  treated follicles..

While electrolysis isn't an extreamly painful procedure, it is impossible to destroy hair growth tissue without any sensation because each hair follicle is surrounded by its own network of nerve endings.  The sensation felt is assurance that destructive activity is taking place.  Even though some parts of the body are more sensitive then others adjustments can be made which will help to make the treatment remain comfortable.

When electolysis is performed by a competent electrologist  using up to date equipment and current techniques, there should be no skin damage.

Immediately following treatment, there may be slight redness and/or swelling which usually disappears within a few hours.  Occasionally, small whiteheads or minuscule scabs may occur.  It is important to remember that scabs are a part of the normal healing process and will not cause any permanent damage if they are not picked off.  Your electrologist should discuss specific post treatment care to promote proper healing.

Unwanted hair can be safely removed from most body areas.  The inside of the ears and nose should NOT be treated.

State licensing laws and/or some general liability insurance policies may prohibit removal of hair from moles.  In cases where neither of the above restrictions exist, your electrologist may require written permission from your physician.

Always look for a practitioner who adheres to the standards of the AMERICAN ELECTROLOGY ASSOCIATION.

Regulation of electrologists differs on a state by state basis.  States regulating the practice of electrology require a practitioner to hold a valid license.  The American Electrology Association has established specific standards for the profession including a national board certification.  Certified Professional Electrologist (CPE).  This voluntary credential REQUIRES continuing education to maintain board certification.

Many people find an electrologist through the Yellow pages of local directories, which contain valuable information regarding professional credentials; or by recommendations from friends, family members, Transsexual patients and referrals from physicians familiar wih electrolysis.

For further information and to inquire about a member of the American Electrology Association in your area, Please visit www.electrology.com

For those in the Sacramento California area I would highly recommend Lisa Hitomi LE CPE Board certified Eelectrologist  at 759 Sunset Ave. Suite F Fair Oaks, CA 95628.  She has done all of my work and is wonderful to get along with and has worked on understanding T issues and feelings and likes working with them. 

Anyone looking for a CERTIFIED Electrologyst in thier own area, just go to www.electrology.com  and enter your City and state to get a listing of qualified Techniitions in your immediate area, or if none are found, try the next largest city in your driving range.  ALWAYS use a CERTIFIED Tech.  Not all states require even so much as a license, you can waste a lot of money and damage your face with a poorly trained tech or one with inferior equipment.  It's your face, take care of it.  Always look for LE (Licenced Electrologyst) if the state you are in requires it and CPE (Certified Professional Electrologyst) Documentation.  If the state they are in does not require licencing, be sure they at least have a CPE, that is your only professional reference that they are properly trained in the proper and latestest thechniques etc of thier profession.  Well, that and referrences you trust in regards to them.

Terri
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stephanie_craxford

#1
Great explination Terri.  The same information is listed in Susan's Wiki at:

Electrolysis

And forms part of the complete Hair Removal Section found in Susan's Wiki here:

Depilation

See the topic at https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,1709.0.html

Steph
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Terri-Gene

Ok, I checked.  A lot of moving around though.  I have never seen a real comprehensive and concise breakdown in the forums on susans though and simply put together a concise overview for those interested.  Also, I wanted to emphasise the importance of CPE which is the established Training credentual for Professional Techs.

With the www.electrology.com link  Which is the Professional Standard for Professionals, included. I wanted to point people in this direction rather then to some Transsexual related web sites to get the names and addresses that have the CPE training and documentation to find a fully qualified tech in any area in the USA and Canada. And like I said, a simple concise explaination in the forums for those wanting quick information, and while of course much of the same information is in the Wiki of course, but like I said, I like concise information in direct view of membership unless it is simply to complicated to indulge in a forum.

You know how it is, Many, especially those that like it quick, don't really want to take a lot of time to find anything out, though serious people want all the info they can get and should go to more extensive sources for all the info they can get.

No offense to the Wiki section of course Steph, but it is like I said, and of course I was only concerned with Electro as any other methode is less effective with different hair types and as explained in the forum explaination about hair recycle and regrowth why there is so many people who recycle after a period of time with Laser.  They think they are done and about a year or more later the recycle starts because they didn't go back in after hair growth stopped till recycle set in.  Laser is generally much quicker you know and most people will be done in less then a year supposedly if they haven't researched hair information..  Most who go in for electro take a couple or more years because of the time involved due to lack of money to have things like laser and so such recycle is less likely.  It may be there, but I didn't find info on the recycle problem using any technique. And I personally believe that is why some who have seen and know a lot of people who have used laser have to take Electro later anyway because they thought the laser hadn't worked because of it.  That and the fact that laser won't address lighter hairs especially on dark skin.

Terri
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stephanie_craxford

Great points Terri.

I've added a link to the The American Electrology Association to the relevant Wiki articles for the members from the U.S. to use.

I will look for other links that will direct our members who are not from the U.S. to sites which will provide the similar information as it applies to their country.

Steph
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Terri-Gene

Good idea.  I hate to see faces done by amature professionals.  and like I said, the electro link I put into the article is the recognised PROFESSIONAL link and only lists techs who have received the proper training and who habitually attend various national siminars and training schedules to keep up with the latest in methods and equipment.  If they don't do so, they lose thier certification.

By the way, I ment to advise you I would be putting that in the forum, because it was more of a Wiki material which you administer, but to many things happening at this particular time and I simply forgot.  I mentioned it to Leigh the other night after you left our conf but didn't do it up until this afternoon while having a little quiet period.

you will notice also that within the site I linked to, you can view, ask questions etc in forums designed for the use of CPE professionals who exchange info regarding techniques and equipment.  very usefull for those with worries or just seeking information.

Terri
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stephanie_craxford

No probs Terri,

I may administer the Wiki but that in no way infers that I know everything, compared to the knowledge of some members on this site I just scratch the surface.

Susan's needs accurate, up to date, relevant information that will help and support all the members here at Susan's, through the forums for short term reference, and the exchange of ideas, and through the Wiki, the long term, up to date repository of all things related to transgendered topics and issues.

Susan's is lucky to have members such as you Terri; willing to share their experiences and knowledge.  It's what Susan's is all about.

Thanks for that,

Steph
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Terri-Gene

It's the only reason I've been around so long Steph, Learn a lot and share a little

Terri
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molly

Thanks Terri for pulling this information together.  I am planning on having electrolysis in the near future.  I have been tweezing my face but it requires too much maintenance.

Acutually my wife is going to pay for it as my Christmas present.  She knows I don't like having hair on my face and is OK with it.

For those who have been there, do I need to stop tweezing and let the hair grow for awhile before I start treatments?

Molly
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Terri-Gene

,
Quotedo I need to stop tweezing and let the hair grow for awhile before I start treatments?

As to the tweezing .... STOP!  Tweeaing can cause the hairs to grow back thicker and darker.  That is a major problem with an electro working with older women who have tweazed for perhaps years.  Such hairs are harder to kill, often taking multible treatments and as I said, is a problem even for genetic women.  Any good electro tech will tell you not to do it.

As to growing the hair out.  that depends on the individual and the rate and speed of thier hair growth.  I know of those who can simply skip a day of shaving and go into treatment the next morning and have enough.  It is always best though to have about an 1/8 inch or so of growth, so let it grow until you have a good stubble on your face before going in.

Personally I have a very slow growth and have to not shave for at least 4 days or even more before I am grown out enough to make the process as quick and easy for the tech as possible.  This is why I often advise to start electro as soon as possible rather then wait for after HRT.  When you are full time with no backlash any time, anywhere, it can get very embarrassing walking around like that a couple of days before sessions, no matter where you have to be or with whom.  Electro will work perfectly HRT or not, so while HRT may make the facial hair of some a little thinner, it will not make any difference in results and for one, I would rather have had it done earlier then having had to walk around in full public with the hair on my face after HRT started making full visable effect on the rest of my body and skin.   Another point.  Skin of genetic males is thicker and tougher on males and the probes are a little more painful after HRT starts making the skin break down, becoming thinner and more sensitive.  Your face.  Do what you will with it.

Also I got the impression from your statement about getting a session for christmas that you might believe it is basically a one shot process.   Far from it.   In an hour of treatment only an area a little bigger then a quarter will likely get addressed.  There are more then 10,000 hairs on the average male face and the best techs can only remove about 4 to 5 hairs a minute making at max about 300 hairs an hour more or less depending on the confirt and will of the patient.  Most who have been completely through it will give figures of 100 to 200 hours total to clear it.  My face, due to genetics has about an estimated 20 hours or less to go after a little over 2 years of 2 hours a month when money for it was available and I will likely be done in about 50 hours total for the complete job.  It is an individual thing depending on the type and density of the hair.  Laser will take between a half dozen or dozen treatments over about a years time or more and at a cost of hundreds of dollars a treatment.  it is a little cheaper then electro but still will take a year or more with proven results of regrowth dispite the claims of some who are the exceptions or who had it over a much longer period.

This is not going to be quick and it's not going to be painless.  Years ago I was told by a former moderator of Susans that it has to be considered like house payments.  You have to do it if you want to keep your house and so you just do it.  It's not cheap, generally costing from $50 to $80 an hour and it is not quick, most who do not have enough money for hours at a time will take a couple of years at least to complete it.  Same with Laser, cost will be generally around $500 a treatment and you will need many multible treatments to be done and still have to shave between treatments till toward the end and depending on hair colors likely have to go to an electro to be completely free of hair that laser can't touch under any present means available to that technology.

Terri
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molly

Thanks Terri for the insight and information.

I am stopping the face tweezing today.  I knew the treatments would take time and be somewhat painful, but I was not totally aware of the full ramifications.  I haven't been tweeing that long, so hopefully I haven't done too much damage.

Fortunately I don't have alot of face hair.  For example I have never been able to grow a mustasche or beard.  As a younger man when I went to basic training they made me shave and I had nothing but peach fuzz.   In fact, I have minimal amounts of body hair, I feel fortunate in that.

Your cautions and advise are greatly appreciated.

Molly
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