Skin complications from Electrolysis (Hyperpigmentation?)

[AlyssaJ]

I did a search and only found a very light smattering of posts that even touched on this topic.  I've had two 1 hour electrolysis sessions so far, both on my neck. The area that was done almost two weeks ago now is still blotchy red.  At my last session (one week after the original) my electrologist said it was hyperpigmentation and that it could last up to a few months!!  Then I did some of my own internet research and I'm seeing it can take a year or two after the last treatment for this to go away?  I was crushed, seriously, this is scary.  If this happens when she gets to my face I could be looking forward to years of having to wear full coverage makeup just to look human??

So I'm looking for help from someone else who has been down this path.  Am I over-reacting?  Is my research correct?  Is there any way to prevent this?  Any change in her approach to the electrolysis or any miracle creams/ointments/snake oil that actually works to alleviate it?  I'm desperate her girls, any helpful solutions would really make me feel more at ease.

[DawnOday]

My electrologist uses witch hazel before and after and then ends with aloe gel. I have had 12 or so treatments and most inflammation is gone by the time I take the twenty mile drive home. Because I am on blood thinners we were afraid my face would look like my arms which are quite bruised. So far so good. Good Luck. I hope you start getting better results. The neck is pretty sensitive. They say to drink lots of water to reduce the pain and swelling. I also use lidocaine. Hint... It doesn't help much.

[staciM]

I concur, clean with witch hazel and treat/moisturize with an aloe gel/balm for a few days.  Avoid getting anything else on the area and keep clean as much as possible for these couple days as the follicles are open and are more easily clogged which can causes irritation.  If the technician stays in one area for too long during a session I tend to get swelling and some redness but it typically subsides after  the above routine and using ice packs.  She has moved to more of a scatter technique which tends to be better for me. 

FWIW, she uses a 27.12MHz Thermoysis unit with several different modes that she adjusts depending on the area of my face.

[KayXo]

Be sure she is not overtreating you and using too high of a current. The redness disappeared within about 12-24 hours after each session of 1-2 hours. She made me apply a cream at night, can't remember the name and told me to put a warm then cold washcloth on the area for a few seconds.

[LizK]

My redness is usually gone by the following day however I am left with a mess. I have not used witch-hazel but I have used Aloe Vera and that works really well. I don't put any makeup on for a minimum of 24 hors and 48 if I can. I am left with all kinds of minor marks on face but 95 %  slowly fade and disappear quickly the others just seem to take longer. Some are more persistent than others. My beard is sparse but tough as nails so I am usually left with scabs after a day or so.

Liz

[AutumnLeaves]

Esthetician here. Hyperpigmentation is very, very common after electrolysis but two weeks is way too soon to start worrying about that. Your best bet is to use a gentle astringent like witch hazel on your skin for 24 hours post-treatment, followed by a bland moisturizer like Cerave or even plain petroleum jelly. The MOST important thing you can do, though, is to avoid ALL sun exposure and wear at least SPF 30 sunscreen all day, every day, before even leaving the house. Mine is built into my moisturizer so I never go without. It's also good to wear a broad-brimmed hat and avoid being outdoors during peak sun time. This will most likely prevent/reduce any lingering redness, but if not there are other easy treatments you can try.

[AlyssaJ]

Autumn, thank you for that.  I'm now 5 weeks since my last treatment, 10 since my first, and much if not all of that red pigmentation is still there.  That said, she did tell me it could last a few months, so I'm not panicking.  I am doing the things you mentioned and my esthetician also mentioned gentle exfoliation can help so I've been doing that too.  Thank you for the info, I really appreciate it.