Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Is swelling normal post-electrolysis? She worked on the left side today and my left cheek is swollen. It looks like I have some packing post-dental work; very noticeable.

I have had two electrolysis technicians. The first one I used was my first experience and I got used to her though I did have some swelling from time to time. After 6 months I switched as the first one was on pregnancy leave. I am so glad about the switch as this new technician was so very much better. By better - they should only send the needle to the base of the hair shaft, this is painful but what causes the most pain and swelling is that they go deeper than the end of the shaft, it much more painful and swelling occurs after. I recently had to use the first one as the other was on vacation and OMG did I notice a difference and also the swelling returned. You could try other technicians and see how it goes.

Quote from: warlockmaker on August 14, 2014, 12:46:30 AM
I have had two electrolysis technicians. The first one I used was my first experience and I got used to her though I did have some swelling from time to time. After 6 months I switched as the first one was on pregnancy leave. I am so glad about the switch as this new technician was so very much better. By better - they should only send the needle to the base of the hair shaft, this is painful but what causes the most pain and swelling is that they go deeper than the end of the shaft, it much more painful and swelling occurs after. I recently had to use the first one as the other was on vacation and OMG did I notice a difference and also the swelling returned. You could try other technicians and see how it goes.

This one comes highly recommended but is also one of the few in town. There's not a lot of choice here in Anchorage, sadly. She said my skin was reacting quicker than she normally sees and I do have sensitive skin so I wonder if that's all it is.

I would agree that sensitive skin has alot to do with it. Did you have rash before when you shaved? I used to just use and ice pack afterwards and that would reduce the swelling. But do ask her about the depth they put the needle and she may adjust her style.

well I've just had my first three sessions of electrolysis (also a small town -opposite end of the pacific though lol) and I don't really get any noticeable swelling, I have ridiculously sensitive skin too.. I might be her technique?

One bit of advice.. don't think about the film, "The Green Mile" while having your electro.. I was gripping the sponge and wondering if it was a little too dry and, then I thought of the dry sponge in the afore mentioned film... it was not pleasant at all!! happy thoughts, happy thoughts please.. lol

Quote from: lemon_ice on August 14, 2014, 01:47:35 AM
One bit of advice.. don't think about the film, "The Green Mile" while having your electro.. I was gripping the sponge and wondering if it was a little too dry and, then I thought of the dry sponge in the afore mentioned film... it was not pleasant at all!! happy thoughts, happy thoughts please.. lol

Darn that is just going to stick in my mind I just know it...... some things you cannot unsee!   Noooo

There usually is a bit of mild swelling after electro.  I try and plan my sessions so that I don't have to sociable for about 24-48 hours after.

I have more issue with the electrode on the arm - if it's not moved every 30 min or so I get a bad rash that stays around for weeks.

I find ibuprofen helps with the swelling, even 3 hour sessions are ok if I time them for Friday PM.  The bigger problem I have is in keeping my face clean with alcohol wipes to stop infection. The rash and itchy skin is also a problem.  I need to put moisturiser on prior to the session and keep moving the bracelet.  I had to give up on holding the electrodes when my hands became too sensitive.    But the hair removed makes you forget the swelling etc

Aisla

Sometimes I swell and sometimes I don't. I find tylenol helps me (I react bad to ibuprofen) and drinking lots of water prior help. You want to be as hydrated as possible as the water in the skin helps the electrolysis process. Sometimes an icepack is needed afterwords for a little bit. Also avoid caffeine prior to electrolysis as caffeine will cause more bleeding and discomfort during electrolysis.

I get little bumps sometimes, and of course the usual skin infections.   Electrolysis is a pig, but necessary.

I used to get some very minor swelling after a session but my electrologist played around with different needles to find what works best for my skin.  I'm pretty sure we've settled on an insulated needle but other than that I don't know the particulars of it.  It also helps with the pain level using that type of needle.

23 hours in for me so far and we've found what works best (for me anyway)

I'm pretty excited for my next appointment, she just bought a new machine that's supposed to have a much quicker pulse time, something like in the thousandths of a second range.  Should help with any more discomfort and hopefully skin irritation too!

My electrologist had aloe vera plants in her office, and she would break off a little bit after my treatments, and gently rubbed the fresh aloe juice on the affected area; it felt Sooo good, and it really helped with the swelling.  She also gave me some aloe vera to take home with me :) 

Since I do the full facial sessions every 6-8 weeks, my face normally swells like a balloon immediately afterwards. It all resolves in a few days though.

It took about four days for all of the swelling to go down. Aggravating but a necessary evil.  :(

Here in Spain I was prescribed the oils of the Rosa Eglateria flower (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosa_rubiginosa).   After an aggressive electro session on my chin last week I applied it a few times and was surprised at how little swelling or redness I had.  In the past, my chin has not reacted well to electro.

Tomorrow I am getting my top lip done, and will report back on whether this oil helped.

3 joyous hours of pain tomorrow... I must be mad  :o

Quote from: Julia-Madrid on August 19, 2014, 11:48:33 AM
Here in Spain I was prescribed the oils of the Rosa Eglateria flower (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosa_rubiginosa).   After an aggressive electro session on my chin last week I applied it a few times and was surprised at how little swelling or redness I had.  In the past, my chin has not reacted well to electro.

Tomorrow I am getting my top lip done, and will report back on whether this oil helped.

3 joyous hours of pain tomorrow... I must be mad  :o

My electrologist only does 45 minutes max each session. Whilst I'm glad for the shorter duration of torture, I'm not happy at the thought of how long total clearance is going to take me.

I found after a recent 1 hr session in a localised chin area my chin was very swollen and this took about 2-3 days to subside, the red bumps/marks took 3-4 weeks, my last hour session I applied ice when I got home and there wasn't any swelling and the red marks were only apparent for 2-3 days. I suppose it is an electric current burning the hair bulb so damage has to occur, well heres to many more hours of fun, anything for the smooth face.

Belle

Quote from: BelleRoberts on August 19, 2014, 05:49:53 PM
I found after a recent 1 hr session in a localised chin area my chin was very swollen and this took about 2-3 days to subside, the red bumps/marks took 3-4 weeks, my last hour session I applied ice when I got home and there wasn't any swelling and the red marks were only apparent for 2-3 days. I suppose it is an electric current burning the hair bulb so damage has to occur, well heres to many more hours of fun, anything for the smooth face.

Belle

I'm picking up an antiimflammatory and icepacks for tonorrow's session. Wheeee!!!