Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Community Conversation => Transitioning => Hair removal => Topic started by: mechakitty on July 27, 2011, 12:32:53 PM

Title: Claims About Thermolysis (And the Topic of Thermolysis in General)
Post by: mechakitty on July 27, 2011, 12:32:53 PM
I am getting thermolysis hair removal done at a very good place with experienced electrologists, and while it is painful, it's less painful than more traditional electrolysis (so I'm told). So far, I'm pleased with the results, and I don't really have a lot of facial hair in the first place anyway, and it's all relatively inexpensive. Good times.

One of the claims made about their thermolysis technique is that it is the only FDA-approved method for permanent hair removal, as opposed to both traditional galvanic electrolysis and laser. I have not been able to find this information anywhere else on the internet (although, I might not have searched very hard--I do that sometimes--I'm kind of a ditz once in a while, usually when I've had my spiro for the evening), so I was wondering if anyone else has heard this claim?

Also, I'm curious as to everyone else's long term experiences with thermolysis, especially (obviously) on the face. So far, so good for me at least. My electrologist plays music the whole time, which is relaxing, and the waiting room has a big keg of watermelon mint water. I realize that having a keg of watermelon mint water is no benchmark for a reputable electrology joint, but at least they are classy!  :laugh:

In all seriousness, they are good people; I feel like I am getting good treatment.

What about you?
Title: Re: Claims About Thermolysis (And the Topic of Thermolysis in General)
Post by: JungianZoe on July 27, 2011, 12:43:33 PM
Honestly, it depends on how your face reacts to the treatment, the rapport you feel with the electrologist, and how you feel about the treatment.  Feeling good?  Getting good results?  Excellent! ;D

I've had two electrologist sessions, one used blend, the other used thermolysis.  With blend, the hair is still gone after four months, I didn't get red, I didn't swell up, and felt no pain.  The one who did thermolysis figured that, because I felt no pain with her technique, she'd jack the machine up.  Believe it or not, I'm still a tiny bit swollen and red after nine weeks and I'm not unconvinced that she didn't do permanent damage.  And this was someone who's highly recommended.

Pissed. Me. Off.

So I'm going back to the place that did blend, even though they charge nearly double of the girl who did thermolysis.  I just don't feel comfortable going back to the second one.
Title: Re: Claims About Thermolysis (And the Topic of Thermolysis in General)
Post by: regan on July 27, 2011, 12:52:31 PM
Electrolysis is the only FDA APPROVED method, though that doesn't mean that laser doesn't work.  Also, electrolysis works on everyone, where Laser only works with certain hair pigments, etc.  Laser is also often a package deal, which is cost prohibitive for a number of people, where electrolysis is usually pay as you go.