I have 6.5 hours of electrolysis scheduled this weekend. Yes, I know that's a lot. I've done several two hour sessions before and have survived fine with no pain management. This will be very different, I think. What would you recommend to reduce the pain, befire and after a session like this. This is for the face, BTW.
Here's what I have done, in order of importance:
- Drink a lot of water the day before, and the day of electrolysis.
- No caffeine for 8 hours prior. None.
- One or two ibuprofen or similar.
- Numbing cream for the most challenging spots.
When the going gets tough I think about how much I want the benefits and results - that always seems to help. Or I start messing with my phone as a distraction, although I'll admit there were a few areas where I was afraid I'd crack the screen so I had to put my phone down. South Pole work.
EMLA cream (5% Lidocaine/Prilocaine mixture) works well but is not over the counter in the US - I have found EMLA OTC in Australia, Canada and Taiwan (I used to travel quite a bit). Some milder stuff is available OTC in the US or you can easily get EMLA with a prescription. EMLA requires a prescription in some countries due to hazards from applying too much over a large area of skin. I only use it where absolutely necessary.
I started out with two hour sessions, 3 per week. The day my beard was first cleared was a three hour session.
I never needed injections and just about done now, everywhere.
Last friday we did 3 hours on the upper lip so I went to my dentist and she gave me an injection before the session.
The day after we did 6 hours and yesterday 5 hours. Only using EMLA and it was ok on most parts of the chin. Only when we came near the lower lips it was not so much fun.
I'm really looking forward to having this done. I'll target the most painful areas first. If it gets too great, we can go to another area and I'll get numbing cream for next time.
If I can clear my lips, that would be amazing. I already spent 1.5 hours on the chin, and it's starting to be sparse. So much to do, so when am area is clear, that's a big big deal for me, as I'm sure for everybody.
In the US the most effective topical available without a prescription is 4% Lidocaine Cream with Menthol. Many generics are available, but the most common one is "Icy Hot with Lidocaine". Read the active ingredients carefully. There is much confusion with OTC medications in the US, where one highly advertised brand name will have many variations in active ingredients.
Quote from: Kendra on September 18, 2017, 10:11:04 AMSouth Pole work.
I could figure that out from context; Michelle P is the only one on the internet using this term, though. Bikini area, for those who are puzzled like I was.
Was about to ask this very question. Someone here mentioned ice rollers to dull pain but my operator says they'll shrink the follicles too much, so I'll pick up some of that Icy Hot before we assault this pesky upper lip of mine. I survived the last time she cleared it, albeit with a few tears, but that was a couple of months ago and I've got a lot more E in me now, everything is more sensitive.
My operator says the ice rollers are fine for aftertreatment, too. She always goes over things with the roller and witch hazel. That roller uses the opposite polarity of electricity the probes do, too - I read about in my electrolysis 101 book.
It's good for soothing the skin. Notice that you keep holding the rod thingamabob while the roller is applied, to complete the circuit. I'm not up on the technical aspects of this at all! And maybe your operators do things differently, something other than witch hazel, etc.
I'm just going to cue up some music on headphones. Last time conversation really was out of the question, it just stung too much.
I have my first consultation this Saturday. A little anxious but happy to get started.
Kelly that's great! A couple years ago someone told me to "start yesterday" and that was good advice.
Quote from: Kendra on September 20, 2017, 03:02:08 AM
Kelly that's great! A couple years ago someone told me to "start yesterday" and that was good advice.
Thanks Kendra!
I regularly endured 5 to 6 hour electrolysis sessions. My electrologist gives me a small quantity of clinical strength lidocaine cream to numb my most sensitive areas two hours before treatment. I cover the cream with two layers of plastic wrap (Saran wrap) to maintain the anesthetic effect. I also take 600 mg of Advil shortly before treatment. I've been known to doze off during treatment after we both get tired of talking.
I've had 2 one hour sessions this week and will have another on Tuesday. I do all the prep recommended. no caffeine, EMLA cream 1.5 hours before on 2 areas covered separately with plastic wrap. drink enough water the day and morning before to feel like I'm wading in Rockport,Tx. and 2 ibuprofen.
And it still hurts. She was working near the corners of my mouth on different days going above the lip, in the corner an below. The creme works okay for the first few and gets steadily worse. She works about half an hour in each area and after the first 15 minutes it might as well not have been prepped. My electrologist set the machine bout 1 tic below max for me.
ouch,
Laurie
Okay, today I had two sessions, one two hour, a break, and then a three hour. The only prep work I did was very little caffeine and a rediculous amount of water. As the day wore on, it seemed I started to get more and more sensitive. Next time I'm definitely going to rub in some numbing cream. Going that long, I need something.
I also notice I'm unusually tired tonight. That electrolysis took a lot out of me!
Holey smokes! Literally.
Quote from: Bari Jo on September 23, 2017, 10:00:02 PM
Okay, today I had two sessions, one two hour, a break, and then a three hour. The only prep work I did was very little caffeine and a rediculous amount of water. As the day wore on, it seemed I started to get more and more sensitive. Next time I'm definitely going to rub in some numbing cream. Going that long, I need something.
I also notice I'm unusually tired tonight. That electrolysis took a lot out of me!
Wow that is a lot of time in the chair in one day...well done....That could make for a very ordinary couple of days while you heal and keeping the area free of infection is key, infected hair follicles hurt. It is a seriously invasive procedure and as you can feel, quite tiring. I would imagine the stress is why you feel tired. Unfortunately Numbing cream is good for maybe 15-20 minutes(maybe) and it takes the edge off more than numbs it, the numbing is not the same as you expect when you say... have a stich put in your finger and they inject lidocaine into the wound...not that kind of numb...I think you have done a remarkable job to have withstood it for as long as you did. My only other concern would be is does how your tech manage to keep their skill and accuracy working after such a long session.... You are far braver than I ;)
Quote from: ElizabethK on September 24, 2017, 12:46:32 AM
Wow that is a lot of time in the chair in one day...well done....That could make for a very ordinary couple of days while you heal and keeping the area free of infection is key, infected hair follicles hurt. It is a seriously invasive procedure and as you can feel, quite tiring. I would imagine the stress is why you feel tired. Unfortunately Numbing cream is good for maybe 15-20 minutes(maybe) and it takes the edge off more than numbs it, the numbing is not the same as you expect when you say... have a stich put in your finger and they inject lidocaine into the wound...not that kind of numb...I think you have done a remarkable job to have withstood it for as long as you did. My only other concern would be is does how your tech manage to keep their skill and accuracy working after such a long session.... You are far braver than I ;)
I'm going to two different technicians. I would do just the first one if she would have me for extended sessions every week. She's in high demand. She counted hairs removed and it was over 400 an hour in the face, amazing. The second one is much slower, but she concentrates to make sure it's done right.
Next time I'll do much more prep work, take ibuprofen, try the lidocaine cream, and report. I have the same 5 hours planned for the next three weekends.
Bari Jo
Take max dose for ibuprofen which is 4. And don't bother with creams. The last thing you want to be doing before electrolysis is clogging your pores with that gunk.
I used ELMA cream on the more challenging areas and my electrologist never complained. But I used the stuff sparingly for two reasons - one is to avoid side effects (large amounts of EMLA can be bad), and the other reason is the stuff is too expensive to waste.
Quote from: Kendra on September 25, 2017, 06:30:47 PM
I used ELMA cream on the more challenging areas and my electrologist never complained. But I used the stuff sparingly for two reasons - one is to avoid side effects (large amounts of EMLA can be bad), and the other reason is the stuff is too expensive to waste.
Of course they won't complain. Because it reduces treatment effectiveness and that means more electrolysis! As far as I'm concerned you should avoid putting anything on your face for 2 days before including makeup and moisturizers.
I used a prescription cream for laser because that was what the doctor recommended and it still hurt especially upper lip. I went a few times without any cream and there was barely a difference in pain. I really don't think the creams go deep enough to be effective. Not worth the money and not worth the hassle of putting it on and taking it off right before.
Michelle I do not agree with your generalization of electrologists seeking to make their clients worse off. Have you ever met mine? Do you know her professional qualifications?
As for moisturizers I will continue to follow the advice of the surgeon who operated on my eyelids, even if that doctor's experience conflicts with your opinion.
:police:
I think it is pretty silly to get into arguments rather than just having an open discussion.
So calm down now before I add Cindy's special numbing cream to the topic.
Thank you
My electrologist puts numbing cream on my upper lip at the beginning, then works on my chin and/or neck and then works on my upper lip for the last 5-10 minutes of my hour.
This seems to be going pretty well so far, but I've only done 4 hours so far. It is slowly thinning out. I don't know that I could stand a full hour focused on my upper lip, even with numbing cream.
Is splitting it up like this unusual?
Quote from: VeronicaLynn on September 27, 2017, 12:09:56 AM
My electrologist puts numbing cream on my upper lip at the beginning, then works on my chin and/or neck and then works on my upper lip for the last 5-10 minutes of my hour.
This seems to be going pretty well so far, but I've only done 4 hours so far. It is slowly thinning out. I don't know that I could stand a full hour focused on my upper lip, even with numbing cream.
Is splitting it up like this unusual?
Hi Veronica,
Take it from me, a full hour on the upper lip
HURTS I just did one today. I had prepped as recommended with the EMLA cream and covered in left and right halves about an hour and 15 minutes prior to my appointment.
It seemed that the numbing lasted for maybe 2 hairs and then it felt like no prep was done. Every hair after the first few hurt a lot. But I got through it. One hour and yes there were tears. This was my own doing as I am the one that chose the area to be worked on. Christina said I did great as most of her clients would have stopped her long before the hour was done. I was going to suggest taking it easy and doing a different area but she said "Oh no, now that I started on the upper lip I want to keep working on it until it's done" So next time I'll have to be ready to endure more of the same. ouch. I'll be extremely glad when it is finished.
Laurie
Laurie, you are one grave girl doing only the upper lip. I have my girl only doing a little bit there. And then the rest elsewhere each time.
Quote from: Cindy on September 26, 2017, 04:55:25 PM
:police:
I think it is pretty silly to get into arguments rather than just having an open discussion.
So calm down now before I add Cindy's special numbing cream to the topic.
Thank you
Hehe, I am sorry. I am a little cynical when it comes to hair removal. It's been a long strange trip that is winding down, but take my advice with a grain of salt. What works for me may not work for you. But I know one thing for sure, if it hurts soooo bad then something is wrong! Try another electrologist if possible, another modality, etc.
The most effective relief I have had whilst having top lip clearance is with a dental block. I will be having yet another block on Tuesday to do my bottom and top lip...it used to take an hour to clear about 1/2 my top lip however with the last two session I have had, it cleared in about 40 minutes and this upcoming treatment will be lucky to take 10 minutes to clear, The last assessment by my electrologist on my top lip is 1 more session after Tuesday to pick up the final light stragglers. It appeared about a month ago we were nearly finished but with any hair removal no one can say for sure how many treatments you will have. My Top lip seems to be the most persistent area of my face but there is now definite signs for it being just about done. The bottom lip is a whole different ball game and responds really well.
I had some work done about 3 months ago on my chin and there has been very little to no new grow.
Use Dental Blocks with Caution
Because they are so effective you cannot normally feel the level of current being used on the treatment area. Burns can happen. This occurs when the current is set too high for the skin to be able to tolerate and without the anaesthetic would in itself be intolerable. This is where the skill of your technician is critically important. Proceed with caution
"Why don't we get drunk, and...electrolysis.
;D ;D
Quote from: JulieOnHerWay on September 29, 2017, 11:09:29 PM
"Why don't we get drunk, and...electrolysis.
;D ;D
I like how you think Julie. Anyone for a good glass of cab/
My first session went okay - because of the distance and work I can only do weekends and the tech doesn't work a lot of those.... This is going to take a while
Quote from: Kelly H on October 02, 2017, 06:36:14 PM
I like how you think Julie. Anyone for a good glass of cab/
My first session went okay - because of the distance and work I can only do weekends and the tech doesn't work a lot of those.... This is going to take a while
I'd say look for a new tech. I'm doing 5 plus hours each weekend, two different techs. The ones that work Saturdays are out there!
Bari Jo
Quote from: Bari Jo on October 02, 2017, 06:56:43 PM
I'd say look for a new tech. I'm doing 5 plus hours each weekend, two different techs. The ones that work Saturdays are out there!
Bari Jo
Great advice Bari Jo!
Unfortunately I can only find 5 in Nashville. Not many want to work weekends. Living in the south has it's challenges... LOL
I'm going to be in San Diego the week of the 23rd. Any suggestions?
Quote from: Kelly H on October 02, 2017, 07:24:35 PM
Great advice Bari Jo!
Unfortunately I can only find 5 in Nashville. Not many want to work weekends. Living in the south has it's challenges... LOL
I'm going to be in San Diego the week of the 23rd. Any suggestions?
Nope, unfortunately, I don't know anything about San Diego except the drinks are good, comic con is held there and I can attend strings camp there as an adult:)
Oh, there is a dessert/tea place there called Extraordinary Desserts. Go there if you can,:)
Bari Jo
An update mainly for me and others if interested. I'm now up to six hours on Saturday, and 9 hours in one week. I'm electrology obsessed I think, or it's the beard removal obsession I had while diy epilating and plucking in another form. I have had irritated puffy skin sometimes, but no pain from that. Luckily that goes away in a day.
One thing though, when doing sensitive areas like upper lip, I've switched from thermolysis to blend. I'm only doing this when the pain is high and sharp. Blend is more tolerable, but slower, but at least I'm moving forward.
It still looks like I'm only 1/3 way through a first clearing. I can't wait for that first clearing. Psychologically I think I will have more confidence.
Bari Jo
Quote from: Bari Jo on October 08, 2017, 10:40:28 AM
An update mainly for me and others if interested. I'm now up to six hours on Saturday, and 9 hours in one week.
Wow, I'm going up to two hours next week, and was a bit worried that might even be too much for me. I too really am looking forward to that initial clearing. I don't think I'm even a quarter of a way through yet :(
Quote from: VeronicaLynn on October 08, 2017, 01:00:44 PM
Wow, I'm going up to two hours next week, and was a bit worried that might even be too much for me. I too really am looking forward to that initial clearing. I don't think I'm even a quarter of a way through yet :(
After, I did two hours in a day, I thought, let's try four, then let's try six. I love it, you might too:)
Bari Jo
Hi Guy`s ,
What an informative thread !
I am very new , some have read my past post know this. I had ( I have no idea why ) always thought that electrolysis destroyed the hair root and prevented it from growing back. With that being said , how many times does the same area need to be worked on ? Or is it just that there are so many hair follicles when one is destroyed and adjacent one crops up ?
After reading all the good info , I am more confused than ever , but thanks for the confusion :) LOL
Perhaps a flask we a wee dram and a nap in your car after could ease the pain :)
Take care ,
Tappy
I'm told it's typically cleared six times before the hair no longer grows back. Mine is pretty dense, so that means a lot of electrolysis:(
Not all hairs are in the proper growth phase to be destroyed. For example, they may be dormant and not even visible. Not every hair is killed the first time around but a good operator may have a kill rate of 80-90%. That said, there is a lot of hair but people with a coarse beard have fewer hairs per square inch and may require fewer hours to clear it.
Hi Bari Jo & Dena ,
Thanks for the info , I have a lot to learn , that much is 4 Sure !! :)
I really need to get the face started , even if trans was not an issue ( but it is = more drive to get it done ).
I know I should ask on another thread , but you ladies have been so kind in the past , can a GP prescribe HRT , or should it just be that job of an endocrinologist , thanks ( sorry about posting with this ? here , I will not make it a habit , I hope )
Thanks , later
Tappy
A GP could prescribe it and sometimes they do but normally an endo would do it and they might require a letter from a therapist indicating you are a good candidate for treatment. The exception is an informed consent clinic where they still talk with you but it's a single session and you are taking responsibility for all your decisions.
In my case, I have a nurse practitioner who is trained in treatment of transgenders and as I am post surgical I don't need a letter. If you were pre surgical, you would need a letter.
Hi Dena ,
Thanks for the reply , who ever knew not living a lie would be so much work !! LOL :)
Later ,
Tappy
The state I'm in, you don't need a letter either, it can be informed consent. In my case, like Dena, it would have been easy though. I was DIY medicating anyway with the real stuff, so I was just finding a doctor that could take over my treatments. I was going to do them anyway, but now I'm doing it safer under her care.
Bari Jo
Hi Bari Jo,
Well , you have great courage to try a DIY , I am happy for you that you found a doctor to help.
I completely understand why , in the extreme I would probably do the same.
You want and try so hard to be your true self , and if a time comes when the personal requirement becomes a priority , well , you do what is needed to be whole.
I have never felt whole , and I sought help for my depression and was lucky to find a kind therapist that did not care what I said , my T said , "you can tell me anything , my job is to support not judge" so after finding the courage , I told my T how I felt since I was about 5 , and even though I went through a failed marriage ( no kids ) , I told T even the marriage was a joke , I wanted to be my ex , not be married to her. Of course at the time I was living the lie.
Anyway , sorry for the long post , and thank you for your kindness and honesty , a true and beautiful lady.
Take care ,
Tappy
Quote from: Tappy on October 08, 2017, 10:52:27 PM
Hi Bari Jo,
Well , you have great courage to try a DIY , I am happy for you that you found a doctor to help.
It was really desperation, not courage. The courage part is admitting to myself that's who I am and it won't change. Once I did that, it all seemed easier. I still have ups and downs, plus irrational fears and general impatience, but I'm moving forward. I hope you can too.
Bari Jo
Hi Bari Jo,
Well desperation , I can see that , but I still think you are a courageous lady.
I truly hope you have sooth sailing from here on , you deserve it , that is for certain :)
Thanks for your words of encouragement.
Take care ,
Tappy