Electrolysis Pre-Care

DRINK WATER. Drink lots of water before, the day of, and the day after your appointment. It is very important to come to your appointment fully hydrated. Hydrated follicles will ensure a more effective treatment because electrolysis works by using the water content in the follicle. Dehydrated follicles are much more difficult to treat.

PAIN RELIEVER. Taking a pain reliever thirty minutes before your appointment will make your treatment more comfortable.  A topical anesthetic cream such as 4% lidocaine, BLT cream, or EMLA may also be applied to the area at least one hour prior to your appointment. A thick layer of anesthetic cream, no larger than the size of your palm, should be applied to the treatment area. Cover the treatment area with saran wrap to ensure maximum effectiveness of the product. Anesthetic creams can be found over the counter or by prescription from your health care provider.

COMFORTABLE CLOTHES. Wear comfortable lose fitting clothes. If getting breast work done, a button-down blouse is appropriate. Proper draping technique is used for client’s personal privacy and comfort.

SHOWER. Please be cautious to your electrologist and arrive showered prior to any electrolysis work. Areas such as genitals and underarms can have an unpleasant smell if unclean. In such a case, your electrologist will kindly ask to reschedule your appointment. Your electrologist has the right to refuse services and you will be charged in full for the missed appointment.  Repeated uncleanliness will result in cancelation of your contract.

TRIM HAIR. Please trim (not shave) the area to be treated day of your appointment. This can easily be done with a pair of clippers.  If you decide to shave the area, be sure to do so a few days prior to your appointment, allowing enough hair growth for the tweezers to grab. Keeping the hair trimmed allows your electrologist easier access to the hair follicle, and making a more precise insertion, therefore, an easier more effective treatment.

AVOID. Avoid stimulants such as coffee day of your appointment.  This could make you more sensitive to pain. Some female clients have reported more sensitivity during their menstrual cycle and should avoid making appointments around that time. The higher your pain tolerance, the more effective your treatment will be. It is best to work as close to your pain threshold as possible for the most effective treatment.

AVOID SUN. Avoid sun exposure 48 hours prior to your treatment.  Doing so will dilate your blood vessels and will lengthen your recovery time.

AVOID RETINOIDS. Do not use Retin A, or any topical retinoid for at least 1 week prior to your electrolysis treatment. Accutane should be discontinued for at least 6 months prior to electrolysis. Having electrolysis services done while on retinoids could result in permanent pigment changes and scarring.