          |
 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Electrolysis Treatments
|
||
|
Frequently Asked Questions About Electrolysis Treatments |
Where can I have treatment--who will you treat?
Why do you need to see my Driver's License or photo ID?
Is it really permanent? How long does it take?
What are the basic methods you use in treatments?
What do you mean my hair is "resting" under the skin?
What do
you mean I should stop tweezing my chin because I'm making it
worse?!?!
What will my skin look like--will everyone know I've been in?
What forms of payment do you accept--do you send a bill?
Can I record my treatment/take a picture and show my friends?
How should I choose an electrologist?
The short answer is it depends. It is impossible to destroy hair growth tissue without sensation because each hair follicle is surrounded by its own network of nerve endings. The sensation, which may or may not be felt, is assurance that destructive activity is taking place.
Some clients sleep through hours of treatments and others honestly find 15 minutes to be uncomfortable. We utilize advanced Apilus technology ensuring our clients a gentler and more comfortable way to permanent hair removal. If you have tried electrolysis before, try it again and feel the Apilus difference.
The sensation you might experience depends on many reasons including where one is having treatment and what method is used. Some parts of the body are more sensitive than others. If you have ever waxed or plucked, you'll find electrolysis to be surprisingly comfortable. Some clients have described the sensation as a pinch, a mosquito bite, a quick snap, or building warmth.
Many adjustments can be made which help to make the treatment more comfortable. Some clients choose to take an OTC analgesic such as Tylenol, Aspirin, or Advil 30 - 45 minutes before treatment and report treatment is very comfortable. We will work within your personal comfort level and do have topical anesthetics available.
Just about anywhere! Unwanted hair can be safely removed from most body areas. Common areas include the hairline, bridge of nose, eyebrows, upper and lower lip, cheeks, sideburns, ears, chin, neck, shoulders, arms and underarms, fingers, hands, breasts, abdomen, bikini line, legs, back, and chest.
We are happy to offer services to men, women and teens. G/L/B/T/TS/TG clients are welcome.
We work by appointment. That means we are here when clients need us. It also means that you can feel free to call the office 715-831-0200 or toll free 1-87-SMOOTH-89 from 9:00 am - 9:00 pm Monday - Thursday, and 9:00am to 5:00pm on Fridays and Saturdays and a live electrologist will be available to take (or promptly return) your call and questions.
As one of our cost savings measures, we do not have a receptionist on staff. If you reach our private voicemail during these hours we are assisting/in treatment with other clients and will promptly return your call. We promise we return calls! Please leave a private voice mail message as detailed as you need to and we will get right back to you. For directions to us, please click here.
As we work by appointment, the office may or may not be open during those hours. Thus, if you are from out of town, do call ahead so we reserve time for you and are sure to be in.
Because we work by appointment, we ask to be informed 24 hours in advance should you need to cancel or change an appointment. We do understand that emergencies occur, but remember we all come from a distance and reserve our time especially for you. We would like to be able to offer the time slot to other clients if you will not be using it. Should you not give 24 hours notice, we reserve the right to charge for our time.
Electrology is the art and science of permanent hair removal utilizing probe devices. A fine sterile probe is inserted into the hair follicle and a small amount of electrical energy is discharged which destroys the hair growth tissue. When this is competently and skillfully accomplished, the regenerative ability of the hair follicle is permanently eliminated. The hair is lifted out after treatment and you leave with bare skin!
If you want permanent hair removal, electrology is the only way to achieve this goal.
Why do you need to see my driver's license or a photo ID?
The most important reason is we care enough to establish your real identity and protect your identity from potential problems--imagine if someone took your wallet and wanted to use your credit cards to get services! As we are taking your personal and health information, the HIPPA regulations also require we verify your identity. A positive identification of you with your picture and name (like a valid photo ID shows) protects us and you from liability. We also need to be sure you are over 18 and can legally agree to treatment.
Due to recently enacted legislation to protect consumers, in order to accept credit card payments we also need to establish and verify your identity each time we accept payment. To do this we could keep a copy of your ID on file like many doctors and dentists do, we could ask you to show your photo ID each time, or we can take our own photo of you after verifying your photo ID and keep it in your treatment file.
Our liability insurer requires us to verify and protect your personal information and we do. Our privacy policy is to never release your information to anyone (except as required by law) period. You will never see your picture used for anything other than to identify you to staff.
Absolutely! However, electrolysis is not an overnight sensation. Electrolysis requires a series of treatments to achieve permanency. The number of treatments necessary varies with each client and with the area being treated. Factors such as hair growth cycles, the
quantity and structure of hair presented, previous use of temporary hair removal methods, heredity, hormone function, normal physiologic changes, certain medications, and stress all influence the treatment program for each individual.
In most cases it takes between 12 and 18 months to have absolute permanence. This time clock begins at the time we clear the area and are able to keep it clear of hair as your pattern fills in.
It is very important to adhere to the recommended treatment schedule to achieve optimum results in the shortest time frame. You are going to look better right away but we want to eliminate your hair problem, not manage it.
Though it sounds long, your amount of treatment time or frequency with which you visit tapers off. Without looking at your individual hair pattern, and knowing what removal methods you have tried, as well as the potential cause of the hair growth, it is impossible to accurately estimate the exact number of treatments it will take. If you would like to know more precisely what your treatment schedule would look like, we encourage you to call for a free consultation and find out exactly what you will need to do to get great results from us.
Electrolysis --- Direct current (DC), is the original form of electro-epilation (and also the name of our field) DC is used to achieve chemical destruction of the hair follicle. One or more pre-sterilized disposable probes can be used. In the multiple needle form It is by far the slowest form of electro-epilation. In the single probe form it is comparable in time to the blend.
Thermolysis --- Alternating current (AC), sometimes referred to as high frequency, diathermy, or short-wave, is used to create heat which destroys the hair follicle. Most often one sterile probe is used. It is generally the fastest form of electro-epilation.
The Blend (also referred to as Dual Modality) --- Both of the above currents are used simultaneously or sequentially to achieve dual action destruction of the hair follicle. Most often, a single sterile probe is used for this procedure. This is comparable in time to electrolysis both being slower than thermolysis.
You can get great results with any modality if you have a skilled electrologist. Your electrologist will select the best method for your individual situation.
Yes it makes a difference! It is important to follow your individual treatment schedule to get the fastest results.
Hairs are most effectively treated, regardless of method, in their earliest growth stages as we need moisture to make our treatments effective. The older a hair gets, the drier it gets and thus the less effective treatment would be. We also like to catch your unwanted hairs as they just emerge from the skin as this is when the hairs are finer and straighter allowing for us to be more accurate in our insertions.
When hairs are smaller the target zone is also smaller helping us to eliminate all of the germinative cells that grow hairs in one treatment rather than breaking down a larger hair's zone with multiple sessions. A smaller hair also means we can utilize less current making it a more comfortable treatment for you.
Regular treatment ensures we are catching hairs at this early growth stage and makes for a more effective and more comfortable treatment with less potential for regrowth. If you can make the time commitment at the beginning of treatment, you can think of it as taking time off the end so you get the best results in the shortest time frame.
Laser vs. Electrology:
While laser promoters compare laser to electrology it is actually not allowed to term itself a permanent form of hair removal. Only a three laser devices have been cleared to claim a permanent reduction in hair by the FDA. Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) though often called laser, is NOT a true laser and not approved by the FDA to claim any efficacy though some people have found it an effective management tool. Electrology is cleared for advertising permanent removal of hair. All laser assisted hair removal is considered a temporary or long lasting method of hair removal. Additionally, laser hair removal has not been evaluated for long-term safety of the patient's skin and health--new research is showing prolonged exposure to laser is capable of changing skin cells at the genetic level. For more information on questions regarding the safety of laser hair removal click here. To access the FDA Laser / Radiation Emitting Devices Fact Page click here.
Essentially, laser targets the pigmented cells in hairs. It also takes a series of treatments before you stop seeing your shadow (generally 6+ spaced out every 6 weeks or so) as all hair is not present at one time. On some body parts it takes up to a year to see a complete growth cycle--think about the hair on your head, if it all fell out and re-grew as fast as most people think, you'd have really, really short hair all the time! Clients shave prior to treatment, the laser is applied to the skin and heats the pigmented cells charring the moisture out of the hairs. The hairs slough/fall out on their own like coffee grounds over the next few days or weeks. Skin looks sunburned after treatment and must be protected from the sun. The best results are very dark hair and very, very light skin. Darker skin tones or tanned skin must be treated with extreme caution as laser is attracted to pigment and may require bleaching and sun avoidance for 6 weeks prior to and following treatment if it can be treated at all. White, grey, blonde, and most red hairs are unaffected by laser. Laser does have potential to work with electrolysis. One could argue laser would be well used to initially clear large areas like legs and then follow up with electrolysis as the hair grows back in following the series of laser treatments.
Do make sure your laser technician is a medical doctor (MD) and has appropriate training. There is no clear regulation for laser training. Yes, you read that right. A doctor or laser shop owner of any kind can take anyone of you and "train you" in her/his office without any program requirements. You too could take a weekend course and be a certified laser technician (CLT) and use the Medical Director program and not have a doctor on site at all. In Wisconsin as of December 2006, the Medical Director must simply be located within 120 miles of the shop. Each state varies, some don't even require a medical director--not even one in name only! Treatments are only as good as your technician/operator in any hair removal method, but for safety reasons, especially important here given the larger expense of treatments and potential for tissue damage.
Electrology has proven itself safe, effective, and permanent for over 135 years.Waxing, Sugaring, Nads, Epilady or Threading vs. Electrology:
Waxing, Sugaring, Nads, and threading will remove all of the visible hair by removing it by the root. Except in the case of threading, the outer layer of skin is often removed when the hair is removed. Improperly done or improperly cared for after treatment it can result in skin problems including ingrown hair, scarring, pigment changes, and bruising. To keep your skin clear, (and contrary to advertising claims) all of these methods must be done frequently forever. You must also wait until hair is at least 1/4" to 1/2" (about 3 weeks of growth) long for the wax/sugar/Nads "glue" to adhere to the removal strip.
Research has shown that any method that rips hair out by the root such as waxing, sugaring, and Nads type products can actually increase hair growth in hormonally dependent areas such as the upper lip, chin, breasts, and abdomen!
This is not such an issue on areas like eyebrows and legs wax away if you must and your skin can tolerate it and by all means look into having professional waxing treatments.
Tweezing vs. Electrology:Tweezing is easy to do, and inexpensive too. However hair can become coarser from the repeated tweezing and skin problems including ingrown hair, pigment changes, and scaring can result. Obviously it is not a permanent solution to unwanted hair. NEVER tweeze the upper/lower lip, chin, breasts, or abdomen! You are stimulating growth in these areas. The hair will become thicker and darker. NEVER tweeze out ingrown hairs. You will make the situation worse. The hair will distort further and you will have a bigger lesion the next time it grows in. Really it does. Trust us. Stop performing self-surgery, we mean it!
Shaving vs. Electrology:Shaving is inexpensive and easy. However, the hair does grow back quickly and feels coarse as it is cut off leaving a blunt tip. Shaving DOES NOT increase hair growth in any way. Seriously, this is the biggest myth in hair removal. Hair is dead above the skin surface. Anything you do at this level does not affect hair growth. Shaving is a safe temporary method of removal for basically anywhere.
Depilatories vs. Electrology:Depilatories are essentially a chemical shave. It will remove the hair by dissolving it with a chemical. This can result in a chemical burning of the skin if you are not careful about patch testing and respecting timing.
Absolutely. Our office follows the national Standards for Infection Control which ensure electrolysis is performed under the highest standards of cleanliness and safety and supersede the Wisconsin State standards.
Unlike other practices, we utilize only sealed pre-sterilized disposable probes for all treatments we NEVER re-process and re-use probes! We always utilize fresh, latex-free medical grade disposable gloves for each treatment.
Not all the follicles that produce hair are active and have visible hair in them at any one time. If they did, then we would also shed our hair all at one time and so basically we would be molting and completely bald at times like birds!
All hairs start as an empty hair follicle and then grow in to a fully mature hair. At some point, it
separates from its blood supply, ascends toward the surface of the skin and falls out. Following active growing periods, most hair follicles go into a dormant or resting stage. The period of dormancy may last for an indefinite period of time, however, replacement hairs usually appear within 8 to 16 months.
If you have ever brushed your hair and looked at the hairs in the brush you may have noticed the white tuft on the end of them. These are hairs that were naturally shed. As opposed to when you pluck, say an eyebrow hair, it might have a moist shinny ball at the end. This is a growing hair.
Not all hairs are visible on the surface of the skin at any one time. Depending on the area of the body, you may wait for 24 weeks or 24 months to see all of the dormant hairs come to the surface as your hair pattern fills in. The appearance of these coarse replacement hairs from dormant hair follicles should not be mistaken as regrowth from previously treated follicles.
So ladies that one hair on your chin that you pluck every day...we have may have some bad news. You might want to sit down.
From the day you pluck a single chin hair, it takes about 16 months for that hair to be back in action again. Really. You have about 600 follicles per square centimeter on the face that could be producing hairs so though it seems to be in the same exact place every day, it is just a friendly neighbor hair. Which you probably stimulated into growth by plucking this hormonally controlled area.
If we do the math that's one hair a day times seven days a week = 7 hairs. 7 hairs times 4 weeks in a month = 28 hairs a month. Now let's multiply that times the 16 month total growth cycle and we find you really have about 448 hairs there...but rest assured we can tackle them all! Don't believe us? Think it is the same hair? Don't tweeze at all for a couple weeks and let's see if it is just one lone hair...
What do you mean I should stop tweezing my chin because I'm making it worse?!?!
On women, the facial hair (except the eyebrows which is more like scalp hair and you can pluck to patch baldness) is under hormonal control. The centerline of the chest and abdomen as well as breasts are also under hormonal control.
Unlike the rest of your body hair, facial hair when waxed or tweezed or really any method that violently removes it by the root will come back thicker, stronger and bring friends!
Obviously we are in the business of helping you eliminate your hair problem, not making it worse. Though we offer waxing here, we do NOT routinely wax on the face. Period. We will happily wax or tweeze your eyebrows for you and professionally sculpt them but no other areas on women without your informed consent that the service may increase your hair growth.
Gentlemen, however, are free to wax or tweeze their beards and necks it doesn't appear to make the pattern any denser or thicker.
Immediately following treatment, there may be a slight redness and/or swelling which usually disappears within a few minutes to a few hours. Though not desirable on face work, small white dots or tiny red dots may occur. Ideally, by the next day no one should be able to tell you have had treatment. On body work a pinpoint film or crust may develop. It is important to remember that scabs are a part of the normal healing process in some people. If this does occur, the client is advised to not pick them off. Be sure and tell your Electrologist about any skin reactions so they can work with you to minimize their occurrence. When electrology is administered by a qualified electrologist using state-of-the-art technology and techniques, the results are exciting!
Yes. Electrology has never been proven harmful in any way to pregnant women for over 135 years. Our office does not treat the breasts, abdomen, or bikini line of pregnant women in their last trimester due to the increased sensation they may experience.
Yes they can. Your electrologist may require a note (on a prescription pad is fine) from your healthcare provider stating it is a typical hairy nevus (mole with a hair) and safe to treat. The potential side effect of treating a benign nevus with electrolysis is a flattening of the mole to the skin surface and a lightening of the color. If you love your beauty mark to be prominent and dark this may not be the method for you.
Yes. Electrology has never been a problem for tattoos. In fact, it is one of the few hair removal methods that doesn't affect the design.
Treatment is very affordable! We charge only for actual treatment time. What that means is if you have a 15 minute appointment you will not be in and out in your car in 15 minutes. You will be in the treatment chair for 15 minutes. We book additional time between each client to ensure you receive your full time. If you are squeezing us between your other appointments allow us about a 30 minute window for your 15 minute appointment.
Click here for our current pricing schedule.
We don't expect, nor do we accept tips. We never upcharge clients or hide fees.
We also offer package and pre-paid treatment savings. Prepay for 5 treatments and save 5%, prepay for ten treatments and save 10%, prepay for fifteen treatments and save 15%, prepay for twenty treatments and save 20% that's four free treatments!
At our practice, we feel that every client deserves outstanding service for every treatment and as such it is included in the fees you pay. While everyone loves extra money, tipping isn't expected or accepted at our office. Other electrology practices feel differently so when comparing prices, you'll want to build in a 20% gratuity to their pricing.
What forms of payment do you accept--do you send a bill?
We accept cash, checks, Visa, Discover, or MasterCard at the time of service. We are happy to provide a receipt or statement if you need it for your FLEX spending plan, income tax returns for deduction as an un-reimbursed medical expense, or your records.
Can I record or take a picture of my treatment to show my friends?
As
cool (and potentially innocent) as it may seem to snap a couple quick
pictures or record a treatment, it also opens a Pandora's Box we
strictly forbid access to. To ensure compliance with our privacy
policy, we ask you to respect our privacy and that of our other
clients. For this reason, cameras, cell phones that record or
have cameras, and any other recording devices are not permitted to be
used.
Stealth actions are not funny or a joke to us either as we take privacy seriously and we'd hate to have to involve the authorities. If you have a special need or reason, ask to speak with the boss lady and she may grant you conditional permission for recording. Without prior written approval however, no recording or pictures.
Regulation of electrology is on a state-by-state basis. States regulating the practice of electrology require a practitioner hold a valid license. Currently Minnesota does not regulate Electrologists at all. Really you could open your own practice tomorrow! In Wisconsin, Electrologists are state licensed, they would hold an "RE" designation or "LE," both mean the same thing, that they have passed the
state approved license examination.
Membership in the Society for Clinical and Medical Hair Removal Specialists, National Cosmetology Association, or other professional organization can indicate the electrologist is keeping current with their field. Look for certificates, with current dates. An electrologist with "CPE" designation is a Certified Professional Electrologist, and a "CCE" is a Certified Clinical Electrologist. Both are voluntary national certifications awarded with the passing of a written certification examination and indicates a willingness to pursue advanced opportunities.
Every practice is like people, they have personalities of their own. You need to choose a provider that you feel comfortable with. Look for a practice that is open about their pricing as it often indicates honesty and openness in general. Shops that don't publish their rates on their website and literature may have something to hide or charge each client differently which we feel is discrimination. We prefer to be up front and honest with our clients.
Most electrologists offer a free consultation as we do. Meet with them and look for a clean, professional, office space in a safe and well-lit location. Be sure to look at the rooms where treatments are performed and check for modern equipment. Find someone you trust and would enjoy spending some quality hair-removal time with.
Friends and family can often refer you to someone in your area or look in the local Chamber of Commerce or phone book.
Home Contact Us Electrolysis Treatments Home Waxing Treatments Skin Care Treatments Massage Therapy Complimentary Consultations Links Privacy Policy
© 2004-20011 River Rock Electrology Institute Inc. All Rights Reserved
2523 West Folsom Street, Suite A
Eau Claire, Wisconsin 54703
715-831-0200 or toll-free calling at 1-87-SMOOTH-89
