Have unwanted hair or fluff on your face? Now, you can stop worrying because advances in technology have made it easier for you to get rid of them permanently! If you've tried other methods such as lasers and/or hair removal creams but were disappointed with the temporary results, why not try electrolysis? In fact, this method that uses short radio waves is the only hair removal procedure approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (BPOM)! However, understand that in some people, hair or fluff can still reappear within a few years. Interested in trying it? Start by looking for the names of trusted electrologists or beauty doctors in your area. After that, consult with the doctor of your choice and ask for their recommendations on how to protect the skin before and after the electrolysis procedure.
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Part 1 of 3: Choosing an Electrologist
Step 1. Browse the internet to find a doctor or clinic that offers electrolysis procedures in your area of residence
In fact, the procedure must be carried out by an electrologist, that is, a person who has attended special training so that it is appropriate to perform electrolysis procedures on his patients. If possible, try to find out whether or not an electrologist is in your area, and note down the names that you think are the most reliable. Find at least 3-4 electrologists or beauticians at this stage.
- Look for an electrologist or doctor who has at least 5 years of experience in the field, has had positive reviews from past patients, and has a professional-looking social media account or personal website.
- Today, quite a lot of cosmetic surgeons and cosmetic surgeons offer electrolysis procedures in their clinics. Try browsing the internet to find the nearest clinic that provides this treatment.
- Ask for recommendations from close relatives and friends.
- Read online reviews of related doctors or clinics to find out their credibility and quality from the eyes of others.
Step 2. Check the credibility of each doctor on your list
In many areas, an esthetician must have a special permit, license, or certification to perform electrolysis procedures. Therefore, try to determine if the area where you live also applies the same rules. If so, make sure the doctor you choose displays his license on the clinic wall. If not, at least choose a doctor who has obtained certification from a relevant and well-accredited school.
- Even if the doctor you choose is licensed, check to see if they are registered with a professional organization such as the American Association of Electrology (AEA) in the United States. If so, it means that the doctor has a commitment to continue to learn new knowledge in the field and the quality is worthy of consideration.
- Make sure the procedure is not performed by a doctor or clinician who is not certified.
Step 3. Consult a doctor several times before making a decision
Write down any questions you have before the consultation and make sure they are answered properly. Also ask if the doctor will use the needle method because that is the only method approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration and the American Medical Association (AMA).
- Some of the questions you will need to ask include the duration of each session, the frequency of treatment required, and the cost of each session. If you want, also ask what kind of sensation you will feel and the duration of the establishment of the clinic.
- Make sure you share the results you want to achieve with your doctor. Indicate the location of the fluff you want to remove as this can affect the final result.
Step 4. Understand the sanitation procedures applied by the clinic
Since electrolysis can make the skin more susceptible to infection, try asking your doctor about the sanitation procedures your doctor will use to protect his patient. Are they wearing medical gloves? Do they perform general sanitizing procedures such as sterilizing all used tools and using new needles for each client?
Observe clinical conditions. Do all the rooms in the clinic look neat and clean? Do all clinic staff seem to apply good sanitation methods? Also observe whether the doctor always washes your hands before examining your skin condition, and most importantly, think about whether you feel comfortable there. If you answered no to one of them, immediately look for another clinic
Part 2 of 3: Preparing to Perform the Electrolysis Procedure
Step 1. Prepare to perform a series of procedures consisting of several sessions
Generally, each session will only last for a few minutes to an hour, depending on the number of pores to be worked on. However, usually the electrolysis procedure needs to be done 10-12 times over several months to get maximum results. Ideally, each session is 1-2 weeks apart to give the skin time to heal.
Step 2. Do not shave or remove facial hair, at least 3 days before the procedure
Remember, the size of the hair must be long enough to be easily removed by the doctor using tweezers. Therefore, do not shave or pluck the fine hair on the face before the procedure is carried out so that the results can be more effective.
Step 3. Drink at least 8 glasses of water on the day before the electrolysis procedure
In fact, the procedure is more difficult to do on dry or dehydrated skin. Therefore, drink at least 8 glasses of water the day before. Since well-hydrated skin can heal faster, keep drinking plenty of water after treatment.
On the day before the procedure, do not consume caffeinated drinks that can increase skin sensitivity
Step 4. Clean your face with a mild cleansing soap before doing the treatment
Electrolysis procedures can make the skin more susceptible to infection afterward. Therefore, make sure you clean your face thoroughly using a mild cleansing soap and lotion before carrying out the procedure.
Before electrolysis, do not use products that are not friendly to the skin, such as exfoliants that contain chemicals, waxes, or other products that make facial skin feel more sensitive. Avoid these products at least a week in advance to prevent the skin from reacting negatively to the electrolysis procedure. Since the next electrolysis procedure must be repeated within 1-2 weeks after the previous procedure, it is best to avoid these products until your electrolysis series is complete
Step 5. Take a deep breath and listen to music to calm yourself down
Try to remain calm during the procedure. Take a deep breath and focus on the result you want to achieve. If you want, you can also bring headphones and listen to your favorite music, you know!
In an electrolysis procedure, the doctor will insert a very thin needle into the root of the hair, then remove the hair or fluff using tweezers. Generally, it takes about 15 seconds to remove the hair in one pore. If you're concerned about possible pain, your doctor will likely prescribe a topical anesthetic in the form of a cream or over-the-counter pain reliever that you can take before the procedure
Part 3 of 3: Caring for Post-Treatment Skin
Step 1. Keep skin moist after treatment
The best way to treat skin after electrolysis is to treat it as if it were a mild sunburn. Apply a light lotion to ensure that the skin's moisture is well maintained. In addition, doing so is also effective in speeding up skin recovery, preventing scabs from forming, and relieving pain or discomfort that arises.
Step 2. Do not touch or scratch the skin after the treatment
Remember, the skin pores will be open for some time after the procedure. Touching and/or scratching your face risks transferring bacteria to your skin, which is still fragile, and can lead to breakouts and infections. Therefore, try your best not to touch your face for at least 1-2 days after treatment. If you absolutely must, wash your hands thoroughly first.
If a scab forms, be patient and wait for the scab to peel off on its own. In other words, don't try to peel it off so you don't scar the skin
Step 3. Do not wear makeup, for at least 1-2 days after the electrolysis procedure
Remember, makeup risks clogging the pores of skin that is undergoing a period of recovery, and can cause irritation and infection of the skin. If you don't want your skin to look dull, just wear a transparent powder (translucent powder) and avoid other make-up products until your skin condition is completely healed.
Step 4. Wear a hat and sunscreen with SPF 15 if you have to go out in the hot sun
After performing the electrolysis procedure, make sure you always protect your skin from exposure to UVA and UVB rays. Be careful, exposure to the sun on the skin that has just done the treatment risks making the skin color change or experience hyperpigmentation. To prevent this from happening, always wear a sunscreen cream containing SPF 15 or higher when you have to go outside, especially 1-2 days after the electrolysis procedure.
Step 5. Do not do strenuous exercise for 1-2 days
Sweating immediately after an electrolysis procedure can irritate the skin and clog the pores; both can cause infection. Therefore, do not exercise for at least a day or two after the procedure to get the best results.
