Electrolysis was first introduced in 1875. An electrolysis treatment involves the insertion of a sterile probe, the same size as the hair, into the hair follicle opening down to the dermal papilla. The dermal papilla is the electrologist’s target as it is the part of the follicle that contains blood and nerves and feeds the growing hair. If the papilla and regenerative cells surrounding it are destroyed, the hair will die. When the probe is in place, a low-level electrical current is applied that will destroy the papilla and the surrounding cells, and loosen the hair in the follicle. The hair is then removed.

The American Medical Association recognizes three methods of permanent hair removal via Electrolysis; (1) Thermolysis, (2) Galvanic Electrolysis, and (3) the Blend. Thermolysis is a method that uses a frequency current to produce heat in the area influenced by the current. This heat cauterizes and destroys the dermal papilla. When it is eliminated, the hair cannot live. Galvanic is a chemical method that utilizes a direct current to convert normal body salt and water in the hair follicle into a compound capable of destroying the dermal papilla. The Blend is a combination of both currents together in the same probe. Thermolysis enhances the action of the galvanic method to produce a faster process. 

All hair grows in a cycle that consists of four stages; (1) Anagen Phase - Growing Phase, (2) Catagen Phase - Transition Phase, (3) Telegen Phase - Resting Phase, and (4) Exogen Phase - Shedding Phase. Hair can only be permanently destroyed in the Anagen Phase/Growing Phase, where 50-85% of hairs are in this phase at one time. The hair follicle during this phase has an abundance of colour and is being fed by blood vessels, this is where Electrolysis comes in as the heat generated from the electric current will seal off the blood vessels to these active hairs.

Everyone’s hair grows differently depending on age, weight, metabolism, hormones, hair thickness, the area treated, medications, ethnicity, etc.

Major factors contribute to the growth of excess hair:

• Heredity
• Racial characteristics
• Glandular disturbances: thyroid, polycystic ovaries, overactive adrenal glands, etc. 
• Medication
• Topical influences
• Stress
• Puberty
• Pregnancy
• Menopause

During the normal systemic changes in a women’s life, hormone production varies. It is not uncommon for hormones during these times to be unbalanced. Increased male hormones (androgens) can be present which may result in a male pattern of hair growth. When a hormonal imbalance is suspected you will be encouraged to see your doctor for blood tests that may help to determine the source of the imbalance. Electrolysis can eliminate existing hair but it cannot stop new hairs from growing.

At TLC we encourage correction, prevention and maintenance of your skin. With nearly three decades of experience in the beauty industry, we are always looking into the future. Our goal is to offer our clients the latest state of the art technologies so we may be able to offer the best possible services to meet their ever-changing needs. We are fully committed to providing the safest and most advanced treatments available.

The treatment program we have in place takes a phased approach to Electrolysis permanent hair reduction as to coincide with the Anagen Phase of hair growth, in order to maximize the effectiveness of each treatment. Typically, thick dark hairs require 3-6 treatments over a year. For optimal long-term benefits, treatments are phased to coincide with your hair growth cycle to maximize the percentage of reduction per treatment. After that, touch up treatments can be performed for any new growth.

Your Medical Aesthetician will choose the best and most effective method between the three methods, Thermolysis, Galvanic & Blend, based on your hair types, skin characteristics and sensitivity. The choice will assure each clients maximum comfort and permanent hair reduction. 

Electrolysis is our speciality; we understand hair and how to get rid of it. With each new treatment, we always use a new sterile needle and sterile tweezers. We also have the advantage of a Carl Zeiss Surgical Microscope, who is one of the world’s leading medical technology companies and manufacturer of microscope systems. This microscope allows for quality assurance and control for accurate insertions in even the finest and lightest hairs.

We often combine Electrolysis and Laser Hair Removal treatments for optimal results. The Laser will reduce the number of hairs in a large area more quickly, whereas Electrolysis will eliminate fine stragglers that lack colour for laser treatments and is great for fine tuning delicate areas such as eyebrows. We offer this service to men, women & teens, for all areas of the body and on all skin types.

We always cleanse the area that will be treated, however having the treated area cleaned prior to your visit is recommended; ensure all makeup is washed off and avoid using long wear or waterproof makeup a few days prior.

No local anaesthesia or pain medication is typically required, we work within the limits of your pain tolerance using a number scale of 1-4. During the treatment process we also use cutting edge technology to reduce discomfort for clients by cooling the skin prior, during and after the treatment. This state-of-the-art cooling protects the epidermis and it desensitizes the skin.

IMPORTANT:

If you have a history of herpes, treatment while there is active breakout of lesions will be avoided. For severe cases you may wish to consult with your physician and begin a course of prophylactic anti-viral therapy. 

Keep It Cool, Keep It Clean, Keep It Out of the Sun!

There is little to no down time after treatment. For the next 24-48 hours after treatment, you must be extra gentle with your skin.

Avoid anything very hot. For example hot tubs, saunas and even hot leather seats can cause a burn. Use tepid water. 

Keep the area clean and avoid the use of fragrant products, such as deodorant. Do not aggravate the skin with vigorous washing or touching with unclean hands. Using clean cotton balls, swab the area with astringent. 

If you can’t keep out of the sun, please use sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30.

Pustules and/or crusts are rare but possible. In order to avoid infection, do not pick at them.