Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

I need info on electrolysis

Question:

I have recently been considering seein an electrolysis.  I have read a lot of things about it.  Some things are positive like it is permanent for the most part, especially if accompanied with hormones ( or saw palmetto extract, is this true).   Please give me any advice on this.   I have also heard that it is very uncomfortable and may leaves scarring.  Is this true?   Are there any marks left after the treatment like a rash or anything?  If so how long does it last?   I have a lot of hair under my chin,  this is what bothers me most it is kind of light and would not make an entire beard.  Would this take a long time to remove? Any advice would be appreciated. Adrienne

Response:

I had electrolysis done on my upper lip.  It hurt, caused my skin to swell up, and it did cause some scarring.  The worst part is that even though I went weekly for several years — at great expense, I might add — the hair did come back once I quit.  Now I just tweeze nightly. In your case, since you have quite a bit of hair to remove, it’d probably be better to wax it or use that Alexandria sugaring or some other depilatory.  I honestly wouldn’t recommend electrolysis. Hope this helps! Claudia

Response:

Adrienne, For me, electrolysis is wonderful!!  Well, ok, it is a bit irritating, but the self-esteem I get makes me feel great.  See below for responses to your individual questions. >Some things are positive like it is permanent for the most >part, especially if accompanied with hormones ( or saw palmetto extract, is >this true).  

From what I understand it isn’t truly "permanent".  When I finally get all the hair removed that I want to have removed I will have to go for occassional touch-ups, like a session once every 6 months or so.  However, because of the PCO when I first started electrolysis I went for almost 2 years without it even making a dent… then I started taking Saw Palmetto and suddenly I had bald spots on my throat!!  I agree that for PCOers it would definitely help to be taking some anti-androgen (such as Saw Palmetto) to help the electrolysis take effect. >I have also heard that it is very uncomfortable and may leaves scarring.  Is >this true?  

Uncomfortable, yes.. but not what I would call extremely painful.  More aggravating than anything else for me.  But it should NEVER leave scarring… if it does find yourself another electrolysis technician!!!!  You should never have blisters or red areas for longer than 3 hours.  If that happens the technician has either used too high of a setting or doesn’t know what the hell they are doing!  A good clue is if you smell hair burning get the heck out of there!!!  My electrolysist uses  a combination of heat and electrolysis but I cannot even feel any heat at all.   My technician actually does a consulting appointment at no cost.  At this, she does a few test hairs on the area you want done so you can decide if electrolysis is for you. >Are there any marks left after the treatment like a rash or anything?  If so >how long does it last?  

For me, my throat feels a little tender and is pink for 1-2 hours afterward, but if I take 2 ibuprofen about 30 minutes before my session it helps that a lot.  I even go shopping immediately after my sessions, it is that unnoticeable. >I have a lot of hair under my chin,  this is what bothers me most it is kind >of >light and would not make an entire beard.  Would this take a long time to >remove?

The length of time it would take is dependant on the number of hairs.  Mine are very dark and very coarse so there are more hairs that I will have to have removed before I no longer feel like the bearded lady (or should I say half-bearded now LOL). >Any advice would be appreciated.

I hope this helps

Response:

>For me, electrolysis is wonderful!!  Well, ok, it is a bit irritating, but >the >self-esteem I get makes me feel great >I hope this helps

Thanks for this advice.  Now I will a least know what to expect and what to look for when I go into visit with an electrolosis tech.  I had no idea before. I was considering not trying at all because of some of the experiences of others, but now I have a good idea of what to expect and what not to stick around for. Thanks again (-= Adrienne.

Response:

Hi Adrienne– The best advice in choosing an electrologist is to meet clients in person who are done and happy. Only 34 states regulate electrolysis, so it’s best to meet clients if possible. If it isn’t possible, try to find one affiliated with IGPE or AEA, the two main professional groups. They usually have CPE (Certified Professional Electrologist) or RE (Registered Electrologist) as designations. I monitor this site after getting some nice letters from women with PCO, and I’ve had a great deal of electrolysis myself. The website listed below has tons of additional information on electrolysis, including tips on pain management, reducing costs, and skin care. Take care, Andrea ———- Consumer hair removal facts: http://members.aol.com/jokestress/haircompare.html

Response:

>Only 34 states regulate electrolysis, so it’s best to meet clients if >possible. >If it isn’t possible, try to find one affiliated with IGPE or AEA, the two >main >professional groups. They usually have CPE (Certified Professional >Electrologist) or RE (Registered Electrologist) as designations.

Thanks for this information.  I am slowly compiling as much info as I can so that hopefully this will be something that I can do to help manage this embarrassing condition. Adrienne

Response:

Adrienne I have been going to an electrolysis for over 11 years..No, my need is not typical, but b/c I can’t seem to balance my hormones my hair contiues to grow. It is mostly facial hair that I have treated It will remove the hair, but it might take a while.  I suggest you interview many technicains, find someone who uses a machine that has heat and electricity and is certified.  Another suugestion (which I am saving for.. is laser…3 treatments andyou will be done.less pain and time.  Let me know what you choose…jennifer (JLKl…@aol.com)

Response:

Jennifer writes: > Another suugestion (which I am saving for.. is laser…3 >treatments andyou will be done.less pain and time.

While some find laser a few times a year a viable option, there is no proof of permanent hair removal. No lasers are legally allowed to claim permanent hair removal according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Take care, Andrea ———- Consumer hair removal facts: http://members.aol.com/jokestress/haircompare.html

Response:

Filed under: PCO

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