Electrolysis is considered a more permanent solution than laser hair removal (it stops hair growth completely while laser hair removal slows and reduces hair growth), but it requires more individual sessions (closer to 14), and the sessions can take longer. You might not see full results for nearly 18 months.
Yes, it is. Electrolysis stands alone as the permanent alternative to lifetime maintenance. No other hair-removal solution can claim the universal acceptability and success offered by electrolysis treatments.
Is it really permanent? Yes. Unlike other hair removal methods that offer a temporary solution, Electrolysis is permanent and is the only FDA approved method of permanent hair removal.
Electrolysis is the only method approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for permanently removing unwanted hair. While laser hair removal reduces the amount of hair that grows back, it doesn't end all growth.
Electrolysis Cons
It's a time-consuming procedure requiring multiple sessions. Skin discoloration is a possibility. The electricity in the device can actually destroy the capillaries in the surrounding areas. It can be very painful.
Electrolysis. Electrolysis, which zaps hair follicles with electric current, is the only hair removal method the FDA calls permanent. It suits all hair types and ethnicities. Many transgender people choose it for its effective, lasting results.
Electrolysis is not as popular as laser hair removal for a few reasons: Longer Treatment Time: As mentioned, treating each hair follicle individually makes electrolysis take much longer. Laser hair removal often takes 10 minutes or less for smaller areas.
This regrowth is known as false regrowth because the hair wasn't treated initially. Incomplete Follicle Destruction: In some cases, the hair follicle might not be fully destroyed during treatment. This leads to true regrowth, where the follicle can still produce new hair.
“If you have a deep skin tone, white or fair blonde hairs, and a small quantity of hairs you want to destroy, electrolysis is the way to go,” says Dr. Yadav. “If you want to cover a wider treatment area and dark hair, laser hair removal is for you.”
Common Electrolysis Treatment Areas
Electrolysis works on all skin and hair types. It can be applied to most facial and body parts, including eyebrows, chin, upper and lower lip, jaw line and sides of the face, breast, underarms, abdomen, bikini line, feet, legs, and back.
Laser hair removal. The laser emits a beam of light, which the pigment (color) in your hair absorbs. Over time, this can destroy the hair follicle, so the hair cannot grow back. While it takes about 6 treatments from a dermatologist to destroy a follicle, the hair will grow back thinner and finer after each treatment.
Some hairs will grow back after electrolysis. However, as you undergo more and more sessions, the number of hairs that grow back each time decreases. If the hair doesn't regrow after more than three months, it will never come back again.
Electrolysis Cost
For a full body treatment, you're looking at roughly $35 to $100 per hour. Because each hair is treated one at a time, it takes many sessions. You might spend 15 to 30 hours in total. This means the full cost could be anywhere from $525 to $3,000.
Hence it is a quick, fast, and efficient method as compared to electrolysis. Another benefit of laser hair removal treatment is that one can shave in-between the treatments, and it also works well for short hair. Laser hair treatment targets the melanin of the hair roots.
To further prevent lip lines, don't get electrolysis. I see many patients years after they have had electrolysis developing pitted scars and wrinkles on their upper lip. It is a nonspecific heat probe, so as it's killing the hair, it can inadvertently kill some collagen too. It's rare, but it does happen.
Your electrologist's skill and your commitment are decisive factors to reach your goal of permanency in the shortest amount of time. Once you start Electrolysis refrain from plucking, waxing or threading. Any method that requires to pull the hair from the root will slow down your progress.
Unfortunately, the general rule is that most health insurance companies do not cover electrolysis treatments, primarily considering excessive hair growth as a cosmetic issue.
Many hairs will fall out, leading to noticeable hair thinning. If these hairs do regrow, they appear thinner and sparser than before. In most cases, however, the hair is not completely gone. After three to five sessions of electrolysis for hair removal, you are guaranteed to see permanent and impressive results.
It's good for sensitive areas of the body, like the face or bikini line. The main disadvantage to electrolysis is the length of time needed to achieve permanent hair removal.
Electrolysis tends to cause more discomfort than laser hair removal. It involves inserting a tiny needle into each hair follicle. This can be more painful and time-consuming. Laser treatments cover larger areas more quickly, often resulting in a more tolerable experience for many people.
Electrolysis. Electrolysis is an FDA-approved treatment for permanent hair reduction. Like laser hair removal, it targets the hair follicles that are in the active growth phase.
The price for this treatment varies from INR 2,500 to INR 4,000 per session.