Advanced Electrolysis & MedSpa

What is the Difference Between Electrolysis and Laser Hair Removal?

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One of the questions electrologists are asked most frequently is, “what is the difference between electrolysis and laser hair removal?”

When it comes to the end goal of hair removal, the main difference is that electrolysis achieves permanent results after completion. Laser is expected to produce semi-permanent results with a touch up needed yearly. 

hair removal laser hair removal electrolysis permanent hair removal smooth skin

Technique

Both techniques aim to disable hair follicles from producing hair over the long term. The dermal papilla, which is responsible for the growth and nourishment for hair, is targeted in both techniques. 

Laser targets the papilla using a concentrated beam of light that is absorbed by melanin in the hair structure. Melanin is a dark brown to black pigment present in the hair, eyes, and skin. The darker one’s skin color, the more melanin is present in the skin. Because the laser is attracted to melanin, the best results are achieved when there is high contrast between hair color and skin color. 

Electrolysis targets the papilla via an electrical current delivered through a tiny probe inserted in the follicle. The current is adjusted to cause precise injury to the papilla either by heat, a chemical reaction, or a blend of both. Hair type, skin reaction, and pain tolerance are factors in determining which kind of current will be used. 

Treatment Times

Generally, laser hair removal takes anywhere between 6-8 treatment sessions to complete. Laser targets whole areas of the body, which allows treatments in large areas completed in one session. 

Completion time for electrolysis differs greatly from person to person. The amount of time needed to clear an area will vary according to the amount of hair present. Electrolysis targets individual hairs one by one, so it may be five minutes or several hours for a session depending on the person’s needs.  In general, it takes anywhere between 6-24 months of treatments to complete.  

Factors that influence treatment times in both techniques include the type of hair present, skill of the operator, and adherence to a schedule that fits within proper growth cycle times.  

Combination Treatments

Combining both laser hair removal and electrolysis treatments into one, utilizes the benefits of both technologies.   For larger, more dense areas laser hair removal may be a great starting point.  After completing the needed treatments, electrolysis can permanently remove the few hairs remaining.  In addition as some of the hair returns the next few years, the hair will be lighter and quicker to remove permanently.   For many people, the hair they want removed varies in color ranging from black to gray.   While laser hair removal only can be effective on dark hair, electrolysis is able to successfully treat all types and colors of hair making combination treatments more desirable.

Call 801-782-5868 to schedule a consultation and see which treatment or combination is right for you. 

What is Electrolysis?
Electrolysis is the only FDA approved method for permanent removal of unwanted hair. This is because as the hair is treated, regrowth is prevented rather than just removed temporarily. Only electrolysis provides both hair removal and hair elimination for every skin type and color, hair type and color, and on almost any area of the body.

How Does Electrolysis Work?
During an electrolysis treatment, a very fine needle, smaller than the thickness of the hair, is inserted into the natural opening of the hair follicle and a treatment is given. In order for complete permanency, two areas of the hair follicle need to be destroyed, the bulb and stem cells found in the follicle.  There are three different types of electrolysis treatments; and the treatment used is dependent upon the needs of the hair, hair follicle, and skin of the client.

  1. Galvanic treatments send a tiny electrical impulse into the hair follicle. Mixing with the salt and moisture in the skin, it produces a caustic substance that destroys the hair growing capability within the follicle.
  2. Thermolysis uses heat and vibration to destroy the follicle, eliminating the growing capability.
  3. Blend treatments are a combination of  Galvanic and Thermolysis, combining the best of both methods.

With each treatment the hair follicle receives, the hair will grow lighter and lighter until it is completely gone. Some individuals need consistent treatments due to new growth of hair from dormant hair follicles. This can occur due to genetic and hormonal changes. However, other individuals go through treatments once and, as we call it, “graduate.” Those graduates never need treatment again. The need or lack of need for additional treatments depends upon each individual case.

What Areas Can Be Treated?
Almost all areas of the body can be subject to unwelcome hair growth. The most common areas are typically the chin, upper lip, cheeks, eyebrows, underarm, bikini area, though most areas on the face and all areas of the body can be treated. The best way to be sure is to call in or schedule a consultation.  For women, the unwanted hair on commonly visible areas, like the face, usually take priority. Hair growth on the face can often be caused by hormones, whether imbalanced or not. Genetics and medication can also cause excess hair on the face and body, in areas such as the chest, breasts, and abdomen.

If you are experiencing unwanted hair growth, call our clinic to schedule your free consultation.   In the consultation, we will explain in greater detail the process of electrolysis and what to expect.  After discussing your needs together, we will tailor a treatment plan insuring the greatest success.

Transgender ElectrolysisGender Reassignment Surgery & Electrolysis
Beginning your journey to become on the outside who you have always felt like on the inside is an incredibly exciting time. Often, part of that journey is to remove unwanted hair from the face and body. Electrolysis is often the chosen route for hair removal, as it is the only method approved by the FDA for permanent removal of unwanted hair.

Will my electrologist be understanding?
The short answer is yes, definitely! The longer answer is that a large portion of people seeking electrolysis are transitioning. Although transitioning can be different for everyone, electrologists are sensitive to the journey you are on. If you are worried or uncomfortable, be open with your electrologist. Concerns vary from client to client, but an electrologists biggest concern is to make sure you are at ease.

Do I need to be on hormone therapy?
While ideally it is best to be on hormone therapy for a year before starting electrolysis, we understand that it is an extremely important step to help you feel more confident in your own skin. Therefore, we will gladly start treatments whenever you are ready.

Can I get electrolysis on my genital area before gender reassignment surgery (GRS)?
Yes! Permanent hair removal prior to gender reassignment surgery is incredibly important. The genital area, along with the face and neck, is one of the most common treatment areas for our transgender clients. Typically, we like to know what surgeon you will be working with for your GRS, as the guidelines we follow for genital hair removal can differ from surgeon to surgeon. It is a requirement by most surgeons and must be done only by electrolysis. Some surgeons that will tell you that they will “scrape the follicles during surgery.” We recommend you do not rely on only this, as you will not be able to remove any hair once the surgery has been done. If all hair has not been properly and permanently removed prior to surgery, the hair will grow inside the new vaginal canal and there is no way to remove it at that point.

​Some clients are concerned that treating this area may be awkward or uncomfortable. For this reason, we prefer to start on the face, neck, or other areas. While having those areas treated, you will get to know your electrologist and when the time comes to treat the genital area, you’ll feel much more comfortable.

Making an appointment
Although we believe there should be no shame related to transitioning, we understand that sometimes it can be difficult to open up to a stranger over the phone about beginning your journey. In fact, many clients are shy when talking about hair removal in general. Because of this, we have both an email contact, as well as a text line. We know it can sometimes be easier to give details about hormone therapy, GRS, and desired treatment areas through text rather than over the phone. Give us a call, email, or text – we are excited to help you feel more comfortable in your own skin.

Phone number: (801) 782-5868
Text only line: (801) 396-2008
Email address: contact@adv-electrolysis.com

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Office Hours

1690 N Washington Blvd Ste 3,
North Ogden, UT 84404
(385) 380-4598
Monday 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Tuesday 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Wednesday 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Thursday 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Friday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday Coming Soon
Sunday Closed

Appointment Hours

Monday 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Tuesday 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Wednesday 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Thursday 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Friday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday Coming Soon
Sunday Closed

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