PRE & POST ELECTROLYSIS APPOINTMENT TIPS

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BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT…

• Stop any tweezing, waxing or epilating in the area you would like treated.
• If you are currently shaving, stop shaving the area you wish to treat about 2 – 4 days before your appointment. The hair you wish to be treated must be long enough for the electrologist to tweeze.
• Dehydrated follicles are more difficult to treat. Drink plenty of water starting at least 24 hours before your appointment.
• Stimulants can affect sensitivity. Avoid drinking caffeine the day of your appointment.
• Stress and anxiety can heighten your sensitivity. Get a good night’s sleep the night before your appointment, take a deep breath and relax. Many clients enjoy listening to music or an audio book to help them relax during treatment.
• For pain relief, Ibuprofen is the easiest and cheapest medicinal pain relief on the market. Take the recommended dose 30/60 minutes before your session starts and this will help numb nerve endings. NOTE:  Aspirin isn’t recommended due to its ability to thin blood and potentially cause bleeding.
• Some Lidocaine topical anaesthetic creams are available over the counter, such as ELA-Max 5. Creams work by being absorbed into the layers of skin being treated so that there is less of a sensation during the treatment. (It is important to follow the guidelines correctly when applying lidocaine cream, to insure that it works correctly, but also to ensure that you do not use too much or for too long as this may cause certain side effects.)
• EMLA cream (2.5% Lidocaine, 2.5% prilocaine), or other lidocaine topical anesthetic.  EMLA cream is a topical anesthetic that is available by prescription only. The cream is applied 60 to 90 minutes before the beginning of your electrolysis session to make sure the area is numbed enough.

• Always treat the area like an open wound… even if there are no adverse effects.
• Do not touch the treated area unless cleaning to avoid infection. Dirty hands often are the result of complications and infection!
• Clean the area with a good antibacterial soap.
• Avoid products containing perfumes and/or alcohol. They will irritate and dry out your skin. A mild astringent such as witch hazel may be used if needed.
• Do not expose area to the sun or tanning for 72 hours to avoid pigmentation. If you must be in the sun, protect the area by covering and always wear sunscreen.
• Do not wear makeup for 24 hours. Mineral or medicated makeup is okay if absolutely necessary. 
• Normal side effects are redness, swelling and tenderness. Occasionally tiny scabs may appear. This is completely normal. Do not pick at or scratch the area or scarring could occur.
• Underarms: Do not use deodorant for 24 hours.
• Stop tweezing, waxing and/or epilating the treated area. The less you do with your hair between treatments, the better. However, for one’s sanity, this is not always possible. If there are only a few hairs that really bother you, clip each individual hair with small scissors. If there is more hair than can be managed this way then shaving is acceptable.
• Follow the treatment plan prescribed by your electrologist. Electrolysis is a process that takes time, patience and dedication. The reward of smooth hair free skin makes it all worth it!

We cannot treat:

• Warts
• Broken skin
• Sunburned skin
• Cold sores

Herpes – Must be on medication and not currently having an outbreak if working on affected areas

• Diabetes
• Heart Conditions
• Metal Implants (pacemakers, pins, rods, plates, etc.)
• Stimulator (brain, bladder, cochlear etc.)
• Any disease or medication that may cause slow healing or fragile skin
• Any other health issue that may raise concern… when in doubt, get a note.