Epilation is the process of removing unwanted hairs from the body. There are two methods for removing hair: electrolysis and thermolysis. Both of these methods work quite well and differ mainly in the type of current used.
How does epilation work?
Electrolysis involves using a needle to destroy the follicle with focused energy. Thermolysis is done by inserting a thin needle into the hair follicle parallel to the hair shaft. A small amount of high-frequency electrical current is then applied to the hair. This results in the generation of heat that destroys the hair.
After the current is applied the hair is removed with forceps. All instruments used in this process are sterilized for each individual patient, so there is no risk of acquiring AIDS or hepatitis from the procedure as some patients express concern about.
Are there any side effects of epilation?
A hair regrowth rate of approximately 15% – 25% can be expected. However, often the hairs that grow back are smaller and less noticeable than the original hairs.
Epilation works by causing a small scar around the treated hair. In people prone to forming thick scars, the scar may be noticeable. If you tend to form thick scars you should not have this procedure done.
Dark-skinned people may develop dark or white areas around the treated hairs; therefore a small test area should be done first before proceeding with the full treatment.
There is a slight risk of bacterial infection from epilation. If a treated hair becomes red or has pus, call your doctor immediately.
Which form of hair removal is best?
Depending on the scope of the procedure, your dermatologist might recommend one hair removal procedure over another. These days, thermolysis is the most popular method as it is very fast, but it requires the most precision. The galvanic method, although older, can be quite effective as well, although it is a much slower process. A blend of the two might be the best option for you.
If you are interested in having your unwanted hair removed, talk to your doctor about the various choices of epilation out there to determine which is the best for your particular situation.