How Can I Prepare for My Electrolysis Appointment?
Before your appointment
- Arrive relaxed and comfortable. Stress and tension can make treatment feel more uncomfortable, so try to allow yourself enough time to arrive without rushing.
- Stay well hydrated. Drink plenty of water before and after your appointment. Well-hydrated skin can support a more comfortable treatment and normal skin recovery.
- Limit caffeine and other stimulants. Some clients find that caffeine can increase their sensitivity or make them feel more tense. Consider limiting coffee, energy drinks, and other stimulants before your appointment if you notice they affect your comfort.
- Avoid sun exposure before treatment. Avoid significant sun exposure and tanning before your appointment, particularly in the area being treated. Do not treat sunburned or irritated skin.
- Be aware of hormonal changes. Some clients find that their skin is more sensitive around their menstrual cycle. If this applies to you, you may wish to schedule appointments at a time when you feel most comfortable.
- Avoid removing hair from the root before treatment. Do not tweeze, wax, thread, or otherwise remove the hair from the root between appointments unless specifically advised by your electrologist. Visible hair is needed for treatment.
- Pain management. If you normally use an over the counter pain reliever, speak with your healthcare provider or pharmacist to determine whether it is appropriate for you and whether there are any reasons you should avoid it.
- Topical anesthetics. Some clients use a topical numbing product to help manage discomfort. If you are considering a topical anesthetic such as lidocaine or another numbing product, follow the product directions carefully and consult your healthcare professional or pharmacist if you have questions about whether it is appropriate for you.
Most importantly, communicate with your electrologist during your treatment. Your comfort matters, and treatment settings and techniques can be adjusted based on your individual needs and skin response.
Proper aftercare is important to help your skin recover comfortably after electrolysis. Mild redness, swelling, tenderness, or small bumps around the treated follicles can be normal following treatment.
Post Treatment Care
- Do not touch, scratch, pick, or squeeze the treated area. Touching the skin unnecessarily can increase irritation and may contribute to breakouts or infection.
- Keep the area clean. Avoid unnecessary products immediately after treatment. When cleansing, use clean hands and a gentle cleanser without scrubbing or rubbing the treated area.
- Avoid makeup immediately after facial electrolysis. Your electrologist will advise you when it is appropriate to resume makeup and your regular skincare products.
- Avoid fragrances and alcohol based products on the treated area until the skin has settled, as these may cause additional irritation.
- Avoid excessive heat and sweating for the remainder of the day. This includes strenuous exercise, saunas, steam rooms, and hot tubs.
- Avoid swimming for at least 24–48 hours following treatment, particularly in chlorinated pools and hot tubs.
- Protect the treated area from the sun. Avoid direct sun exposure while the skin is recovering and use appropriate sunscreen once the skin has settled. Sun protection is especially important to help reduce the risk of post inflammatory pigmentation.
- If small scabs or crusts appear, do not pick or remove them. Allow them to heal and fall away naturally. Picking can increase the risk of irritation and scarring.
- Do not tweeze, wax, thread, or otherwise remove hairs from the root between electrolysis appointments. If you need to manage visible hair before your next appointment, you may carefully trim or clip it without removing it from the root.
- Use only products recommended for your individual skin. If your skin requires additional care, your electrologist will provide personalized aftercare instructions.
To understand the effects of electrolysis on the skin, and the healing process, please watch YouTube video series by Michael Bono
The Healing Skin - Part 1: cells that start the healing process
Healing Skin - Part 2. Cells that continue the healing process
The Healing Skin - Part 3: advanced processes in skin healing
The Healing Skin - Part 4: photos of patients with normal post-treatment skin problems
When Should I Seek Medical Attention?
If your reaction is severe or you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, seek immediate medical attention or call 911.
