Electrolysis vs. Laser Hair Removal

How does laser hair removal differ from electrolysis and is the treatment permanent?
The main difference between this technology and the traditional method known as electrolysis, is that lasers can treat multiple hair follicles at one time, no longer requiring the need to identify and probe each individual hair follicle, as is done with electrolysis. Laser hair removal is relatively new technology. The FDA, however, has recently provided clearance that indicates lasers can achieve a permanent reduction in hair growth based on clinical tests with patients who have hair reduction two years after treatment completion. Most people need an average of 3-6 treatments. Hair grows in cycles and subsequent treatments are necessary to treat the follicles that are lying dormant below the surface of the skin. These dormant follicles contain little pigment and are often not affected by the first treatment.

Both technologies have they advantages and disadvantages, but In general the laser hair removal is the most practical, faster, least expensive professional method available to remove unwanted hair.

Are you a candidate for laser hair removal?

By using this chart you can determine whether you are a good candidate for laser hair removal or electrolysis.

How Electrolysis work?
During electrolysis, a tiny probe, the same size as the hair is gently inserted into the hair follicle, down to the papilla (the part that nourishes the hair). A very low electrical current destroys the papilla, ending further hair growth.

Laser Hair Removal vs. Electrolysis - Advantages and Disadvantages

How long does the Electrolysis treatment take?
This varies greatly from person to person. Factors such as the size of the area to be treated, the curvature of the hair follicle, the level of skin sensitivity, hormonal balance and heredity all have an effect.

These estimates are based on averages, they will vary from person to person and should only be taken as a rough guide.

How long does the Laser Hair Removal procedure take?

What preparation is needed before laser treatment?
Tanning should be avoided. Waxing, plucking, and bleaching should be avoided for at least several weeks prior to treatment. It is fine to trim or shave the hairs, in fact it is best to freshly shave the area just prior to treatment. If you are adverse to shaving, clipping the hairs short is o.k. Remember, minimize waxing, plucking and bleaching for several weeks prior to treatment.

What will I look like after the treatment?
In most instances, no perceptible skin changes are apparent. Rarely, mild redness and swelling may occur, but can be covered with makeup immediately. If redness occurs, it usually fades within 24 hours. At the time of treatment many of the hairs are removed, and others are shed 1-2 weeks following treatment. In most instances you will be able to apply makeup immediately if you chose.

Are the Laser Hair Removal results permanent?
The LightSheer causes permanent hair reduction and delayed regrowth of the treated hair follicles. A long-term clinical study was done to evaluate the LightSheer Diode Laser for hair removal. Of 92 patients, all had temporary hair loss and 89% had long-term hair loss. Also, regrowing hairs were shown to be thinner and lighter than previously. Because the laser tends to treat hair follicles that are in an active growth phase, more than one treatment will be required to disable hair follicles that subsequently enter this growth phase. However, one treatment may result in a significant enough improvement that it may be all you desire or require.

Is Electrolysis permanent?
Yes! Electrolysis is the permanent hair removal method for all skin and hair types.

Is Laser Hair Removal safe?
The LightSheer system was developed from years of research at the Wellman Laboratories of Photomedicine, one of the world's leading medical laser research institutions. The laser is pulsed, or "turned on," for only a fraction of a second and the duration of each pulse is just long enough to disable the hair follicles. A unique component of the LightSheer system, the actively cooled sapphire handpiece, was designed to protect the skin by actively cooling it before, during and after the laser light is transmitted. It also actively draws off heat from the skin surface, which further protects the skin from injury.

Is Electrolysis safe?
Professional electrologists maintain the strictest standards of hygiene. Sterile, disposable probes are only used once, ensuring your complete safety.

Does Laser Hair removal hurt?
The cooling tip has a mild anesthetic property, which allows tender areas to be treated in a relatively painless fashion. You may feel a tingling or stinging sensation during the treatment, but most people tolerate the procedure well. Topical anesthetic is available to increase your comfort, if you choose. Following your treatment, you may experience a sunburn-type sensation in the treated area for several hours.

Is Electrolysis painful?
Until now the electrical current used in the process was transmitted at a fixed intensity, resulting in an unpleasant sensation. Sequentium VMC is an innovative machine using the patented Sequential Modulation System by Silhouet-Tone. During the insertion of the probe, the system modulates the intensity and duration of the current, achieving next-to-painless electrolysis.