Bikini
Often
people have electrolysis on this area because they are
tired of shaving or waxing which creates a rash and /or
the hairs are course and uncomfortable. During puberty
the bikini area experiences more hair growth because the
hair receptors in this area are more sensitive to free
floating testosterone or other hormones called androgens
which produce hair growth. Most women find this area unsightly
when wearing a swimsuit and want to feel more comfortable.
The
hairs in this area are ‘terminal’ hairs. These hairs are
coarser and more deeply rooted than other hairs (cheeks for example). Once the follicle is treated, the entire follicle and hair will die. Dermal cells in the skin try to replace the eradicated hair with a new, finer hair that does not have an established root system. If left untreated, this dermal cell hair root system will attach to an existing papilla (blood source) and become strong. It is important to keep on a strict schedule in order to kill the dermal hair growth in its early stage when it is weakest. For best results, appointments
should be made in two-week increments.
Prior
to treatment, numbing creams may be used if you are sensitive.
5% lidocaine creams are available over the counter and work best with cellophane to keep the air from deactivating the cream while on the skin. During treatment, after one side is
completed, ice will be applied while the other side is
treated. It is helpful to keep ice on the treated area
for at least an hour to help with any swelling.
Hair
Growth Cycles:
It
is important to understand hair growth cycles. Hairs grow
and rest in cycles so the hair that you currently have
is not all the hair you have in total. When a hair has
completed its growth cycle the follicle releases the hair
and goes into a dormant cycle. This cycle allows the follicle
to rejuvenate while another hair is formed. This cycle
can last from six weeks to two months before the hair
grows again. The active growth cycle is the only time
that a hair should be treated with electrolysis. When the
hair first starts to grow it is at it’s weakest. That is why it is important
to stay on a strict schedule so the hairs can be treated
most effectively.
Preparation for Treatment
→ Avoid caffeine prior to treatment. as it “wakes up” nerve endings making you → more sensitive.
→ Avoid rushing prior to your appointment which can make you tense and → nervous. Arrive at the office early to allow yourself ample time to relax.
→ Take an aspirin, Advil, Aleve, etc., prior to your treatment to decrease your → sensitivity.
Pre / Post Skin Care
→ Skin will be cleansed before and after with an antibacterial / aloe vera lotion → and alcohol.
→ After treatment a regenerating crème / gel will applied and Ionophoresis will → be performed which will:
- Relieve redness, inflammation, irritation and edema.
- Restore the skin’s natural pH level.
- Soothe and provide a germicidal and vasoconstriction action.
- Promote greater penetration of active products to enhance treatment effectiveness.
Contraindications for Ionophoresis:
- Heart disease, pacemaker or electronic implant.
- Hemophilia.
- Diabetes.
- Epilepsy.
- Viral hepatitis or AIDS.
- Pregnancy.
- Accutane.
- Cancerous lesions.
- Absence of sensory perception or numbness.
- Metallic and dental implants.
- Remove contact lens before treatment.
→ Apply sunscreen liberally to treated area (if exposed to sun) especially for → sensitive and pigmented skin.
→ Home Care Instructions
Depending on individual skin types, you may display redness and a small amount of swelling after the treatment. This is normal. If any other manifestations occur, it is temporary and will disappear shortly with proper care. Do not aggravate the treatment area. Please follow these instructions:
→ First Day
→ Do activities that keep you cool. Avoid sunning, working out, hot tubs, etc. → which can increase swelling.
→ Keep treated area clean.
→ For electrolysis treatments to the face, try not to apply makeup for at least → 24 hours. If you must wear makeup, put an antibiotic OINTMENT on first.
→ Wear sunscreen at all times.
