How effective is electrolysis?
Effectiveness of electrolysis is dependent on the skill of the technician (electrologist) performing the procedure. Proper electrolysis requires accurate needle insertion technique and use of appropriate intensity and duration of current. The technician, based on the patient’s pain threshold, sets the intensity measured in milliamps, and the duration of the current is controlled by how long the technician presses down on the hand or foot pedal. A common estimate of effectiveness is that 25% of treated hair don’t regrow. Electrolysis is a very slow method of hair removal that may also be prolonged by having to do repeat insertions into the hair follicle. It may take a minute or more to remove each hair using galvanic electrolysis. The amount of pain experienced during the procedure is dependent on the individual’s pain threshold. Topical anaesthetic creams applied one hour before the procedure may help to reduce discomfort. However, it is desirable to maintain some sensation as the pain
