Electrolysis of armpits: contraindications and consequences

There is only one way to permanently get rid of unwanted hair - electrolysis. With electrolysis of the armpits, you can remove not only dark hair, but also light hair and gray hair. The procedure involves applying temperature to the hair follicle, and not to the shaft itself: it does not just remove hair, but destroys the very reason for its growth.

The Beauty Med Clinic offers promotions and discounts on electrolysis of the armpits, which help you save as much as possible on procedures.

Price: from 450 rub. Minimum cost of the procedure (10 minutes + needle)*

More detailed information about the cost of electrolysis can be obtained by calling the specialists of our clinic!

The concept and principle of operation of electrolysis

The procedure for removing unwanted hair from the human body using electric current is called electrolysis.

The specialist works with a needle-electrode on each hair separately.

An electric discharge is applied to the hair follicle with a special needle-electrode, which is used by a qualified cosmetologist. The current causes a thermal reaction; as a result of overheating, the follicle dies, as well as the capillary system that supplies it with blood.

The method is point-based, that is, a current pulse is applied to each hair in the active stage, and the surrounding skin can be damaged: it can heat up or get burned. In general, the procedure is safe for the human body .

Technique and types of procedure

Depending on the area of ​​the body being treated, electrolysis is carried out with a current of greater or lesser power. The most popular procedures for hair removal by electric current are in the back, chest, face, armpits, legs and bikini areas.

But vegetation in the nose, ears or near the eyes can be removed with electric current only if absolutely necessary.

Depending on the parameters of the electric current, the procedure is divided into types:

• electrolysis. This method is the oldest of all other types of electrolysis. Its essence lies in a chemical reaction when the hair root dies from alkali - sodium hydroxide. The electric current is low voltage, so treatment of each follicle takes up to two minutes. Modern devices have several needles and process up to 16 hairs per pulse. But nevertheless, this is not enough, and the electrolysis procedure takes a lot of time, which reduces its popularity. But this method copes well with deep-set and coarse hairs;
• thermolysis. In this case, the current has a high frequency, as a result of which the follicle dies from overheating. The method has been used for a long time - since the 20s of the twentieth century. Devices for such electrolysis have a similar operating principle to radio devices. With local heating, the hair root and its circulatory system die within 1–2 seconds. Protection of the surrounding epidermis from burns is provided by a special spraying of the needle-electrode. Thermolysis showed the greatest effect on thin and shallowly rooted hair. If the hair canal has a curvature, then the procedure may be ineffective;
• Flash technique. A type of thermolysis, but with an electric current of a higher frequency. Due to this, instantaneous death of the follicle is ensured, since a microelectric shock lasting a fraction of a second is enough. This method requires certain skills and abilities from a specialist, because it is easy to overestimate the current power and burn the skin . If everything goes correctly, the procedure will be short-lived and almost painless;
• Bland technique. This fairly new type of hair removal combines electrolysis and thermolysis, using their advantages. First, the needle-electrode delivers an impulse to the hair follicle, then the alkali formed penetrates deep into the root, which leads to its final death. Blend hair removal takes more time than thermolysis, but the pain is lower and even curved roots are removed. The device for blend hair removal is equipped with a built-in microprocessor that controls the required power level, so the risks of complications are minimal;
• Scan method. In this case, the follicle dies from the effects of a special gel composition, which is injected through electric current. The effect will be enhanced if, after scanning hair removal, mechanical hair removal is performed: wax, sugar or tweezers.

Important: each of the described methods has its pros and cons, as well as different pricing policies. Before you decide to undergo electrolysis, you should learn as much as possible about it.

Duration of effect and required number of sessions

The armpits are a part of the body where unwanted hair bothers both women and men. Therefore, the issue of obtaining clean and smooth skin in this area forever or for a long time is relevant for everyone.

To remove armpit hair, one session will not be enough - for an ideal result you will need 5-7 sessions

Officially, electrolysis is recognized as the only way to get rid of unwanted hair forever. But only after a full course of procedures. The thing is that this method only kills hair that is growing at a given time. But on the human body, up to 80% of follicles can be dormant. Therefore, after the first session, you need to wait two to three weeks until the “dormant” hairs are activated, and repeat the procedure. And so several times, and each subsequent one will take less time. You need to be prepared for the fact that coarse and thick hair grows in the armpit area, which takes longer to remove. The total number of sessions for ideal smoothness in this area will be from five to seven.

After this, you will forget about the vegetation, but after 3-6 years, correction may be required. But it will go away quickly and will take 1-2 electrolysis sessions.

The essence and methodology of performing the procedure

Electrolysis (contraindications for the procedure are given below in the article) is a technique for removing excess vegetation from the body using direct or alternating electric current. The procedure is carried out using an electric epilator, with various attachments capable of delivering current of varying strengths.

Electrolysis is one of the popular hair removal techniques.

With the help of electrolysis, you can permanently get rid of hair on any part of the body, regardless of its color and length.

Methods of electrodepilation:

Presence of contraindications and side effects

Since electric hair removal is performed using a needle and is an invasive method, it has a number of limitations.

The procedure is contraindicated:

• if there is an acute disease of the skin of the armpits;
• expectant mothers and nursing women;
• teenagers under eighteen years of age;
• for oncological tumors and diabetes mellitus;
• pacemaker wearers;
• if you are allergic to electric current;
• if purulent pimples and warts have appeared in the armpit area;
• for psychoneurological diseases, for example, epilepsy;
• carriers of hepatitis, HIV infection;
• people susceptible to coronary heart disease or hypertension.

In some cases, after electrolysis of the armpits, there may be consequences that are unpleasant for a person. There may be several reasons for this: from the individual characteristics of the body to the low qualifications of the specialist.

The most common consequences:

• pigmentation of treated skin areas;
• formation of scars and scars due to damage to the epidermis;
• feeling of irritation and itching;
• inflammation of the skin pores after an accidental infection.

For pregnant women, electrolysis may carry the risk of miscarriage in the early stages, premature birth and disturbances in fetal development in the later stages. This is due to local thermal effects, which can lead to a chain reaction of the nervous or hormonal systems. There are many nerve endings and lymph nodes concentrated in the armpit area, so you need to be extremely careful with it .

For women during lactation, electric hair removal of the armpits may result in a change in the composition or amount of milk produced.

In adolescents under 18 years of age, active hormonal changes occur in the body, so the body’s reaction can be completely unpredictable. And after an electrolysis session, purulent pimples may appear, getting rid of which will take much longer than the entire course of hair removal.

Possible consequences and complications

Electrolysis (the client's contraindications, taken into account before the procedure, will help avoid unpleasant health problems and a difficult rehabilitation period) should only be carried out in a salon or clinic by an experienced technician using disposable materials. For several days after the session, the client may experience the following symptoms.

Itching

The desire to scratch the treated area is the most common problem with which patients turn to a specialist. The appearance of itching is associated with the use of electric current, which causes irritation of the skin. The problem disappears on its own after 1-2 days and, if it occurs, it can easily be stopped after taking sedatives and antihistamines.

How to prepare the skin of your armpits before the procedure

The good thing about electrolysis is that no special preparation is required. You can do a gentle exfoliation of your armpits in a couple of days to open the pores and remove rough cells. Avoid mechanical hair removal, that is, waxing, sugaring, a month before the session.

Also, if possible, take a warm shower or bath immediately before the electrolysis session.

How to reduce pain during electrolysis

The feeling of pain during electric hair removal depends on the power of the pulse applied, the thickness of the hair and the electrode needle. The first session is always more painful than all subsequent ones. This is due to the fact that after each epilation the hair becomes thinner and grows more slowly.

But still, in all salons, before the procedure, a painkiller is applied to the skin of the armpits. This can be a spray or cream, for example, Emla. To make the product last longer, you need to apply a cellophane film over the composition on the skin.

Before electrolysis of the armpits, Emla anesthetic cream is applied to the treated area.

Also, modern devices are often equipped with special cooling devices, which, when applied to the skin, emit a cooling gas.

Required hair length for removal with a needle-electrode

To make it easier for a specialist to determine the direction of hair growth and insert the electroepilator needle, they should be 2–4 mm long.

To make it easier for a specialist to determine the direction of hair growth and insert a needle, its length should be 2–4 mm

Therefore, it is important to shave a few days before the procedure with a regular razor. Plucking is excluded, as this damages the follicle. Each person's hair grows at a certain rate, so you need to independently calculate when to start preparing.

Bikini electrolysis

The bikini electrolysis procedure is very popular. This is the only way to remove unwanted hair permanently. Before starting the procedure, the specialist must conduct a test on a small area of ​​skin. This is necessary to adjust the device to the characteristics of the body. The procedure takes up to 40 minutes. It will take several sessions to get rid of hair forever. Since electrolysis is a targeted effect on the hair follicle, it is not possible to remove all hair in one session.

Important!

The procedure for removing unwanted hair should be carried out by a certified specialist with medical education. Before starting the procedure, you should make sure that the equipment is sterile. Since the procedure is carried out with penetration into the deep layers of the skin, there is a risk of infection.

Hair removal will depend on the characteristics of the body. From 5 to 15 procedures may be required. Efficiency will depend on hormonal levels, hair thickness, and skin type.

Contraindications!

The procedure has a number of contraindications. It should be avoided in cases of skin diseases in the acute or chronic period. People with diabetes should refuse. The procedure cannot be performed in cases of varicose veins at the site of the procedure. People with heart problems are strictly prohibited from attending the procedure. It is worth abstaining in case of acute infectious diseases. The procedure cannot be performed during pregnancy and lactation.

The cost of the procedure is quite high. It includes the cost of the needle, anesthetic injection and the time of the procedure.

Pros and cons of electrolysis of the armpit area

Like any cosmetic procedure, armpit electrolysis has its advantages and disadvantages.

The technique has a number of disadvantages:

• quite a long procedure. Compared to modern hardware hair removal, for example, photo and laser, electrolysis takes the longest time. This is due to the fact that the cosmetologist must treat each hair separately, insert a needle into the follicle, and wait until the device supplies the current. Modern devices work much faster, but still the average armpit treatment session lasts about an hour;
• high sensitivity is due to a large accumulation of nerve endings, thin skin of the armpit area, as well as pinpoint pain from current pulses. You can use a lower frequency current, but it will be less effective on thicker hair. This disadvantage of electrolysis can be easily corrected with anesthesia;
• the risk of complications in the form of damage to the epidermis, residual red spots, scars is quite high;
• the possibility of infection entering through micropunctures from the needle-electrode. Of course, modern cosmetology strictly adheres to the rules of hygiene, but you need to be as careful as possible;
• Greater dependence of the final performance on the skills and dexterity of the specialist. The effectiveness of destroying the hair follicle depends on the correctly inserted needle with a precisely selected diameter into the right place.

Despite the disadvantages, the procedure has clear advantages, which is why its popularity has not declined for a long time.

Advantages of electric hair removal:

• this is the only officially recognized method known that removes hair permanently;
• the current destroys hair regardless of the melanin pigment, that is, any color for all shades of the skin;
• Hair hormone dependence does not affect hair removal. The action of hormones sometimes leads to the degeneration of vellus hair into terminal hair, that is, hard and dark;
• sessions are carried out on areas of the body where vellus and coarse hair grow together;
• the ability to remove hair in areas with benign moles that are carefully avoided;
• The risk of trouble in the form of ingrown hairs is practically absent.

Compliance with safety measures

The electrolysis procedure requires compliance with safety measures by the cosmetologist.

Safety precautions for electrical hair removal are as follows:

• electroepilator needles must be sterile, since through them accidental contact with blood can occur with all the attendant risks, for example, hepatitis infection;
• the cosmetologist must always use disposable medical gloves;
• before and after the procedure, the skin must be thoroughly disinfected;
• the medical salon must have the appropriate license allowing the provision of such services.

What is electrolysis?

Electrolysis is

Hair removal, which occurs by applying a weak current to the hair follicle. Thanks to the manipulations, the hair follicle is thermally treated, the capillaries die, which gives a 100% result of irreversible hair removal. The protein in the hair follicle dies, making it impossible for new hair to grow.

The process of getting rid of unwanted hair is as follows. A sterile needle is inserted to a depth of 5 millimeters, through which current flows. The holding time of the needle depends on the type of procedure, the characteristics of the skin and the structure of the hair. Today, the medical community recognizes only this method, which removes hair permanently. All other hair removal methods provide only temporary results.

Skin care after the session

In order for the results to last longer, as well as to minimize side effects, you need to ensure proper skin care.

Important: immediately after the procedure, you need to apply a special protective cosmetic composition.

On average, the rehabilitation period takes from one to two weeks, during which redness, pinpoint burns and skin irritations disappear. At this time, it is imperative to treat this area with Panthenol or Bepanten two to three times a day. Panthenol spray is more convenient to use.

Restrictions before and after electric hair removal

It must be remembered that there are a number of prohibitions before and after electrolysis of the armpits.

To carry out the procedure more effectively, there are the following “don’ts”:

• During the first 24 hours it is forbidden to wet the armpits; during the first hours it is better not to touch the delicate area of ​​the armpits at all;
• a week before and three weeks after, you should not visit a solarium, bathhouse, sauna or sunbathe, as heat and ultraviolet exposure can lead to burns of the epidermis or pigmentation;
• two weeks after hair removal, you should not swim in the pool or open water to avoid infection;
• It is forbidden to wear clothes that are tight around the armpits;
• visiting the gym is prohibited for two weeks after electric hair removal, as sweat will cause unnecessary irritation and inflammation of the skin pores;
• do not use antiperspirants and deodorants for a week after the procedure;
• Do not pull out emerging hair with tweezers or perform other types of hair removal. To remove all hair permanently, you need to wait until your next electrolysis session;
• It is forbidden to peel off the scabs on your own; they must be regularly lubricated with healing agents, after which they should come off on their own.

Efficiency of the method

Electrolysis (the client must inform the doctor about contraindications to the procedure before the session) allows you to permanently get rid of excess hair on the face and body of both women and men.

The treatment procedure for the 1st zone takes 30 minutes. up to 10 hours and requires alternate work with each hair. For the convenience of the client, each session can be divided into several parts, allowing each centimeter of the body to be treated in turn.

It is possible to completely remove excess hair only after 4-10 sessions, since only 10-15% of the hair in the active growth phase is removed in one procedure. After 2-3 weeks, electrolysis on the treated area is repeated, destroying new, awakened follicles.

Required number of sessions:

Men need a longer time to get rid of excess hair, since the hair on their body is more dense.

Reviews from doctors

Lucinda Nersisyan: Approximately how much time and money will it take for the armpit area and bikini area completely?
Natalya Sergeeva: Lucy, on average it takes 2 hours for each armpit. In order for hair to stop growing there completely, you need from 3 to 5 procedures. But, of course, the amount of hair also plays a role. That is, it may turn out to be less, or maybe a little more. For now the price is 15 rubles/min. Next will be the average for St. Petersburg -20 rubles/min. Natalya Sergeeva https://vk.com/topic-74364263_30685373?post=36

Electrolysis is effective during a course of sessions.
If you have a low pain threshold, I do not recommend this method of hardware hair removal. Svetlana Sergeeva, cosmetologist https://ladyspecial.ru/krasota/uxod-za-liczom-i-telom/kosmetologiya/elektroepilyatsiya-protivopokazaniya-i-posledstviya

Electrolysis contraindications

The procedure should be taken as seriously as possible, because there is a risk of serious problems. The procedure is classified as physiotherapeutic and has a number of contraindications.

Asthma

This disease is not a reason to refuse the procedure. But people with asthma need to prepare for the procedure, as attacks may occur during the process. Before starting the procedure, you should describe as accurately as possible all symptoms and frequency of attacks. This will be required to make a decision in case of complications. At the beginning of the procedure, the current intensity is minimal, and the current intensity is increased only with the consent of the patient.

Pregnancy

During this period, it is recommended to avoid any cosmetic interventions. The first trimester is the most important in the process of forming the unborn child, so there is a complete abandonment of the electrolysis procedure. Further, the procedure can be completed after consultation with your doctor. The procedure is not performed in the chest and abdomen area. Painful sensations arising during the procedure can provoke muscle spasms, which can provoke a number of complications for the unborn child.

Heart

The procedure should be avoided if you have heart disease. In case of heart disease, the movement of blood flow is disrupted; additional intervention with electricity can provoke serious consequences.

Phlebeurysm

The procedure should be avoided if there is local varicose veins. Electrical impulses can complicate the course of the disease. But you should not completely abandon the procedure.

Infections

When infectious diseases occur, a person’s immunity weakens. There is a risk of serious consequences. The procedure can be carried out, but at the beginning there is a written agreement of both parties about the possible consequences.

Hemophilia

Hair removal occurs by penetrating the needle under the skin. An inaccurate hit may cause bleeding. Therefore, in cases of poor blood clotting, the procedure is contraindicated.

Arterial pressure

There are no contraindications for refusing the procedure. But before starting, you should warn a specialist, since pain can cause neurosis and increased pressure.

Diabetes

This disease is characterized by decreased immunity and the possibility of rapid regeneration. A very intense effect on the skin can cause burns. Violation of the technology of the procedure can cause a number of complications. Therefore, you should avoid electrolysis.

Pacemaker

The electrolysis device may interfere with the pulse frequency of pacemakers, so the procedure is prohibited.

Lactation

It is not recommended to carry out the procedure during lactation. You cannot use painkiller injections, so the procedure will be painful.

Menstruation

During this period, the sensitivity of the body is at a high level, so it is better to refrain from the procedure, as the sensations can be very painful.

Metal implants

Metal is a conductor of electricity. If there are foreign metal bodies in the body, the procedure is contraindicated.

Nervous system diseases

In case of exacerbation of diseases associated with the central nervous system, you should refrain from the procedure. Pain during the procedure can disrupt the patient's psychological comfort and contribute to unequal distress.

Leather

There should be no warts, acne, herpes, fungal diseases, burns, open wounds, or scars at the site of the procedure.

Epilepsy

For this disease, the procedure should be carried out under the supervision of the attending physician to eliminate possible occurrences of epileptic seizures.

Video: how to perform electrolysis of the armpit area

Electrolysis of the armpits, despite the pain and duration of implementation, remains a popular procedure for more than a hundred years. It has both positive and negative sides. By following a few simple care rules and not performing prohibited actions, you can get a lasting effect in removing hair from the armpit area. You need to forget about laziness and take care of your skin regularly.

• Author: Olga Tolstikova
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Why us?

To ensure that the hair removal procedure is not only effective, but also safe, contact the certified Beauty Med Clinic.

Our advantages:

• selection of a technique taking into account your skin and health status;
• consultations with qualified doctors;
• use of high-quality European sterilizers and antiseptics;
• modern consumables: Spanish and French needles;
• expensive equipment;
• affordable prices for electrolysis of armpits + discounts.

When performing electrolysis, we use Velona (Spain) and Ballet (France) needles. Consumables are paid separately. A feature of certified needles from these manufacturers is their high strength and the ability to be used on sensitive areas (gentle effect on the skin). French Ballet needles are gold-plated, hypoallergenic and suitable for women with very sensitive skin.

Electrolysis procedure

Before starting the procedure, the area of ​​skin that will be manipulated must be disinfected. This is necessary to protect the skin from infection during the procedure. This is followed by local anesthesia. The most commonly used is lidocaine. This could be a drug injection or a spray. A cream is also used before the start of the procedure, but it should be applied an hour before the start of the session to achieve maximum effect.

A metal sheet is placed in the patient’s hands, which has a positive charge and creates a field for the electrode needle. Then the needle is inserted under the skin to the hair follicle. With the help of current and thermal burn, the bulb dies. The hair is removed using tweezers. After the procedure, the skin must be disinfected to prevent various infections from getting into open wounds.

Depending on the skin type, hair structure and personal characteristics of the body, the procedure time may vary. After the first procedure, hair growth is reduced by 20%. With an increase in the number of procedures, the result increases to 100%. With each procedure, the structure of the hair changes, it becomes thinner and lighter.

Popular questions about the procedure

Is electrolysis suitable for men?

Removing excess vegetation using electric current is suitable for both men and women. However, many experts note that representatives of the stronger sex will not be able to count on obtaining a permanent or even long-term effect, due to the characteristics of their hormonal levels. On average, a solution to a problem for representatives of the stronger sex is available for a period of six months to two years.

Is electrolysis harmful? Why is the procedure not performed during pregnancy?

The procedure is absolutely safe for humans and when performed by professionals does not cause any serious complications for the patient, however, it is still not recommended to carry it out while the baby is waiting. This is explained by the increased sensitivity to pain in the female body and the constantly changing hormonal levels.

How long does last ?

Provided the endocrine system is functioning normally, the positive effect of the procedure lasts virtually for a lifetime; in rare cases, rare hairs begin to grow only after 5–6 years.

Is electrolysis performed in summer?

Electrical hair removal can be carried out at any time of the year, subject to the recommendations of the preparatory and rehabilitation period.

In which areas should you not remove hair using electrolysis?

Manipulation is possible on any part of the body or on the face, however, electrolysis of the armpits is strictly not recommended due to the presence of a significant number of lymph nodes under the skin.

Which areas are most often treated and why?

This procedure is suitable for almost any area, however, since it involves a targeted effect, its implementation is more often practiced for the correction of small areas. At the same time, hair removal on the legs, back and arms is often carried out.

How often do complications occur after the procedure?

After exposure, temporary side effects are almost always observed, which do not pose a serious danger to the patient's health. In rare cases, you can find reviews about complications caused by violation of safety precautions during hair treatment or neglect of mandatory contraindications.

What is the average price per session? How much will the full course cost?

The cost of manipulations is determined by the amount of time spent. One minute is usually valued in the range from 10 to 50 rubles. It is possible to specify prices in more detail only after studying more detailed information. See the table above for approximate prices.

How often can I visit a specialist for electrolysis?

A repeat session is scheduled approximately 5 - 8 weeks after the first visit to a specialist.

Aftercare

After each photoepilation session, the skin above the lip remains red and, in rare cases, very painful.

Peeling of the treated areas is also a common complication. To get rid of the negative consequences and restore the condition of the skin on the lip, you must follow several rules:

1. In the first week, avoid bath procedures. You can wash in the shower.
2. You cannot visit public baths and saunas for two weeks. Also during this period it is necessary to limit facial contact with direct sunlight. If possible, treat your skin with sunscreen.

Successful recovery depends on the type of cosmetics used by the person after photoepilation. After each session, it is not recommended to apply powder or other products that clog pores to the face. Otherwise, a focus of inflammation will form above the lip.

After hair removal, the skin needs special care. In order to avoid complications, you should adhere to these rules:

1. During the day, it is forbidden to wet or wipe the area under the nose with water, herbal decoction or tonic,
2. You should not use any cosmetic products for 2–3 days.
3. For two weeks after the first procedure and between subsequent procedures, reduce sunbathing,
4. It is recommended to use sunscreen and avoid tanning beds.
5. Refrain from going to the pool, bathhouse, sauna for a month,
6. Take antiviral drugs for 3 days if a recurrence of herpes occurs.

Technique

Electrolysis is based on the so-called thermal action of electric current. To remove hairs on the upper lip, the surface of the skin is first lubricated with a layer of anesthetic to reduce discomfort. After the anesthesia takes effect (on average 20-30 minutes), they proceed to direct hair removal.

After this, he closes the circuit on the manipulator and the electrical discharge that occurs inside the tissue (through the circuit device-manipulator-human body-device) heats the hair root. This causes irreversible damage, and the hair shaft can be easily removed with tweezers. Subsequently, after such an impact, connective tissue will appear at the site of the hair follicle, and hair growth in this place will never again occur (or at least for a very long period of time).

You can often find reviews that electrolysis is not always 100% effective, and hair, including on the upper lip, may appear again. However, if the specialist did everything correctly, then restoration of the destroyed hair follicle is impossible. But it is important to remember that only 10-30-50% of hairs are actively growing, while the rest are in their infancy, and this technique is effective only against growing structures.