Electrolysis Blemish Removal

Blemish removal treatments using electrolysis are becoming more sought after, as the benefits of this gentle, yet highly effective treatment are becoming better known.

Electrolysis was first invented in 1875 and is proven to be safe and effective. Advancing technology means that electrolysis has become more gentle and more comfortable, even more effective and remains an increasingly popular, affordable, modern treatment. Electrolysis involves inserting or touching a blemish and applying an alternating current that heats, vibrates and causes friction which cauterises or desiccates tissues/blood vessels.

At Simply Belle Clinic we can treat numerous skin blemishes easily and effectively.

• Facial thread vein (telangiectasia)

• Blood spots (Campbell de Morgan)

• Skin tags

• Spider Naevus

• Milia

• Hairs in moles

• Mole reduction

• Warts

• Verrucas

• Seborrhoeic keratosis

• Xanthelasma

• Age spots

• Syringoma

• Cysts (Epidermoid, Pilar or Sebaceous)

• Sebabceous hyperplasia

• Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra

If you have ever felt embarrassed by these skin blemishes or that they affect your self-confidence, book an appointment for a consultation or treatment.

Facial thread veins (telangiectasia)

These are permanently dilated capillaries. They have very thin walls which constantly dilate and constrict. S we age, these vessels lose their elasticity and can become permanently dilated. There are numerous causes including: sun-damage; hereditary; ageing; pregnancy; injury to the skin; exposure to harsh weather conditions; hormonal changes and skin fragility.

Thread veins are treated by introducing the tip of the finest possible probe along the line of the capillary and a high frequency energy is discharged. This dries up the and destroys the vessel which often disappears as it’s being treated. Further treatments may be required depending on its thickness and age.

Blood spots (campbell de morgan)

Campbell de Morgan are superficial and circular vascular blemishes. These can vary in size from as small as a pin dot to as large as a penny and in colour from bright red to darker tones. They are often dome shaped or slightly raised and are more frequently found on the trunk, but also face and limbs. Most people over the age of 30 have at least one and they are more common in men.

Spider naevus (spider vein)

A spider naevus consists of a central dilated blood vessel with smaller capillaries radiating from it, like legs of a spider. They can be found in isolation or gathered together in clumps on areas such as cheeks. Spider Naevus are treated by introducing the tip of the probe along the line of the outer capillaries and the central core, a high frequency energy is discharged. This dries up the and destroys the vessels which often disappear as they are being treated. Further treatments may be required as some dilated core vessels can be more difficult to treat.

Skin tags

Skin tags are mainly found in areas of friction, such as the underarm, groin, under the breasts or around the neck where necklaces and collars irritate. They often appear with a stalk attachment, like a mushroom and vary in size from smaller than a grain of rice to the size of a pea or even larger. There are a number of different techniques depending on the location and size of the tag. Results are effective and permanent and with one technique instantaneous. Depending on the cause more tags may appear in time.

Milia (white spots)

These are tiny, white, hard, round spots which lie superficially under the skin which contain keratin. Their cause is unknown although they are often associated with dry, dehydrated skin or excess vitamin C, too rich skincare products or over use of exfoliation and dermabrasion.

Moles

Moles are common, pigmented skin lesions consisting of cells that produce melanin and usually appear in the first few decades of life. Moles are usually brown, round or oval shaped with a smooth, symmetrical edge. They can be rough, flat, raised and have hair growing out of them. The majority of moles are harmless and require no treatment. However, if they are a nuisance or cause cosmetic distress they can be reduce with electrolysis treatment.

Warts

There are various types of warts including plane, common, filiform and verrucas. All can be easily and successfully treated using electrolysis. These types of warts can develop individually or in clusters and are highly contagious as they are caused by a virus. Most people will have warts at some time. They usually go away on their own but this may take months or even years.

Seborhoeic keratosis (seb k’s or seborrheic warts)

Although these look as though they may be part of the wart family, they are not. They are commonly found on the head, face, back and limbs and are mainly associated with increasing age, mature skins and sun damage. They also have genetic links. They can grow up to 2 cm wide and are often dry, crusty and considered cosmetically unattractive.

Dermatosis papulosa nigra (dpn)

This is a common papula disorder which often develops on black skin and is identified by smooth, dome shaped, brown to black papules seen mainly on the cheeks, neck and upper chest.

Hairs in moles

Hairs in moles are generally very deep hairs with a rich blood supply. Repeat electrolysis treatments are required and once treatment has started the mole may even reduce in size and colour.

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Xnthelasma

Xanthelasma are harmless, yellow plaques that appear on or by the inner corners of your eyelid. They are lipid deposits which build up under the skin.

Age Spots

Age spots are flat, darker areas on the skin, associated with ageing and sun damage. They vary in size and usually appear on areas exposed to the skin such as face, hands shoulders and arms.

Syringoma

Syringoma are harmless, flattish, sweat duct papules. They are flesh to creamy coloured and are usually on lower eyelids, upper cheeks and are generally symmetrical to each side of the face.

Cysts

There are 3 main types that can be treated by electrolysis:

Epidermoid – found on face, neck or trunk. Has a dark plug centre. Range from pea size to several centimetres.

Pilar – found on the scalp. Outer root sheath of hair follicle affected.

Sebaceous – found mainly on the scalp, face neck or back. Can be translucent, skin or cream coloured.All these cysts have a closed sac with a lining and contain liquid or semi liquid. They present as round, smooth, dome shaped bumps. Electrolysis releases, softens or dries the contents and this can often be squeezed out.

Sebaceous hyperplasia

Sebaceous hyperplasia is a disorder of the sebaceous gland. Lesions are small and painless. They can be single or multiple, whitish-yellow, pink or skin coloured bumps. Often with a central depression. ‘Lobules’ can be seen in a cauliflower/doughnut pattern. Commonly found where many oil glands are; nose, cheeks, forehead, chest and upper arms.

How long is treatment and how many sessions will I require?

These treatments often offer instantaneous results but the length of treatment time very much depends on your specific blemish, how many you have and skin condition.

Is it suitable for everyone?

There are certain medical conditions that electrolysis would not be a suitable treatment choice. The best plan is to book a consultation where this can be discussed. Here are a few definite contraindications for electrolysis treatment: pacemaker fitted; cochlear implants, haemophilia; keloid scarring; metal pins/plates in area of treatment. Electrolysis can only be performed on healthy skin. If there is any evidence of a skin disease or disorder in the treatable area the treatment may not be performed.

Does electrolysis hurt?

Electrolysis can be a little uncomfortable for many people but others can fall asleep during treatment. The sensation experienced can be a tingle, heat or a minor sting. Everyone’s pain threshold is different which can be affected by an individual’s: health; stress; time of menstruation; area to be treated; strength and size of hair; skin sensitivity and the type of current used. However, electrolysis works so any minor discomfort is well worth the results.

Are there any side effects of electrolysis?

When electrolysis is performed correctly by a skilled electrologist, it is perfectly safe. Immediately after treatment it is normal for the skin to be sensitive, hot, with a pink/red appearance and possibly some swelling. This reaction is temporary and should return to normal within 48 hours. Pin dot crusts or small scabs may appear in the treated area and the skin may itch as the healing process takes place. Following your treatment an aftercare product will be applied to calm and soothe the area protecting it from an unwanted reaction. A small pot of the same product will be given to you to use in the following 48 hours.

Aftercare instructions

Following treatment ensure that you adhere to the aftercare instructions to avoid unwanted reactions/infections:

Pin dot crusts or scabs may appear which seal the skin and prevent infection, these are tiny and are often felt rather than seen, they must not be rubbed or picked off, as to do so may result in scarring;

Do not touch, rub or irritate the treated area

When washing and cleansing around the area, use a gentle soap or perfume free cleanser and gently pat the area dry to avoid dislodging any crusts or scabs.

Avoid activities for 48 hours that stimulate blood flow following vascular treatments, eg exercise, hot showers, hot baths, spicy foods and alcohol.

Avoid activities for 48 hours that may irritate or dislodge any crusts eg swimming, saunas, steam rooms, facial steaming, facial scrubs, waxing and other beauty treatments until the area has completely healed.

Do not fly within 48 hours following a vascular treatment.

You must keep out of UV light completely during the healing process and as much as possible thereafter.

Once healed, cover and protect sun exposed areas using a good quality, high factor sunscreen at all times, particularly in the summer months.

Avoid the possible causes of vascular blemishes, for example, wearing tight fitting glasses, squeezing spots, careless or erratic tweezing or blowing your nose too vigorously.

Avoid using any possible skin sensitisers or irritants such as perfumes, fake tan products or perfumed body lotions until the skin is healed.

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