What to expect after electrolysis

Redness and Swelling

After electrolysis, the skin will likely look red and slightly swollen. This is normal because the treatment involves using a small electric current to destroy hair follicles, which can cause a mild inflammatory response in the skin. The area might feel warm or sensitive to the touch, and the redness can resemble a mild sunburn.

Redness and swelling usually subside within a few hours, but for sensitive skin or larger treated areas, it may last up to a few days.

Applying a cool compress, our Plain Salve, and cleansing the area with a mild cleanser daily can help calm the skin and reduce redness and swelling more quickly.

Slight Skin Sensitivity

You may notice that the treated area feels tender or slightly sensitive, similar to the feeling you get after being in the sun for too long. The skin might also be a bit more sensitive to touch, especially in areas with coarser hair or if this is your first session.

Skin sensitivity typically lasts for a few hours, but for some individuals, it can linger for 24-48 hours, depending on the area treated and your skin’s response.

Avoid touching or rubbing the area; skip harsh skin care products for a few days to allow your skin to heal properly. Apply our Plain Savle 2-3x a day to improve healing time, and still cleanse with a mild cleanser.

Small Raised Bumps

After electrolysis, tiny raised bumps may appear where the hair follicles were treated. These are caused by the body’s natural response to the electrolysis process, and they may resemble tiny pimples or goosebumps.

These bumps typically disappear within a few hours, but they might last for a day or two in areas with dense or coarse hair.

Keep the area clean, use Lira Enzyme Cleanser, apply Plain Salve, and avoid picking or scratching the bumps, which could cause irritation or scarring. Our Plain Salve is an anti-inflammatory cream that reduces swelling and pain; however, keeping the area clean is also necessary with a mild cleanser.

Scabbing or Dryness

In some cases, especially with denser hair or repeated treatments in the same area, you might experience tiny scabs as the skin heals. This is part of the normal healing process, as the skin repairs itself after the follicle is destroyed. Additionally, some dryness or flakiness can occur, especially if your skin is naturally dry.

Small scabs or dry patches usually heal within a few days.

Avoid picking at the scabs or removing dry skin prematurely, as this can lead to scarring. Instead, let them heal on their own. Applying our Plain Salve is again recommended to help the skin heal faster and more comfortably.

Potential Discomfort

You might feel some mild itching, tingling, or discomfort in the treated area, particularly as the skin begins to heal. This sensation is similar to the healing process of a minor abrasion or cut.

This discomfort typically lasts for a day or two but can persist for up to a week if you have sensitive skin or had a large area treated.

Refrain from scratching the area, as this can lead to irritation or infection. A soothing cream, like our Plain Salve or a spray of witch hazel, can reduce itching. If the discomfort is more severe, consult your practitioner for advice on over-the-counter treatments.

Temporary Hyperpigmentation or Hypopigmentation

Protect the treated area from sun exposure to prevent the pigmentation from becoming more pronounced. When outdoors, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and reapply regularly. We carry Lira Sunscreen and highly recommend applying it daily during treatment.

After electrolysis, your skin may experience temporary changes in pigmentation. Some people may notice darkening (hyperpigmentation) or lightening (hypopigmentation) in the treated area. This occurs due to the inflammation and the skin’s natural healing response.

These pigmentation changes are usually temporary and fade over time, but in rare cases, they can last several months.