Hi all,
Over the last few months, I have been doing a lot of observations on the people who have been coming to me for treatment and have noticed a few things that have convinced me that thermolysis is indeed getting a bad rap when it comes to the way that most adherents of galvanic and blend represent it.
One of the basic precepts of all of the three basic modalities, galvanic, blend and thermolysis is that all require a moisture barrier of sorts in order to be effective. This is sine que non as electricity does not flow well through dry skin.
In terms of galvanic and blend being more effective in terms of percentage of kills to anagen hairs, I have come to the conclusion that all three modalities can have the same kill percentage assuming two and only two conditions. A properly established moisture gradient and an operator who can make good insertions.
While it is true that galvanic and blend do not require the accuracy of insertions required for effective treatment with respect to thermolysis, if the client is properly hydrated, the electologist is using adequate lighting and proper magnification and making good insertions, the kills using thermolysis can be just as effective as the other modalities, but a lot quicker.
The limitation to all of this? Thermolysis does lose effectiveness much quicker than the other modalities with poorer hydration. Aside from that limitation, I am seeing results in my own practice that are on par with the other modalities. (I use all three as I deem appropriate or if a client makes a reasonable request)
The take home message here? If you are seeing a flash/microflash/picoflash operator, make certain that you are properly hydrated before going in for your appointment. If you can’t keep yourself properly hydrated, you will still get about the same level of hair reduction for about the same money as with the other modalities, but you could be saving yourself some $$$ by taking care of this one simple thing.
Best to all,
Joanie