Hi all, I’m new to the forum. I’ve lurked for a while, but decided to join in and take advantage of the hair removal tribe’s opinions (hopefully I can return the favor some day).
I’m a trans with about 20 hours of blend facial electrolysis done. I’m being aggressive with 2 x 2 hrs. per week currently. We started on the chin and are still working there mostly, some neck and jawline as well. I don’t know any other trans girls in the area that have had work done by her, so I can’t vouch for this electrologist’s results, but she says she has worked with several trans before and I believe her. Anyways, here are my concerns:
I’ve developed tiny red scabs, should this be a concern?
I’ve been getting more wrinkles in the area where electrolysis has been done, not just tiny wrinkles that only I can see but very visible ones. Could this be a result of electrolysis? And is it permanent? I’ve voiced this to the her and she says they will go away.
She likes to pinch my skin a lot, which hurts more than the current. The thought has occurred to me she is taking some hidden aggression out on me as it doesn’t occur every session.
Sometimes it feels like she is plucking. One thought is since she is looking for regrowth and the hairs might be very tiny, she is not being able to grab them? My understanding is that the hair should come out easily.
What kind of results should I be expecting? Is this normal?
My facial hair is fairly light compared to most genetic men; not too dense. Overall, my tolerance for pain is good and I almost fell asleep a few times. I’m relatively new to this but would appreciate any thoughts you had.
First of all, why did you choose to start with the blend? Even though your hair may be sparse for a genetic male, I am willing to be there is still quite a bit of hair if 20 hours in you are still working on the chin area and moving slowly away. You should think about thermolysis as an option. It may save you quite a bit of time in the long run.
Scabs sometimes happen, but they are not acceptable on the face. Do NOT pick at them.
Could it be that the wrinkles were there previously but hidden with the hair? Wrinkles could also be a sign of overtreatment. Stay hydrated and review your Tx plan with the electrologist.
I don’t know how to answer this, but have you told her the pinching is uncomfortable?
If you are working on the chin moving out, most of the hair should be new growth. Your understanding is correct, you shouldn’t feel plucking.
Did you look around before settling on this electrologist?
Well, I started with the blend based on my research, I thought this was the best way at the time. Maybe I could have looked into it further, but I was ready to start getting rid of hair so you have to start somewhere. I am open to thermolysis, but I was under the impression this is more likely to cause scarring.
I only sampled one other operator before this one.
I’m in Mpls/St Paul and if anyone has some experience with electrologists in the area, please chime in. Thanks!
Any modality of electrolysis can cause scarring if inferior skill is used. That’s why we say it is best to go to someone who is skilled and comfortable with the modality she/he does best. Thermolysis is a great modality, in all its forms, and will not scar you. Blend is a great modality, with all it’s variations and will not scar you. Speed is an advantage when using thermolysis, especially microflash, but you will still get permanent hair removal in the end with blend.
Your other concerns should be the reason for checking out the local talent. Pinching? Scabs? Maybe overtreatment? Can you describe how long it takes your skin to get back to normal?
Have you checked out the electrologist referal forum here for practitioners in your area? If no one pm’s you or answers your last question, start looking up names of electrologists in your area and go for more consults. Do express yourself to anyone new that you see, just as you have done here.
I am glad that someone on the board knows someone in this part of the world. It would be nice if that recommendation made its way to our referral section for the rest of us.
One other thing I forgot to mention is that the area itches. Not the scabs so much, but like underneath the skin. But just in a certain area. Any explanation to why it would itch? Sometimes my hair brushes that area, but its more of an inner dermal itch that a simple scratch won’t take care of.
I appreciate everyones advice and I think I will try others. It’s still early in the game, so I’m allowed to switch (like I wouldn’t be allowed any time else). I can’t wait to clear it, I think I will try thermolysis.
The skin is healing. It’s dryer than usual. It has been invaded and there is a lot of activity below trying to get things back in balance again. Moisturize and follow good aftercare instructions. It will all go away eventually.