Electrolysis

with Lisa Bortz, AEA

Overview

Papillon Center offers electrolysis performed by Lisa Bortz, AEA. The cost for electrolysis is $65/hour, and $95/hour with local anesthesia. The anesthesia effectively makes the electrolysis painless and is administered by Dr. McGinn.

Lisa Bortz is a member of the American Electrology Association. She studied at the Berkowitz School of Electrolysis and has remained up to date with present day methods and standards in the field.

About Our Electrolysis

Electrolysis involves inserting a probe into a single hair follicle and damaging the matrix to prevent regrowth. Papillon Center uses two methods of electrolysis: flash thermolysis and blend. Flash thermolysis uses a fast alternating current of electricty to destroy the hair, and blend is a combination of flash thermolysis and galvanic. The galvanic method damages the matrix by using a single polarity current to induce a chemical reaction. The most appropriate method is selected for each patient.

All electrolysis is performed using a modern Apilus epilator. Stainless steel, gold, and insulated probes are available for sensitive patients. All electrolysis is done using sterile tools. TV, music, and movies are available to help pass the time.

Generally, hair color doesn't affect the efficacy of eletrolysis. Unlike laser hair removal, electrolysis is effective on all variations skin color or hair color.

Genital electrolysis is not required for any surgical operation performed by Dr. McGinn, though it is highly recommended.

Before Electrolysis

For facial electrolysis it is best to not shave for 2-3 days before treatment. It is preferable for the hairs to be approximately 1-2mm in length. Genital electrolysis requires that the entire genital region be shaved 5 days before treatment, and that the hair be approximately 3-4mm in length. For pre-operative genital electrolysis, the entire area does not need to be treated. However the entire area needs to be shaved prior to electrolysis to guarantee accessibility of each hair follicle during treatment. Shaving 5 days before genital electrolysis is a requirement. Patients who do not shave properly will receive an additional charge for in-office trimming.

Drinking water before your electrolysis appointment will increase the effectiveness of the procedure due to increased moisture. It is also required that prescription dermatological medications are not applied before electrolysis (it is advised to call Papillon Center before applying any cream or lotion before electrolysis).

Topical Lidocane can be purchased for $20/jar to help numb the face.

Recovery and Scheduling

Generally the face recovers approximately 1-2 hours after the treatment. Genitals may be sore or irritated for 3-5 days after electrolysis. Some minor scabbing may occur, though this generally uncommon. Minor bruising may occur in patients that receive lidocaine injections.

Pre-operative genital clearing usually takes one session every month for 6 months. The initial session is 3-6 hours, and later sessions can last approximately 1-3 hours. It is important to maintain a consistent schedule to insure the success of electrolysis.

Electrolysis for male pattern facial hair generally requires 200-400 hours of electrolysis work and requires the patient to be responsible in keeping appointments. Sessions generally last 2 hours, but can be scheduled for longer on an individual basis.