By Evelyn Perry evelynp@netcom.com
Transgender Forum Consumer Editor
Q: How long does it take to remove the average beard?
A: That is highly dependent upon the individual, the frequency and duration of the visits to the electrologist, and the electrologist's skill. For people in a hurry, several marathon (4+ hours) sessions in the first week may initially clear the beard, then it will requires 4 or more hours/week to keep it cleared. Gradually the time required will diminish until only a few minutes per month are needed.
Q: I've just started and I'm using the blend. I find that I have a lot of redness and swelling for 24-48 hours. Is this unusual?
A: No, while irritation is highly dependent upon the individual and the electrologist, many people experience excessive irritation. Some people have claimed to be helped by the combination of 2 aspirins, 2 extra-strength acetominephin, and 2 sudaphedrin taken an hour before the seesion. This combination seems to work to minimize the irritation associated with electrolysis.
Q: My electrologist uses a topical anesthetic during treatments, but I that doesn't help much. Anything I can do to dull the pain during electrolysis?
A: You may be able to get a prescription for Emla, a *strong* topical pain reliever that's only available by prescription. Also, some people find that prescription-only pain medications, such as Vicodin, are very helpful.
Q: How can I tell if my electrologist is doing a good job? Sometimes it feels like she is just plucking the hairs.
A: A skillful electrologist knows the fine difference between plucking and scarring and only time will tell whether or not a good job is being done. Excessive "plucking" sensation may be due to just that-plucking, since a properly "zapped" hair will come out with minimal resistance. If small pits are noticed in the area of the electrologist's work, this is indicative of scarring and one might be better off trying another electrologist.
Q: My electrologist says that for the best results I should come in every week for treatment. Is this true or can I space out the treatments more?
A: During the early stages of clearing a beard, it is best to come in frequently, even more than once per week, to stay ahead of hairs that are growing in. But, as time goes on and the hairs are removed, the frequency of visits can be reduced without allowing time for damaged hairs to regain their vigor.
Q: When will I start seeing real results? I've had 50 hours of treatment and I still have hair growing where my electrologist has done work.
A: Again, it depends upon the individual and the frequency of the visits. Fifty hours spread over a year is nowhere as effective as 50 hours spread over a month. Only a small portion of hairs are active at any one time, while the majority are dormant. So, vigillence is necessary to kill as many of the active hairs at once, and then kill new hairs
as they emerge. Spreading the time over long periods results in many hairs going dormant on their own before being killed.
Q: When I'm having a treatment some places on my face are unbelievably sensitive, other areas are not at all. What's going on?
A: Pain sensors (nerve endings) are not uniform along the skin. The upper lip area is often the most sensitive, while other areas such as the cheeks are minimally sensitive. Further, pain thresholds are *very* subjective and are also dependent upon fatigue and health state of the individual.