What You Should Expect (part 2)

By Rita Reckas
Registered Electrologist
 © 1995 Rita Reckas & Transgender Forum

Most people are very nervous or scared before their first treatment but there is nothing to worry about when they are in the hands of a professional. How do you know if you are working with a good person? Here are some of the things you should look for:

Before Treatment

The treatment table should be covered with a fresh paper drape and the head rest with a fresh paper towel or other clean material. In colder weather a heating pad on the table can be very relaxing. Nice soft music helps too.

The client should be given eye cups to protect her eyes from the strong lights and from instruments that may be in use around the face. It is an absolute MUST that a NEW probe be used and sterilized. The operator should be wearing fresh latex gloves at all times.

The areas to be worked on should be sanitized with alcohol or witch hazel and a topical anesthetic should be applied to the work area at this time.

When Treatment Starts

As treatment begins the operator should be very careful and have settings set low on the machine so that the person can get used to what is happening. Only a few hairs should be removed to test the tolerance of the client both to the settings and to the technique being used.

If the person's tolerance is good we can continue the treatment. If the person is very sensitive we can ask their doctor for EMLA cream or other pain medication.

The actual probe insertions should be smooth and precise. Every hair is different so it is imporant that the operator keep a close watch on whether the probe is too large or small for the client and on how long the probe is kept in the follicle. The electrologist should never damage the skin and there is never an excuse for doing so. The whole idea is to give you better looking, healthier skin.

Remember: a good electrologist keeps a clean work space and treats you as an individual. If you are uncomfortable with the person or the work environment find another electrologist!

Your Questions:

Now to answer some of your questions:

Dear Rita:

Lately, I've seen many ads in magazines for "home electrolysis" kits that use RF energy to destroy the hair root. Can you tell me if these kits are effective?..
April

Dear April:

Home electrolysis kits are very dangerous for people because the probes that come with these kits are very large and their quality is questionable. In addition, knowing how far to put the probe in and for how long is a guessing game for the home user and leaves you vulnerable to scarring. Scars result from overtreatment, missing the pore and using the wrong size probe.

Dear Rita:

How long does beard/brow electrolysis take, anmd how much can I expect to pay? I have blonde hair, don't get much of a 5 O'Clock shadow, and am 25 Also, is blending right for me? I have combination skin. And, will my skin rash or discolor after sessions? I want to make this as invisible as possible to people at work!
Thank you! Love, Trisha

Dear Trisha:

The length of time depends on the treatments. With regular treatments it can take from two to three years, but it all depends on the kind of hair you have and how strong the hair is. Prices are very much a local issue and you should shop around.

As for the blend, there are some people who cannot use it because of allergies or health problems, but it is a very good choice for most people. As for skin rash or discolorations, again this depends on the person but you can probably expect some discoloration for at least 24 hours in the early phases of treatment.

Dear Rita:

I am a natural female. I would like to know about electrolysis in the genital area. I have heard that it can be done.
Maenad

Dear Maenad: As long as the person is tolerant electrolysis in the genital area can be done.

Dear Rita:Can you recommend an electrolygist within about 150 miles of Phila. Pa. I know of Lucy Peters but they are so expensive at $65 per half hour. Thanks for your attention
John

Dear John:Your best bet would be to call the Professional Electrologists Guild at 910-841-6631 for a list of qualified operators in your area.

Rita Reckas is a master electrologist in San Jose, CA. She is a member of the Professional Electrologist Guild International and has a lengthy list of transgender clients.