Unwanted Facial or Body Hair?

We all want to feel good about our appearance. Sometimes, it’s difficult to be positive when we know there are areas we would like to change if we could. If excess hair is a problem you’d like to eliminate, we can help you do just that!

Restoration Electrolysis, LLC is a provider of electrolysis, unlike laser hair removal, electrolysis is the only FDA-approved form of permanent hair removal for all skin types, all hair types/colors.  Electrolysis can permanently remove any unwanted hair on the face (including the eyebrows) or body (non-mucous-membrane only).  

We offer all the modalities (methods) of electrolysis:  thermolysis, galvanic, the blend.  Gia was originally licensed in Tennessee, one of the nation’s most stringent licensing states.  She maintains her Certified Professional Electrologist (CPE) credential through the American Electrology Association (AEA). You will receive a safe & effective treatment, as she closely adheres to CDC guidelines regarding sterilization, disinfection, and antisepsis.

How Electrolysis Works

In electrolysis, treatment involves the inserting of a disposable sterile probe, the same size as the hair, into the hair follicle opening down to the dermal papilla. The dermal papilla is the electrologist’s target; it is the part of the follicle that contains blood and nerves and feeds the growing hair. If the papilla and the regenerative cells surrounding it are destroyed, the hair will die. When the probe is in place, a low-level electrical current is applied that will destroy the papilla and surrounding cells and loosen the hair in the follicle. The hair is then gently lifted out of it's follicle, therefore, each time your treatment is finished, you will walk out of the office with less or all of the terminal hairs which were epilated.

Many hairs can be eliminated with only one treatment, but some will need two or more treatments to achieve permanency. Electrolysis involves a series a treatments over a period of time. While the length of time depends upon the amount of hair, it's coarseness, the cause of the excess hair and other factors, once the dermal papilla has been eliminated, the hair is dead and will not re-grow.

Techniques

Electrolysis is the only FDA-approved form of permanent hair removal recognized by the American Medical Association for permanent hair removal. There are three methods (modalities) that can be used to eliminate unwanted hair, and all three are effective.  Your electrologist will select which one is the most appropriate for your situation (thickness, amount of and type of hair).

Causes

Many factors contribute to the growth of excess hair:

• Heredity

• Normal physiological changes

• Malfunction of the endocrine system

• Medication

• Topical influences

• Stress

Heredity, as a cause of excess hair, must be approached from three different levels: race, nationality and family. People belonging to the Caucasian race tend to be the most hairy; those of the Negroid race follow, and the Mongolian race is the least hairy. If your ancestors lived along the Mediterranean Sea, your chances of having excess hair are greater. Italians, Greek, Spanish and French fall into this category as well as many others. And finally, it is a known factor that if your mother and grandmother had facial hair, your chances for having the same condition are greater than if they did not.

Puberty, pregnancy and menopause can also cause excess hair growth. During the normal systemic changes in a woman’s life, hormone production varies. It is not uncommon for hormones during these times to be unbalanced. Increased male hormones (androgens) can be present which may result in unwanted hair growth.

Malfunctions of the endocrine glands can trigger the appearance of excess hair, too. Some diseases of the thyroid gland, ovaries, pituitary gland and adrenal gland are known to stimulate hair growth.  Cushing's disease, polycystic ovaries and thyroid conditions are just a few of them. These pathological disorders must be treated by a physician;  they impact the duration of electrolysis treatment.

Medications are another known factor influencing the production of unwanted hair. Some common culprits include birth control pills, cortisone, some seizure drugs and high blood pressure medication.

Topical influences may also play a part in increased hair growth.  These are external influences on the body that cause an increase in the blood supply to the skin and hair follicles. Included in this category are the abrasive action of casts, sunburn, scars from injuries, as well as prolonged tweezing and waxing.

And finally, stress (both emotional and physical) can stimulate the adrenal glands to initiate a hormonal reaction that can cause fine, soft body hair to become more coarse and noticeable. In addition, it has also been proven that emotional disturbances can cause menstrual irregularities which, in turn, can also affect excess hair growth.

Regardless of the cause of your specific hair problem, electrolysis with Restoration can safely and permanently eliminate it for you.

Treatment Areas

For women,  hair removal can be done on the hairline, eyebrows, ear, top of the nose, cheeks, sideburn area, upper and lower lip, chin, throat, neck, shoulders, back, chest, breasts, abdomen, arms, legs, bikini line, hands, feet, toes and fingers.  We do not treat the inside of the ear canal or the inside of the nose.  Hairy moles can be treated with permission of a doctor.  It is perfectly safe to treat pregnant women, but the breast and abdominal area should not be treated after the sixth month of pregnancy due to tenderness in these areas as well as possible hormone stimulation.

For men, we will work above the waistline only: the hairline, eyebrows, beard lines, shoulders, back, neck, chest, ears and nose.  Ingrown hairs are also a serious problem for many men and cause them constant irritation.  Electrolysis can help in this area also.

Conclusion

If you are looking for PERMANENT HAIR REMOVAL, look no further, electrolysis will change your life in a positive way!  Your investment will pay for itself in confidence, an improved appearance and self-satisfaction. Let us begin to help you get your life back today!

First: Your Consultation 

Your first visit consists of a 20-30 minute consultation. We will gather your health, hair and skin history as well as provide expectations, procedures, policies, and approximate completion time frames. We will address any other permanent hair removal questions your may have.  This can be a complementary consultation if immediately followed by a treatment. The consultation will last approximately 15-30 minutes.  Before scheduling an appointment, please review our policies & procedures.  Electrolysis appointments and pricing are based on 15-minute increments up to 2 hours at one visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Gia’s qualifications to perform electrology?

While New York State is an un-licensed state for Electrolysis, upon passing a National Exam, which included practicing on a model with 2 medical doctors and an electrologist observing Gia was first licensed as an Electrologist in the state of Tennessee.  At that time, Tennessee was one of the 36/50 states requiring licensing for electrolysis, and one of the most rigorous.  She presently is credentialed as a CPE (Certified Professional Electrologist) by the American Electrology Association (AEA) which requires CEUs (Continuing Education Units) to maintain her CPE (Certified Professional Electrologist).  Choosing a Certified Professional Electrologist (CPE) for your hair removal needs can provide you with assurance and peace of mind, as this credential signifies that the electrologist has passed the national CPE examination, and is committed to maintaining their credential through on-going continuing education. Gia is also a member of the New York State Electrolysis Association, having served in a Programming Chair as well as a Speaker on “how to have your Best Eyebrows!”.

How long has electrolysis been performed?

The first research using electrolysis for the permanent removal of hair began in 1869. Dr. Charles Michel published the first scientific paper in 1875. The method was soon accepted by the medical community. The same basic technique, though modernized and improved, is still in use day. 

How long does it take?

Due to the nature of hair growth, electrolysis involves a series of treatments. Typically, 1-2 years from start to finish. In the beginning, appointments are longer and more frequent. As progress is made, appointment lengths decrease and intervals between appointments increases.

Does it hurt?

Tolerable discomfort during electrolysis is quite variable, depending on a patient’s pain thresh-hold, machine settings, modality used, and other factors. During most treatments, sensation should be experienced. It has been described as a miniature bee sting with no last feeling or a “slight heat”, “tingling” or “stinging” sensation. Gia will work within your comfort tolerance - never hesitate to tell her what you are feeling. Although rarley needed, topical anesthetics can be used.

Are there side effects?

Electrolysis has been performed for over 150 years and has proven to be an extremely safe procedure. There are no well-documented cases of any serious side effects. However, like many minor medical procedures, electrolysis treatment does have a healing phase. During this time, there may be some transient redness or swelling and occasionally some pinpoint scabbing.

How many visits will I have to make?

The length of each treatment varies from person to person, depending on factors such as the coarseness and density of hair, as well as the size of the area to be treated. This is a process where we must work with the hair biology cycles. Multiple visits will be needed to ensure the entire area has been properly treated. The results: permanently removed hair!

How much does it cost?

When compared to the prices of other health and beauty-care services and the cost of dealing with excessive hair using temporary means, electrolysis is very affordable. Remember, the problem is being dealt with permanently and not just on a short-term basis. Your initial consultation is free if followed immediately by a treatment; otherwise, a Consultation alone is $45. Appointments are in time increments of 15 minute.  60 minutes = $173 45 minutes = $138; 30 minutes = $104; 15 minutes = $69.