Permanent Hair Removal From the Upper Lip

Permanent hair removal from any area of your body can be reliably achieved through one medical procedure: electrolysis. The process of electrolysis involves running an electrical current through your skin at the point where unwanted hair is growing, often through a needle inserted in the skin, in order to destroy the hair follicle, either through a chemical reaction or by burning the follicle completely. Although some pain and a lot of expense may be involved, unsightly hair can be removed forever from your face over the course of a few treatments.

Instructions

1. Find an electrolysis professional near you. Electrolysis professionals might work in a single practice shop, or you might be able to find beauty professionals with electrolysis experience at beauty and hair salons. You should also try to get the opinion of friends and family who have received electrolysis treatments as well as your doctor or general physician, who will often know about treatments offered in your area.

2. Contact multiple electrolysis professionals and ask them about their qualifications prior to scheduling an appointment for electrolysis treatment. Ask each one about their education and experience with electrolysis and their licensing certification. Collegiate courses in electrology, and even certification, can be earned from many schools throughout the United States. Certification from either the American Electrology Association (AEA) or the International Board of Electrologists Certification (IBEC) is standard for electrolysis professionals.

   Visit the clinic to observe whether the setting is hygienic and see the doctor's licensing credentials personally; electrolysis professionals are required to let customers see their credentials. If possible, talk to previous clients and ask them about their experience with the doctor. Electrologists certified by the AEA must follow established standards of practice which the AEA publishes online.

3. Ask the electrolysis professional which method of hair removal they specialize in. There are two electrolysis methods which are commonly used: galvanic and thermolytic. Galvanic treatments require multiple appointments for a chemical application which destroys hair follicles, while thermolytic renders the hair follicle sterile through heat. The coarseness of your upper lip hair should inform your decision on treatment style. Coarser hair is better removed through galvanic electrolysis, whereas lighter hair can be removed more quickly and efficiently through thermolytic electrolysis. A blend of these techniques might also be utilized, but it carries a higher risk of side effects because of the increased technical difficulty.

4. Schedule all necessary follow-up appointments with the electrolysis professional for the permanent removal of hair from your upper lip. The area of your upper lip can take anywhere from four to 10 hours of appointments for all of the hair to be permanently removed.

Tips & Warnings

• Home electrolysis kits exist for personal use, but these use a low voltage instrument which doesn't remove hair permanently. Laser hair removal and prescription creams can reduce hair growth, but electrolysis is the only procedure that can reliably produce permanent hair removal. According to the FDA, laser hair removal can only be marketed as "permanent reduction," and depilatories or hair removal creams possess a level of alkalinity that might be hazardous if ingested.

• Health risks from electrolysis treatments include infection from dirty needles, scarring and electrical shock. These risks are why you should ensure that the electrolysis clinic is clean and that the doctor has a reputation for successful treatments without any major issues. Many electrolysis patients also report experiencing slight pains, especially with the galvanic method.

References

• Removing Hair: Finding a Professional for Electrolysis
• MedicineNet.com: Hair removal strategies
• Fat Free Kitchen: Female Body and Facial Hair Removal Home Treatment
• TeensHealth: Hair Removal
• American Electrology Association: Become An American Electrology Association Certified Professional Electrologist

Resources

• American Electrology Association: Standards of Practice