Electrolysis

At Thames Skin Clinic, we understand that unwanted excess hair can be frustrating. We offer the most effective hair removal treatments for all skin and hair types.

Electrolysis is one of the top FDA approved permanent hair removal solutions for facial and body hair. With this method, you do not need to settle for hair reduction as it can remove the hair permanently.

Unlike laser or IPL, white, red, pale blond and light grey hairs can be treated successfully with this treatment.

Electrolysis

Electrolysis is a method of permanently removing individual hairs from the face or body. Today’s medical electrolysis devices destroy or weaken the bulb of the hair follicle with chemical or heat energy, which over time stops the hair growth.

The different methods of electrolyis include:

Galvanic Electrolysis – Galvanic electrolysis is the oldest type for of this hair removal. The direct current used extremely effective but very slow. It creates a chemical change in the follicle to disable the root.

Thermolysis Electrolysis – Thermolysis uses shortwave radio frequency or AC current. Thermolysis causes the water molecules by your hair to rapidly vibrate, which produces heat. When enough heat is created, thermolysis damages the cells that cause hair growth.

Blend Electrolysis – True to its name, blend combines both galvanic and thermolysis in one treatment. If one type of electrolysis doesn’t kill your unwanted hair the other will.

At Thames skin clinic – we use the Thermolysis (diathermy) method.

A single-use, sterile, disposable needle is provided for every treatment and each hair is tackled on an individual basis, a very fine probe is inserted directly into the hair follicle, which is then removed with tweezers once detached from the bulb, this makes the procedure targeted and thorough.

Most areas of the body can be treated with electrolysis, with popular areas including the face, abdomen, chest and neck and any colour hair can be treated.

Am I a suitable candidate?

We assess patient specific factors to determine the likely number of treatments for your course.

Your skin — Skin type and skin sensitivity are factors that influence the result.
Hydration of your skin — Electrical current is conducted more readily in moist tissue than in dry. Moisture is vital for effective electrolysis treatment. In order to generate heat, the moisture molecules must vibrate and cause friction. Therefore, if the amount of moisture is limited, the heat will also be limited.
Thickness of your hair — Thicker hair is more difficult to remove.
Quantity of hair — It takes longer to remove hairs that are close together than hairs that are further apart.
Medical history – It’s important to check your suitability for treatment depending on your medical history
Medications – Some medications may cause stimulated hair growth or be contraindications to treatment
Area where the hair is located — Different areas have different growth cycles. Bikini hair takes longer to clear than facial hair because the growth cycle is longer.
Hormonal balance — A variety of biologic changes (puberty, illness, emotional upset) can lead to hormonal change that can alter vellus hairs to terminal hairs and activate previously sleeping hair follicles. Estradiol can act as a brake on hair follicle cycling by delaying initiation of growing stage and by prolonging the duration of the resting stage. There are some individuals who are extremely sensitive to changes in hormonal levels.

What's the difference between electrolysis and laser?

Laser requires further treatment when the hair grows back, whereas electrolysis will destroy the hairs indefinitely.

Electrolysis can be performed on ALL hair types and colours including white, red, grey and blonde.

With laser, it is easier & quicker to treat large areas of skin which can reduce hair growth but does not remove all the hair permanently. It is termed hair reduction rather than hair removal.

It is possible to perform both electrolysis and laser together, as the two treatments can work well in conjunction with each other in some circumstances.

How many sessions will I need?

Each hair follicle has its growing cycle and accordingly repeated sessions are required for permanent hair removal.

Electrolysis treatments can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years depending on how strong the hair is, whether your body is still producing new hairs due to an ongoing medical condition, how much hair there is and how regularly you attend sessions.

Electrolysis treatments are usually spaced closely at just 1-2 weeks apart.

Can results be guaranteed?

Results are permanent but can take time.

Hair grows in three stages and then falls out and starts over. The hair’s follicle is only present and susceptible to treatment during the first and perhaps the second stage of growth. If a hair is treated during the last phase of growth the effort is wasted because there just isn’t a follicle there to treat. Unfortunately there is no way to know what phase of growth the individual hairs are in.

This is why it’s important to return for treatments frequently. If a hair is treated unsuccessfully once and then is given too much time to grow again it will once again pass in to its final (telogen) stage where treatment is ineffective.

How safe is treatment?

Electrolysis is extremely safe when using FDA approved machines and fully trained staff.

Our doctors and therapists are highly trained in the use of Electrolysis and can be consulted to discuss treatment options.

Will I feel any pain or discomfort during my treatment?

The treatment is not painful, but the sensation experienced depends upon factors like the hair type, part of the body and the pain threshold of the individual.

Modern electrolysis methods can be described as causing a tingling or warming sensation but is considered to be comfortably tolerable.

Topical desensitizing creams can be applied to help ease the sensation.

How much downtime is usually needed and what should I expect?

After your treatment, it is common to experience redness or swelling, both of which are usually short lived. These are both natural reactions from the stimulus applied the follicle and can be eased with the use of an ice pack and witch hazel.

In order to prevent any additional reaction, it is critical that you inform us of any medical conditions, medications, supplements, lotions and oils.

Procedure

First your medical history will be taken followed by an examination of the areas where you would like hair to be removed. We will discuss whether electrolysis treatment is the most suitable for you and if this will address your expectations from our treatment.

When the treatment procedure has been fully explained you will be required to sign a consent form and a photograph will be taken for your confidential records.

How to prepare your hair

Stop all tweezing and waxing immediately. It can distort your follicles and may even nourish stronger, coarser hair in the wounded area as it heals. Cutting the hair with scissors is the best method. Bleaching will work, but it may make it difficult for your electrologist to see the hair. Shaving works too, but try to shave within 24 to 48 hours before an appointment, so that your electrologist will have a hair shaft long enough to grasp.

Patch Tests

A patch test is not required for this treatment.

Side effects

You are likely to notice some slight redness or pink and perhaps some swelling or slight welting. This is normal. A cold compress applied for 10-15 minutes immediately following a treatment will help reduce the irritation.

Redness and perifollicular edema (looks like a rash/bug bites) are common and resolve with time

Bruising, swelling and blistering are less common but may occur and will resolve with time

Some resolve within hours, others a few days up to 3-7 days post treatment.

Aftercare

Notify clinic of any concerns (infection, excessive redness/swelling, etc.)
Hair removal requires a series of treatments. The number of treatments depends on body location and type of hair.
Keep up with appointments to obtain desired results
Tweezing, threading and waxing must be avoided during a course of electrolysis
Ensure makeup, brushes, pads and other applications are clean, preferably new.
Omit your normal skincare routine until discussed with your Thames Skin therapist. Some products in skincare can irritate your skin following treatment.
Your Therapist can provide a suitable post-procedure skincare plan for you.
Moisturise the skin, starting 4 hours post treatment and continuing twice a day for 4 weeks. Hydrating and Calming cream is excellent for this.

Things to avoid

Avoid sun exposure and use a broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen, We recommend ZO SPF 30 or BroadSpectrum SPF50.
Avoid touching the area and do not pick any scabs that may form
Avoid excessive exercise for 24-48 hrs post treatment.
Avoid direct sunlight on the area for 7-14 days post treatment.
Avoid steam rooms, saunas, swimming and hot showers for 24-48hrs post treatment.
Avoid make-up for 24-48 hrs.
Avoid skin irritants (examples below) a few days post-treatment:

Products containing tretinoin, retinol, benzoyl peroxide, glycolic/salicylic acids, astringents, etc.

When skin returns to normal your skincare regime can resume. If you do not have a skincare routine we can set this up for you. Good skincare encourages skin health and helps prolong treatment results.

If you have any concerns following your laser treatment please contact the clinic immediately.

At Thames Skin Clinic Dr Hemming offers skin consultations to create a personalised skin care plan for your skins needs. Click here to arrange a consultation.

We often get asked about the cost of treatment. At Thames Skin Clinic we pride ourselves on results rather than focus on the price of a treatment, it is more important that we get the correct quality of product rather than offer cut price treatments, products and services (especially when it comes to medical treatments). You will never see Thames Skin Clinic advertising services on social coupon sites such as Groupon as we believe they have a negative impact on our customer safety, results and satisfaction. We also wish to abide by the advertising regulator and work in a safe ethical manor.

Our prices reflect the skill, training and premier product choices we have made as well as the true reflection of the beautiful bespoke clinic surroundings.

To discuss Electrolysis treatment and for a detailed consultation regarding the best options for you please call us today and book an initial consultation with our specialist practitioners. There is a charge for appointments with Dr Hemming and deposits are taken for appointments with aesthetic therapists which are then put towards to the treatment cost and redeemable on the day of first treatment. If you decide not to go ahead with laser, the deposit is redeemed as a consultation charge.

Electrolysis sessions work in 15 minute intervals, the time required will be determined upon consultation with your therapist:

15 minutes – £50

30 minutes – £65

45 minutes – £80

60 minutes £100

Course of 6 & 12 available – please contact the team at the clinic for further information.

Read what our valued patients have to say about their visit

03 Apr 2020

The results just keep getting better.

I’ve been visiting Doctor Anna for over a year to revitalise my skin with topical treatments. As I grew to trust her professionally, I decided to take that bold journey to address my dark circles which have gotten worse with age. I was incredibly nervous and a bit scared that I would look unnatural or vastly different after treatment. From the first day of treatment, I was excited and pleased with the results. It’s been two weeks now, and the results just keep getting better. I feel beautiful. The cherry on the cake is my loved ones and close friends haven’t noticed a thing!

20 Mar 2020

Amazing place, lovely staff

I was a bit apprehensive as I had never had a facial before but when I arrived and met Lizzie she put me as ease immediately and the treatment out of this world. Amazing place with lovely staff and a wonderful experience.

19 Mar 2020

I really trust Dr Anna Hemming

I have been coming to Dr Anna Hemming for wrinkle treatment for the past 4 years. I’m always happy with the fresher natural look she gives me. Friends have been surprised when I tell them I haven’t been on holiday and that my rested look is actually wrinkle treatment. I really trust Dr Hemming to do the best for me and feel safe in her experienced medically qualified hands. So, now she has opened a fabulous new clinic I’m venturing to other treatments. I’ve just had 3 LED sessions with aesthetic practitioner Lizzi (who is very knowledgeable and super friendly) and these have really plumped up my skin . I’ve booked a Hydrafacial for next week. The clinic is a uncluttered minimalist space with the latest skincare equipment. It feels hygienic yet relaxing. It’s a pleasure to visit. Thank you.

18 Mar 2020

I absolutely love the results of the filler on my face and lips

Hi everyone, could you please let Dr Hemming know that I absolutely love the result of the fillers on my face and lips. I wanted a natural look and discussed this with her, and I have to say I was a little anxious about putting filler in my lips but I love them. I have the natural look I discussed with Dr Hemming and the one I was hoping for, it has given me a real confidence boost. Stay safe love Marian x

28 Feb 2020

Anna is Amazing

I am very happy with the treatment and service I received. Very friendly staff and Dr Anna is amazing. I’d love to come again.

05 Feb 2020

Treatment delivered with great skill

Attentive professional treatment delivered with great skill

09 Jan 2020

I can highly recommend Dr Anna Hemming

I started to develop skin issues around my eyelid area. Having been to see two other dermatologists who were unable to assist due to the delicate and sensitive area around the eyes, it was a welcome relief for Dr Anna Hemming to be recommended to me. She immediately put me at ease, talked me through the available treatments, provided me with a quote and arranged to see me again to carry out the procedure. Within 2 weeks of the initial consultation my treatment was completed. It has made such a difference to my face already. I feel more confident and am so relieved to have found a consultant who not only listened but carried out a procedure that I was told was not possible. I can highly recommend Dr Anna Hemming and have already to my friends. I have no doubt I will use her again for any other derma-logical procedures.

12 Dec 2019

Anna makes you feel totally relaxed

Anna makes you feel totally relaxed and inspires confidence with her knowledge.

13 Feb 2019

Helped improve my skin

She helped me improve my Skin. I wish I met her 10 years ago. I never thought my Skin will glow and get rid of my acne.

Ruby

22 Jan 2019

Fabulous results!

Amazing! As I new client I was very impressed with the wrinkle treatment consultation, procedure and results. Dr Anna is first class at providing that much sought after rested and refreshed look.

Heather Latham

10 Jan 2019

Just excellent!

Anna is amazing, she really understands what her patients need and doesn't try and over push any product or procedure. She always does what is just right. Thank you Anna.

Terrey Burr

09 Nov 2018

Amazing

Amazing person and Dr, professional, extremely knowledgeable, caring and friendly, makes you feel relaxed and comfortable. I’ve been a few times now to Dr Hemming, I always look forward to going, and the results are always incredible.

Amanda W

18 Jan 2019

Absolute Professional

I first came to Anna when I suffered from tired, dry and lifeless skin very prone to breakouts. Anna put me on a skin rejuvenation programme using some amazing products and my skin is now the best it’s ever been and I now get frequent comments on how amazing my skin looks!

Charlotte Edwards

08 Nov 2018

A very relaxed environment

A very relaxed environment and felt very safe in Doctor Hemmings hands. Very pleased with my results and will be going back. I would thoroughly recommend Dr.Anna to my friends and family!

Alex Lyons

11 Nov 2018

All round great experience

Efficient, friendly and super informative. You can tell that Anna has been in the practice for years and knows exactly what she is talking about.

Ella

08 Nov 2018

100% recommend Dr Anna

I recently saw Dr Anna and am extremely happy with the results. The treatment and product were fantastic as was her manner and professionalism. She really listened to my areas of concern and came up with a fantastic treatment plan and my before and after shots are really impressive!

Ali Branson-Willis

01 Nov 2018

Excellent

I would heartily recommend Dr Anna Hemming to anyone seeking cosmetic treatment. She is truely up to date with all the latest techniques and products, and she practises with great skill and subtlety - her friendly manner makes consultations a pleasure. 5 stars.

Belle

04 Oct 2019

Satisfied Client

I am delighted with the results of my first treatment for plasma blepharoplasty with Dr Anna. What a difference in just one treatment. Dr Anna is highly professional and was really supportive, reassuring and informative. I have already booked my second treatment.

01 Nov 2018

Highly recommended!

Excellent. Very professional, knowledgeable and friendly. I felt very relaxed and well looked after. Never rushed. All options were explained and I was shown new ideas that I had not heard of before from other practitioners. Highly recommended. I feel lucky to have found Anna.

Emma

28 Aug 2018

Clearer skin at last!

Dr. Hemming is the best when it comes to skin health and rejuvenation. I’ve been loving the OZ skin health range and it’s really improved my skin. (Clearer skin, tighter all over and reduced pore size). I’ve been spot prone all my life and was so fed up with nothing ever working. Finally I have a plan that is clinically proven and safe for my long term skin health. Thank you Dr. Hemming!

Polly

12 Apr 2018

Great listener

Great listener, tailors treatment to needs brilliantly. Recommend her services to all! Great doctor!

20 Jul 2017

Professional

Dr Anna Hemming is extremely professional and knowledgeable in all kinds of treatments and skin care where her expertise is second to none. I have known Dr Hemming for many years and she successfully treated my children’s acne and now she is successfully treating my middle age complaints. She is an inspiration and always full of enthusiasm for the help she can give her patients.

15 Aug 2017

I look younger!

I received Fractora treatment now 3 weeks ago from Dr Hemming. There has been a slow healing and gradually I see myself less tired looking and my lines have noticeably reduced . The beginnings of a jowel I had along my jawline has disappeared which is exactly the part of my face that bothered me most. It seems as if I’ve had a face lift! My skin is firmer and the hollows less deep. I dare say I look younger.

21 Mar 2017

I will definitely be back

It was great to find Dr Anna, she works in a very professional environment. She has a great eye for detail. I am very happy with my results and I will definitely be back to find out more about your skin care range too.

08 Mar 2017

No make up and loving it

No make up and loving it, you have totally sorted out my skin. You have a gift, use it! One happy 40 year old. Love you!

21 Aug 2020

Go, you will not be disappointed.

I have recently moved to Barnes and was searching for someone that could deliver wrinkle injections on my skin but I wanted someone reputable, Doctor led, and that didn’t over do my face as I don’t want it to look like I have treatments. I had my appointment with Anna, the lovely lady that owns this clinic and what a brilliant experience it was for me. I knew my end result would be exactly what I was after. I shall be back, for other treatments because I feel I’m in safe hands and you all know what you’re talking about. No I know why Anna has such a great reputation within the industry. She is not only a wealth of knowledge when it comes to skin but I feel at ease and taken care of in her beautifully designed clinic in Twickenham. Go, you will not be disappointed.

31 Jul 2020

Dr Anna and her team are professional

I’ve had the pleasure of going to Dr Anna for a few years now and was delighted when she opened The Thames Skin Clinic as so close to where I live. The space is gorgeous and bright so perfect for any treatments you may require! I’ve been used to, in the past to going into these darkened rooms where they surely can’t treat you properly. Dr Anna and her team are professional and friendly in the right measure and make you feel at ease and confident that you’ll walk out of there looking and feeling a million dollars!! Would def recommend a visit to see for yourself!

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