Folliculitis Treatment

Electrolysis permanently removes hair by targeting each follicle's growth center with a small probe and electrical current. Once a hair follicle is treated at the right time in its growth cycle it can't grow hair again.

Electrolysis has been around for 150 years and is the only permanent hair removal method approved by the FDA. Leah is trained in all three electrolysis modalities, so your treatment plan can be built around what actually works for your hair and skin.

Yes. When electrolysis successfully treats a follicle, that follicle cannot grow hair again. To be successful, electrolysis needs to treat every follicle at the right time in its growth cycle. Hair grows in cycles, and not every follicle is active at the same time. That is why electrolysis happens over multiple sessions rather than all at once.

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When people think hair is growing back, what they are usually seeing is untreated hair coming in from follicles that were dormant during earlier sessions. Electrolysis also does not stop new follicles from becoming active later in life due to hormones, aging, or medical conditions. However, it does permanently remove any follicle that is active at the time of treatment.

Hair grows in cycles, and not every follicle is active at the same time. Electrolysis is a time commitment, so your dedication to recurring, spaced out treatments is important so we can catch hairs when they're in the right stage to be permanently removed.

Every patient's treatment is nuanced by factors like area, hair density, and hormonal influences, so it's difficult to give an exact timeline. Most people start noticing meaningful progress within the first few months as treated hairs stop returning. It's helpful to stay motivated by remembering every appointment is incremental progress and we'll get to a clear stage together.

The golden question. People tend to feel the “zap,” which is a quick pinch of heat. Sensitivity varies by area and individual tolerance.

If there is pain, it can usually be managed with topical numbing cream applied about an hour before your appointment. Ask us about your options at your consultation.

Often yes! Many people with conditions like HS, folliculitis or frequent ingrown hairs actually seek electrolysis because removing the hair is known to reduce irritation and recurring follicle inflammation.

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That said, we always start with a consultation and evaluation of the treatment areas first. As patient advocates we will be honest with you if we need to wait until a flare-up has calmed before treating.

Mountain Meadows Electrolysis is not currently in network with insurance, though we're working toward accepting Kaiser Permanente and PacificSource soon.

Payment is due at the time of your appointment. If your plan allows for out of network reimbursement, we can provide a superbill with the documentation you'd need to submit on your own. Ask us about this at your consultation.

We understand that not shaving certain areas can be uncomfortable and/or dysphoric, so we typically ask for 2 to 4 days of growth. Enough to grab with tweezers, about the length of a sharpened pencil lead.

Definitely! Shaving or trimming is totally fine between sessions. Just stop a few days before your appointment so we can treat the hairs accurately.

Yes please! Pulling hairs out of follicles through tweezing and waxing can distort the follicle and make it harder to treat later. It also interrupts the hair cycle we've worked so hard to line up during your treatments.

It really does. Well-hydrated skin responds better to treatment and makes the experience less painful overall. Hydration in the follicle helps conduct the electricity to make the heat needed to disable the hair's growth center.

For the first 48 hrs avoid direct sun, hot tubs, pools, saunas, and natural bodies of water that could irritate freshly treated areas.

Yes, temporary redness, mild swelling, warmth and some scabbing are all common. Hair follicles have a blood supply, and electrolysis works essentially by creating a very small, controlled injury to the follicle. Tiny scabs can be a sign that your body is healing. That healing process can also stimulate collagen in the skin.Keep treated areas clean and avoid scratching or picking scabs. Cleanliness is key to preventing prolonged redness or irritation.

Great question, we recommend 100% witch hazel and aloe gel. They soothe and protect the skin, both of which are easy to find at most drugstores. You can also keep the area clean with a gentle daily cleanser and fragrance free moisturizer. If redness continues, a 1% hydrocortisone cream can help.

Avoid direct sun exposure, but you can absolutely go outside. Just always apply sunscreen that protects UVA and UVB rays with a minimum of SPF 15 to help prevent pigmentation changes in treated areas.

Yes, improper technique or overly aggressive treatment can stress the skin and slow healing. Problems usually come from incorrect probe placement, too much intensity, or poor hygiene. That is why training and experience matter. We strongly discourage “at home” hair removal for this reason.

It's also important to choose an electrologist who is well trained, competent, and easy to feel comfortable with. At Mountain Meadows Electrolysis, Leah focuses on precision and restraint, adjusting treatment based on your skin's response rather than pushing for speed.

When hair removal treatment is too aggressive, your skin may stay red longer, feel sore, or develop scabs that take extra time to heal. Pushing intensity does not make hair go away faster and often slows progress by stressing the skin. We watch your skin closely and adjust settings to support healing. Steady, careful work leads to better long-term results than trying to force quick clearance.

No. There is no evidence that electrolysis raises cancer risk. The electrical current stays localized within the follicle and does not change DNA or affect the body as a whole. Concerns often come from confusion with unrelated or outdated technologies. Modern electrolysis has a long history of safe use when performed correctly by trained professionals.

Don't worry, electrolysis does not affect lymph nodes. Treatment stays at the skin and hair follicle level and does not reach deeper structures. Some people mistake normal post-treatment swelling for lymph involvement, but this swelling reflects local skin healing, not changes in the lymph system. As healing progresses, this temporary swelling usually fades on its own.

Often, yes. If you have diabetes, healing may take longer and skin may be more sensitive. We usually adjust session length, spacing, and aftercare to support safe recovery. Open communication helps us tailor treatment to your needs rather than guessing. With thoughtful planning, many clients with diabetes complete electrolysis safely and successfully. We do recommend you coordinate with your doctor prior to starting treatment, and during treatment if any concerns come up.

In many cases, yes. Autoimmune conditions vary widely, so we pay close attention to how your skin heals and reacts. We often start conservatively and adjust over time based on your response. Clear communication about medications and flare patterns helps us plan treatment that supports your comfort and skin health rather than pushing too hard.

Sometimes. Hair can grow through scar tissue, but scars heal differently than normal skin. We evaluate texture, thickness, and sensitivity before treating. You might notice that scarred areas react more slowly or feel different during treatment. We usually start gently and see how your skin responds before making any long-term plan.