The Difference Between Electrolysis and Advanced Electrolysis

At A Glance

Electrolysis and advanced electrolysis may sound similar, but they treat very different concerns. While traditional electrolysis is used for permanent hair removal, advanced electrolysis targets common skin blemishes like milia, skin tags, and thread veins. In this guide, we explain the key differences between the two types of electrolysis, as well as how each treatment works and what to expect in terms of aftercare.

Quick Introduction

Many of our patients don’t know the difference between different types of electrolysis when they approach us, and that’s why we’ve created this guide. Here, you’ll find answers to the following questions: 

• What is advanced electrolysis? 

• What is traditional electrolysis?

• How does it work?

• What are the advantages of different types of electrolysis?

  
  

Understanding Electrolysis and Advanced Electrolysis

Although their names are similar, electrolysis and advanced electrolysis aren’t the same. 

Standard electrolysis is primarily used for permanent hair removal, and advanced electrolysis, which is also known as Advanced Cosmetic Procedures (ACP), treats benign skin blemishes such as skin tags or thread veins. 

Let’s understand more about these types of electrolysis and what happens during electrolysis.

What is Electrolysis?

Electrolysis is one of the earliest methods developed to remove body hair permanently. During an electrolysis procedure, a probe is inserted into the base of each individual hair follicle, which destroys its ability to grow by applying a small electrical current. 

Electrolysis is commonly used to remove body hair in areas like the chin, upper lip, or brows. The FDA also recognises this method. One of the key advantages of electrolysis, when compared to lasers, is that it can also work on light or fine hairs. 

What is Advanced Electrolysis?

Advanced electrolysis uses a similar principle of shooting an electrical current, but it’s used to treat skin imperfections rather than body hair. 

Instead of targeting follicles, the probe is placed on the surface of the skin to dry out or cauterise blemishes. This helps the body naturally shed the imperfections after the treatment. Advanced electrolysis is commonly used to treat concerns like warts, milia, blood spots, and verrucae.

How Do They Compare?

The main difference between electrolysis and advanced electrolysis lies in the problem they’re solving: removing hair versus removing skin blemishes. 

An advanced electrolysis machine is different from the standard probe used during electrolysis, and the depth of application and aftercare also differ.

A Quick Comparison Guide Between Electrolysis and Advanced Electrolysis

Feature	Electrolysis	Advanced Electrolysis
Purpose	Hair Removal	Blemish Removal
Equipment	Electrolysis Machine with standard probes	Electrolysis Machine with standard and advanced probes
Concerns Treated	Hair Follicles	Skin Tags, Milia, Veins
Sensation	Heat or Sting	Mild Discomfort
Aftercare	Healing Products	Specific Advanced Electrolysis Aftercare Treatment

Who Are These Treatments For?

If you have unwanted body hair that you want to remove permanently, but lasers haven’t helped you, electrolysis treatment is a good option to try. Electrolysis treatment is safe for all skin tones and hair colours, which isn’t always the case with other methods.

According to a survey conducted by the British Skin Foundation, around 60% of people in the UK experience a skin blemish at some point in their lives. If you’re self-conscious about a skin blemish and over-the-counter medication isn’t working for you, advanced electrolysis is worth considering. 

Preparing For and Recovering From Treatment

While both treatments don’t require any extensive preparation, there are some basic things you need to keep in mind. First, make sure to stop using harsher chemicals like retinoids, and avoid direct contact with the sun. If you’re getting hair removal done, you need hair that’s visible for the probe to enter.

Once you’ve undergone advanced electrolysis, you can expect mild redness in the treatment area. Keep the area clean, and avoid picking or scratching at it. If there are tiny scabs after the treatment, let them flake off naturally to prevent scarring. At the Blemish Clinic, we always follow up with our clients to check how they’re doing. 

Get Advanced Electrolysis Treatment at The Blemish Clinic

Of the types of electrolysis, advanced electrolysis is ideal if you’re self-conscious about blemishes on your skin and would like them removed. 

At The Blemish Clinic, our team of trained and certified specialists use advanced electrolysis to treat a wide range of cosmetic skin concerns. The procedure is safe, non-invasive, and performed with the utmost care to keep you comfortable at every stage.

We hope this guide helped you to understand the differences between electrolysis and advanced electrolysis. And if you’re looking for advanced electrolysis in Northampton, get in touch to book your appointment!