Electrolysis is the only legally recognised form of permanent hair removal, setting it apart from temporary methods such as waxing, shaving and threading. Invented as long ago as 1875, the treatment is most often used to remove fine facial hairs, though it can work on any area of the body. A schedule of electrolysis sessions is required to permanently remove hair, making the treatment time-consuming and expensive.
Electrolysis utilises a fine probe or needle to pierce hair follicles one by one. An electrical current then releases heat and chemical energy to cumulatively damage the cells, with the eventual result that they will be unable to produce hair.
Burns, Scarring & Skin Discolouration
The success of permanent electrolysis very much depends on the competence and skill of the practitioner offering the treatment. Computer-based technology has reduced the risk factor significantly, though electrolysis may still be painful, and in a minority of cases may cause permanent skin damage. In a similar way to laser treatments, electrolysis uses intense heat to destroy hair follicles, but this heat may also burn and damage the skin if the beauty technician carrying out the treatment commits an error. Mistakes may result in permanent scarring, discolouration and changes in skin pigmentation. These unintended consequences most often effect those with darker skin, and those prone to keloid (raised) scarring.
Hygiene, Medical Assessments & Risk of Allergic Reactions
Hygiene standards at cosmetic clinics and beauty salons offering electrolysis is particularly important, to prevent the risk of infections being transmitted. The needle or probe should be disposable and must never be reused. The same applies to the protective gloves worn by the person carrying out the treatment. Individual skin sensitivity must be properly assessed to ensure that the electrical current is set to the correct frequency. It is especially important that a thorough medical consultation is carried out prior to a person undergoing a schedule of electrolysis treatments. Allergic reactions maybe triggered by the metal needle used during the process, or the local anaesthetic that is sometimes administered. A properly conducted pre-treatment health assessment should identify any such contraindications.
The Importance of Choosing the Right Electrolysist
It is well known that poorly performed electrolysis treatments can cause scarring, including raised keloid scars, and changes in skin colour, normally brown or white marks caused by an increase or decrease in pigmentation, as well as bacterial infections. Electrolysis should not be carried out on the inside of the nose or ears, or on birthmarks and moles. Neither should it be performed on patients fitted with pacemakers, or those suffering from the skin condition rosacea. A reputable electrolysist will be aware of all these issues, and if hair is to be removed permanently and without any problems, it is essential that potential customers check a practitioner’s credentials and experience carefully.
How Can I Complain About an Electrolysis Treatment?
The electrolysis industry is effectively unregulated in the UK, meaning that practitioners do not require a certain level of training to offer their professional services. There is, however, a professional body for electrolysists called the British Institute and Association of Electrolysis (BIAE), and this organisation ensures that its members have passed rigorous assessments. While membership is not compulsory, most electrolysists in the UK are members, and prospective patients should always check whether their intended practitioner is registered with the BIAE if they are not to risk a bad electrolysis treatment. The BIAE handles complaints against its members, and when an electrolysis treatment has gone wrong, the patient should contact this body before seeking advice from solicitors.
Claiming Compensation for Electrolysis Hair Removal Injuries
Poorly performed electrolysis can result in severe pain, scarring and permanent changes in skin pigmentation. When these adverse consequences affect facial areas, the damage may amount to some level of deformity, and a host of related emotional problems. Cosmetic clinics and beauty salons are legally obliged to exercise reasonable care and skill when carrying out electrolysis treatments. Where they fail in this regard, and a customer’s skin is temporarily or permanently damaged as a result of this negligence, it will be possible for the injured party to sue the clinic or salon and obtain personal injury compensation.
We have recently dealt with cases in which electrolysis hair removal treatments have gone disastrously wrong for clients. In the resulting compensation claims we have recovered damages for pain and suffering, as well as medical and travel expenses and loss of earnings for time off work. Contact us today for free and confidential legal advice from a specialist female solicitor.
Read a case study: Compensation for Scars From Electrolysis Treatment.
