Hair Removal, The Griffin Center of Hair Restoration and Research

Hair Removal

Studies show that unwanted hair is a problem that affects close to ninety percent of all men and women in the U.S. In the past the only options were to suffer with it or to use temporary and often painful methods including waxing, plucking, or bleaching. Today there are other options that offer long-lasting results and much less discomfort.

The Griffin Center offers electrolysis, the EpiLight® Hair Removal System, and GentleLASE® laser hair removal.

For more information, to schedule an appointment, or for a private consultation with our electrologist, Jan Buckley-Levenson, call (404) 256-4457.

Electrolysis

Electrolysis Permanently Removes Unwanted Hair

Technological advances have improved our methods of removing hair, but electrolysis still remains the surest way to achieve long-lasting hair removal in the fewest number of treatments. Although no hair removal system is always permanent for every patient, many electrolysis patients have experienced a lifetime of freedom from unwanted hair after using this method.

Electrolysis is not recommended for people who have pacemakers, are pregnant, or have IUD's.

Electrolysis Questions and Answers

How Does Electrolysis Work?

A very fine probe is inserted into each unwanted hair follicle. Then an electrical impulse cauterizes the blood vessels and destroys the hair's ability to grow. The hair is released from its follicle and permanently removed.

1) Does the Treatment Hurt?
Many patients describe the sensation as a sting, twinge, or even a zap, which lasts only a fraction of a second. Sensitivity varies with each person and depends on the area being treated. Your own sensitivity can change from day to day due to mood and (for women) menstrual changes. Our electrologist can help by adjusting treatment levels and timings to make the procedure more comfortable.

2) What Electrolysis Method(s) Will I Receive?
At The Griffin Center, a variety of treatment methods are used, including short wave, blend, and multi-probe. The multi-probe technique is a very specialized approach to the bikini line and underarm areas. Your tolerance will vary with each method. The utmost care is given to individualize each treatment to your special needs. Under the direction of a Griffin Center physician, your comfort is our goal.

3) Are Sterile Probes (Needles) and Tweezers Used?
Addressing your concerns and ensuring your safety are our medical responsibilities. We use pre-sterilized, disposable probes. Our probes and tweezers are steam-sterilized in a surgical autoclave, just like those used in hospitals. It is a proven, effective method for sterilizing all surgical and electrology instruments. If you wish, you may purchase your own needles, which also must be sterilized.

4) What are the Benefits of this Procedure?
Feeling good about yourself is important. Electrolysis is worth the hours and expense when you compare it to daily plucking and other temporary hair removal methods. An estimate of the expenses will be provided during your initial consultation. With our special techniques, each and every treatment moves you closer to the results you desire.

Women’s Words on Electrolysis

Bikini Area

"For years I shaved my bikini area, which caused a rash, and the hair grew out within a couple of days. With waxing, the area was smoother, but it came back ingrown. Since I've discovered electrolysis, my skin is always smooth and free from razor rash and ingrown hair. I also feel a lot more comfortable wearing my swimsuit."

Chin

"It started in my early twenties. I noticed several long, dark hairs under my chin. I began tweezing, but over a period of time, the hair only became coarser and darker. My dermatologist examined me and discovered that it was a hereditary problem and referred me to your office. After a few treatments, I noticed the hair growth has slowed down and the hair texture is softer. Also, my skin is much smoother and I'm experiencing less breakouts. I realize that I will be in for a few more treatments before the hair is permanently gone, but I wanted you to know how pleased I am and how much better it's made me feel about myself."

Lip

"Friends joked about my mustache. I started bleaching, but the hair turned too light in comparison to my other dark features, leaving it very noticeable. The cream depilatories I tried made the skin too slick because it even removed my peach fuzz. A former patient from your office informed me about electrolysis. Now, I have been treated for a few months and love the results."

Men’s Words on Electrolysis

Ears

"As a regional sales manager, I am extremely conscious of my appearance. Every two to three weeks, I would visit my barber to trim the hair on my ears. When I changed to a new barber, I told him how long I had been doing this. He told me that there was a permanent solution: electrolysis. I had no idea there was a simple solution with safe, permanent results."

Neck

"For years, I was searching for a skin specialist, looking for a solution to the unsightly shaving bumps and painful ingrown hair on my neck. Finally, one of your doctors here recommended that I have a consultation with you about 'multi-probe' electrolysis. I know this will require several treatments, but I have already noticed a difference. I was surprised to find out that, in my particular case, my medical insurance is even covering the cost of the treatments."

Shoulders & Back

"On my daughter's twelfth birthday, we had a pool party. It was the first time I had my shirt off publicly for years. I overheard my daughter's friend say, ‘With all the hair on his shoulders, your dad looks like a gorilla.' My wife made me an appointment the very next day. She told me that she had been coming to you for six months for electrolysis on her lip and was very pleased with the results. I never realized that we shared the same concerns about excess hair."

Chest, Arms & Legs

"Because I am a body builder in active competition, I have been waxing my body for five years. One day before a major contest, my trainer noticed the telltale rash of waxing and suggested electrolysis as a better alternative. Compared to the pain of waxing, electrolysis is a major relief."

Jan Buckley, CCE

Jan Buckley has been a member of Dr. Griffin’s team since September 1992. She is a Certified Clinical Electrologist and a graduate of the International Center for the Study of Electrology. She is an active member of the International Guild of Professional Electrologists. Jan's efforts to continually enhance her skills and stay abreast of the latest techniques brought her from Montgomery, Alabama, to the highly innovative Griffin Center team.

Early in her career, she learned how to maintain patient comfort, safety, and procedure effectiveness. Jan's credentials also include a bachelor's degree from Troy State University and thirteen years of experience with professional skin care and blemish correction in the field of cosmetics.

EpiLight™ Hair Removal System

EpiLight ® Hair Removal System is a non-invasive, pulsed-light therapy device specifically designed to eliminate undesired hair from all parts of the body. It differs from electrolysis in that it is faster, and it causes less discomfort. It too can offer long-lasting results.

How Does EpiLight Remove Hair?

EpiLight® uses pulsed light to remove hair and impair hair growth. First, a cool gel and a handheld treatment unit are gently applied to your skin. Then, in a flash, pulses of light safely penetrate the skin and disable hundreds of hair follicles simultaneously. When the gel is removed, much of your hair will be wiped off with it. The remaining hair in the treated area falls out within a week or two.

Can Hair on all Parts of the Body Be Treated?

The system's unique design offers you customized treatment according to your hair color and texture and its location on the body. EpiLight ® can remove all hair colors from all parts of the body including the chin, upper lip, cheeks, legs, arms, underarms, and back, as well as sensitive areas like the ears, nose, chest, and bikini area.

What Is EpiLight® Treatment Like?

When EpiLight's pulse of light is delivered to the hair, you may feel a mild sting or pinch similar to the snap of a rubber band, but the sensation can be eased with the use of a topical local anesthetic.

How Many Treatments Are Required?

It varies depending upon your hair color and location on the body. Several treatments may be needed, with each session usually lasting between 10 and 30 minutes.

Are There Any Side Effects?

You may experience some short-term side effects, which may include slight reddening of the skin or local swelling that will subside within a few days.

Are There Any Restrictions on My Activities after Treatment?

You can resume work and all regular activities the same day of your treatment. However, you should limit sun exposure, which is always a good idea.

Who Are Candidates for Treatment?

Most people can be treated with EpiLight ® Hair Removal System; however, it’s important to check with our office. The procedure may require a consultation visit.

How Does EpiLight ® Compare with Commonly Used Hair Removal Methods?

Shaving, waxing, and depilatory creams are all temporary methods that must be repeated on a regular basis. EpiLight ® Hair Removal System offers long-lasting results with fewer treatments than electrolysis. This is because EpiLight ® treats many follicles at a time where electrolysis can only treat one at a time.

How Is EpiLight ® Different from Lasers?

EpiLight's innovative, patented technology allows our specialists at the Griffin Center to customize treatment specifically for your hair color, texture, and body location.

GentleLASE® Laser Hair Removal

What Is the Candela GentleLASE®, and Why Is It a Safe Treatment?

Lasers have been used for several years for a variety of medical cosmetic procedures including treatment of facial and leg veins, age spots, tattoos, birthmarks, and smoothing fine lines on the face.

The GentleLASE® , a revolutionary laser system, emits a gentle beam of light that passes through the skin, to the hair follicle where it is absorbed. The laser energy is transformed into heat, which can disable the follicle, leaving the surrounding tissue unharmed. The skin is further protected during treatment by spraying cryogen (a coolant) onto the skin. This helps to protect the skin while effectively treating the unwanted hair. GentleLASE® provides patients with the most comfort of any hair removal system today.

People with skin color that is darker than their hair color are not good candidates for this treatment. Likewise, patients with certain skin conditions cannot undergo this treatment safely.

What Conditions Are Treated with the Laser?

The GentleLASE® offers safe and effective hair removal treatment. Until now, the only semi-permanent way to remove hair has been by electrolysis. The GentleLASE® safely removes unwanted body hair without damaging the delicate pores and structures of the skin. Facial and bikini areas are usually completed in less than ten minutes; legs and larger areas can take longer.

How Many Treatments Will I Need?

The best results have been achieved on darker, finer hair, but other factors may influence the treatment process, and are generally best evaluated and discussed during consultation. Everyone requires at least two to three treatments, as the process is only effective on hairs during their growing cycle. Repeated sessions will be necessary to treat these follicles when they re-enter the growth phase. (Information reproduced from Candela Corporation)

In your initial consultation, Jan Buckley-Levenson will evaluate which hair removal technique would best be suited for your hair type and color, and skin type.