Electrolysis, Diathermy and Iontophoresis

What are Electrotherapies?

Electrotherapies have been used in medicine and aesthetic practices since the 1780’s when Galvani discovered that the human body was an electrical conduit (Robertson et al, 2006). From the earliest uses of electrical current in therapeutic practice, to its uses in medical, aesthetic and surgical interventions today, traditional electrotherapies still continue to have their place.

Electrotherapy can also include the following terminology:

• Electrical stimulation

• Ultrasound

• Biofeedback

• Shortwave diathermy

• Microwave

• Phototherapy including laser

• Ultraviolet radiation

The methods of using electrical currents for a variety of skin conditions, ailments and for corrective treatments are well researched, validated and robust in their efficacy which is why we have incorporated them into our menu.

Electrolysis, Diathermy and Iontophoresis utilise direct and alternating currents of electricity for the treatment of specific concerns as explained below.

Electrolysis

Electrolysis is still the only method of permanent hair removal as it destroys the hair and makes the follicle infertile for future hair production.

Ideal for smaller areas of unwanted hair growth such as  the face, underarms, breast/areola and the bikini line and also for the stubborn hair untreatable with laser or IPL devices. Grey or white hair, light coloured or red hair are suitable for electrolysis (Matheson & Baine, 2019). Multiple treatments may be needed to attain permanency and this will be discussed at the initial consultation and skin assessment. Suitability must be determined and contraindications to electricity need to be ruled out prior to treatment.

Electrolysis can be used in three different methods:

Cataphoresis/iontophoresis is often used after electrolysis to calm & soothe the skin. This assists in the firming of the tissue, reducing redness & inflammation, creates a germicidal effect preventing infection, & promotes rapid healing. The electrode is used over the treated area creating an instantly calmed response. Great for reducing the sensitised feeling post-treatment!

Diathermy / Electro-coagulation / Electrodesiccation

Using the same current as electrolysis, we can treat vascular lesions, dilated capillaries and benign keratotic lesions like seborrheic keratosis and non-viral warts or keratotic plaques. This method is also successful in treating sebaceous hyperplasia, milia, xanthelasma and skin tags (Hainer & Usatine, 2002).

The method of treating these is either electro-coagulation, electro-cautery or electro-desiccation and each term describes the mechanism of action depending on the lesion treated (Robertson et al., 2006). The mechanism of action of each of these applications is derived from the heat produced from the current and the tissue reaction of the target. Sebaceous hyperplasia or milia, for example, are two benign, fatty deposits in the skin that can be treated successfully with electrosurgery. The fatty deposit liquefies when the heat of the probe is applied and in this liquefied state, is easily removed by the lymphatics (Hainer & Usatine, 2002).

It is important to note that we never remove moles, precancerous lesions or superficial skin cancers. Every consultation includes a thorough skin cancer assessment to determine suitability for treatment or whether a referral to a skin cancer GP is required first.

 Introducing the Bovie 102 Hifrecator!

Initial consultation

A detailed consultation including analysis of the treatment + patch testing. It is vital to determine suitability for treatment considering all the parameters &/or contributing factors. Programming & scheduling of treatments are discussed on a case by case basis. Post care information, recommendations for post treatment healing balms/creams & also treatment programming need to be consented to prior to undergoing treatment.

For electrolysis that is being needed prior to surgery, written consent may be requested from the treating physician before commencement. Referrals are also welcome from medical physicians for management of Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) or hirsutism.

For the management of sun damaged skins, treatment of seborrheic keratoses, actinic keratoses, skin tags or cherry angiomas, a thorough skin cancer check will be conducted prior to treatment to ensure the lesions treated are benign. Any suspicious lesions will be referred to my trusted network of Skin Cancer GP’s or back to your own preferred medical physician for review.

This is a non-negotiable.

Treatments per session

Programming of either diathermy, electrolysis & electrodesiccation

$155 60 mins Initial consultation including treatment

$95 15-30 mins

$130 45-60 min extended session

$95 per individual lesion or small area 15-30 mins

$130 per individual large lesion or multiple lesions in an area (seb K’s, multiple skin tags etc)

Iontophoresis

Electrical modalities can stimulate, change, impede or regenerate cellular functions and aid in repair of skin, muscle and nerve tissue. We utilise direct current as a therapeutic intervention for specific skin concerns or chronic and acute conditions. Galvanic current (as it is also called), allows for the passive movement of substances into the skin. Meaning, the skin remains intact as the active molecules of the substances are moved inbetween the cells, via the skin appendages such as hair follicle, sweat glands and the sebaceous glands (Kumar, Ali & Baboota, 2014). This method of ingredient delivery is still one of the best, non-invasive methods of infusing active substances to their specific target (Manda et al., 2014). This is also called transdermal drug delivery and has been used in medicine, dermatology and aesthetic medicine to improve skin function, treat and manage chronic and acute skin conditions and to restore skin back to health. Some medicines have been specifically designed to be transdermally delivered such as HRT (hormone replacement therapy patches, nicotine patches etc) (Ohshima et al., 2008).

Using galvanic current to infuse products greatly increases the rate and efficiency of absorption and this means that a greater amount of the active ingredient reaches the targeted concern more quickly. Results from this method are longer lasting, more rapid than manual massage infusion and the skin’s health and vitality dramatically improved (Chaulagain et al, 2018).

Iontophoresis is incorporated into the Prescriptive Rx to treat the following conditions:

• Acne vulgaris (desincrustation and iontophoresis - deeply cleansing and anti-inflammatory)

• Telangiectasia (Rosacea, sensitivity, diffused erythema/redness)

• Dehydration concerns

• Pigmentation concerns (melasma, solar hyperpigmentation/hypomelanosis, post inflammatory hyperpigmentation, scar tissue)

• Premature ageing (delivery of actives to stimulate collagen production, manage atrophy, hydrate the dermal matrix, restore barrier function)

• Menopausal skins (strengthens the epidermis, reduces redness and capillary weakness, stimulates collagen production by infusing appropriate active ingredients, restores hydration to the epidermis and generates healthy dermal extracellular matrix)

• Skin laxity, dullness and asphyxia (lack of oxygen)

Iontophoresis can be used on any area of the body or where the concern occurs. Acne on the back can be assisted greatly by incorporating galvanic therapy into a program. It is a comfortable treatment to have done with zero down time, making it a welcome addition to any targeted dermal therapy.