Thermolysis

1. Thermolysis Vickie L. Mickey, CT

2. Thermolysis • 1923 Thermolysis was introduced in Paris, France • 1932 Henry Bordier published results of treatments • Thermolysis takes it’s name from the Greek word “thermo” meaning heat • Ysis meaning to dissolve • Referred to as: shortwave, high frequency, or diathermy

3. Thermolysis Machines • Classified as: • Manual • Semi-manual • computerized • Machines range from very basic machines to upscale equipment • What ever the equipment the operator must understand/master the equipment

4. Manual Thermolysis • Intensity of current is selected using the rheostat and controlled by operator • Certain types of machines display the current in a sequence of numbers from 0-10 or in increments of 10 from 0 -100 • Always refer to the units operating manual for accurately interpreting the numbers

5. Semi-manual Thermolysis • Over treatment by manual machines resulted in development of this equipment • A dial with an automatic timer was added for the operator to preselect the duration of current • Intensity control is set with the rheostat by the operator

6. Computerized Thermolysis Machines • Automatic or computerized thermolysis can be programmed to perform galvanic, thermolysis, and the blend • Programming allows pulsing and flash techniques • Some even have hair count features • “Auto mode” is another feature • Recording patient setting can also be achieved with the computer machine

7. How Thermolysis Works • High frequency waves can travel through the air • The needle is the conductor of current when placed in the tissue • 30 megahertz or 30,000,000 oscillations per second • Megahertz and megacycle are interchangeable • Current is passed down the probe with positive and negative electrons flowing • When the needle is inserted into the follicle it creates and magnetic field, exciting the atoms in the tissue • This creates the positive and negative electrons to attract and repel

8. Thermolysis • The agitation of the atoms in the tissue generates heat much like the action of a micro-wave heat a potato • Heat generated in the coagulates tissue in the hair follicle • Temperatures of above 240 degrees (boiling point of water) desiccate the tissue • This is know as electro coagulation

9. Variables of High Frequency • Current density, intensity, duration, the types of probe, depth of insertion and moisture gradient all affect the high frequency waves with the follicle

10. Current Density • Current density is the number of electrons flowing out of a conductor or needle • Once current density is established by the diameter of the needle, the current remains the same • The tissue will get hotter the longer the current is applied

11. Current Intensity • Radio frequency is measured in watts or amperes • 1 ampere flowing with the pressure of one volt produces one watt of power • The tiny electrical charges used in thermolysis is measured in millampere or 1/1000 of an ampere • Intensity is controlled by millamperes • Range of intensity is 40-99 percent

12. Current Duration • The thermolysis dial indicates the time of current • The longer the current is applied the longer the heat escalates in the follicle • The range of timing is 0.05 to 0.15 seconds

13. Depth of Insertion • Depth of insertion into the hair follicle has a direct result of the heat in the tissue • Deeper insertions permits heating of the tip of the needle to terminate the dermal papilla • Shallow insertions should have less current density or less duration • Deeper insertions on deep anagen hairs benefit from lower current or longer duration

14. Insertion Depth • Treat deeper hairs first, then lower the settings for shallow hair to avoid tissue damage • Thermolysis is dependant on the moisture of the skin, use less current on very moist skin • Blisters can result from the heat rising to the surface of the skin

15. The Probe • Needle is conductor of high frequency • Size & shape have a tremendous effect on tissue • Insulated probes are effective when using thermolysis • Current is produced at the tip of the follicle from the insulated needle • Heat is 3-4 times hotter at tip of insulated probe • Adjust epilator if using insulated needles

16. The Probe • Tapered, one piece needles are the best choice in thermolysis • One piece needles are studier than 2 piece needles • Excellent choice for hair that is deep seat and course • Produce the best point effect • Cylindrical, probes are an excellent second choice, but insulated needles are better

17. The Needle • Non-insulated probes have no insulation on the probe • Current can follow up the complete length of the probe • Tapered Probes are not as beneficial as insulated probes with thermolysis • Bulbous Probes are non-insulated needles • Tip or bulb may make insertion more difficult • Also can produce to much heat at tip result in tissue breakdown

18. Pros of Thermolysis • Very straight forward method of electrolysis to learn • Fast, treat a number of hairs very quickly • Vellus hair can be treated with little regrowth if not over treated

19. Cons of Thermolysis • Thermolysis is not as effective on course hair as it requires more heat to destroy the dermal papilla • Lower current means there will be regrowth if hair is not treated for a longer time duration • Thermolysis is not effective on distorted follicles, hair may need to be treated over and over to terminate growth • Thermolysis does not permit cataphoresis to soothe the skin

20. Contra-indications & Indications • Indicated for vellus hair • Fine terminal hairs • Hair with shallow to medium depth • Difficult to treat distorted hair follicle • Ethic patients are not the best candidate

21. Thermolysis • Easiest of three electrolysis modalities • Easy to learn but difficult to master • Considerable practice is necessary to make correct insertions to treat hair successfully

22. Treatment Preparation • Read manual for machine to be used • Turn equipment on • Clean equipment with disposable wipe or cotton with alcohol • Select thermolysis mode • Test equipment to make sure the current is flowing by indication of treatment light • If in doubt use light bulb test • Position patient on treatment table and drape if necessary • Wash hands in front of patient • Glove • Pretreat the skin of patient with alcohol • Analysis the patient skin and hair under light and magnification • Select probe

23. Treatment Preparation • Remove pre sterilized forceps from needle cap from their container • Using sterile needle cover to insert needle in needle holder • Select current density and time for treatment of hair • Intensity X duration = treatment energy • Begin

24. Epilation • Side needle down the selected hair follicle • Depress foot petal to allow current to follow • A small light will indicate current flow • Computerized machines - the current shuts off when treatment is completed per follicle • Manual machine the electrologist must focus on foot petal and count treatment times • After follicle treatment time, release foot petal • Slide probe out of follicle and use forceps to remove hair from follicle

25. Epilation • Hair should be removed without resistance • If hair does not release make adjustment in one of the three areas: • Probe accuracy • Current intensity • Duration of treatment • Higher current may be required , do not extend current above the manufactures recommended setting

26. Epilation • Remember current X density = working point • Once working point is established, continue to remove alike hairs in an areas of about a quarter • Make adjustments to current intensity and duration as the individual hairs dictate

27. Insertion Count for Manual Thermolysis • On the count of one, insert into the hair • On the count of two, apply current by depressing foot petal • On three, lift foot petal • On four, remove hair • Caution – make sure you have lifted foot from petal before removing needle from follicle

28. Treatment End • After the treatment is complete, turn dials back to 0 • Remove needle using forceps and place in sharps container • Apply aftercare to client • Give after care instructions

29. Thermolysis Techniques • Working point is the lowest current intensity and shortest current application to destroy dermal papilla • Lower intensity = longer duration • High intensity and short duration = flash • Flash working point is arrived by applying the lowest intensity – for shortest duration • Test hair with forceps to measure release of hair • Do test of hair up to three times, a new follicle must be tried if hair does not release in 3 attempts

30. Thermolysis Technique • Pulsing current is applied to the same follicle at 2 or more durations • Pulsing is achieved by tapping the foot petal at the lower part of the follicle • Pulsing can be applied at different depths of the follicle • Disadvantage of pulsing can be that the burst the current can result in a drop of temperature, resulting improper treatment

31. Flashing • Only use on fine straight hairs with medium to shallow depth • Heating pattern is short but intense • Can be used with pulsing, shallow follicles should only receive shorter amount of current • Benefit of flashing is some patient small ,short tolerance to pain

32. Thermolysis Overtreatment • High frequency blow out is described as treatment energy too extreme, resulting in boiling or water in follicle. • Steam is a poor conductor, current is forced back up the needle to the surface of skin • Signs: • Tissue sticking to needle • Crackling of skin with needle running with current