Thermolysis – what is this treatment and how does it differ from waxing?

Thermolysis is classified as an aesthetic medicine procedure, which involves permanently closing blood vessels and removing unwanted hair. It uses low-voltage, high-frequency current. This current generates high heat that destroys dilated vessels or hair follicles. Thermolysis is used not only in aesthetic medicine but also to treat soft fibromas, neurofibromas, or overgrowth of sebaceous glands.

What does the thermolysis procedure involve?

Thermolysis is used to remove unwanted hair from small areas of the body (due to the long duration of the procedure), usually on the face (eyebrow shaping, removing hair from the chin or mustache). This procedure can also be used to remove hair on the back of the feet or from the toes. During the procedure, a special device fitted with a thin, insulated needle is used, through which the current passes. The needle is inserted into the hair follicle. The heat generated by the current causes a thermocoagulation effect that destroys the growth cells and hair tissue. The best results are achieved when thermolysis is performed on freshly grown hair or on vellus hair. The thermolysis procedure will be less effective if the hair is deformed or too thick.

Thermolysis can also be used to close blood vessels. During this procedure, a special needle is used that precisely seals off individual blood vessels by contact. Thermolysis can be applied not only to remove single vessels but also to treat spider veins, known as telangiectasias. It is also used in aesthetic dermatology to remove conditions such as fibromas, cysts, or warts.

How is thermolysis different from hair removal?

Thermolysis achieves desired results using alternating current with high frequency but low voltage. During the current flow through the follicle, a high temperature is generated that destroys the vellus hair and prevents new hair growth. This method can remove hair in just seconds. Despite its effectiveness, the results may be less satisfactory if the hair is mature or the follicles are deformed. After the procedure, it is necessary to protect the skin with a sunscreen, avoid stimulating substances, and refrain from swimming pools and saunas. Sunbathing should also be avoided after thermolysis. The healing time depends on the overall health condition (e.g., anemia may prolong healing). Immediately after the procedure, swelling, hives, and redness might occur. When crusts form as a result of thermolysis, there is no need to worry, as they will heal within a few days. It is recommended to use supplements rich in omega-3 fatty acids, especially EPA, which have anti-inflammatory effects and help build cell walls in blood vessels, maintaining their elasticity. The diet should also be rich in fish, where omega-3 fatty acids are abundant.

Modern hair removal, unlike thermolysis, relies on laser light beams that penetrate deep into the skin layers and rapidly damage hair follicles. Simultaneously, it destroys the roots, preventing hair regrowth for a longer period. How does laser hair removal work exactly? Its mechanism is straightforward. The light beam penetrates the hair follicles, where it is absorbed by melanin — converted into thermal energy, which irreversibly destroys the follicles during selective photothermolysis. Then, the stem cells of the hair are burned. To be effective, laser hair removal requires selecting the appropriate light intensity, which varies depending on hair color.

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