Medical and Technical Issues in Office Electrolysis and Thermolysis

Abstract

Most university medical centers do not directly offer electrolysis or thermolysis services to hirsute patients. Little research activity has been focused on these procedures. The successful introduction of a clinical and research electrolysis service into the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) dermatology clinic is described. The purpose of this communication is to familiarize clinicians with an electrolysis service in a university clinic setting. New advances in permanent hair removal equipment and methods are reviewed. A description of the UTMB electrolysis clinic is given. Electrolysis services offered by the UTMB dermatology department have been well received by patients, clinical staff, UTMB faculty, UTMB resident physicians, and private physicians. This successful medical model for electrolysis services may provide other university dermatology clinics with background information for the development of their own programs. Future research advances in electrolysis and the management of hirsutism may result from this activity.