Electrolysis is the only FDA approved method for permanent hair removal. It has been around since 1875 and is demonstrated safe for all external parts of the face and body. Electrolysis involves the use of a probe inside the hair follicle. The skin is not pierced and no blood is drawn. A slight electrical action is applied to the germ cells inside the hair follicle, destroying them and preventing new hair from growing.
While anyone can benefit from electrolysis, it is commonly used to remove superfluous hairs for women with PCOS or those going through menopause (e.g., hairs on the chin or upper lip). It is also an important form of gender affirming care for transgender folk as it can help remove unwanted facial hair or prepare an area for gender confirmation surgery (e.g., vaginoplasty, labioplasty, phalloplasty).
There are four modalities of electrolysis: galvanic, blend, thermolysis and flash. Depending on your skin and hair type, I will pick the modality that best suites your particular needs. If preparing for surgery, it is important to start hair removal as soon as possible as it can take up to 18-24 months to fully clear an area, depending on the frequency of treatment.