Galvanic

Galvanic

process of changing chemicals from one kind to another

original modality

only permanent method of hair removal

Dr. Charles E. Michel

1875

opthalmologist, removed ingrown eyelashes

created the profession of electrolysis

Other Names

true electrolysis, chemical decomposition, direct current

Theory of Galvanic Reaction

water: H2O (hydrogen and oxygen)

salt: NaCl (sodium chloride)

Cathode

needle/probe

Electrode

negative pole

NaOH, Sodium Hydroxide, Lye, Alkali

Anode

Sponge

Indifferent Electrode

positive probe

HCl, Hydrochloric Acid, Acid

2 by Products

sodium hydroxide/chlorine gas

hydrogen gas

Lye

caustic agent

sodium hydroxide NaOH

Faradays Law

units of lye

amps (ma) x time (s)

Lye Gradient

the concentration of lye produced in the follicle

stronger = closer to probe

weaker = further from probe

Pattern of Destruction

column shape

Units of Lye Chart

Critical Zone

an area that belongs to the needle within the zone where all tissue is 100% destroyed

outside the zone, the tissue is damaged but can survive

Current Density

amount of electrons that flow into a surrounding tissue, affected by:

needle thickness/diameter/shape

intensity/ma/strength

depth: shallow insertions = greater density (moisture)

Current Intensity

strength of a current flowing from the probe into surrounding tissue

Current Duration

length of time it takes for the probe to flow into surrounding tissue

The current may be available along the entire length of the needle

path of destruction

column shaped

moisture gradient

What pole do you use for lye?

negative pole

What happens if you accidentally use a positive pole with steel needles?

It will produce a steel like spot of black oxide in the follicle, hydrochloric acid not only destroys the tissue, but also destroys metal

tattooing

Side effect of acid in the palms of hands

Can produce hydrochloric acid rash/indifferent electrode rash/ erythema

Cataphoresis

postive pole

roller

indifferent electrode produces:

HCl = Acid

inactive

firms skin

soothes skin

reduces redness

calms the skin

Anaphoresis

illegal

negative pole

produces lye - NaOH

active

irritates skin

softens and releases

produces lye

Phoresis

forcing a liquid through an unknown membrane = electrotherapy

Side Effects of Galvanic

mass shocking - multi needle technique

Professor Paul Kree

1916, invented the multi needle technique

Positioning the Handheld Electrode

always choose the shortest electrical path

do not allow the current to flow through metal in the body

if metal in body, choose opposite side

Pros of Galvanic

highest success rate

percentage of regrowth is 0%

inaccurate insertions are unimportant

distorted and wavy follicles can be treated

lye continues to destroy hair follicles even after treatment

Cons of Galvanic

slowest method

number of minutes per hair

client cooperation

lye continues to irritate area

tattooing and indifferent electrode rash

painful