What is Electrolysis? After the electrolysis we will give you Benefits of Electrolysis antibiotic ointment to use for the next week. It is a method of hair or eyelash The doctor that examined your eyes The injection will wear off after 1–2 hours removal. It was first used successfully in in the Eye Clinic has noticed that one and the eyelid may feel a little sore during 1875 to remove eyelashes. or more of your eyelashes are this time. It is usually a good idea to take growing inwards towards your eye. How does it work? your preferred painkiller during this time. You have probably noticed an It works by passing a small amount of Complications of Electrolysis uncomfortable, scratchy feeling and if energy into the hair follicle through a we let this continue, it can cause eye very fine needle. · Re-growth of the eyelash. The treatment is infections and ulcers on the surface only effective if given to the growing root of of your eye. This produces heat, which destroys the the eyelash. See “How does it work?” cells that produce the hair at the base of Plucking the eyelash with tweezers at the follicle. · Scarring on the edge of the eyelid can home will give you instant relief of the occur after repeated sessions of symptoms, but the eyelash will soon More than one treatment session may electrolysis. grow back in the wrong direction be necessary because it is not possible again! to see through the skin to identify the · You will be asked to keep very still exact position of the hair follicle. during the procedure because the treatment is very close to the eye. This will reduce the risk of accidental Does Electrolysis Hurt? damage. The nurse or doctor performing electrolysis will put anaesthetic drops in your eye and then numb the eyelid with a small injection of anaesthetic. Some discomfort is common as the local anaesthetic is given, but the electrolysis procedure is usually comfortable. You will not be put to sleep for this. Useful Information You may drive home after the procedure. You may return to work. You may have a small bruise on the eyelid after the electrolysis. This is not a cause for alarm. Please telephone the Eye Clinic for help and advice Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm ( 07 768 043 318 Electrolysis Or Forest Ward Out of Hours & Weekends A Guide for ( (01803) 655507 Patients 23663 V2/Ophthalmology/TSDFT/03.18 Review date 03.21.