Histologic changes of human hair follicles after electrolysis: a comparison of two methods.

The histologic changes induced by thermolysis of hairs of the scalp and legs were studied by light microscopy. Two techniques were compared on opposite sides: conventional thermolysis (erroneously termed electrolysis) using bare needles and a newly designed precision epilator using an insulated, bulbous-tipped probe. Thermolysis generally did not immediately eliminate the papilla and hair matrix. Thermal injury provoked an inflammatory reaction which eventually destroyed the hair bulb. The insulated probe produced greater damage to the peribulbar tissue below and less necrosis of the perifollicular dermis above, enhancing the likelihood of permanent epilation and reducing the probability of scarring. The infundibulum and associated sebaceous glands regenerated to near-normal architecture. The lower follicle was replaced by a fibrotic streamer--a scar.