Medical expert of the article
New publications
Upper lip epilation
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
There are certain canons of female beauty - a slender figure, long legs, regular facial features, smooth and delicate skin, a good complexion, but there is no place in them for female antennae, especially dark ones that clearly stand out above the upper lip. They appear due to factors such as heredity, hormonal imbalance, dysfunction of the endocrine system, taking hormonal drugs, and contraceptives. Shaving off unwanted vegetation only aggravates the problem, after which the hair grows even thicker. A more suitable method is upper lip epilation.
Indications for the procedure
Anyone who wants to get rid of antennae for a long time can resort to the epilation procedure. Unlike depilation, when only the visible part of the hair is removed, this method involves the destruction of hair follicles. Although it does not permanently eliminate the problem, since it destroys the structure of only existing hairs, it allows you to forget about it for a long time. [1]
Preparation
There are various methods for epilating the upper lip. Depending on the chosen one, preparation is carried out or not. So, with laser hair removal 2 weeks before the procedure, you cannot sunbathe on the beach and visit the solarium. Do not take fluoroquinols and tetracycline antibiotics for the same amount. Do not use alcohol-based lotions and tonics 3 days before and after the procedure. On her very eve, carefully shave the affected area with a laser.
Technique upper lip epilation
Upper lip epilation can be done both in a beauty salon and at home. It is much more pleasant when a cosmetologist, skillfully using an epilator, "conjures" over you, in compliance with all the rules and sanitary standards. But, on the other hand, you have to pay dearly for it.
Laser hair removal of the upper lip is preceded by the above preparation. The procedure can cause painful sensations, so special creams are used for pain relief. Its duration is short.
The device, with the help of which the destruction of the hair follicle is carried out, is equipped with a sensor that emits a beam of energy directed at the follicle substances - melanin and carotene. Hair growth is impossible without them. Light, gray and thin vellus hair cannot be removed.
An even more modern and effective method is Elos upper lip hair removal. This procedure refers to photoepilation and combines radio frequency and light radiation. First, the light energy heats up the follicle, then the high-frequency current destroys it. Active hair roots die, to remove new ones it is necessary to resort to Elos after a certain period of time, which will be determined by the beautician. [2]
How many procedures do you need?
According to the observations of cosmetologists, about 80% of hair no longer grows after epilation. This will require at least 5-6 sessions, or even all 10, carried out at intervals of a month. [3]
Epilation of the upper lip at home
There are methods for removing antennae that can be carried out not only in salons, but also at home. These include sugar and wax hair removal. These are quite painful ways to get rid of unwanted hair, less effective than the previous ones, but they save money and time.
So, waxing over the upper lip is carried out using both cold and hot wax. In the first case, special strips available on the market are used: they are slightly warmed up, glued for several minutes and torn off with a jerk (you do not need to shave off the antennae beforehand). In the second, hot wax is applied to the hair area above the lip, allowed to harden and abruptly removed.
Complications after the procedure
More serious complications occurred from the laser procedure in the absence of proper professionalism and incorrect use of the device (incorrect choice of radiation parameters). The result of such an incorrect approach is burns, allergic manifestations, exacerbation of herpes, folliculitis (inflammation of the hair follicle), chronic neuropathic facial pain. [4] In a later period, scars may remain, pigmentation may appear, and hair growth (hypertrichosis) may increase.
Care after the procedure
To avoid undesirable consequences, you need to contact an experienced specialist in an institution with a good reputation, as well as adhere to all the rules for care and rehabilitation after the procedure.
You cannot visit the bathhouse, sauna, solarium, pool for several days, do not be under the influence of direct sunlight. Ice cubes are applied to the upper lip, it is even better to freeze them from herbal decoctions with anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effects. You can use natural essential oils to soften the skin, eliminate irritation, and use your usual daily care products.
Reviews
Despite numerous advertising gimmicks, upper lip hair removal does not exist forever. This is evidenced by the reviews of women who have tried many techniques on themselves. They are in favor of hardware salon procedures, since a positive result lasts longer.