Electrolysis was the only form of long term or permanent hair removal available before laser and IPL devices entered the market. Electrolysis is still performed today even though it is painful to the patient and invasive to the skin, allowing for the possibility of infection. During the electrolysis procedure, a fine needle is inserted into the hair follicle, delivering a galvanic current to destruct the stem cells in the follicle. Unfortunately, this painstaking process is performed one hair follicle at a time. Maintenance procedures are often needed for many years after the initial treatment.