Electrolysis is the only FDA-recognized permanent hair removal method. It involves inserting a probe into each hair follicle and applying heat or an electric current that destroys germinative cells, thus stopping new hair growth.
Most MTF transgender people begin electrolysis early in their transition process and, in some cases, prior to having genital feminization surgery; facial hair often serves as the biggest obstacle to passing as female; it may take years before all facial hair has been eradicated from one’s face.
Before
Unwanted hair can be an ongoing struggle, from arms, legs and bikini areas. Unfortunately, it’s painful, inconvenient and embarrassing – yet electrolysis offers a permanent solution to unwanted hair removal.
Electrolysis is a carefully executed procedure in which a small probe is inserted into each hair follicle and an electric current destroys its ability to produce new hair follicles, effectively stopping their production altogether. Electrolysis can also be used for facial hair. While the process takes some time, once completed if hairs no longer come back into growth phase they won’t grow back at all; so it is recommended that treatments be performed over several sessions rather than just in one.
Results are well worth the wait: feeling secure about one’s appearance can significantly reduce psychological distress and depression while improving relationships in family life. Unfortunately, many still see FFS as cosmetic rather than medical treatment for gender dysphoria.
At the Spiegel Center, the first step should be a consultation so we can determine if you are suitable for electrolysis treatment. If that is indeed the case, then we will schedule a series of treatments tailored specifically to you based on skin type and the extent of any unwanted hair growth, hormone levels and anti-androgen medication (like Spironolactone), hormone levels as well as shaving, waxing or dyeing your hair in advance by six weeks in order to make the first session more successful.
After
Eliminating secondary sexual characteristics such as facial hair is an ongoing and costly endeavor for MTFs, yet an essential one. Electrolysis remains the premier technique for hair removal as it permanently destroys its roots, rendering future growth impossible – no other technique provides permanent results; laser treatments may only reduce hair growth or make it finer and sparser rather than completely eliminate it.
Transsexuals looking for optimal results should schedule electrolysis sessions over an extended period, perhaps years. The length of time will depend on your skin type and number of hairs left in their anagen phase (growth phase). Your electrologist’s skill also plays a part; some individuals might achieve their desired result within 200 hours while others could require up to 300 sessions or longer.
Electrolysis is not a surgical process; however, it does cause minor trauma to the skin. After treatment, treated areas will appear reddened and swollen and may even form small scabs which will gradually fade and disappear over time. For optimal results, avoid direct sunlight, harsh cleansers or chemicals which could further irritate this sensitive area.
As hair follicles follow an anagen and catagen cycle, it is vital that electrolysis sessions continue even when the anagen phase has finished. Otherwise, regrowth could take hold and prove very difficult to eradicate if you have very dark or thick locks.
Allow enough time between your last electrolysis appointment and gender affirming surgery for optimal results. Skipping electrolysis sessions could compromise surgical results, especially for sensitive genital areas such as those found within the genital region which must be prepared correctly prior to surgery to ensure the best outcomes.
Large volume electrolysis treatments are conducted under “twilight” sedation to ensure you remain completely relaxed during the procedure. Multiple technicians work together during your appointment and each is capable of treating multiple follicles at once. Furthermore, numbing cream will be applied prior to injections so the experience is as painless as possible.
Electrolysis differs from tweezing or waxing methods by breaking down hair roots with heat and electricity, rather than simply pulling out individual strands of hair. When you come in for your session, your hair won’t grow back! A good electrologist should be able to detect when new growths appear so they can treat them promptly before becoming thick and troublesome; that is why finding one with experience performing large-volume electrolysis treatments may be best.
