Unfortunately, unwanted hair is extremely distressing and a very sensitive subject for transsexuals, and permanent hair removal is an absolute necessity, but is also life-changing. Happily, much of this excess hair around the body is significantly reduced upon hormone therapy, however there are two main problem areas which will always remain, and this will take many hours of work over a long period of time to remove.

The first significant area is the facial area. Luckily, with the Apilus^®, treatment times are greatly reduced, and levels of comfort achieved that were never before possible. Sadly, many are seduced into being treated by laser or IPL, with promises of quick, permanent results. For a very few, good or acceptable results can be achieved, depending on skin and hair colour, however for the vast majority there will remain a significant amount of hair which can only be treated by electrolysis. Unfortunately however, most of those people will have wasted significant amounts of time and money, and caused themselves some skin damage, before they realise the necessity of seeking electrolysis. Far better to start as you mean to continue! One of the advantages of electrolysis when removing the beard is the control that is possible. The natal woman has soft downy hair in place of the male sideburns. It is possible by partially epilating the hair in this region to produce a more natural look, instead of removing the hair totally, which would look unnatural and therefore an undesirable result. The removal of a beard or body hair can be a lengthy process, however a suitable treatment plan will be tailored to your requirements to ensure your goals are achieved in the most efficient way possible. 

The other most significant area of hair removal that needs to be attended to for the pre-operative transsexual, is the permanent removal of hair from the genitals which will need to be treated in plenty of time to ensure that surgery is not delayed any more than necessary. In all cases all hair needs to be removed from about a 2cm semi-circle at the base of the penis, the area which will be inverted to form the clitoral hood. In the case of where a Peno Scrotal Flap is being performed, an area of the scrotum also needs to be cleared. Generally the Peno Scrotal Flap procedure is necessary when a patient has been circumcised, otherwise insufficient depth can be achieved. Whilst hair removal is not a requirement before surgery can be performed, it cannot be performed post-operatively from the new vaginal cavity, and I have not heard of anyone who has been totally happy with the end result where permanent hair removal was not performed.  Even with the most agressive of treatment plans, this is likely to take at the very least 4 months, so an early start is highly recommended. Please note that it is now possible to get NHS funding for electrolysis treatment when it is stipulated as being a pre-requisite for surgery, as genital hair removal is. This is certainly the case for the London Primary Care Trusts (PCT's), and may well be considered by others as well. In order for funding to be granted you will have to ask your GP to refer your case to your PCT. You will certainly require a letter from your surgeon confirming that electrolysis will be required prior to surgery, although the PCT may write to your surgeon to request the confirmation providing you give all the appropriate details to your GP. The PCT will probably offer you an appointment with a dermatologist to discuss it, and they will want to know the details of the clinic where you propose to receive treatment. If you have any questions regarding NHS funding please feel free to contact me.

If you would like to discuss your requirements or have any questions, please contact me, either on my mobile, or send me an e-mail. If you include your telephone number and a suitable time for me to call, I will endeavour to call you back at your requested time, or arrange a suitable time if that is not possible.