Laser hair removal is recommended prior to genital surgery – for vaginoplasty, at the level of the genital area, and for phalloplasty, at the location of the graft donor site such as the forearm or thigh. This treatment must be started in the time leading up to the procedure, as on average 7 treatment sessions are required with an interval of 6-8 weeks. In trans people taking oestrogen, hormonal treatment is often insufficient to limit hair growth on the face. Additional hair removal with an epilation laser can also be indicated here, just as for other disruptive body hair. For permanent hair removal, trans people can go to a dermatologist or beautician. There are two common methods – hair removal with laser beams or hair removal with electrolysis. These services are not currently being offered at the Gender Wellbeing Clinic, but information is available to those considering hair removal, including in the context of genital surgeries.

Laser hair removal

With laser hair removal, both facial and body hair can be removed. The epilation laser emits light with high energy, which acts on the pigment in the hair root and in the hair shaft. This damages the hair root, with the intention of completely destroying it. If the hair root is only partially destroyed, then the growth and/or refining of the hair slows down, and the epilation is only temporary.

Immediately after treatment, the skin around the hair follicles turns red and small superficial blisters may develop. These skin reactions usually disappear after a maximum of four days. Most people do not report any longer-term side effects. Immediately after treatment, the skin is very sensitive to UV light, thus excessive sunlight should be avoided for one month. The hair will only fall out 1 to 3 weeks after the treatment.

Laser epilation provides the best results for people with dark hair growth and light skin. The results of the different hair removal laser therapy sessions can vary greatly from person to person, depending on the colour of the hair, the growth cycle of the hair, the density of the hair and the location of the hair growth. On average, 6-8 treatments are required to achieve an acceptable result. People with blonde hair are not good candidates for laser hair removal – blonde hair contains only a small amount of pigment. Grey or white hairs contain no pigment. In that case, a treatment has no effect on the hair. People with dark skin types or tanned people are less suitable for laser hair removal because of the chance of side effects, although individuals with darker skin tones can be lasered with an Nd: YAG laser. Persons who do not qualify for laser epilation can opt for other methods such as hair removal cream, electric hair removal, waxing or electrolysis hair removal.

Hair removal with electrolysis

In electrolysis, a thin probe is inserted into a hair follicle, after which the hair follicle is destroyed with electric current. This method is suitable for all skin and hair types because electrolysis does not focus on the hair pigment such as a laser treatment, but on the hair follicle itself. Although this method is time-consuming, expensive and very painful, it is sometimes the only solution for blonde or grey hair. To moderate the pain so that larger zones can be treated in one session, it is possible to work with a pain pump.