Electrolysis & Gender Affirming Care
Here at Pacific Northwest Electrology, we enjoy assisting our transgender clients with permanent hair removal from any area of their body. Some common areas treatment is requested include facial hair, chest hair, stomach hair and genital hair. Please see below for important information about hair removal for gender affirming surgical procedures.
Understanding the process
We have several clients that have expressed frustration with the lack of information regarding the importance of starting hair removal well in advance of their scheduled Vaginoplasty, Labiaplasty or Phalloplasty.
The average client needs a minimum of 12 months of treatment. This allows for at least 4 rounds hair growth cycles to surface above the skin for treatment and a more successful outcome. The number of treatments is variable depending on the clients' physical threshold and their financial ability. A typical "full" clearing would consist of the entire mapped area being treated and the electrologist making the area hair free by the end of service. This is not to be confused with just 4 treatments.
Typically, the first clearance of the mapped genital area will be an average of 10+ hours. This could be longer or shorter based on the client's hair growth density and pain tolerance. Best results will yield from a client that can have the entire mapped area treated fully in each session (see example surgeon’s picture graph). This way we know that no hairs were left from the previous growth cycle. Clients that have a "full" clearing should return for another "full" clearing in no more than 4-6 weeks. If monthly full clearances are not possible, expect a longer timeline to finish pre-op hair removal.
The following information is compiled from the OHSU Department of Urology (www.ohsu.edu). We are not associated with OHSU but have found their hair removal map and directions for pre-op hair removal to be helpful. Please verify your specific hair removal needs with the surgeon you plan on choosing to complete your GCS.
Why do I need hair removal for vaginoplasty?
“The skin of the penis and the scrotum are used to make the new vagina. To avoid having hair inside the new vagina, it must be permanently removed. Hair remaining inside the new vagina can lead to hygiene problems, discomfort during dilation and intercourse, and a less desirable appearance. Having a few hairs is generally not a problem. But there are no good options for removing hair from inside after surgery. Some surgeons offer hair removal (electrolysis or “follicle scraping”) in the operating room. We do not believe these are reliable ways of removing hair from the skin used to make the new vagina.”
What areas need to be hair free?
The Scrotum (beneath the base of the Penis and between thigh creases) and the Perineum (space between the scrotum and 1 inch above the anus, between the thigh creases).
How do I know when I am done with hair removal?
“It is impossible for us to determine at any one point if your hair removal will be permanent. This is because each of your hairs is always in a different stage of growth. Some hairs may be inactive, or not growing now, then growing a month later. The best approach for a good result is to discuss this with your electrolysis or laser provider. Go through several cycles with the area completely cleared followed by waiting 4–6 weeks. Then wait 3–6 months to see if you have significant regrowth. It is your decision and responsibility whether to have surgery with the level of hair removal you have completed. Once the skin is on the inside, there is no effective way to remove the hair!”