Transgender Electrolysis
Electrolysis is a hair removal technique that is commonly used by transgender individuals, both men and women, as part of their gender-affirming process. The purpose of electrolysis in this context is to permanently remove unwanted facial or body hair, providing a more feminine or masculine appearance, depending on the individual's gender identity.
Transgender Women
Transgender women may seek electrolysis to remove facial hair, which is often a characteristic associated with male features. Electrolysis is a permanent hair removal method, as it destroys the hair follicle, preventing future hair growth. This can be a crucial aspect of gender affirmation for transgender women, helping them achieve a smoother and more feminine facial appearance.
Kelly, Inc.'s team is well-versed in finding the best ways to treat transgender women's unwanted hair and do so in a supportive and caring way.
Transgender Men
Transgender men may also opt for electrolysis to remove unwanted facial or body hair, particularly if they are undergoing hormone replacement therapy (HRT) but still have persistent hair growth.
While hair growth can often be a goal for transgender men, there are many instances where that hair growth doesn't align with their particular goals and that's where Kelly Inc.'s team of electrologists can be of help!
What is electrolysis?
Electrolysis offers permanent hair removal suitable for all individuals, regardless of their skin tone or hair type. It is a safe and effective method for removing all types of hair from various skin tones. Unlike other hair removal techniques, electrolysis provides universal acceptance and enduring success. Electrolysis stands out as the sole permanent alternative, eliminating the need for ongoing maintenance.
By permanently targeting and destroying the hair follicle's growth cells, electrolysis ensures that treated hairs do not regrow. Unlike temporary methods that merely address visible or emerging hair, electrolysis offers unparalleled permanence.
During electrolysis treatment, a skilled electrologist delicately inserts an ultra-fine needle, typically thinner than the hair being treated, into the natural opening of the hair follicle alongside the hair shaft. A minute amount of electrical current is then applied to eradicate the hair growth cells.
Following a personalized consultation, your electrologist will develop a tailored treatment plan to fulfill your specific hair removal requirements.
What are the modalities or types of electrolysis?
Contemporary electrolysis devices employ chemical energy, heat energy, or a combination of both to eliminate hair growth cells. The chosen method, known as the modality, is selected by the electrologist. Each modality is effective and yields permanent results. Currently, three modalities are in use:
Galvanic Electrolysis
This method utilizes a current to induce a chemical reaction within the hair follicle, thereby eradicating the hair growth cells.
Thermolysis (Short-Wave)
This technique involves heating and eliminating the hair growth cells within the follicle. It allows for flexibility in treatment by either applying a higher intensity current for a shorter duration or using a lower intensity current for a longer period in the follicle.
Blend
The Blend method combines galvanic current with thermolysis current. By integrating thermolysis, the follicular chemical reaction is intensified, leading to the destruction of hair growth cells.
Throughout the treatment, you may experience a brief sensation of heat or a slight pinch, but you shouldn't perceive the insertion of the probe into the hair follicle, nor should it feel like the hair is being pulled out during removal; typically, the hair will easily slide out of the follicle when properly treated. Discomfort is generally minimal, though individual pain thresholds vary widely. It's worth noting that certain areas of the body are less sensitive than others. Many individuals find they can comfortably read, listen to music, or even doze off during their sessions.
How long do electrolysis appointments take?
Individual Treatments
The duration of a treatment session can vary based on the size of the area to be treated. Follow-up appointments may last just a few minutes, while larger areas might require more time.
Overall Treatment
Typically, individuals who adhere to the prescribed treatment regimen can anticipate completion or significant progress within 18 months. Depending on hair thickness and location it may take less or more time.
Various factors contribute to the customization of each individual's treatment program, including hair growth cycles, the density and characteristics of hair, prior use of temporary hair removal methods, genetic predisposition, hormonal fluctuations, medication usage, and levels of stress.
Are all hairs eliminated in a single treatment or is regrowth expected?
Unwanted hair can vary from fine, vellus strands to thicker, darker hair on various areas of the face and body. Coarser hairs may necessitate multiple treatments to effectively target and disrupt the growth cells. Following a consultation, your electrologist will craft a tailored treatment plan designed to address your specific hair removal needs.
How do I plan for facial surgeries?
Planning for any surgeries that you may have during your electrolysis treatment is very important. Sometimes surgeons will ask that you give your body time before and after surgery to heal and rest before resuming electrolysis treatments. If you’re planning to have major facial bone reconstruction you might want to consider putting off the surgery until the electrolysis treatments are not as aggressive. Once we can clear your face and it stays clear for longer periods of time between treatments you may be happier with your time healing and without treatments. After bone surgery the area that was worked on is very sensitive to pressure and just holding the skin taut for insertion is uncomfortable let alone the treatment itself. If you are counting on electrolysis to keep your skin hair free, sometimes taking the required 3-6weeks to heal from surgery can put a crimp in your hair-free dreams!
Here is what I suggest for my clients: Talk to your surgeon. How long after surgery do they want to to wait before resuming electrolysis? If we know this and have a treatment plan in place we can time your treatments to give you the maximum amount of hair removal as late and as soon as you will be ready to start again. One mistake that clients can make is planning a treatment too soon after surgery – this can be hard on you, and I suggest consulting your surgeon and waiting until they advise you to resume treatment and you feel up to it before resuming treatment. Rushing your recovery can make you take longer to recover. Some surgeries like major facial feminization surgery can take up to 3months to recover from so planning will really help keep your treatments as comfortable as possible.
How do I plan for genital reconstruction surgeries?
For M2F gender clients, one of the biggest concerns is genital reassignment surgery. If you have selected a surgeon to use, consulting with them in regards to genital electrolysis is very important. In my experience, each doctor is different in what they want you to do, or in some cases what they *do not* want you to do. If you can consult your surgeon before we map out a treatment plan that is very helpful for me to know. A good rule of thumb is to plan as far in advance for this sensitive area since it can take time to clear it completely so that you don't have hair growing anywhere you don't want it!
What is suggested after-care for electrolysis?
After treatment, you may notice minor redness or sensitivity, typically resolving within a few hours. Electrolysis administered by a proficient practitioner carries minimal risk of complications or significant skin irritation.
In the initial 24 hours post-treatment, it's advisable to refrain from activities that may aggravate hair follicles, such as intense sweating, sun exposure, prolonged tanning, or applying makeup.
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