TransLife.net Transgender 101 - Medical

Permanent hair removal is a very common thing for the male-to-female transsexual. Facial hair is not affected by estrogen. Also, for some people, body hair isn't affected quite enough. So, the only solution to that is hair removal. There are several methods of getting this done, but some of them are a waste of money and time. It's a good thing to do research before jumping into anything. All permanent hair removal methods hurt. So, one way to rule out the bad methods is if it says "Painless". Here are the two most well known methods of removal.

Electrolysis

     This is the oldest and most reliable method of hair removal. It involves inserting a probe into the hair follicle. Once the probe is inserted, there is a small amount of electricity sent through the probe. The electricity cauterizes the blood vessels at the base. Those blood vessels are essentially the food source for the hair. Once that food source is gone, the hair follicle is dead. The hair is pulled from the follicle, and that's it.

     The problem with electrolysis is that it's time consuming. Each follicle has to be done one at a time. Generally, it takes longer than a year with treatments once to three times a week to clear the entire area. Another disadvantage is that the hair has to be grown long enough to be treated. The electrolygist has to be able to see the hair to insert the probe and remove the hair afterwards.

     The benefit is that it's the only hair removal method that's certifiably permanent. Once it's done, it's done. It does hurt though, so be willing to tolerate it. It's been put that high desire means high tolerance. If you really want it, you'll put up with whatever comes your way.

Laser

     Laser hair removal is one of the more recent developments in hair removal. It has developed over the past ten to fifteen years. Laser works by doing pretty much the same thing that electrolysis does. The energy from the laser light passes down the length of the hair and cauterizes the blood vessels killing the food source to the hair. The only difference is, it covers a larger area in one laser shot.

     Laser is nice in that the area has to be shaved prior to treatment. This is so the laser light can effectively shoot down the length of the hair. If the hair is grown, the laser gun will fold the hair down when it's passing over it, and the hair will just be vaporized. No energy will pass down it.

    There are several lasers out there, and only a few are good. Very few have been certified by the FDA for permanent reduction. None have been certified for permanent hair removal. In other words, with the right laser, the amount of hair will diminish with each treatment. Some of it will be removed, but not all of it. Multiple treatments are required. Be sure to check with the hair removal place to see about their laser certification.

     Laser is not cheap. That is one of the biggest downfalls of it. Also, it only works on certain skin types and hair types. They typically target pigmentation in the hair. So, light skin and dark hair is the best for it. White hair is not something the laser can usually do anything to. Also, compared to electrolysis laser is A LOT more painful. For more sensitive areas, most places will prescribe pain killers to help deal with it during the treatment. Results will vary with each person, so it's best to talk to someone who has done it before.

Other methods

There are many other methods that are billed as "permanent hair removal". Some of them include flash lamps, transdermal electrolysis, etc. Most of them are a waste and will scam your money away. Do your research first. The best site for information on hair removal is www.hairfacts.com. Check it out if you need more info.