Unwanted hair in transgender people

Hair and body hair can be an attribute of masculinity or femininity. Getting rid of unwanted hair can therefore be pursued by transgender women, transgender men and non-binary people alike. Laser hair removal is most often chosen by patients who wish to:

• reduce facial hair, including facial hair
• get rid of hair on a selected part of the body, including the intimate area
• trim beards and moustaches
• reduce irritation, pain and other discomforts associated with traditional hair removal methods
• prepare for vaginoplasty or phalloplasty, which may require depilation of a selected body part
   

Laser hair removal can be opted for by transgender people regardless of the stage of transition they are in, and whether or not they are taking hormone replacement therapy. It is worth remembering that each of us should decide for ourselves which body hair we want and which we would feel more comfortable without. These issues are particularly important for transgender women, for whom excessive facial, armpit, chest or back hair can be a source of great discomfort.

The Zakrzewscy Clinic's staff and specialists prioritise the comfort, satisfaction and safety of their patients. They create a place open to everyone, full of empathy and respect. If you are not sure whether laser hair removal is right for you or you have questions about the procedure, do not hesitate to take advantage of the consultation, during which we will answer all your questions and try to dispel any doubts.

How the treatment goes

Before each treatment, the specialist will carry out a detailed medical interview with the patient to establish the treatment plan, rule out any contraindications and answer any questions. The area to be treated is then cleansed. The patient may choose to use an anaesthetic ointment. During the treatment, the specialist applies the laser head to the skin covered with a special gel and moves it. If intimate areas are being depilated, the Patient is given a dressing gown and disposable underwear before the session. The skin can be exposed in fragments, depending on what the person feels comfortable with. The Zakrzewscy Clinic's staff takes care of the Patient's maximum comfort, creating a relaxing and friendly atmosphere. Thanks to the cooling system, the heat emitted by the laser head is minimised, but if the Patient feels any discomfort, the person performing the treatment takes a break to additionaly cool the skin.

During the treatment, the high-energy laser beam is absorbed by the melanin in the hair follicle, leading to its destruction. The heat also destroys stem cells involved in the formation of new hair. Laser energy is best absorbed by hairs in the growth phase, as they contain the most melanin and are most strongly connected to the matrix. For this reason, 10 to 30 per cent of hair is removed in a single session, depending on the area to be depilated. Laser hair removal using devices combining three wavelengths of light makes it possible to remove hair regardless of its colour (except for grey and very light blonde hair) and the Patient's complexion.

How many sessions are needed

Most commonly, 8 to 10 treatments are recommended at intervals of 4 to 6 weeks for facial areas and 6 to 8 weeks for skin areas of other parts of the body, which is related to the phases of the hair growth cycle. The number of treatments required in a series is, however, a very individual matter, so sometimes the number of sessions may increase to achieve a satisfactory result. Before starting epilation, the cosmetologist will establish a precise schedule with the patient. Laser hair removal is long-lasting, which means that once a series of treatments is completed, there is no need to repeat the series of hair removal treatments for many years. However, a reminder treatment once a year is recommended so that the effect is maintained for as long as possible.

Side effects

Laser hair removal is a treatment with a high degree of safety if carried out by a qualified professional. If not carried out correctly, there is a risk of burns, blisters, infection or dark spots on the skin. Natural post-treatment reactions include:

• erythema and redness
• skin sensitivity
• perifollicular swelling that can last 2-3 days

Contraindications to the treatment

A laser hair removal treatment may exclude certain contraindications. Before carrying out the treatment, the specialist determines whether certain factors make epilation absolutely impossible.The list of contraindications that must be considered before deciding on a treatment , includes:

• pregnancy
• breastfeeding
• cancer
• active herpes
• infections of the skin to be depilated
• fresh tan (there should be at least 4 weeks between the last day of sunbathing and the treatment)
• taking vitamin A derivatives
• use of photosensitising drugs and herbs (should be discontinued 7 days before the treatment)
• taking antibiotics (at least 2 weeks must pass between the last antibiotic dose and the treatment)
• taking blood-thinning drugs
• vitiligo
• psoriasis
• susceptibility to keloids
• diabetes

It is worth remembering that menstruation is not a contraindication to laser hair removal, including intimate areas.

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