We love all things laser – modern day medical aesthetic devices are able to use this non-invasive technology to treat a plethora of concerns… including reducing scarring, reversing signs of ageing and eliminating unwanted body and facial hair, permanently.
Whereby laser hair removal can be revolutionary for anyone looking to reduce unwanted body hair (that feeling of not having to shave your legs on holiday is God tier!) – it can be absolutely life-changing for transgender patients, in numerous ways you might not have considered before.
There’s a few key things to discuss here – let’s open up the conversation.
Removing Body Hair and Battling Stigma, with Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal during a person’s transition can play an important role in their overall journey. It’s a great way to save time and money – and an extremely effective treatment for those who are transitioning or looking to reduce unwanted hair.
Hair removal is a time-consuming activity – and hassle, for most people who choose to do so… commonly accompanied by rashes, razor burn, ingrown hairs and skin irritation. But for someone transitioning, unwanted body hair (and regrowth) can be all of these things AND MORE… a constant stressor; severely impacting their body confidence during this important time of change.
Laser hair removal can help trans patients reduce unwanted hair on their faces and/or bodies, which may be especially important for those planning bottom surgery.
Some patients choose to undergo hormone replacement therapy, some don’t. Some decide to undergo gender affirming surgery, and some don’t. Laser hair removal can help in all scenarios – and is the most advanced, effective and permanent solution when it comes to controlling body/facial hair regrowth and visibility.
Everyone deserves to feel happy & confident in their bodies – like the best & truest version of themselves.
Premier Laser Clinic are proud to be an inclusive medical destination – 5 star rated laser hair removal specialists in London, with 9 locations throughout the city.
“Laser hair removal for gender-affirming surgery can be a key part of the transition process. While hormone replacement therapy can impact hair growth, some people still want to permanently remove their body hair. For those considering gender-affirming surgery (GAS), permanent hair removal options may be necessary to achieve their desired results” – Premier Laser Clinic London.
Laser Hair Removal at Premier Laser and Skin Clinic London: EVERYONE is Welcome
Premier Laser Clinic understand how unwanted hair (and stubble, skin irritation, ingrown hairs and investment in time and money) can impact on people’s quality of life – which is why the clinic is proud to offer the most cutting-edge laser hair removal technology as standard. Their treatments are suitable for all skin types, and are proven to reduce 80-90% of your unwanted hair; permanently.
A full treatment requires about 6-8 sessions, spaced 6-8 weeks apart. And for those conscious of body hair don’t worry – the clinic’s team of experts confirm that you can shave in-between treatments, so there’s never a need to grow hair out before your next treatment.
Laser hair removal can be completed at any time during a person’s transition – whether you decide to undergo hormone replacement therapy or not… and whether you decide to have gender affirming surgery or not. Everyone’s situation, budget and preference is different.
A Smooth Transition
Laser Hair Removal and Gender Affirming Surgery
If you’re planning on undergoing gender affirming surgery, your surgeon may recommend you book laser hair removal pre-procedure. Why? For transgender women, laser hair removal in the genital area (in preparation for a vaginoplasty procedure) can help prevent postoperative vaginal hair regrowth complications. During the procedure, the surgeon will create a neovaginal cavity – which if hair regrowth occurs within, can cause a multitude of complications and discomfort.
Transgender men are often advised to undergo laser hair removal on their forearms or thighs – future graft sites (where skin is taken in order to construct during phalloplasty surgery) in preparation for the procedure. These areas are naturally hair-bearing, so should be treated to avoid hair regrowth post-operatively; which can lead to urinary retention and infection.
Premier Laser and Skin Clinic recommend that patients wait a minimum of 3 months after their last laser hair removal treatment before proceeding with surgery, to help to ensure that no further hair regrowth has occurred. And, if booking laser hair removal post gender affirming surgery, their team of experts recommend waiting at least a year to begin or resume treatments; in order to let the area fully heal.
Hormones and Laser Hair Removal
Any hormonal changes within a patient’s body can stimulate increased hair regrowth. Whilst laser treatments may remove existing, unwanted hair; it is important to note that changes in hormone levels (especially testosterone, which is known to stimulate faster hair regrowth) may trigger changes in regrowth over time. Check ins with your provider can help ensure any changes in regrowth are detected and treated.
For those undergoing oestrogen hormone replacement therapy, it is common that this hormone alone will slow down hair growth on the face and body – but it won’t completely eliminate the follicles that already produce hair in these areas; meaning hair growth is still probable. Transgender women typically opt for hair removal treatments on the face, neck and legs due to this.
About Laser Hair Removal at Premier Laser and Skin Clinic London
Premier Laser’s highly trained laser practitioners have performed over 600,000 treatments across 9 clinics, using medical-grade, FDA approved Candela Gentle Max Pro technology. This device boasts dual wavelengths: Nd: Yag & Alexandrite, meaning the team can treat all skin types safely (including laser hair removal for dark skin).
Laser hair removal treatments utilise controlled pulses of laser energy to eradicate unwanted hair follicles; all the way to the root. The laser’s energy heats the hair, safely eradicating it without causing harm to the adjacent skin. Premier Laser’s use of industry-leading FDA-approved laser technology ensures that their hair removal treatments are effective and safe on your skin, anywhere on the body… permanently reducing hair growth by up to 90%.