Genital Hair Removal for Gender Affirming Surgery

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 Should I have my genital hair removed? 

While not mandatory, we strongly recommend genital hair removal before Gender Affirming Surgery.

 

In which area should genital hair be removed? 

Hair removal at the perineum (the area between the anus and the base of the scrotum), as seen in the figure below, is recommended by our surgeons. 

 

Can I have the hair on my penis and scrotum removed? 

It is not recommended to have hair removed from these regions since the therapy may cause heavy scar formation and damage the quality and suppleness of the skin used to create the vulva and the skin graft for the vaginal lining.  

 

 What happens if I have plenty of perineal hair? 

If you have substantial perineal hair, some hair growth at the vaginal opening may occur post-SRS. Our surgeons utilize perineal skin as the vaginal floor up to a depth of …….cm, which can sometimes lead to hair being pushed further inside the vaginal canal, mistakenly perceived as growth from the skin graft.

 

What are my options for hair removal?

Electrolysis and laser hair removal are the two common procedures of hair removal. 

Laser Hair Removal 

Laser hair removal employs pulsating light beams. The light is focused at the hair follicle, where it heats the melanin (the pigment in the hair), causing the hair follicle to stop developing hair momentarily. This makes this option more suited to people with fair skin and dark hair. It necessitates many sessions separated by 4-6 weeks. Because it does not permanently damage the hair follicles, it is extremely possible that maintenance treatments will be required. 

 

Electrolysis

The dermatologist or skilled electrologist inserts a light probe into each hair follicle and passes an electrical current through it. Consequently, the hair root is destroyed. This is appropriate for everybody, regardless of skin type or hair color. It also requires multiple sessions but the result is more permanent when compared to laser. 

Important Note: It is not suggested to attempt one method of hair removal and then switch to another. To ensure your safety and the efficacy of the treatment, you must consult and be treated by a licensed technician, dermatologist, or electrologist who is trained to perform these procedures. Furthermore, it is critical that you follow the pre-treatment and post-treatment recommendations to avoid bad reactions and complications. 

 

Do I need the hair removal for colon vaginoplasty? 

Same with SRS with skin graft, the perineal skin is utilized for the floor of the vaginal opening so hair removal at the perineum is recommended. 

 

Should the hair removal sessions be finished before SRS? 

All sessions should ideally be completed prior to surgery. If you are unable to finish it owing to time constraints, you can continue the hair removal sessions for at least 6 months after SRS. 

 

When should I stop having hair removal before SRS?

Our surgeons advise you to discontinue hair removal sessions at least one (1) month before your operation date. This will give the treated area time to heal before the procedure. 

 

Can hair removal be resumed after SRS? 

If significant hair growth occurs, treatment can be resumed after a minimum of 6 months, focusing on the outer labia, vaginal entrance, and surrounding areas. Always seek treatment from a reputable specialist trained for this procedure to avoid complications.