Electrolysis for Gender Reassignment Surgery

Electrolysis for Gender Reassignment Surgical Preparation

Gender reassignment surgery, also known as gender confirmation surgery, is a surgical procedure used to alter the physical characteristics of a person's body to match their gender identity. There are several different surgical techniques used in gender reassignment surgery, and the specific technique used will depend on the individual's anatomy and desired outcome.

Here are some of the most common gender reassignment surgery techniques that may require permanent hair removal via Electrolysis treatment of the donor areas to enable a successful long-term result:

Phalloplasty:

The surgery involves taking skin and tissue from other parts of the body, such as the forearm or thigh, and using it to construct a penis. A penile implant may also be used to create an erection.

Metoidioplasty:

This procedure is another option for creating a penis, it involves releasing the clitoris from the surrounding tissue and using hormone therapy to stimulate its growth. The enlarged clitoris can then be surgically altered to look like a penis.

Penile Inversion Vaginoplasty:

This surgery is used to create a vagina for trans women. It involves using skin and tissue from the penis or scrotum to create the vaginal canal, and the clitoris is often relocated to create a more natural appearance.

Rectosigmoid Vaginoplasty:

The new vaginal wall is created using sigmoid colon tissue, this results in a self-lubricating vaginal canal. It can be used when the person began hormone treatment early therefore not exposed to testosterone.

Peritoneal Pull Through Vaginoplasty:

Using tissue from the peritoneum (the lining that holds the organs together in the abdominal cavity) to create the new vaginal canal, this is a newer technique for gender reassignment surgery, the vaginal walls can sometimes be self-lubricating and a greater depth can often be achieved.

Zero Depth Vaginoplasty/ Vulvoplasty:

This surgery is for those that do not wish to have a vaginal canal but do want the cosmetic outer surgery to create a Vulva.

It's important to note that gender reassignment surgery is a complex and highly individualized process, and the specific techniques used will vary depending on the individual's unique needs and goals.

Electrolysis is a method of hair removal that is often used as a preparation step for gender reassignment surgery. The reason for this is that hair follicles in the genital area can interfere with the surgical procedure, and so removing them is often necessary for the best possible outcome. Electrolysis is the only method of permanent hair removal and is approved by the FDA and NHS, it works by destroying each hair follicle individually so that it has no chance of regeneration.

Ideally a treatment time of 9 -18 months of electrolysis is recommended by Clear Clinic prior to the surgery date to complete the hair removal on the donor site areas.

If the electrologist has not had the required amount of time to treat all of the hair growth cycles there is a danger of new growth. Now if this growth occurs in exposed areas then treatment can possibly continue, if however the growth occurs higher up the newly constructed vaginal canal, under the hood of the newly formed clitoris or in the urethra opening for phalloplasty it can be extremely difficult or impossible to remove.

When unwanted hair contributes to body dysmorphia or anxieties the results from electrolysis can be life changing. Even if a client is not ready to commit to genital surgery they can still experience the amazing effects that electrolysis can contribute to a person’s sense of body positivity and confidence that facial or body hair removal can contribute to.

Here at Clear Clinic in Maidstone, Kent, Caroline Barrow is a member of the British Institute and Association of Electrolysis and is fully trained in preparing donor sites for genital reassignment surgery for both MTF and FTM techniques.

Overall, Electrolysis is just one of the many steps involved in gender reassignment surgery, and it is an important part of the preparation process for non-binary and transgender women and men. If you are considering gender reassignment surgery and have questions about the process, it is best to consult with a qualified healthcare provider.

Clear Clinic can then help and support you through the electrolysis treatment plan that would be suitable for you.

Electrolysis is provided to our clients from Kent, Surrey, Essex, East Sussex and London. We can also help to arrange accommodation for those clients who wish to travel for longer sessions.

We provide complimentary consultations in our private and welcoming Clinic in Bearsted, Maidstone, Kent and welcome you to get in touch with any questions you may have.