Transgender Pre-Surgery Electrolysis
At The TransCare Electrolysis Centre, based in Maidstone, Kent, just outside of London, our nurse prescribers will assess each person, administer the local anaesthetic and remain on site at all times.
Electrolysis in these areas can be very painful, usually meaning that clients can only stand short appointments.
The Electrologist often goes slower and at lower settings to try and alleviate any discomfort. When local anaesthetic is used the whole area can be numbed, this means the practitioner can cover a larger area over a longer length of time.
This time efficiency means that your goals can be reached in a more planned and efficient way, whilst ensuring your comfort. Treatment aims to clear the area (the time this will take depends on your surgeon’s template and your hair type and density) then repeat the process every 6 weeks until you are ready for surgery.
Treatment for any other area of the body will follow a similar pattern of clearing the area and then having a break between sessions, this will be discussed in full with your practitioner.
*Please note: We do accept payment via the NHS funding for Surgery Prep-Services, so please contact us to discuss in more detail.
Transgender Surgical Site Preparation
Caroline is fully trained through the British Institute and Association of Electrologists in the preparation of surgical sites for gender reassignment surgery, both MTF, FTM or any other process of genital surgery.
Many surgeons require a course of electrolysis in the donor site areas to ensure that no hair will grow in places that it shouldn’t. This is because electrolysis is the only form of permanent hair removal and is endorsed by both the FDA and the NHS, we will work closely with you and the advice of your surgical team on which specific templates to use depending on the surgeon’s technique.
How Many Sessions Will I Need?
Clear Clinic strongly recommends at least 9 months (preferably 12-18 months) of regular treatment (as per our recommended treatment plan) prior to your surgery date, we offer free consultations to discuss how we can assist you during this time.
The permanent removal of both facial or genital hair from the body through the process of transition can result in a profound psychological effect, our aim has always been to create a private and welcoming clinic for clients to feel relaxed and safe and cared for during this time.
What is Electrolysis?
Electrolysis the science and technique of permanent hair removal. It is the only technique that Is allowed to label itself as permanent and is endorsed by the NHS and the FDA.
The process includes removing individual hairs from the face or body. Electrolysis works by inserting a sterile, fine probe the same diameter as the hair into the natural opening of the hair follicle. The device delivers either just a small electrical current (diathermy) or the current combined with a chemical reaction (blend) to the base of the follicle to destroy it from within.
Each client will receive a customised plan focusing on individual goals, working towards increased confidence and having a renewed happiness within your own skin. We understand how many disappointing experiences clients may have had in the past and also how unwanted hair growth and other skin conditions can affect everything about your daily life. We also recognise that surgical site preparation is the first step to reaching a huge milestone during transition, ensuring that it is done correctly means that you can achieve the best results possible.
How Do i prepare for treatment?
Make sure that the hair is at least 2-3 millimeters long, if it is too short we will be unable to treat you.
Ensure you are well hydrated, electrolysis requires the use of the water in your skin as a conduit so the better hydrated you are the more effective it will be.
If you are having treatment on your body make sure the clothes you are wearing will not rub on the area post treatment.
Please have a look at this fantastic video below, created by Evello Electrolysis USA, which explains more about how Electrolysis works and how it can help you.
Why do we not recommend laser for surgical site preparation?
The answer is very simple ... laser cannot guarantee permanent results. At best it puts hair follicles into a dormant state, it DOES NOT remove them. This means that you work very hard both emotionally and physically to get to the stage where your surgery can take place and then it is a very, very real possibility that course hair will grow in the newly created vaginal canal or in other areas, where hair should no longer be.
It is a much more difficult process to remove hair from these areas after surgery has taken place (although if this has happened to you, then we will try our best to assist you) and it can take a huge emotional toll on the person affected.
Caroline is a qualified and until recently was an Electrolysis specialist for ‘The London Transgender Clinic’, where she prepared patients for their Gender Reassignment surgery. Caroline is familiar with techniques and patterns used by the top UK surgeons such as Mr Christopher Inglefield, Mr James Bellringer, Miss Tina Rashid, Mr Charles Coker and Mr Tim Larner.
The TransCare Electrolysis Centre also accepts both NHS and BUPA funding, which you can either request us, through your provider, or choose from a list of providers when your funding is confirmed. NHS funding can be accessed via your GP and through your Gender Identity Clinic, you can find out more about Gender Identity Clinic services here: www.gis.nhs.com
It is the Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation which supports London and the South East although there are other clinics for other areas.
Funding is available for up to 16 hours for facial work and unlimited for surgical site preparation.
The TransCare Electrolysis Centre and Clear Clinic’s founder Caroline Barrow, is a member of the British Institute of Electrolysis and an NHS and Private healthcare registered treatment provider.