this post was submitted on 12 Nov 2023
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First electrolysis session! (lemmy.blahaj.zone)
submitted 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) by ThatFembyWho@lemmy.blahaj.zone to c/mtf@lemmy.blahaj.zone
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One of my biggest causes of dysphoria right now is facial hair. I hate shaving, and unfortunately HRT doesn't help reduce existing hair.

My partner helped me find a great trans-friendly, local electrologist.

I set up a consultation and agreed to an initial 15 minute session after being satisfied with the consultation. The technician is very experienced, board certified, and professional.

Unfortunately I wasn't expecting to have my first session, so I hadn't taken pain killers or used any topical numbing agents. So I got the full experience of the pain. Not recommended.

I have a high pain tolerance, but it really does hurt. It made my whole body twitch at times. Thankfully it is only a quick sharp sting, then you feel nothing. At least for a second or two.

The process is that a tiny sterile probe is inserted down the hair shaft to the base of the follicle, and applies an electrical shock to cauterize the blood vessel feeding it, then the hair is removed. Because the hairs are always in different growth stages that take about 4-6 weeks to complete, the treatment is repeated throughout the year to catch them all.

My technician is very thorough about aftercare. I was recommended a soothing lavender and tea tree oil balm, and aloe vera gel. It feels wonderful. Have to remember to not spend too much time in the sun, to wear sunscreen, and stay hydrated.

All in all it wasn't too bad and totally worth never having beard shadow or shaving again. Going back next week for a 30 minute session, then 45 minutes after that. She estimates it won't take too long, due to how naturally sparse my hair is.

Another box getting checked off my transition list <3

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[–] neuracnu@lemmy.blahaj.zone 10 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (1 children)

I started a few months ago, taking advantage of not working so I’m going every day (thankfully backed up by supportive insurance). Here’s the process I’ve developed that works absolute wonders for me:

Note: My electrolysis place is only 15mins away, so this may not work if you’re further away.

1- 60 mins before appointment, take maximum painkillers (for me: 2 extra strength Tylenol).

2- tie up hair and wash the area you’re treating with plain soap, nothing with fancy moisturizers, you’re aiming for dryness.

3- dab a cotton ball or cloth with rubbing alcohol and give the area a wipe down.

4- use a boar bristle brush to gently exfoliate the area. You want to agitate your skin juuuust a bit so the numbing cream can get in as deep as it can, but not so much agitation that you give yourself a rash or it starts hurting.

5- use a finger cot to apply numbing cream (I use Numb520 but any 5% lidocaine cream will work) to where the work will be done. Really use your finger to work the numbing cream into your skin (little circular motions) for an initial pass. Then do a second pass where you goop it on a bit thicker.

6- put plastic wrap on the area and press it against the numbing cream. It should stick in place. Use a sharp knife or scissors to carefully cut a hole for your mouth if you’re covering it.

7- put on a surgical mask to look approximately 2% less like a total crazy person.

8- go to your electrolysis appointment. Ask the clinician to only peel off the plastic wrap for the area they’re immediately working on. Peel some back, wipe off numbing cream, do some pokes. Peel, wipe, poke. I find that if they can uncover an area and work on it for 30 mins, that’s when the peak effectiveness wears off and it’s time to move on to the next area.

Doing all this made a huuuuuuge difference for me.

[–] ThatFembyWho@lemmy.blahaj.zone 2 points 11 months ago

Thank you so much for this! I've been following your advice since my second appointment. Unfortunately my first order of numbing cream was lost in the mail... but I have it now! It really made a difference, going to my fourth this morning. All the dark hairs on my face are gone, only some almost translucent blonde ones remain. Think I'll have her do a bit of my chest now if time permits.

I also live about 15min from my electrologist, so it's perfect :D

[–] Duke_Nukem_1990@feddit.de 5 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Yay, good for you!! Do you know if they treat areas like the upper back and shoulders as well? 🙈

[–] ThatFembyWho@lemmy.blahaj.zone 7 points 1 year ago (2 children)

I think they can treat anywhere that has fully developed terminal hairs. So, not vellus / "peach fuzz" hairs. Other points are that if you have light or reddish hair like mine, electrolysis is about the only option, and it is permanent (no regrets here lol).

It's a bit expensive. My 15 min session was about $30 and an hour is $90. I'm going to a small private clinic.

Eventually I would like to get my legs done.

[–] feminalpanda@lemmings.world 2 points 1 year ago

My face at a laser place was almost 2k but lifetime guarantee with cryo spray to stop the pain.

[–] Duke_Nukem_1990@feddit.de 2 points 1 year ago

Thanks. It's good to know there might be hope for an hairy ape like me urgh

[–] onevia@lemmy.blahaj.zone 5 points 1 year ago (2 children)

I wonder if they could also do like full body 🥲 might take 100+ sessions but I really hate the body hair dysphoria, lol

Congrats on working on getting that beard shadow gone! Probably gonna be my first area as well ❤️

[–] pruneaue@lemmy.blahaj.zone 2 points 1 year ago

They totally can but like you said it will take a long time and a lot of money

[–] ThatFembyWho@lemmy.blahaj.zone 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Absolutely they can!

I think you can expect an investment on the order of 10k for full body electrolysis.

[–] onevia@lemmy.blahaj.zone 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Oh boy 🥲 I think I'll start off small, lol. Thanks for the insight!

[–] mjsaber@lemmy.blahaj.zone 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Depending on your skin tone and the color of your body hair, laser can be very effective for large areas for (relatively) cheaper.

Pale skin and dark hair have the best results with laser. The closer your hair color to skin color, the less effective it is, although newer lasers are getting better at doing darker skin tones in general.

[–] onevia@lemmy.blahaj.zone 3 points 1 year ago

Hey, pale-skin-and-dark-hair is my middle name! Lol

Looking into laser as well. Thank you 😊