Genital electrolysis

Genital electrolysis 

Genital electrolysis 

Electrolysis can be used to permanently remove hair on all areas of the human body. Your surgeon may request that genital hair is removed prior to Gender Confirmation Surgery. The area to clear should be discussed with your surgeon, as techniques do differ. 


Genital electrolysis is necessary to ensure that hair is not present in the transplanted tissue of your new vagina. This removes the potential risk of follicular infection caused through friction whilst dilating or during intercourse.


Electrolysis is favoured over laser as it is the only proven method of permanent hair removal. 


Treatments for  cisgender females are also available. Bikini hair removal and beautiful landing strips!

Timescale for genital electrolysis

The complete growth cycle of genital hair is approximately six months. During the growth cycle approximately seventy percent of genital hair will be in the resting (telogen) phase at the time of the first treatment. Hair which is resting may be visible, but will not be connected to the papilla. This hair is not suitable for treatment. We request that you shave the area four days before each treatment which ensures that all visible hair will be in the anagen growth phase. 

Genital hair rests for approximately twelve weeks and is active for approximately twelve to fourteen weeks. Once a first pass clearance has been made, the ideal treatment time between sessions is six weeks, which allows sufficient time for new hair to develop as the growth cycle progresses.

As a guide, it is likely that at least 8 or more treatment sessions will be needed after the first pass clearance has been made, and that you plan to complete treatment eight weeks before surgery. This ensures that the process has been completed and that your skin is in the best possible condition for surgery.

Treatment plan 

1st session 2  hours 
2nd session 2 hours: 21 days after the first session
3rd session 2 hours: 21 days after the second session
4th session 2 hours: 21 days after the third session
This enables a first pass clearance of the hair which generally needs to be cleared (As shown in the above photograph)

During the following 6 months the time interval increases in relation to the hair growth cycle. Plan for 2 hour treatments at 6 week intervals to clear any regrowth and hair which was in the resting phase at the time of the previous treatment.

During the following six weeks it is recommended that you visit weekly for 15 to 60 minutes. This acts a safeguard to validate the process. (Treatment times are dependent upon your surgeons requirements for the areas to be cleared.)

Preparation for genital electrolysis

Hygiene is of paramount importance and it is recommended that you thoroughly cleanse the area to be treated with Betadine or similar antiseptic shampoo. Do this in the shower and avoid taking a bath for at least 48 hours following treatment.

Shave the area 4 days before treatment and use Betadine before and after shaving. (This time period ensures that all hairs to be treated will be in the active anagen growth phase)

Be scrupulous about hygiene, as the genital area hosts many forms of bacteria and is particularly prone to potential infection. 

Your genital electrolysis

It is natural to feel self conscious before your first session. We are aware of how you may be feeling, but you will soon feel at ease. This is often our daily work and we will respect your dignity at all times.

Scrotal skin is challenging as it is soft, highly elastic and there are many skin folds. This requires extra pressure in making the three way stretch, to access the hair follicle.

Post-genital electrolysis

The treated area will be red and possibly swollen. This is a common and normal reaction to local anaesthetic and electrolysis treatment in the genital area.

Hygiene, hygiene, hygiene! (in the shower at home before and after treatment)

Use the shower and not the bath for the first 48 hours following treatment.

The genital area can be slower to recover from electrolysis, than other body areas.
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