Comparison of Permanent Hair Removal Procedures before Gender-Affirming Vaginoplasty: Why We Should Consider Laser Hair Removal as a First-Line Treatment for Patients Who Meet Criteria

• DOI: 10.1016/j.esxm.2022.100545
• Publication Date: 2022-07-30T09:30:42Z
• Authors: Nance Yuan; Alexandra Terris ...; Patrick Chin; Michael Zaliznyak; Susan Rabizadeh; Maurice M. Garcia
• Keywords: Hair removal

Permanent genital hair removal is required before gender-affirming vaginoplasty to prevent hair-related complications. No previous studies have directly compared the relative efficacy, costs, and patient experiences with laser (LHR) vs electrolysis treatments. Food Drug Administration (FDA) oversight of medical devices poorly understood commonly misrepresented, adversely affecting care.This study compares treatment outcomes LHR for investigates FDA regulation devices.Penile-inversion shallow-depth patients completed surveys about their preoperative removal, including procedure type, number/frequency sessions, cost, discomfort. Publicly available FDA-review documents databases were reviewed.Compared electrolysis, was associated greater efficiency, decreased pain, improved satisfaction.Of 52 total (44 full-depth 8 shallow-depth) patients, 22 underwent only, 15 used both techniques. Compared that only a significantly number sessions (mean 24.3 8.1 P < .01) more frequent (every 2.4 weeks 5.3 LHR, complete (defined as absence re-growth over 2 months). Electrolysis longer than (152 minutes 26 minutes, .01). Total costs ($5,161) ($981, pain increased need pretreatment analgesia, which further contributed higher net laser. Many been FDA-cleared safety, but does not assess or compare clinical efficacy efficiency.For dark-pigmented hair, providers should consider first-line option vaginoplasty.This first removal. The discussion addresses review/oversight devices, misrepresented. Limitations include survey format data collection.When showed efficiency (shorter fewer treatment), less tolerability, lower cost. Our suggests that, dark recommending permanent vaginoplasty. Yuan N, Feldman A, Chin P, et al. Comparison Hair Removal Procedures Gender-Affirming Vaginoplasty: Why We Should Consider Laser First-Line Treatment Patients Who Meet Criteria. Sex Med 2022;10:100545.