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This file from December 2013 PSP was posted for the benefit of the Yahoo FFS group:
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An edited version of my January 23 post regarding Laser Hair Removal:
I was contacted by my endocrinologist, a month ago, because he was surprised with my hair removal results. The hospital, that is his employer, does perform hair removal for transgender patients but he had not seen similar results. He wanted to be able to give some advice to his other transgender patients since reduction of facial hair is one of the side effects of hormone therapy that patients usually desire.
Additionally, I have been contacted separately by a few other friends and aquantiances requesting more information about my laser journey. A very brief history is that I started with electrolysis in 1998 and switched to laser hair removal in 2000. I completed my facial laser hair removal in 2006 (I did also go on to have other areas of my body treated.) I was not on hormone therapy at the time of my facial hair removal. I had partial FFS in 2013.
My thesis is that excellent permanent laser hair removal results, on both the face and body, are achieved due to the combination of a skilled operator and the right laser.
In order to get a more detailed answer to the question about why I think I had good results, I reconnected with Susan Lossing at Permanent Choice (the owner and founder of the chain of laser clinics) last week to talk about her techniques and my treatment with her.
I learned that she does use a different laser than most other laser clinics. The laser she uses is no longer manufactured. The machine she used on me is the Lumenis LightSheer Diode Laser XC with a 12 mm tip. This is the machine that works to get the finest hairs in the most difficult situations. The LightSheer Diode Laser XC is no longer manufactured. It has been replaced by the Lumenis LightSheer Duet. Susan seems to feel that the Duet is a good machine for course hair. But it does not have the tip necessary for fine work. Nor does it have the higher levels of power like the XC. When her favorite laser was being discontinued, (LightSheer Diode Laser XC) she purchased all of the obsolete XC lasers that she could find. She now has 20 of these lasers located in her 10 Minnesota clinics.
(I want to also emphasize that she does use other lasers for other hair removal applications, I am writing specifically about the LightSheer Diode Laser XC laser she used on me, a transgender person with abundant, masculine, facial hair at the start of treatment.)
My observation of treatment is that a skilled laser operator works to push the Joule output of the machine as high as possible while not burning the patient, many operators are too wimpy or fear causing the patient pain. For me, the procedure tested my highest tolerance to pain. Sometimes I could not stifle screams. But I thanked her because I knew it was working. Simultaneously to pushing my pain tolerance, my operator was vigilant to avoiding burning. One way this is accomplished is by involving the patient intimately, me, in the selection of the output levels of the laser. This was done by literally allowing me to see the settings on the machine while being treated. And changing Joule levels frequently, during each treatment, as different areas of the face are treated. More power on the chin and sideburns... a little less on the upper lip and parts of the neck. Levels are determined by patient pain tolerance, thickness of hair and by monitoring the hair follicle response to the energy levels administered. Seeing some hairs literally be “blown” out of their follicles was a proper response during my treatment to an appropriate energy intensity of the laser. Also the distinctive smell of hair burning was expected and was a positive sign.
Regarding Susan and her clinics specifically – I'm very happy to give my recommendation. Particularly when I can recommend something, without hesitation, because of the quality. There is a tremendous amount of frustration about hair removal within the transgender community. Susan cares.
The clinic I used was: Permanent Choice
The owner is: Susan Lossing
Susan was also the only operator who always treated me. I started with her when her clinic was only two locations – over 14 years ago. From my many hours, and years, on the table being treated by Susan, I have come to know her well. She is excellent. However I'm confident that she also trains her staff thoroughly. My point being, that it might not be necessary to deal directly with Susan. Nevertheless, despite the growth of her business over the years, you can still ask for Susan to do your treatment.
Here is a link to her website:
http://www.permanentchoice.com/
Here is a link to the manufacturer (Lumenis) of the laser:
http://www.lumenis.com/
An even more anecdotal note is that I think getting the laser treatments improved my skin quality. I realize there's more than one variable going on (I started HRT.) Additionally, as I aged the oiliness of my skin declined. Nevertheless, in the weeks following my laser treatments I felt like I had substantially fewer blemishes. I've read that laser can kill certain types of bacteria that cause acne – I think I believe it. Less anecdotally, removing the hair from the follicle helps reduce pore size. I believe that also reduced oiliness. More out there, I think there is an effect on superficial capillaries. And that they are cauterized by the laser and that reduces redness to the face – making the skin more even colored. This is only my theory – I have absolutely nothing to back this up except my personal experience.
I appreciate the valuable support this FFS Group has given me over the years. And if there's anything I can do to help, please let me know.
I was contacted by my endocrinologist, a month ago, because he was surprised with my hair removal results. The hospital, that is his employer, does perform hair removal for transgender patients but he had not seen similar results. He wanted to be able to give some advice to his other transgender patients since reduction of facial hair is one of the side effects of hormone therapy that patients usually desire.
Additionally, I have been contacted separately by a few other friends and aquantiances requesting more information about my laser journey. A very brief history is that I started with electrolysis in 1998 and switched to laser hair removal in 2000. I completed my facial laser hair removal in 2006 (I did also go on to have other areas of my body treated.) I was not on hormone therapy at the time of my facial hair removal. I had partial FFS in 2013.
My thesis is that excellent permanent laser hair removal results, on both the face and body, are achieved due to the combination of a skilled operator and the right laser.
In order to get a more detailed answer to the question about why I think I had good results, I reconnected with Susan Lossing at Permanent Choice (the owner and founder of the chain of laser clinics) last week to talk about her techniques and my treatment with her.
I learned that she does use a different laser than most other laser clinics. The laser she uses is no longer manufactured. The machine she used on me is the Lumenis LightSheer Diode Laser XC with a 12 mm tip. This is the machine that works to get the finest hairs in the most difficult situations. The LightSheer Diode Laser XC is no longer manufactured. It has been replaced by the Lumenis LightSheer Duet. Susan seems to feel that the Duet is a good machine for course hair. But it does not have the tip necessary for fine work. Nor does it have the higher levels of power like the XC. When her favorite laser was being discontinued, (LightSheer Diode Laser XC) she purchased all of the obsolete XC lasers that she could find. She now has 20 of these lasers located in her 10 Minnesota clinics.
(I want to also emphasize that she does use other lasers for other hair removal applications, I am writing specifically about the LightSheer Diode Laser XC laser she used on me, a transgender person with abundant, masculine, facial hair at the start of treatment.)
My observation of treatment is that a skilled laser operator works to push the Joule output of the machine as high as possible while not burning the patient, many operators are too wimpy or fear causing the patient pain. For me, the procedure tested my highest tolerance to pain. Sometimes I could not stifle screams. But I thanked her because I knew it was working. Simultaneously to pushing my pain tolerance, my operator was vigilant to avoiding burning. One way this is accomplished is by involving the patient intimately, me, in the selection of the output levels of the laser. This was done by literally allowing me to see the settings on the machine while being treated. And changing Joule levels frequently, during each treatment, as different areas of the face are treated. More power on the chin and sideburns... a little less on the upper lip and parts of the neck. Levels are determined by patient pain tolerance, thickness of hair and by monitoring the hair follicle response to the energy levels administered. Seeing some hairs literally be “blown” out of their follicles was a proper response during my treatment to an appropriate energy intensity of the laser. Also the distinctive smell of hair burning was expected and was a positive sign.
Regarding Susan and her clinics specifically – I'm very happy to give my recommendation. Particularly when I can recommend something, without hesitation, because of the quality. There is a tremendous amount of frustration about hair removal within the transgender community. Susan cares.
The clinic I used was: Permanent Choice
The owner is: Susan Lossing
Susan was also the only operator who always treated me. I started with her when her clinic was only two locations – over 14 years ago. From my many hours, and years, on the table being treated by Susan, I have come to know her well. She is excellent. However I'm confident that she also trains her staff thoroughly. My point being, that it might not be necessary to deal directly with Susan. Nevertheless, despite the growth of her business over the years, you can still ask for Susan to do your treatment.
Here is a link to her website:
http://www.permanentchoice.com/
Here is a link to the manufacturer (Lumenis) of the laser:
http://www.lumenis.com/
An even more anecdotal note is that I think getting the laser treatments improved my skin quality. I realize there's more than one variable going on (I started HRT.) Additionally, as I aged the oiliness of my skin declined. Nevertheless, in the weeks following my laser treatments I felt like I had substantially fewer blemishes. I've read that laser can kill certain types of bacteria that cause acne – I think I believe it. Less anecdotally, removing the hair from the follicle helps reduce pore size. I believe that also reduced oiliness. More out there, I think there is an effect on superficial capillaries. And that they are cauterized by the laser and that reduces redness to the face – making the skin more even colored. This is only my theory – I have absolutely nothing to back this up except my personal experience.
I appreciate the valuable support this FFS Group has given me over the years. And if there's anything I can do to help, please let me know.
Photo collage below of before and after laser treatment:
Facial hair after Laser and HRT. Taken January 21, 2014.
About 35 years old.
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After quitting electrolysis but before laser about 36 years old. Notice the well -groomed eyebrows.
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That is whipped cream on my nose after drinking hot chocolate. 2004 after 4 years of laser - 40 years old. I could have completed the laser much more quickly but time commitment (it was a three hour drive to the treatments office) and economics play a role.
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Brother 1 (above)
This group of three photos show close family beard growth. There simply are not many photos of me with a beard.
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Brother 2 (above) Father (Right.)
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Unforgiving closeup taken Jan 22, 2014. I have plucked some hairs over the years... I do a close inspection every 6 months or so...
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