What is electrolysis?

Electrolysis was discovered in 1875 when Dr. Charles Michel successfully removed an ingrown eyelash from his patient using a battery powered epilator. There are three types of electrolysis: galvanic, thermolysis, and blend. Electrolysis is the method of permanently removing hair using a small sterile probe and gentle current or heat to destroy growth cells.

Is electrolysis really permanent?

Electrolysis is FDA approved and recognized by the medical field as the only permanent hair removal solution.

Am I a good candidate?

Yes, everyone is a good candidate for electrolysis and can expect to see permanent results regardless

What areas can be treated?

Any area of the body can be treated with the exception of inside the nostril and inside the ear canal.

What about alternative methods?

Alternative methods such as tweezing, shaving, threading, sugaring, waxing, and laser hair reduction become expensive and time consuming. Laser hair reduction can be beneficial for some individuals. However, laser hair reduction is not permanent or effective for many hair colors and skin tones. For example, laser targets the pigmentation and therefore cannot pick up the color of red, blonde, or grey hairs making it completely ineffective for those individuals.

Every client will receive a free consultation; I will assess the area, create a customized treatment plan, and answer any questions you may have.

Pre-Surgical Electrolysis

Gender Affirming Care

We are proud to provide gender-affirming electrolysis in a space where you are seen, respected, and safe. We understand that hair removal can be highly personal experience, whether it's part of transition or preparation for surgery. Our team is committed to supporting you every step of the way.

Our licensed electrologists are trained in:

Gender-affirming protocols
Surgical prep timelines and documentation
Trauma-informed and body-positive care
Working with clients of all skin tones and hair types

Most surgeons require complete or almost complete permanent hair removal in the genital area prior to surgery to prevent post-operative complications such as hair regrowth inside the neovagina or other internal grafted structures. Electrolysis is the only FDA-approved method of permanent hair removal, making it the gold standard for surgical prep.

1. Duration & Commitment
On average, clients preparing for gender-affirming genital surgery require a minimum of 12 months of full clearance electrolysis treatment.

2. What Is a “Full Clearance”?
A “full clearance” means that the entire mapped treatment area (as designated by your surgeon) is treated during a session, with all visible hairs removed by the end. Please note, a full clearance may not be achieved in one session for several reasons.

3. Number of Sessions
The number of sessions needed varies depending on:

Hair density and growth rate
Pain tolerance
Session length
Financial ability
Scheduling consistency

4. First Clearance Expectations
The initial full clearance of the genital area often requires 10+ hours. For the most effective results, it’s best if the entire mapped area be cleared in one session or over a short time. However, most clients may need this split across multiple sessions.

5. Growth Cycles & Timing
Returning for regular full clearances every 4–6 weeks is essential. This allows newly surfaced hairs from the next growth cycle to be treated. Delays between sessions may result in a longer overall treatment timeline.

6. Planning for Surgery
Pre-operative electrolysis is often required by surgeons. To stay on track, we recommend:

Committing to monthly full clearances if possible
Following your surgeon’s mapping and clearance deadlines
Understanding that incomplete or inconsistent treatments may delay surgical readiness
If monthly full clearances are not possible, expect a longer timeline to finish pre-op hair removal.

DISCLOUSURE:

The questions and answers below have been provided by OHSU. While we are not affiliated, the pre-op hair removal resources have been found to be helpful. Please consult with your surgeon for specific instructions prior to scheduling electrolysis.

ELITE ELECTROLYSIS DOES NOT OWN THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION:

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"The following patient-education materials were developed by the OHSU Transgender Health Program and the Department of Urology. They are intended to be used only for the OHSU surgical program. These materials are being updated regularly as we continually evaluate and improve the program

Why do I need hair removal for vaginoplasty?

The skin of the penis and the scrotum are used to make the new vagina. To avoid having hair inside the new vagina, it must be permanently removed. Hair remaining inside the new vagina can lead to hygiene problems, discomfort during dilation and intercourse, and a less desirable appearance. Having a few hairs is generally not a problem. But there are no good options for removing hair from inside after surgery. Some surgeons offer hair removal (electrolysis or “follicle scraping”) in the operating room. We do not believe these are reliable ways of removing hair from the skin used to make the new vagina.

What areas need to be cleared for vaginoplasty?

• Scrotum

• Beneath the base of the penis

• Between the thigh creases

• The perineum (space between the scrotum and 1 inch above the anus)

How do I know when I am done with hair removal for vaginoplasty?

It is impossible for us to determine at any one point if your hair removal is complete This is because each of your hairs is always in a different stage of growth. Some hairs may be inactive, or not growing now, then growing a month later. The best approach for a good result is to discuss this with your electrolysis or laser provider. Go through several cycles with the area completely cleared followed by waiting 4–6 weeks. Then wait 3–6 months to see if you have significant regrowth. Track your progress. When you are 80 percent complete, have your hair-removal provider fill out and sign the Hair Removal Attestation form (in the back pocket of your booklet). Call the Transgender Health Program clinic when this is done. It is your decision and responsibility whether to have surgery with the level of hair removal you have completed. Once the skin is on the inside, there is no effective way to remove the hair.

Why do I need hair removal for phalloplasty?

You may need electrolysis or laser treatment to permanently remove hair on the donor site (forearm or thigh) used to make the urethra. Hair remaining within the urethra can lead to significant urologic complications, such as urethral stones and recurrent infections. Many people also want to remove hair from the outside of the phallus, but it’s not required. This can be done before or after your first surgery. Your surgeon will determine whether and where you need hair removal.

When should I start hair removal for phalloplasty?

You can start hair removal as soon as your surgeon confirms the donor site and specific area that needs to be free from hair. If you use the thigh this happens after you get a CT scan of your legs. Hair removal can take 6–18 months. Treatments need to be spaced apart due to hair growth cycles. This timeline also accounts for potential difficulty scheduling hair removal treatments with busy providers. It must be complete at least 3 months prior to the scheduled surgery. The donor region ideally needs to be examined in person to make sure it is free of hair. A photo can be used to demonstrate hair clearance if in-person examination is not possible. If you want to remove hair from the outside of your new phallus, you can do this on the donor site before stage 1 surgery, or on your new phallus after the surgery. Hair removal on the phallus is less painful within the first 8 months after surgery, before your nerves have a chance to fully regrow.

How do I know when I am done with hair removal for phalloplasty?

It is impossible for us to determine at any one point if your hair removal is complete. This is because each strand of hair is in a different stage of growth. Some hairs may be inactive, or not growing now, then start to grow a month later. The best approach for a good result is to discuss this with your electrolysis or laser provider. Go through several cycles with the area completely cleared followed by waiting 4–6 weeks. Then wait 3–6 months to see if you have significant regrowth. If you are doing hair removal prior to surgery, you must stop 2 weeks prior to surgery, and can resume any hair removal on the phallus no sooner than 2 months after surgery." (OHSU Department of Urology (www.ohsu.edu).

Elite Electrolysis Permanent Hair Removal

Pre-Surgical Electrolysis

Elite Electrolysis
Permanent Hair Removal