Planning pre srs prep soon. I was going to do electrolysis but my tech suggested starting with laser first and then cleaning up the rest with electrolysis (said it would save me a lot of money). Some people say they do laser, and others claim electrolysis is the only sure fire way to do things?
I’m light tanned skin with dark hair (good laser candidate), and laser has worked well on my face.
i just don’t know what to choose for down below?
Electrolysis is the gold standard for pre-operation hair removal because it is designated as permanent hair removal while laser is permanent hair reduction. If you have less than 18 months, your best option is electrolysis only. If you don’t have a strict deadline, then it’s reasonable to start with laser and finish with electrolysis. If the laser is effective, you will save a lot of time and money. If it’s not effective, it may end up costing more. I think the risk/reward is worth doing both laser and electrolysis if you have 24+ months until your SRS.
Thank you! I’m in the very early stages (will be officially starting the process/paper work next month, couple months for funding, maybe 6 month wait to even get a consult…) so I’m guessing I have a minimum wait time of 18months? Although it could be longer? So I guess I’ll start with 6-8 sessions of laser and then see how things go from there!
The issue with doing laser first, is it will miss hairs that are not in anagen,or lack pigment.Even the darkest haired people often have white hair on the scrotum. But you shouldnt really do electrolysis and laser at the same time it’s got some issues with timing on that. Whether electrolysis or laser, the process is going to take 12-18 months minimum for either process. If you have to do both, then that put syour surgery at least 3 years from now. Most funding letters are only valid for 2 years, and many surgeons prefer the electrolysis to stop well ahead of surgery. So Electrolysis being the more thorough technology and able to address all hair, becomes the choice due to timing, and thoroughness.
yeah that’s my biggest fear with laser - will hair potentially grow back in the future?
Thinking it may be better to just take the pain phsyical and my wallet and just do it right the first time (with electrolysis)? And yeah I’m hoping I could get it done within 12 months but even 18 months isn’t that bad. And I think it’s no laser or electrolysis 3 months before op, if I read that correctly?
You would need to check with the surgeon, different surgeons have different areas and timeframes to stop beforehand. So Far San Francisco hasbeen the most lenient and we’ve sent some folks there after electrolysis a few weeks ago. Montreal will probably try and talk you out of it, honestly dont listen to them, you cant do it afterward in the canal that is a priority one area. I think Dr Cormier in Ottawa was 4 months but I’m not 100% on that so check in, and I dont know what toronto womens hospital is saying these days but I have heard that they too are telling people not to do it. So in all cases, ask the surgeon more or less. 12 is the least it can be done in, but many cannot accomplish it that quickly. For the most thorough job, spend longer getting it done.
Thanks! Uhm yeah I’m looking at GRS Montreal. I’ve heard they say it’s not needed but it’s literally rolling the dice as to whether you’ll have hair in the canal after or not… I’ve talked to girls who didn’t and girls who did… I’d rather not risk it? Guess I should give them a call just to see what they say anyways.
I’m in Ottawa if you’re close. In Toronto Nat Vincent would be a good choice. I agree with you on rolling the dice, and my advice is usually dont. Just do ithe electrolysis . BUT when talking to the surgeon make clear you are doing electolysis , and are just determining how long before they want you to stop. IIRC correctly it used to be 6 months for Montreal.And for area, when it comes to montreal I tend to do the entire chaft and sac and base, and about 1/2 inch around.Usually something under 60 hours.Liberal use of Zensa topical lidocain 2 hours in advance, and use wrap (I like to recommend glad press n seal …the one with a mild adhesive for occlusion.the shaft is the most important area, as thats what will be used for the canal.I’ve sent lots of clients to Montreal after surgery prep.
Thanks for the tips on the lidocain and wrap! I didn’t think about that!
I thought about doing it under general anaesthesia but I’m not sure if I want to go to the states right now and cost is definitely a factor.
The lady who did my face laser treatments in London also does electrolysis and said she could help with my srs prep. 
I would have came to Ottawa for mentorship but it’s kind of difficult for me to get down there.
I highly recommend only electrolysis. I’ve had to deal with clients that have not made that choice and end up with hair growing out of their new vagina. This is extremely difficult to treat after the surgery and very easy to treat before. We have clinics in British Columbia Canada and one in Toronto Ontario Canada. We use local anesthetic to treat the area before SRS surgery and can usually be completed in 5-8 treatments spaced 6-8 weeks apart so total time frame is approximately 1 year.
Hey, sounds like you’re on a smart path already!
A lot of people actually do what your tech suggested — start with laser to reduce the bulk, then use electrolysis to clear the remaining finer or lighter hairs. It can definitely be more cost-effective that way, especially since laser covers larger areas faster if your hair and skin type are a good match (and it sounds like yours is!).
For the genital area, though, electrolysis is usually the go-to if you’re aiming for complete permanent removal. Laser doesn’t always catch every type of hair there, and depending on the surgeon, they might specifically request electrolysis for full clearance.
If you’re still weighing options, this breakdown on how many sessions electrolysis takes and where it works best might help clarify some things.
Hope this helps — and good luck with everything ahead!
Thanks everyone!
Decided to stick with only electrolysis. Will be getting a quote soon, and plan to do a long treatment under local anaesthetic. And then possibly either another longer session after a couple months, or just shorter sessions more frequently, as needed until full clearance.