IJ TRANSGENDER - XVII HBGIDA - Abstract - Long Term Hair Removal by Intense Pulsed Light in Male-to-Female Transsexuals: Promising Results

Editors:
Friedemann Pfäfflin,
Ulm University, Germany

Walter O. Bockting,
University of Minnesota, USA

Eli Coleman,
University of Minnesota, USA

Richard Ekins,
University of Ulster at Coleraine, UK

Dave King,
University of Liverpool, UK

Managing Editor:
Noelle N Gray,
University of Minnesota, USA

Editorial Assistant:
Erin Pellett,
University of Minnesota, USA

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ISSN 1434-4599

XVII Harry Benjamin International Gender Dysphoria Association Symposium
31 October - 4 November 2001, Galveston, Texas, U.S.A.

Long Term Hair Removal by Intense Pulsed Light in Male-to-Female Transsexuals: Promising Results

DEBOER, E.M. The Netherlands
Co-author: L.J.G. Gooren (The Netherlands)

Introduction: In male-to-female transsexuals, hair growth on body and extremities reduces significantly on hormone therapy, but only slowly, particularly facial hair. Terminal hairs in face and neck persist over a long time.

Materials and Methods: In male-to-female transsexual on hormone therapy, face and neck were treated with intense pulsed light (EpilightR, ESC, Israel). Long term hair removal is induced by selective photothermolysis, using melanin as a target. Repeated treatments with 80week intervals are performed, as only hairs in the anagen growth phase are susceptible. The flashlight is guided via crystal light guides and a cooling coupling gel onto the skin. Spot size 4.5 cm2. For each individual, appropriate cutoff filters are chosen and the number of pulses, pulse duration, interval and fluence adapted to skin type and hair color. Hair reduction was estimated by a visual score and standardized photographs.

Results: 92 individuals, mean age 38 years (range 19 to 70 years) were included from 1998 until now. Subjects treated 4 or more times are evaluated (n=60), having skin type I-II in 37 cases, type III-IV in 18 cases and type V in 5 cases. After 4 or more treatments, hair reduction was scored as satisfying in 43 cases (score 4 in a 1-5 scale) and as moderate in 15 cases (score 3). Strikingly hairs on chin and upper lip were most resilient, needing more treatment sessions. Side effects occurred in 6 cases, in 3 individuals with skin type V--blistering with subsequent temporary changes in pigment. Other side effects were mild erythema and/or folliculitis.

Conclusion: Intense pulsed light is successful for hair removal. Chin and upper lip require repeated treatments. In 6 sessions, a hair reduction of 75% is reached. Side effects are rare. Complete hair removal is not achievable.