Electrolysis

So you wanna get rid of all that ugly facial hair huh? Permanently? Well there's only one way to go at the moment to do that and it's a procedure called electrolysis. What is electrolysis exactly?

Basically it involves sticking a very small (needle small) metal probe into each hair follicle and zapping it with a pulse of electricity so it won't grow back. This is something that works over time as clients to electrologists have to go through hours upon hours of treatment to yield a true result. There are several different kinds of electrolysis some more painful than the others but each have their own effectiveness.

Word to the wise, be prepared to experience uncomfortable to almost unbearable pain. I liken it to some of the tortures that the Spanish Inquisition used. The most sensitive areas are most definitely the lower and upper lip and the neck. Oh god the neck...it's really painful. Sometimes I dread going in fear of having a "trying" session. The important thing though is not to give up. Electrolysis is VERY worthwhile if you are serious about transistioning because eventually you'll never have to worry about shaving period as you won't have any facial hair to worry about.

I was asked by the person who treats me to request a special prescription cream to lessen the impact of the pain. My doctor started me off on 2.5% Lidocaine but I'm now using a 5% Lidocaine ointment. I usually rub it in as much as I can and cover it with saran wrap so it doesn't dry all up. The cream is useless when that happens. There are other creams you can use one of those being EMLA or a compounded cream mixture of Prilocaine and Lidocaine.

How Long Does it Take?

Electrolysis can take a LONG TIME, like years depending on your beard. Everyone is different. I just so happen to be one of the lucky ones, and should be done sooner than later in comparison to someone that's extremely hairy.

How much does it cost?

This is what I get asked the most. The too will also vary depending on who you go see. Right now I pay $104 weekly for one hour and a half session. I've seen cheaper (like $52 per hour) but remember as with anything you'll get what you pay for which is quality and the experience of the person giving you the treatment.