July 18, 2013 8:46 AM BST
The NHS Interim Gender Protocol for England has just been published - and what will be good news for many people is that facial hair removal (laser/electrolysis) will be included for every M2F should they require it. It also states that FFS and abdominoplasty/body resculpturing can also be included.
Appendix 4 reads as follows:-
Facial hair reduction
The reduction of facial hair is seen as an essential part of gender reassignment for a trans-woman to facilitate the period of living in the gender role that is congruent with the individual’s gender identity before genital reassignment surgery. The absence of facial hair is of psychological benefit and will produce a greater well-being for the patient as there should be little or no need to remove hair on a constant basis. It is recommended that facial hair removal should commence prior to social gender role transition, as the beard must grow to visible lengths to be removed. Laser and Intense Pulse Light (IPL) treatment for facial hair reduction is most effective on those with dark hair and fair skin and is unsuitable for treating non- pigmented hairs such as grey, white, blonde and red; the latter may require reduction by electrolysis. Some modern lasers are able to effectively treat racially pigmented skin 8. A fixed number of sessions (one site test and eight sessions), will be funded for facial hair reduction for trans-women. Additional facial hair reduction for trans-women with exceptional need may be funded by NHS England Area Teams through the IFR process. Approval of funding is not guaranteed and this should be communicated explicitly to patients.
http://www.crazy-girl.webspace.virginmedia.com/pdf_docs/NHS_Gender_Protocol.pdf
This post was edited by Former Member at July 18, 2013 11:52 AM BST
