FFS time to start?

[Artesia]

I just got my hormones prescribed to me.  I am a bit impatient and want to be done now, but am aware that it is impossible.  So the questions I have are...
How long do you wait after starting hormones to see about having FFS done?
Can FFS remove my beard, or is Electrolysis/laser my only real option? (note, I have a 5 O'clock shadow 10 minutes after shaving)
Can they move my beard hair to my head? (ie is it compatible)

[Michelle_P]

Hi, Artesia!

FFS tweaks bone and soft tissue.  It won't really alter a beard.  Alas, beard hair (the only hair on my head) isn't compatable with head hair transplantation.  That would be one wirey hairstyle! 

FFS is best done after hormones have had a chance to work their magic.  Honestly, it's a slow process, which requires considerable patience.  Most folks wait years after starting HRT before they take on FFS.

If you've got 5 o'clock shadow, I bet you have fair skin and a darker beard.  That's ideal for laser hair removal, a process where a powerful medical laser is used to blast the living follicle tissue at the base of hairs to kill off much of your beard.  Don't confuse this with the home hair removal 'lasers' or lights, or some of the spa treatments that tend to stun, but not kill the follicle tissue.   Electrolysis is the permanent, but slow and uncomfortable way to remove hairs that survive laser treatment, such as gray hairs. (Alas, all I have, so no laser for me. Maybe 200 hours of electrolysis work instead.)

Folks often start on the hair removal when or even before they start HRT.

[Dena]

FFS and BA are better when you wait 2-3 years for hormones to work their magic. Development will still not be complete but the doctor will have a better feel of what will happen. Surgery to soon may require a revision so if you want FFS early, you should figure some touch up work could be required.

[Artesia]

Hi, Artesia!

FFS tweaks bone and soft tissue.  It won't really alter a beard.  Alas, beard hair (the only hair on my head) isn't compatable with head hair transplantation.  That would be one wirey hairstyle! 

FFS is best done after hormones have had a chance to work their magic.  Honestly, it's a slow process, which requires considerable patience.  Most folks wait years after starting HRT before they take on FFS.

If you've got 5 o'clock shadow, I bet you have fair skin and a darker beard.  That's ideal for laser hair removal, a process where a powerful medical laser is used to blast the living follicle tissue at the base of hairs to kill off much of your beard.  Don't confuse this with the home hair removal 'lasers' or lights, or some of the spa treatments that tend to stun, but not kill the follicle tissue.   Electrolysis is the permanent, but slow and uncomfortable way to remove hairs that survive laser treatment, such as gray hairs. (Alas, all I have, so no laser for me. Maybe 200 hours of electrolysis work instead.)

Folks often start on the hair removal when or even before they start HRT.

Yes, dark hair and light skin, tanning is very light a well, I tend to burn more frequently than tan.  I was hoping that moving the facial hair to the top of the head would be doable, and then skip the cost of facial laser treatments.  What hair locations are candidates for movement to the head?

[Michelle_P]

Just to clarify, technically FUE transplantation can move beard and other body hair to the head for treatment of severe baldness, but the texture of the donor hair is a really poor match for most folks head hair.  There are a few surgeons who claim to do this.

I'll stick with wigs or a 'hair system', a custom molded and bonded 24/7 wig cap and wig, over my beard hair on my head!

[Megan.]

When I was out in Istanbul getting my FUE, there was a plastic surgeon from Italy there also having FUE, and he did have some of his beard moved to his head. I suspect it depends on the hair shape and follicles.

[I Am Jess]

Electrolysis and/or laser are the only real options available for facial hair removal.

FFS can be done earlier depending on what you are looking at having done. If you go to a doctor who specializes in FFS they will have a very good idea of what they can do especially with things like brow bossing or hairline advancement. Many, if not most, will do a consultation at no charge. Many will offer follow up care. Some procedures, like a trachea shave, can be done at any time.