Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Community Conversation => Transitioning => Hormone replacement therapy => Topic started by: amybenedict on August 16, 2011, 06:26:58 AM

Title: HRT and IPL/Laser
Post by: amybenedict on August 16, 2011, 06:26:58 AM
Hi Folks

I was wondering if there is any issues regarding IPL and Laser treatment when you are on HRT? I have seen some random anecdotal stuff suggesting the Trans folk should only commence (or re-commence) IPL 6 months after 'completing hormone therapy'... Hmmm. Does that mean 6 months after death? That is obviously ridiculous, but it does raise an interesting point, and as I have just started on Estradiol, and still have some laser appointments to go on my face, I wondered if there is anything I should be wary of.

I have asked my Laser tech, and will ask my Dr when I next speak to him, but I was curious as to whether anyone had any experience of side effects, heightened skin sensitivity etc.

Thanks

Amy.x
Title: Re: HRT and IPL/Laser
Post by: JennX on August 16, 2011, 07:05:12 AM
I've had laser hair removal (full body) for the last year and half, while on HRT... zero issues to report.
Title: Re: HRT and IPL/Laser
Post by: SandraJane on August 16, 2011, 08:06:17 AM
I had my second LHR (Laser Hair Removal) treatment last week, and asked the Nurse if HRT would cause any problems...she turned around with a puzzled look on her face and..."why would you be on HRT?"..."why else"...me again cause she still didn't get it..."Transition"...Nurse..."OH!"...priceless! Not yet.

She told she had had a previous patient who was for same, had Fitzpatrick 1 skin type and no problems. The only thing we could think of is Melasma, a discoloration of the Facial skin caused by excess Estrogen among other causes.

IPL is not a Laser, it is; Intense Pulsed Light, can be narrowed in wavelength of light using filters. Less powerful and wavelength focused.

http://dermatology.about.com/od/cosmeticprocedure/a/fitzpatrick.htm (http://dermatology.about.com/od/cosmeticprocedure/a/fitzpatrick.htm)

http://www.melasmafacts.com/default.aspx (http://www.melasmafacts.com/default.aspx)