Treating individuals who identify as transgender: holistic care and hair removal

Male-to-female (MTF) transgender individuals will often seek out ways to remove their unwanted hair as part of their transition. The area most often requiring hair removal is the face, followed by the genitals before gender reassignment surgery, if this is to be performed. Although, in the bigger picture of transitioning gender, hair removal maybe considered a small part of the process compared with other treatments or surgeries, it has a profound psychological impact on the individual. The MTF transition is not only a long, slow and often costly process, but also it is both physically and psychologically taxing. The purpose of this article is to promote a holistic approach to transgender patient care, advise practitioners on establishing a strong professional relationship, and explore how the consultation process is fundamental to successful treatment planning.