BACKGROUND.
Like most of us, I have been frustrated by my facial hair for a long time. It wasn't so much that I couldn't get a close, smooth shave, I could. What frustrated me most were the facts that it was very temporary, and I had a very pronounced "shadow" no matter how closely I shaved.

Since I was seldom, if ever, in the position of being enfemme for more than an evening at a time, the former problem was more psychological than physiological. But that darn shadow used to drive me nuts. It seemed that no matter how much foundation I put on, I could still see some vestige of it peeking through, mocking my attempts to transform myself convincingly.

I thought about electrolysis as it was (and still is) touted as the only true method of permanent hair removal. But I wasn't too keen on that method. Not that I was concerned about the pain... I have a reasonably high tolerance for pain, but my hesitation was due to the vast number of hours I would have to spend 'under the needle'. With work and family commitments, I didn't have 150+ hours to spare.

And so I turned my attention to laser hair removal. I did a lot of reading on the subject, and decided that by mid 2004, the technology was mature enough, that in the right hands, the laser could be very effective. I knew the removal wasn't going to be permanent, at least not for all of the hairs, and it would work only for the dark hairs - but it was those pesky dark hairs that were the main source of my frustration. So I thought I'd give it a try.

After some searching, and a number of phone calls, I finally found someone, a registered nurse,  in my area with whom I felt comfortable. I set-up an initial consultation, and went to see her. This was the summer of 2004. I struggled with the idea of coming right out and telling her that I was transgendered, and that was the reason for me wanting to have my facial hair removed. However, in my usual introverted fashion, I decided not to mention it... unless she brought up the subject first.

My consultation greatly increased my confidence in Anne's motives and abilities. As it was summer, and I hadn't been particularly conscientious with my application of sun-block, she told me straight away that I had too much of a suntan for the laser to be effective. She said I should wait until the spring when the suntan had faded, and come back then. I was very reassured that she was more interested in the success of the treatment than separating me from my money. We talked quite a bit about the laser, the expected results, the number of treatments required and the immediate after effects of the laser (redness, swelling, pimples etc.)

And so, I waited for the following spring...

  Click to read about my First Laser Treatment