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Dermatologists may provide noninvasive facial procedures for transgender patients

Dermatologists may provide transgender patients noninvasive facial procedures, including laser hair removal and injectables, which will contribute to their physical transformation, according to study results.

Researchers created an online questionnaire and distributed information about the anonymous survey through lesbian, gay bisexual and transgender organizations, social media and community events.

There were 327 people who completed the survey, with 63% identifying as transgender men, 29% as transgender women and 9% as other.

“Most transgender women indicated that their face was most imperative to have changed, whereas men noted their chest, in turn influencing procedures,” the researchers wrote.

There were 48 transgender women who reported having any facial procedure, laser hair removal was the most common procedure, followed by surgery and injectables, including neurotoxin and fillers. Twelve of the injectable procedures were performed by plastic surgeons while three were performed by dermatologists.

Among patients who had been on hormone therapy for at least 2 years, 72% reported reaching maximal effect or still experiencing transition-related physical changes.

Money and cost of procedures was reported as a barrier for the procedures by 87% of participants. The most common concern, for 226 respondents, was that the outcome of the procedure looked good.

“Participants did not think that facial procedures necessitate the currently accepted prerequisites for chest and genital surgery,” the researchers wrote.

“Facial transformation is of high importance in [the transgender community], especially for women,” the researchers concluded. “Dermatologists have an opportunity to make a difference in this process, providing safe and noninvasive options (including neurotoxin, fillers and laser hair removal) for facial transformation, in addition to routine and focused medical dermatology.” – by Bruce Thiel

Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.