Transgender Care and the Role of the Skin Therapist
Are you in transition, or thinking about starting? If so, there is a lot to consider, also when it comes to your skin. Whether it involves laser hair removal, scar therapy, or improving your skin during your transition: skin therapy can be a valuable form of support at various stages. You may want to reduce unwanted hair growth, care for your skin, or soften scars after surgery. But what are your options, what is reimbursed, and how does it all work exactly?
In this blog, you’ll read what skin therapy can mean for you during your transition, which treatments are available, how reimbursements work, and why you are always welcome with us.
Everyone is welcome for (skin) care
We understand that healthcare is personal and can sometimes feel intimidating, especially if you’re unsure whether a healthcare provider has experience with your situation. That’s why we strive to create a safe and open environment. Whether you are in transition, identify as non-binary, are still in an exploratory phase, or simply need appropriate skin care. Our skin therapists have experience with transgender healthcare and provide genuine attention to you and your skin, with care tailored to your needs.
Transgender care: what can skin therapy offer?
Every transition is different. You may have questions about unwanted hair growth, scars after surgery, or skin changes caused by hormone therapy. As skin therapists, we can support you at various stages of your journey with treatments tailored to your skin, wishes, and your own pace. Below are treatments that can be supportive during your process:
Laser hair removal
A commonly requested treatment for unwanted hair growth on the face or body. Huidzorg West works with a safe and effective laser, tailored to your skin type, hair colour, and sensitivities. This treatment can sometimes also be a medical necessity, for example prior to surgery.
Electrolysis
In some cases, electrolysis is chosen instead of laser hair removal, especially for lighter hair colours that cannot be detected by the laser (grey, blonde, or red). Each hair is treated individually, making this method very precise.
Scar therapy
After gender-affirming surgeries, scars may develop that feel stiff, red, thickened, or painful. With scar therapy, we help make scars more supple, flatter, and calmer using techniques such as scar massage, silicone sheets, laser therapy, microneedling, and tailored home-care advice. Always aligned with your recovery process and wishes.
Skincare and guidance during hormonal changes
Hormone therapy can affect the skin. Testosterone may lead to oilier skin and acne, while oestrogen can make the skin thinner and drier. We provide targeted advice and treatments such as acne therapy, chemical peels, and microneedling. We are also happy to help you develop a suitable at-home skincare routine.
Applying for reimbursement? Starting during hormones? Here’s how it works
When starting skin therapy during your transition, practical questions often arise. Is the treatment reimbursed? Do you need prior authorisation? Can you start if you’ve just begun hormone therapy? We’re happy to guide you through this.
Applying for reimbursement for transgender care
Treatments such as laser hair removal may be (partially) reimbursed under basic or supplementary insurance, depending on your policy. We can assist you with applying for prior authorisation and have contracts with multiple health insurers.
Starting during hormone therapy
Hormones can affect your skin. Please let us know if you have already started or are about to start hormone therapy, so we can make the right choices. The type of hormone influences how we tailor the treatment.
Collaboration with other healthcare providers
Huidzorg West is in contact with GPs and medical specialists, allowing us to consult or refer when necessary. This ensures you receive the care that best suits you, aligned with your individual journey.
Your story is safe with us
We understand that reaching out to a new healthcare provider can feel daunting, especially when you’re feeling vulnerable. That’s why we aim to create a place where you feel safe and truly seen. Everything you share with us remains confidential, and you decide what you want to share and at what pace.
Make an appointment?
After reading this blog, are you curious whether our skin therapist could support you? Or would you simply like to get acquainted and discuss your situation? Then schedule a no-obligation consultation at Huidzorg West in Delft or Rijswijk. Our experienced skin therapists are happy to help you further.
If you have any questions after reading this information, feel free to contact us via info@huidzorgwest.nl or call +31 15 2561 806. Our team is happy to answer your questions. See you soon at our clinic!
Team Huidzorg West