Emancipated Electrolysis, LLC

Emancipated Electrolysis is an electrolysis business in Rochester, located on East Henrietta Road. The office was originally built as a surgical room for a doctor's office, and the practice works by appointment only. The business says it treats clients regardless of gender, race or how difficult their hair is to remove.

The practice describes itself as trans affirming, LGBT friendly and judgment free. It lists hair removal for trans women and trans men, male hairline shaping by removing hair from the forehead or receding the corners of the hairline, and treatment of the male genital area. It also says it is one of the few places in the area willing to do hair removal for vaginoplasty, and it lists unibrows, bikini line, beard, chin, upper lip and ingrown hair among the areas it treats.

Before a first appointment, clients are asked to avoid removing hair in the treated area for a couple of days, so the hair is about 2 to 3mm long. The first visit usually includes a consultation followed by about 10 minutes of hair removal, and there is no fee for that first appointment. Sessions are booked in 15 minute blocks with a 15 minute minimum, and longer multi-hour sessions are offered. Time is charged for the actual treatment, while preparation and aftercare are not.

Standard rates for most areas are $55 for 15 minutes, $90 for 30 minutes, $110 for 45 minutes and $125 for 60 minutes per session, with $120 for each additional hour after the first. Brazilian treatment is $160 per hour. Saturday and evening appointments after 5:30pm carry a small surcharge, and evening or weekend hours may be arranged by special appointment for an additional fee. Regular hours are Monday through Friday, 9am to 5:30pm, and initial consultations are not offered on Saturdays.

Payment is due at the time of service and the business accepts cash, checks and major credit cards, but not PayPal, Venmo or Cash App. Returned checks carry a $30 fee. Clients who miss or cancel late more than twice in a year must prepay, and late arrivals may have their session shortened while still being charged the full price. Genital work requires at least 10 hours of electrolysis elsewhere first, unless a doctor's note calls for sooner treatment. Minors need a parent or guardian to sign consent forms and are generally expected to attend, with sessions usually kept to 15 to 30 minutes; genital work for minors is only offered if a doctor's note requires it, with a parent or guardian present. Chaperones are allowed. For insurance-covered electrolysis, clients handle prior authorization, pay at the appointment and receive a superbill for reimbursement, and the office does not handle insurance calls, which are billed at its hourly rate. Clients can reach the office by phone at 585-270-5230 or by email at hairinfo@EmancipatedElectrolysis.com.

The business describes electrolysis as permanently destroying the cells that produce hair and says the method works regardless of skin color, hair color, body location or gender. It states that it follows the same sterilization protocols used in a dentist's office, and says it will suggest other providers, such as laser, when it judges a client may benefit. It also states that laser gives permanent reduction rather than permanent removal, and advises against laser before electrolysis, especially before vaginoplasty.