Before surgery, many MTF trans* people will undergo other procedures to give the appearance of being female. The most common are:

• Hair removal: this can be done in a number of ways; some of which are better than others in terms of hiding a “shadow” (such as electrolysis and laser hair removal)
• Make up
• Shaping eyebrows
• Padding : these are used to give the appearance of breasts. Often make-up is also used to give more of an appearance of cleavage.
• Tucking: this is to hide the appearance of male genitalia. The process isn’t usually painful (the testicles are pushed in and the penis is pulled back). A “gaff” (essentially a tight “panty” which can either be made by yourself or bought) is then worn, followed by underwear. This can also helps to improve the pitch of the voice

It is best to talk to other trans* women to get advice about what materials, etc. are best. It is also important to remember that you’ll also need to develop the personal characteristics and have the confidence to be comfortable in public in your gender which is best done with the support of others who are also transitioning and those who are supportive.