Questions on transition

[girl-inside22.livejournal.com]

Hello,

I'm Carrie and I'm a 22-year-old MTF. I'm still pre-transition and am gathering up as much information on transition as I can before I dive into it. I've already done tons of research but there's still some questions that I feel I need ask.

1. Does insurance in Canada cover Facial Feminization Surgery?

2. Is it possible for me to change my name before I even begin therapy?

3. What's the best way to go about changing my name? Is there anything I should know to avoid complications/difficulties regarding name change?

Laser hair removal

[jpmfsabo.livejournal.com]

So...I wanna go have laser hair removal done. I've read a little, but not enough to feel comfortable with it. I haven't started anything transition-wise, but I know I hate shaving. It takes me three days to grow a five o'clock shadow, but I still can't go a day "dressed up" without it showing; like the hair breaks the skin and stops growing it seems.

Can anyone recommend some good points to research? Like which types of lasers are better? Can anyone suggest an online resource (or twelve) where I can read more? I'm a bit of a geek, so the more details the better. Personal experiences would be great. At over $1000 for the process, it's not exactly something I want to just jump into. Nevermind that we're talking about my face here.

Suggestions? Comments? Bueller?