This is subjective but I did no laser or electrolysis before my bottom surgery. My surgeon did electro as part of the operation and I have had no problems over a year out with hair.

As for how to find one, it depends on: how you’re paying, if you have insurance coverage, how far you’re willing to travel, what your cost limits are, what surgical technique interests you, and what you think about each individual surgeon. Read lots of reviews and email the surgical clinics you’re interested in. Ask for costs and information booklets, they have them in abundance I assure you.

For me I didn’t pick my surgeon, I just went with the only option I could have covered. And I am very happy with my results. Your insurance company, if you’re insured, can give you information about what procedures and what surgeons are covered. There are options for essentially making your insurance cover it, but that’s longer than I can go into in this short comment. You also will need two recommendation letters from WPATH certified clinicians, good place to start on getting the surgery is getting those. They also can help with getting some of the costs covered.

Long and short of it, do your research. Read up on forums where trans women talk about their experiences with certain surgeons. Investigate coverage options. And consider your individual needs and finances most of all. Once you’re past the initial stage and into the full planning stage, you’ll have lots of other work to do. For now I’d focus on making some more concrete plans.