MANSFIELD - A former Mansfield man serving a life sentencing for killing his wife cannot get more hair removal treatments in prison while the cross-dresser waits on a decision about his request for state-funded sex change surgery.

U.S. District Judge Mark Wolf ruled Wednesday that the inmate, who legally changed his name to Michelle Kosilek, failed to prove "irreparable harm" or a "serious medical need" to continue electrolysis treatments.

Kosilek hung her head and dabbed at her eyes when the decision was announced. Her lawyer expressed disappointment to the judge.

Kosilek, born as Robert, is serving a life sentence for murdering his wife, Cheryl, in 1990, at their Concetta Circle condominium and leaving her body in her car at the Emerald Square mall in North Attleboro.

Kosilek's lawyers have argued that having facial hair is "intensely personally stressful" to her. The state Department of Correction said Kosilek has already received "significant hair removal" and remaining hair can be removed by shaving or using depilatories.

Wolf has not yet ruled on Kosilek's request for a sex change operation at taxpayer expense.