top surgery

[The Oopster]

Hey there guys!

I thought it might be nice to have a thread specifically related to this topic.

I have an initial consultation with Dr. Voloshins office on monday.

Here are the questions I have for you?

1) How many surgeons did you consult before deciding who was going to do your surgery?
2) Who did your surgery?
3) Are you happy with the results?
4) Did you need any revisions?
5) What procedure did you have?
6) What was your recovery process like?
7) Did you do anything to prepare for the surgery?
8) How much time did you have to take off work?
9) Is there anything you wish you would have done any differently?
10) What questions did you ask the surgeon?
11) What didn't you ask that you wish you would have?
12) what resources did you use in helping to decide what surgeon to go to or for what questions to ask?
13) What online resources do you know of?

If you aren't comfortable posting in public I would love to hear from you in private.

[Julien]

Hey there guys!

I thought it might be nice to have a thread specifically related to this topic.

I have an initial consultation with Dr. Voloshins office on monday.

Here are the questions I have for you?

1) How many surgeons did you consult before deciding who was going to do your surgery?
2) Who did your surgery?
3) Are you happy with the results?
4) Did you need any revisions?
5) What procedure did you have?
6) What was your recovery process like?
7) Did you do anything to prepare for the surgery?
8) How much time did you have to take off work?
9) Is there anything you wish you would have done any differently?
10) What questions did you ask the surgeon?
11) What didn't you ask that you wish you would have?
12) what resources did you use in helping to decide what surgeon to go to or for what questions to ask?
13) What online resources do you know of?

If you aren't comfortable posting in public I would love to hear from you in private.

I hope you get the answers to your questions on the thread. I'd like to read them. I hope to have top surgery in the future.

[The Oopster]

Please add any questions you asked that aren't on my list! Thank You

My question list so far for the surgeon

What medications and supplements do I need to avoid prior to surgery and how long do I need to be off them prior to surgery?

Are there any supplements that can help that I should take prior or proceeding surgery?

What would be the best procedure for someone my size?

How many have you preformed?

How oftened have you had to do revisions?

Do you have before and after pictures of patients that you have done surgery on?

What is the recovery process like?

How long before I can drive?

How long before I can lift 5 lbs? 10 lbs? 20 lbs? 50 lbs?

How long before I can start walking? casual? vigorous?

How long before i can actively workout?

What is the cost?

What type of payment do you take?

Are there any costs that may occur after the initial surgery that I should know of?

Can any of the pre-op stuff be done through my primary physician?

Are there any questions I should be asking that I haven't?

[Thinker]

Hey there guys!

I thought it might be nice to have a thread specifically related to this topic.

I have an initial consultation with Dr. Voloshins office on monday.

Here are the questions I have for you?

1) How many surgeons did you consult before deciding who was going to do your surgery?
2) Who did your surgery?
3) Are you happy with the results?
4) Did you need any revisions?
5) What procedure did you have?
6) What was your recovery process like?
7) Did you do anything to prepare for the surgery?
8) How much time did you have to take off work?
9) Is there anything you wish you would have done any differently?
10) What questions did you ask the surgeon?
11) What didn't you ask that you wish you would have?
12) what resources did you use in helping to decide what surgeon to go to or for what questions to ask?
13) What online resources do you know of?

If you aren't comfortable posting in public I would love to hear from you in private.

1. I only met with one, and we were a great match for one another. ;)
2. Marc DuPere in Toronto
3. Very!
4. Nope
5. Double incision w/ nipple grafts
6. I stayed in bed as much as I could for the first week, and had my bandages & stitches removed at the one-week mark. I did NOT have drains. I didn't do anything that required my arms to come up above shoulder-height for probably about two weeks. After that, I started to expand that range of motion ever so slightly. Of course, I took my antibiotics as instructed and stayed well hydrated. I rested as much as possible.

7. I did a LOT to prepare for surgery! I did a great deal of stretching, push-ups, and upper body exercises about 3 months out and leading up to the surgery. I also started on Arnica and vitamin C about 10 days out. The Arnica helps minimize bruising and speeds healing; vitamin C was to keep me from getting sick. I drank lots and lots of water......no aspirin, ibuprofen, alcohol, etc... about one week out.

I also stared at my bare chest in the mirror every single day for a couple of weeks to see if I could live with it. I wanted to be absolutely one hundred percent sure that I would not regret the surgery. No regrets. ;)

8. I took off for 3 weeks. I know many who have gone back sooner, but I had the gift of time in that particular position so I took advantage of it. Personally, I'm glad I did.

9. I wish that I would have returned to work to only half-days for the first week. During the first week, I would really start to feel it around 1:00. I would get very fatigued, and I would feel spasms in my back from being so tense and "protective" of my chest.

10. I made absolutely certain that he and I were on the same page about how I wanted my chest to look. I got clear details from him on the procedure and what the recovery would be like on *his* end. I also got his input on supplements and what he thought was best pre- and post-surgery.

11. Can't think of anything
12. I initially found my surgeon on transster and then found someone on the other b/f site who had used him. We exchanged a few messages about his experience. I also found someone on Live Journal who had used him, and we messaged one another as well. (I think transster is down now???) Finally, I talked to my surgeon's office manager a few times to get a feel for what his practice was like......and, ultimately, met with him.

13. Like I said, I think transster is down now (not sure of that), and that some other site has taken its place. And Transitional Male has some good information, as well. Plus, there are no shortages of opinions and experiences right here in the b/f community!!

Hope that helps and GOOD LUCK!!!

[DapperButch]

Hey there guys!

I thought it might be nice to have a thread specifically related to this topic.

I have an initial consultation with Dr. Voloshins office on monday.

Here are the questions I have for you?

1) How many surgeons did you consult before deciding who was going to do your surgery?
2) Who did your surgery?
3) Are you happy with the results?
4) Did you need any revisions?
5) What procedure did you have?
6) What was your recovery process like?
7) Did you do anything to prepare for the surgery?
8) How much time did you have to take off work?
9) Is there anything you wish you would have done any differently?
10) What questions did you ask the surgeon?
11) What didn't you ask that you wish you would have?
12) what resources did you use in helping to decide what surgeon to go to or for what questions to ask?
13) What online resources do you know of?

If you aren't comfortable posting in public I would love to hear from you in private.


Hey, you are out there in Brownstein land, aren't you? I thought it was a no brainer if a person who wanted top surgery lived anywhere near the guy...?

Good Luck in your search...

[The Oopster]

Hey, you are out there in Brownstein land, aren't you? I thought it was a no brainer if a person who wanted top surgery lived anywhere near the guy...?

Good Luck in your search...

I don't think it's a no brainer. He's not the only surgeon in CA plus he's in SF. I'm open to a surgeon that I would have to travel to however if I can find someone that is within in an hour that is a definite plus. Also my network of friends up there isn't as strong as other places. He tends to be expenseive and although I do believe you get what you pay for I also believe that sometimes you pay for a "brand" name, and that there are just as qualified surgeons with less expense.

I've thought about looking into Altar but his site says he requires a letter from a therapist, and I don't have that and don't feel like I should have to just to get the surgery when I've been very slow and throrough in my transition process. He also is on the high end although I do know people that have been happy with their results.

[The Oopster]

Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions Thinker


I also stared at my bare chest in the mirror every single day for a couple of weeks to see if I could live with it. I wanted to be absolutely one hundred percent sure that I would not regret the surgery. No regrets. ;)

It's funny I've actually found myself doing this a lot lately. Not necessarily intentially. I find I'm just so ready for them to be gone for many reasons. I have a bad neck also, so besides my mind set there are physical benefits for having the chestbegone!


8. I took off for 3 weeks. I know many who have gone back sooner, but I had the gift of time in that particular position so I took advantage of it. Personally, I'm glad I did.


9. I wish that I would have returned to work to only half-days for the first week. During the first week, I would really start to feel it around 1:00. I would get very fatigued, and I would feel spasms in my back from being so tense and "protective" of my chest.

Thanks for bringing this up. I want to remember to adress that option when I address my employer. Finacially I'm set for a couple months with out work and am hoping the nature of my job will allow me to take as much time as I need, since theoretically I'm an independent contractor. I don't think they'll be happy because I'm one of their go to drivers yet at the same time I'm hoping that will work to my advantage at having a job to come back to.




12. I initially found my surgeon on transster and then found someone on the other b/f site who had used him. We exchanged a few messages about his experience. I also found someone on Live Journal who had used him, and we messaged one another as well. (I think transster is down now???) Finally, I talked to my surgeon's office manager a few times to get a feel for what his practice was like......and, ultimately, met with him.

13. Like I said, I think transster is down now (not sure of that), and that some other site has taken its place. And Transitional Male has some good information, as well. Plus, there are no shortages of opinions and experiences right here in the b/f community!!

Hope that helps and GOOD LUCK!!!

From what I can tell transter is down. I do have a few other sites but doesn't hurt to see what else is out there.

Thanks again for your input!

[DapperButch]

I don't think it's a no brainer. He's not the only surgeon in CA plus he's in SF. I'm open to a surgeon that I would have to travel to however if I can find someone that is within in an hour that is a definite plus. Also my network of friends up there isn't as strong as other places. He tends to be expenseive and although I do believe you get what you pay for I also believe that sometimes you pay for a "brand" name, and that there are just as qualified surgeons with less expense.

I've thought about looking into Altar but his site says he requires a letter from a therapist, and I don't have that and don't feel like I should have to just to get the surgery when I've been very slow and throrough in my transition process. He also is on the high end although I do know people that have been happy with their results.

Yes, I get all of what you are saying here (all excellent points), especially when it comes to needing support from others.

It would be great if someone knew of another site that was out there that provided the details and pics of the surgeries that transter did.

Good Luck, to you.

[theoddz]

Hey there Koop and fellows,

Koop, I know you and I have chatted in person and PMs about this, but I thought I might post some more info on my experience for the other guys who might be considering doing this. I had my surgery one year ago, as of this coming May 4th.


1) How many surgeons did you consult before deciding who was going to do your surgery? Only one. I was referred to Dr. Voloshin (Newport Beach, CA) by another FTM friend of mine who also lives here in Vegas. I felt instantly comfortable with Dr. V and his team. I feel like I also got a very good price since I had the referral from my buddy. Like Koop, I never had any "letters" for either T or top surgery. At age 48, when I had the procedure, I didn't feel like I needed anyone else to vouch for who I am, or as a "gatekeeper" for what I knew I needed to do. Mind you, I do realize and understand how therapy can help guys who might have other issues to address, but I really don't think that it's necessary for everyone.

2) Who did your surgery? Dr. P. James Voloshin, Newport Beach, CA.

3) Are you happy with the results? YES!!! Dr. V did a phenomenal job!! I can (and do) feel comfortable enough to go shirtless in public if I want to.

4) Did you need any revisions? No.

5) What procedure did you have? Double incision with nipple grafts.

6) What was your recovery process like? I live in Vegas, so I had to stay in a hotel (Tabs and I stayed at the Ayres in Orange) for about 4 days. After a recheck, we were able to return to Vegas. I had drains, but those were removed 2 days post op. I just took it easy afterwards. I can't say that it hurt as much as it was just "uncomfortable". After having both knees replaced, this all was pretty much a piece of cake for me.

7) Did you do anything to prepare for the surgery? I just ate well and drank plenty of WATER (not soda or sugar drinks or coffee, but WATER). I moved around and did as much walking as I possibly could. I napped a lot, too. I should say that Dr. V didn't mind letting me return to Vegas within a few days because I have good medical backup here, should I have run into problems. My VA doctor, who is also Queer, was fully aware and supportive of what I was doing and was standing by, in case anything might have happened.

8) How much time did you have to take off work? I took 6 weeks, but I didn't really need that much. I have a physical job so I took a little extra time with that in mind.

9) Is there anything you wish you would have done any differently? No.

10) What questions did you ask the surgeon? I asked about his qualifications and asked to see pictures of the work he'd done for others. I also asked about his team and facility, since he has an all-in-one accredited surgical suite. This is important. If you go to a doctor who does the entire procedure in his own facility, make sure it is ACCREDITED. A lot goes into the process of accreditation, like how they clean their equipment and handle their drugs and anesthetic drugs...and the qualifications of those administering them. Not all of these plastic surgeons use hospital facilities, so if they don't, you need to be asking about accreditation and where you might end up, should an emergency occur and you need to be hospitalized. The Long Beach VAMC, in case of emergency, was also right down the street from his office and is part of my VISN, where I also work. I felt very comfortable, all the way around, with Dr. V.

11) What didn't you ask that you wish you would have? Nothing.

12) what resources did you use in helping to decide what surgeon to go to or for what questions to ask? Personal referrence was my greatest tool, in the form of my friend, Caidyn, who also lives here in Vegas and has family in Newport Beach who also know Dr. Voloshin's reputation for outstanding work.

13) What online resources do you know of? Probably nothing more or less than the ones everyone else uses....Transster, TransitionalMale, etc.


Hope this helps. :winky:

Good luck to all the fellows here who are or are contemplating taking this step. It totally made all the difference for me in my level of confidence and towards feeling more whole.

~Theo~ :bouquet:

[Thinker]

Yep, transster is gone, but there is a site that fills that same need. Thank goodness!

www.transbucket.com


Like I said, I think transster is down now (not sure of that), and that some other site has taken its place.

From what I can tell transter is down.

It would be great if someone knew of another site that was out there that provided the details and pics of the surgeries that transter did.

[Dylan]

Thinker,

Can I ask why you didn't need tubes?

Like is there a special procedure that means you don't need tubes? Or, is it a before-size thing or something?


Would Like To Avoid Tubes,
Dylan

[theoddz]

Thinker,

Can I ask why you didn't need tubes?

Like is there a special procedure that means you don't need tubes? Or, is it a before-size thing or something?


Would Like To Avoid Tubes,
Dylan

Hey Dylan,

I had 2 drains post-op, but I think that, from a medical standpoint, it depends on how much tissue is removed. Also, the kind of procedure you have can dictate whether or not you have drains. From what I've read, many guys have the double incision w/ nipple graft and that procedure is usually performed on guys with bigger chests, hence more tissue removed. If you're small chested, you might have the "keyhole" procedure and have the breast tissue extracted through a small hole. In that case, you might not need drains.

Just my .02,
~Theo~ :bouquet:

[Dylan]

Theo,

You said you have a physical job, so you took 6 weeks off...how long before you could lift stuff over your head and do stuff normally again?

I too have a very physical job, so I'm going to have to time my surgery for probably around xmas time when I'm really slow (business-wise).


Thanks,
Dylan

[theoddz]

Theo,

You said you have a physical job, so you took 6 weeks off...how long before you could lift stuff over your head and do stuff normally again?

I too have a very physical job, so I'm going to have to time my surgery for probably around xmas time when I'm really slow (business-wise).


Thanks,
Dylan

It was actually about 6 weeks before I could lift things over my head. My sutures disolved on their own and after those were healed up, it was just a matter of slowly stretching and moving around again. I had a bit of liposuction done under my arms, so it was kind of sore and bruised there for a few weeks, but I heal quickly, too.

Here it's been a year since my surgery and my scars have faded out just about all the way. What might be otherwise visible has been nicely covered up by chest hair, which I seem to have an abundance of. :winky:

~Theo~ :bouquet:

[Thinker]

Thinker,

Can I ask why you didn't need tubes?

Like is there a special procedure that means you don't need tubes? Or, is it a before-size thing or something?


Would Like To Avoid Tubes,
Dylan

Hey Dylan...

It didn't have anything to do with size; of that I'm sure. I was average sized (basically, a 36-C) and big enough that my only option was the double-incision.

Going into the surgery, the assumption on my part and the part of the surgeon was that drainage tubes would be included. When I first woke up and spoke with the surgeon, I asked him how the tubes were.

He said, "You don't have tubes. I didn't see a need for them."

And that was the end of it.

Since they are for drainage, I can only assume that I was not bleeding heavily at all. I was very good leading up to the surgery in avoiding things that act as blood thinners, and I took Arnica for a few weeks prior. *shrug* Maybe those things contributed.

So... Long story longer... I don't know a specific reason. Perhaps you can ask prospective surgeons in what instances they would opt to refrain from the tubes.

Sorry I can't be of more help than that...

[Thinker]

Hey Dylan,

I had 2 drains post-op, but I think that, from a medical standpoint, it depends on how much tissue is removed. Also, the kind of procedure you have can dictate whether or not you have drains. From what I've read, many guys have the double incision w/ nipple graft and that procedure is usually performed on guys with bigger chests, hence more tissue removed. If you're small chested, you might have the "keyhole" procedure and have the breast tissue extracted through a small hole. In that case, you might not need drains.

Just my .02,
~Theo~ :bouquet:

In my case, I did have the double incision with nipple grafts. And while I was not overly large up top, I did have some size to me.........well, enough to where the keyhole wasn't even close to being an option (36-C).

I have wondered... My surgeon is a pretty premier plastic surgeon. I wonder if he doesn't know a few additional tricks of the trade........or something like that......that could have contributed in my case.

In my mind, there just wasn't a logical reason for NOT having tubes.

I don't know, but I sure wasn't complaining. ;)

[Turino]

try the ftmsurgerysupport and ftmsurgeryinfo groups on yahoo

[The Oopster]

I just want to say I appreciate everyone's input!

I'll check out the yahoo stuff if I have time but I really value Theo and Thinker sharing their experience because i know them. I hope others will share also for that same reasons.

I can go to the other sites but i don't have a history with those people so its hard to know what value to put to their experience. It's like taking candy from a stranger to me. It could be great yet who knows.

Transbucket was okay although I remeber transter having a lot more. Seems like Transbucket still needs to build. I did find it helpful to read the commentaries alongside the pictures. It helped me to come up with some more questions.

[The Oopster]

could not find a head spinning smiley

So surgery is scheduled for April 29th.

His cost has gone up some from when Theo had it but I really felt comfortable with him and his staff so decideded to go with him.

One of the things I appreciated was in his pictures of others not all of the pictures were perfect. Of course the ones that weren't have had revisions, but he said its been awhile since that has been necessary.

He also showed evolution in his work, he does the nipples smaller now than originally.

Already talked with work so that worry is over with. I told them I'll probably need a minimum of 4 weeks off but I"ll have a better idea after surgery. Most likely I'll start back just working weekends or such. I also put out there that i could be up to a couple months but by the time we start getting busy again around mid july I should be back to normal speed hopefully.

I may or may not have tubes. Voloshin uses them only if there is excessive drainage, otherwise he prefers to remove any drainage via a needle. Says there is less risk of infection that way.

So nervous and excited at the same time. Now I just need to get odds and ends done and try to find someone to go down with me. Hopefully someone that can stay in the area that night, just seems like it would be easiest to go crash in a hotel verses an hour plus ride home. Also if I do that he'll check me the next day and then I can go home, otherwise I'd have to go back down in a couple days. hmmm just thought of a new question ... wondering how that will work since he doesn't work on fridays ... so will have to double check on that. MIght go home that day after all and go back on monday.

[Gemme]

could not find a head spinning smiley

So surgery is scheduled for April 29th.

His cost has gone up some from when Theo had it but I really felt comfortable with him and his staff so decideded to go with him.

One of the things I appreciated was in his pictures of others not all of the pictures were perfect. Of course the ones that weren't have had revisions, but he said its been awhile since that has been necessary.

He also showed evolution in his work, he does the nipples smaller now than originally.

Already talked with work so that worry is over with. I told them I'll probably need a minimum of 4 weeks off but I"ll have a better idea after surgery. Most likely I'll start back just working weekends or such. I also put out there that i could be up to a couple months but by the time we start getting busy again around mid july I should be back to normal speed hopefully.

I may or may not have tubes. Voloshin uses them only if there is excessive drainage, otherwise he prefers to remove any drainage via a needle. Says there is less risk of infection that way.

So nervous and excited at the same time. Now I just need to get odds and ends done and try to find someone to go down with me. Hopefully someone that can stay in the area that night, just seems like it would be easiest to go crash in a hotel verses an hour plus ride home. Also if I do that he'll check me the next day and then I can go home, otherwise I'd have to go back down in a couple days. hmmm just thought of a new question ... wondering how that will work since he doesn't work on fridays ... so will have to double check on that. MIght go home that day after all and go back on monday.

:seeingstars:

Congrats, Oopster, on finding someone you feel comfortable with.

[Alpha Dog]

Dr Brownstein isn't just operating on his "brand" he's the real deal. Just had surgery with him 3 weeks ago. Double incision - nipple grafting; tubes removed 5 days after surgery, 2 days later sutures removed, had to wear surgical binder for an additional 7 days after that. I started back to work 11 days after surgery. Couldn't be happier!

[The Oopster]

Dr Brownstein isn't just operating on his "brand" he's the real deal. Just had surgery with him 3 weeks ago. Double incision - nipple grafting; tubes removed 5 days after surgery, 2 days later sutures removed, had to wear surgical binder for an additional 7 days after that. I started back to work 11 days after surgery. Couldn't be happier!

I don't mean he's not the real deal just that I don't believe he's the only option. I believe there are other real deals in california also.

[Alpha Dog]

I don't mean he's not the real deal just that I don't believe he's the only option. I believe there are other real deals in california also.

My comment was based on what you wrote below;

He tends to be expenseive and although I do believe you get what you pay for I also believe that sometimes you pay for a "brand" name, and that there are just as qualified surgeons with less expense.


And I was just making a statement that he isn't just operating on his "brand" name.

[The Oopster]

My comment was based on what you wrote below;

He tends to be expenseive and although I do believe you get what you pay for I also believe that sometimes you pay for a "brand" name, and that there are just as qualified surgeons with less expense.


And I was just making a statement that he isn't just operating on his "brand" name.

and I was trying to say i didn't mean it the way it sounded.

I do agree he is an excellent surgeon but I don't believe he is the only excellent surgeon out there. My comment was made in response to someone else's comment that it was a no brainer to go to Brownstein. I don't agree with that. A lot of people think he is the only surgeon to go to in california that is good and I don't agree. If I lived in Northern california he would probably be the surgeon i would go to but I don't live in Northern California.

[The Oopster]

7. I did a LOT to prepare for surgery! I did a great deal of stretching, push-ups, and upper body exercises about 3 months out and leading up to the surgery. I also started on Arnica and vitamin C about 10 days out. The Arnica helps minimize bruising and speeds healing; vitamin C was to keep me from getting sick. I drank lots and lots of water......no aspirin, ibuprofen, alcohol, etc... about one week out.


Did you take just arnica or was it mixed with anything? I have traumeel which has arnica in it but am wondering if it would be better to get just arnica.

[Thinker]

Did you take just arnica or was it mixed with anything? I have traumeel which has arnica in it but am wondering if it would be better to get just arnica.

Just Arnica...

I think I started about two weeks out if I remember correctly.

I'm thrilled for you!!

[Thinker]

And I was just making a statement that he isn't just operating on his "brand" name.

Hey there... Big congrats on your surgery!!!

I understood Oopster to mean that while Brownstein is undeniably good, he tends to charge a bit more because he has such a solid and long-standing reputation in the trans community for top surgeries.

I agree that there are now MANY excellent surgeons out there who perform top surgeries and get the same outstanding results as Dr. Brownstein but keep their rates and fees lower. Some of it is because of geographical location, and some is.....I agree.....because of the name. No denying he has earned it...

[T D]

and I was trying to say i didn't mean it the way it sounded.

I do agree he is an excellent surgeon but I don't believe he is the only excellent surgeon out there. My comment was made in response to someone else's comment that it was a no brainer to go to Brownstein. I don't agree with that. A lot of people think he is the only surgeon to go to in california that is good and I don't agree. If I lived in Northern california he would probably be the surgeon i would go to but I don't live in Northern California.

Would you mind naming some of these other excellent surgeons? Brownstein IS expensive, but everyone I know who's used him has been very happy with their results. Other options would be nice though.

Thanks

[The Oopster]

Would you mind naming some of these other excellent surgeons? Brownstein IS expensive, but everyone I know who's used him has been very happy with their results. Other options would be nice though.

Thanks


http://my.execpc.com/~dmmunson/surgeons_list.htm
http://www.tglynnsplace.com/surgeons.htm
http://www.lauras-playground.com/FTM_surgeons.htm
http://trans411.org/browse/ftm-surgery
http://www.thetransitionalmale.com/Surgeons

are just a few sites that I found that list surgeons. Transbucket is good at getting some background on some of them. However it seems like it's fairly new so there and needs to be built up a bit. However besides looking at picks I found out the comments next to the people helped a lot. First for questions and second for a feel on the dr. There are some to definitely avoid on there. However I did find that most people that post are very happy with their results.

I believe there are other surgeons out there and it's just a matter of doing one's homework to find the best fit for them.

If I was younger and more spry I probably would have looked into more local drs. I'm open to giving someone new a chance. I would just make sure it was a decent deal and that they really wanted to be good at this and were willing to do whatever it takes to make you happy, like free revisions and such. However I don't have the energy for that.

I know Garrome's prices seem lower, but he is in florida. Mine is a little higher because he is going to do some lyposuction also. Since he's experienced and I would rather do it well the first time I'm going to go ahead and pay for that. It is my understanding that it will help minimize the chance of dog ears. Everything I've read about Garrome is like reading about Bernstein.

there is also info on livejournal

http://community.livejournal.com/ftm/tag/surgery-top%20surgery-double%20incision

Surgeons include Bowers, Monstrey, Meltzer, Laub, Reardon***, Ching, Fischer, Daverio, Liedl, Stephanides, Foerster, Yonsei, Johnson, Steuber, Brassard, Menard, Bubak, Cordier, Clugston***, Strathy, Peters, Davies, Morris, Raphael, Davis, Brownstein, McLean, Futrell, Alter, Reed, Mueller, Wilson, Ralph, Perovic, Sukrit, and others are some of the surgeons listed on yahoo...unfortunately i haven't been approved yet so can't tell ya much more about what is there

[Dylan]

Yeah, Brownstein's pics are good. And yeah, everyone who's used him is happy with the results...

But then, I've only ever met one person who wasn't happy with their results, and it wasn't due to the surgeon's mess-up.


Soooooooooo,
Dylan

Brownstein also has to pay for all his travel and hotel rooms for every trans convention he speaks at

And I think he's also still following Harry Benjamin standards and expecting letters from anyone you've ever been in contact with (dramatic sarcasm)

[theoddz]

Just Arnica...

I think I started about two weeks out if I remember correctly.

I'm thrilled for you!!

A little comment here on (anti) scar creams.

My doctor advised me to use Nivea cream, which I did. He said that so many of those other creams are just nothing but added expense and certainly no better or less than Nivea, which is really good. My scars are just about faded out, btw, and it's only been a year later, almost to the date.

Just my .02 and advice to ME from MY doctor. :winky:

~Theo~ :bouquet:

[Thinker]

A little comment here on (anti) scar creams.

My doctor advised me to use Nivea cream, which I did. He said that so many of those other creams are just nothing but added expense and certainly no better or less than Nivea, which is really good. My scars are just about faded out, btw, and it's only been a year later, almost to the date.

Just my .02 and advice to ME from MY doctor. :winky:

~Theo~ :bouquet:

I agree with that for sure.

Just a note, though... The Arnica I took was in a pellet form and prior to surgery. Its intended purpose was to minimize bruising and bleeding.

I've seen some post-op pictures that made me kinda queasy because of the severe bruising. Mine was very minimal.....almost nil, honestly. And I didn't have the excessive drainage issues either.

Not saying all who use Arnica as a pre-surgical supplement will get the same results, but I don't think it'll hurt to try.

[Soon]

http://www.transgenderflorida.com/

great surgeon/great results

[Thinker]

Would you mind naming some of these other excellent surgeons? Brownstein IS expensive, but everyone I know who's used him has been very happy with their results. Other options would be nice though.

Thanks

While I have *heard* of at least a dozen who do GREAT work, the ones I know of by direct experience (seen their work first-hand) are Fischer in Maryland, Garramone in Florida, Rafael in Texas, DuPere in Toronto, Stephanides in Tennessee (don't think he is taking new patients), and Reardon in NY (retired).

[T D]

Thanks for the info, appreciate it. Since I'm in CA I'll probably use Brownstein. I've lost nearly 90lbs now with hopes that this will keep the dog ears to a minimum. It seems that every little step takes time.

Does anyone have any experience with taking T before top surgery verses doing the reverse. It seems that builing up some mass would also help with definition before surgery. Or am I just making this up in my head (which is certainly possible).

Thanks again.

[DapperButch]

Thanks for the info, appreciate it. Since I'm in CA I'll probably use Brownstein. I've lost nearly 90lbs now with hopes that this will keep the dog ears to a minimum. It seems that every little step takes time.

Does anyone have any experience with taking T before top surgery verses doing the reverse. It seems that builing up some mass would also help with definition before surgery. Or am I just making this up in my head (which is certainly possible).

Thanks again.

Congrats on the weight loss.

I am certain that I have read that it does not matter, but I am just as certain that I have read that the quality of conturing is improved if the person is already on T.

Unfortunately, I do not recall where I have read either of these things. Sorry.

Hopefully, others can refer you to some information on it. A good question, I think.

[Alpha Dog]

Yeah, Brownstein's pics are good. And yeah, everyone who's used him is happy with the results...

But then, I've only ever met one person who wasn't happy with their results, and it wasn't due to the surgeon's mess-up.


Soooooooooo,
Dylan

Brownstein also has to pay for all his travel and hotel rooms for every trans convention he speaks at

And I think he's also still following Harry Benjamin standards and expecting letters from anyone you've ever been in contact with (dramatic sarcasm)




Dylan,

He didn't require a letter from me - he asked if I had one he'd like a copy but it wasn't required. His fee ISN'T that much more then others - if you look at the surgical fee alone - there's the facility fee (2600) and the anesthesia fee was 850 but these are two seperate entities from Dr Brownstein's fee.\\

[Thinker]

Thanks for the info, appreciate it. Since I'm in CA I'll probably use Brownstein. I've lost nearly 90lbs now with hopes that this will keep the dog ears to a minimum. It seems that every little step takes time.

Does anyone have any experience with taking T before top surgery verses doing the reverse. It seems that builing up some mass would also help with definition before surgery. Or am I just making this up in my head (which is certainly possible).

Thanks again.

I had my surgery about 16 months *before* starting T.

I was at an ideal weight and had done a lot of upper body and chest work going into surgery and got the *exact* results I was hoping for.

Obviously, I can't begin to know how it might have been different if I had been on T prior to surgery. What I do know is that I don't regret my decision to go with the surgery first.

Congratulations on all of your hard work for the weight loss! That's so awesome!!!

[The Oopster]

Just Arnica...

I think I started about two weeks out if I remember correctly.

I'm thrilled for you!!

i just got some pellets tonight. How much did you take? I won't be able to take it as long as you did but can still take it for a week. Did you take any after surgery?

[Thinker]

i just got some pellets tonight. How much did you take? I won't be able to take it as long as you did but can still take it for a week. Did you take any after surgery?

Oh gosh, dude... I couldn't possibly remember. Does it have a recommendation on the bottle?

And I remember something about not touching the pellet.....like you drop one out on something and pop it in your mouth. Is that right?

And I'm pretty sure I took it for another 3 or 4 days after surgery.

[Thinker]

i just got some pellets tonight. How much did you take? I won't be able to take it as long as you did but can still take it for a week. Did you take any after surgery?

I did some searching and looking at the packaging of the pellets jogged my memory some. I remember the deal about not touching the pellets, and I think the top of the container had a deep enough space that you could pop out a pellet and it would stay in that little space??? Then I'd pop it in my mouth.

I'm pretty sure that I took one pellet three times a day. That sounds right to me. Since I was taking it over an extended period of time and wanting it to remain in my system, I didn't take a very high dosage.......low but constant.

Make sure you are drinking lots and lots of water every day. Do a lot of stretching, pushups, etc... And start looking at things in your home that require you to reach up for them..........and move 'em down.

I'm excited for you!

[The Oopster]

I did some searching and looking at the packaging of the pellets jogged my memory some. I remember the deal about not touching the pellets, and I think the top of the container had a deep enough space that you could pop out a pellet and it would stay in that little space??? Then I'd pop it in my mouth.

I'm pretty sure that I took one pellet three times a day. That sounds right to me. Since I was taking it over an extended period of time and wanting it to remain in my system, I didn't take a very high dosage.......low but constant.

Make sure you are drinking lots and lots of water every day. Do a lot of stretching, pushups, etc... And start looking at things in your home that require you to reach up for them..........and move 'em down.

I'm excited for you!

thanks

yeah if you turn it upside with the cap on and twist they come out. I've taken sublinguals before.

The bottle says 5 3 times a day but I think I'll lower it. Except I already have 5 in my mouth :brainsucker:

I'm exctied. The week will go fast .... want the place really clean and as much food prepared as possible but i should get it all done. Have tomorrow off so i'll see how much I get to .. tomorrows paper work ... billls type of such figuring out my money for this. I have the money but I need to follow through on some stuff.

I'm starting to get food ready and everything. Fortunately or unfortunately I have had 3 surgeries in the past 10 years so a lot of stuff is pretty routine for me... already drink lots of water and already taking vitamin C.

Okay i'm getting sleppy and i'm babbling.

[theoddz]

Thanks for the info, appreciate it. Since I'm in CA I'll probably use Brownstein. I've lost nearly 90lbs now with hopes that this will keep the dog ears to a minimum. It seems that every little step takes time.

Does anyone have any experience with taking T before top surgery verses doing the reverse. It seems that builing up some mass would also help with definition before surgery. Or am I just making this up in my head (which is certainly possible).

Thanks again.

Hey TD,

I was on T for a little over 2 years before I had my top surgery. I've also had a total hysto back in '93, for other reasons. Testosterone has had a dramatic effect on my body fat distribution and my overall appearance, in general. I think it was a good decision, overall, that I was on T for as long as I was before having my chest done. My hips are far more narrow now, my jaw and face are noticeably more "squared" and it's been quite a bit easier for me to lose weight. Also, they say that T changes breast tissue and I think it did exactly that, in my case. I have a good hunch that FOR ME, the changes in breast tissue greatly contributed to my having such good results as I've had.

One of the things I've seen change dramatically is the muscle buildup difference around my shoulders, back and neck. Something about the muscle changes in those areas seems to make the chest look better after surgery. I know for me, it did. :)

~Theo~ :bouquet:

[Thinker]

thanks

yeah if you turn it upside with the cap on and twist they come out. I've taken sublinguals before.

The bottle says 5 3 times a day but I think I'll lower it. Except I already have 5 in my mouth :brainsucker:

I'm exctied. The week will go fast .... want the place really clean and as much food prepared as possible but i should get it all done. Have tomorrow off so i'll see how much I get to .. tomorrows paper work ... billls type of such figuring out my money for this. I have the money but I need to follow through on some stuff.

I'm starting to get food ready and everything. Fortunately or unfortunately I have had 3 surgeries in the past 10 years so a lot of stuff is pretty routine for me... already drink lots of water and already taking vitamin C.

Okay i'm getting sleppy and i'm babbling.

Another thing... If you don't already have some over-sized button-front shirts and/or zip-front jackets, get yourself a few. You want something big enough to give clearance over the bandages and (maybe) the drains. Plus, you want the front closure deal so you don't have to pull things over your head.

I bought a few cheapie zip-front sweat jackets from Target or Walmart and wore those for a while.

[The Oopster]

Another thing... If you don't already have some over-sized button-front shirts and/or zip-front jackets, get yourself a few. You want something big enough to give clearance over the bandages and (maybe) the drains. Plus, you want the front closure deal so you don't have to pull things over your head.

I bought a few cheapie zip-front sweat jackets from Target or Walmart and wore those for a while.

Thanks

One of the advantages to having had neck and back surgery is that all of that stuff is already in my wardrobe.

Most of myself isalready fairly low for the same reason and I hope to set anything I can think i need out on the table.

OK Weird question time. I read on Transbucket that one guy had troubles wiping his butt. Is this an issue i need to be concerned with? any other wierd stuff like that?

I'm assuming i'll be able to deal with it hell i've had several spine surgeries and have always figured out how to do most things. Although one time I couldn't pull my pants up but i figured out the process the next time!

[Thinker]

Thanks

One of the advantages to having had neck and back surgery is that all of that stuff is already in my wardrobe.

Most of myself isalready fairly low for the same reason and I hope to set anything I can think i need out on the table.

OK Weird question time. I read on Transbucket that one guy had troubles wiping his butt. Is this an issue i need to be concerned with? any other wierd stuff like that?

I'm assuming i'll be able to deal with it hell i've had several spine surgeries and have always figured out how to do most things. Although one time I couldn't pull my pants up but i figured out the process the next time!

Heh... Well, I don't recall having that trouble; but it's probably a good idea to get some wet wipes to have on hand. Those will certainly help with the cleaning process without having to work *quite* as hard.

I also wore big fleece sweatpants that pulled right up and right down. Easy stuff like that.

[theoddz]

Thanks

One of the advantages to having had neck and back surgery is that all of that stuff is already in my wardrobe.

Most of myself isalready fairly low for the same reason and I hope to set anything I can think i need out on the table.

OK Weird question time. I read on Transbucket that one guy had troubles wiping his butt. Is this an issue i need to be concerned with? any other wierd stuff like that?

I'm assuming i'll be able to deal with it hell i've had several spine surgeries and have always figured out how to do most things. Although one time I couldn't pull my pants up but i figured out the process the next time!

Oh Koop......yes. :scared:

That and ----->> :bath:

I'm not trying to scare you here, but this is, and should be, a real concern for you. You need to have a system of support/help lined up before you do this thing. At least for the first couple of days following surgery.

Tabs was a huge help to me, emotionally and medically. She's a trained Paramedic/EMT, and has been for over 20 years, so she knew just how to help me with everything, including the dressings, drains, etc. I am truly a very lucky guy to have her beside me, then and now. Thank G-D for these Ladies who love and stand by us like they do!!! :heartbeat::winky::thumbsup::bouquet:

Do you have someone to help you with this "stuff"?? :|

I'm no "Nurse Jack(ie)", but Tabs and I would most certainly help you out if we were closer.

Come to think of it, Dr. V's office can also refer you to a temporary (like 2/3 days) post op care place if you don't have someone to help you for the first couple of days. This is something to seriously think about, brother.

You can always call me to talk, if you like. I think you still have my number, but if you don't, just PM me. You always have a shoulder here. :winky:

~Theo~ :bouquet:

[theoddz]

Heh... Well, I don't recall having that trouble; but it's probably a good idea to get some wet wipes to have on hand. Those will certainly help with the cleaning process without having to work *quite* as hard.

I also wore big fleece sweatpants that pulled right up and right down. Easy stuff like that.

Heh.....same here.......I had lightweight knit loungepants and my infamous risque boxer shorts collection. :winky:

It's the "reaching" part that will be troublesome at first. Like reaching for your drawers and stuff.

I had a lot of experience "making things work" when I had my knee surgeries. In my physical therapy classes following my knee replacements, I was showing the therapists (and other patients) how I got around and did things for and by myself. When you have to do that sort of stuff, you get a "system" that you work with to be able to take care of yourself.

Ever see one of those "reachers" that some older folks use to reach things?? They look like this:

http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu201/rudijyd/hreach3.jpg

I have 2 of these. It helped me a GRUNCH!!! (It also doubles for both a "pincher" and ass-grabber) :pointing:

Holy shit that's a huge ol' picture, isn't it?? :|

~Theo~ :bouquet:

[Linus]

This is an awesome thread and great simple info. The more I read the more I'm looking at going to Dr. V next year to get my surgery done (finally!)

[Kosmo]

Another thing... If you don't already have some over-sized button-front shirts and/or zip-front jackets, get yourself a few. You want something big enough to give clearance over the bandages and (maybe) the drains. Plus, you want the front closure deal so you don't have to pull things over your head.

I bought a few cheapie zip-front sweat jackets from Target or Walmart and wore those for a while.

You can also check out Goodwill, Salvation Army stores for shirts, jackets, sweats, etc.

[The Oopster]

Oh Koop......yes. :scared:

That and ----->> :bath:

I'm not trying to scare you here, but this is, and should be, a real concern for you. You need to have a system of support/help lined up before you do this thing. At least for the first couple of days following surgery.

Do you have someone to help you with this "stuff"?? :|

You can always call me to talk, if you like. I think you still have my number, but if you don't, just PM me. You always have a shoulder here. :winky:

~Theo~ :bouquet:


I don't think I have your number so it would be great if you'd pm it to me, I really appreciate it.

Actually I was talking to a friend who had his done a year ago with Alter and if I need help with :bath: he has offered to help.

One of the reasons I wanted to stay close is I do have a huge support system... and I am getting things in place. I know a couple of nurses/ex nurses and i'm hopin to talk to them in the next few days to see if they can help if needed.

My room mate can help with some stuff but umm not the shower stuff.
Heh... Well, I don't recall having that trouble; but it's probably a good idea to get some wet wipes to have on hand. Those will certainly help with the cleaning process without having to work *quite* as hard.

I also wore big fleece sweatpants that pulled right up and right down. Easy stuff like that.

Thanks just bought a couple more knit pants. Plan to make sure any ironing is done and will put the clothes i want to use in easy accessible places.

Heh.....same here.......I had lightweight knit loungepants and my infamous risque boxer shorts collection. :winky:

It's the "reaching" part that will be troublesome at first. Like reaching for your drawers and stuff.

I had a lot of experience "making things work" when I had my knee surgeries. In my physical therapy classes following my knee replacements, I was showing the therapists (and other patients) how I got around and did things for and by myself. When you have to do that sort of stuff, you get a "system" that you work with to be able to take care of yourself.

Ever see one of those "reachers" that some older folks use to reach things?? They look like this:

http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu201/rudijyd/hreach3.jpg

I have 2 of these. It helped me a GRUNCH!!! (It also doubles for both a "pincher" and ass-grabber) :pointing:

Holy shit that's a huge ol' picture, isn't it?? :|

~Theo~ :bouquet:

Fortunately or unfortunately I"ve had 5 spine surgeries so I actually do know how to figure things out. I could put my slippers on just a few days after my first lower lumbar fusion. Fortunately i'm flexible and could sit and lift my leg up to my hand.

I have two of those grabbers also but thanks for mentioning them so I can make sure they are accessible.

When placing stuff out in preparation ... i put my arms against the sides of my ribs and just bend from the elbows. If I can't reach it then I don't place it there.

I assume i'll be able to bend down though and get stuff ... just lower my self to that level?

[Thinker]

I assume i'll be able to bend down though and get stuff ... just lower my self to that level?

By squatting, yes.........and if the item is light enough. You definitely won't want to bend over at the waist for a while. The pressure on the incisions would be pretty uncomfortable.

There are a lot of people who talk about being up and around and out and about right after surgery. While I believe this is obviously possible, I'm a big advocate of being still and sleeping as often as possible.

Our body heals lost and damaged tissues during sleep, as you already know I'm sure. Give yourself permission to rest and do nothing. I know it's hard for a lot of people who are used to being on the move, but it's the best thing you can do for yourself.

[The Oopster]

By squatting, yes.........and if the item is light enough. You definitely won't want to bend over at the waist for a while. The pressure on the incisions would be pretty uncomfortable.

There are a lot of people who talk about being up and around and out and about right after surgery. While I believe this is obviously possible, I'm a big advocate of being still and sleeping as often as possible.

Our body heals lost and damaged tissues during sleep, as you already know I'm sure. Give yourself permission to rest and do nothing. I know it's hard for a lot of people who are used to being on the move, but it's the best thing you can do for yourself.

My dr explained that I might even feel like I can do stuff but only light activity for the first two weeks, nothing that will get my heart going. Because you want to keep the blood flow down or more bruising and swelling can develop.

I'll probably do a little light walking because i know you need some movement also. I've had 5 surgeries and they also have you up walking within 24 hours.

[Arwen]

When I stayed with Conner for his surgery, we found that a ribbon tied around his waist to support the drainage tubes was the ideal thing for showering (since we aren't close enough for me to help him shower. LOL)

You do need someone who can drain your tubes for you, honey. Line up help now because you are going to need it. Promise.

[The Oopster]

When I stayed with Conner for his surgery, we found that a ribbon tied around his waist to support the drainage tubes was the ideal thing for showering (since we aren't close enough for me to help him shower. LOL)

You do need someone who can drain your tubes for you, honey. Line up help now because you are going to need it. Promise.


i will line some one up but there is a 50/50 chance i won't have tubes.

[theoddz]

Hey Koop,

eh ehehehe.....I'd forgotten about all of your spine surgeries!! Mea culpa. :|

You know, a lot of what might have been tough for me during my recovery from chest surgery was made a LOT easier because of all of my previous surgeries from my knees. I bet you never thought all that suffering you went through would ever have benefited you like it's (going to) when you have your chest done, but it will!!

When I told Dr. V about all of my knee surgeries, including my total joint replacements, he laughed and said, "Oh, well then, this is going to be a cakewalk for you!!". Really, compared to what I've been through, it really was easier. When he does this surgery, it's not like he's entering an interior body system. He will tell you, as he told me, that "All I'm doing is removing a bit of tissue and some skin". He's not even messing with the muscular system. This is *nothing* compared to what you and I have both suffered through before with our backs and knees. It will be a *ton* easier than that was, believe me, and the recovery time is a lot faster and easier, too.!! :winky:

I have been sooooo happy with Dr. V and his work. I can't say enough good things about him, really!! :thumbsup:

~Theo~ :bouquet:

[The Oopster]

Hey Koop,

eh ehehehe.....I'd forgotten about all of your spine surgeries!! Mea culpa. :|

You know, a lot of what might have been tough for me during my recovery from chest surgery was made a LOT easier because of all of my previous surgeries from my knees. I bet you never thought all that suffering you went through would ever have benefited you like it's (going to) when you have your chest done, but it will!!

When I told Dr. V about all of my knee surgeries, including my total joint replacements, he laughed and said, "Oh, well then, this is going to be a cakewalk for you!!". Really, compared to what I've been through, it really was easier. When he does this surgery, it's not like he's entering an interior body system. He will tell you, as he told me, that "All I'm doing is removing a bit of tissue and some skin". He's not even messing with the muscular system. This is *nothing* compared to what you and I have both suffered through before with our backs and knees. It will be a *ton* easier than that was, believe me, and the recovery time is a lot faster and easier, too.!! :winky:

I have been sooooo happy with Dr. V and his work. I can't say enough good things about him, really!! :thumbsup:

~Theo~ :bouquet:

He told me the same stuff. I think that is why he emphasized why not to do anything vigorous for awhile. I never thought about the blood flow increasing the chance for more swelling and bruising and it makes sense.

[theoddz]

My dr explained that I might even feel like I can do stuff but only light activity for the first two weeks, nothing that will get my heart going. Because you want to keep the blood flow down or more bruising and swelling can develop.

I'll probably do a little light walking because i know you need some movement also. I've had 5 surgeries and they also have you up walking within 24 hours.

Walking helps to prevent blood clots, lung problems (pneumonia, particularly after general anesthesia) and constipation from narcotic painkillers, and ya, that's why they get you up and moving so quickly after surgery.

After my first knee surgery, I developed an anxiety disorder. I can't figure out where that came from because I've never had a nervous bone in my entire body, but I got one. Probably because that kind of surgery was so traumatic, debillitating and painful and all of the drugs (a lot of Percocet, mainly) I was on made it even worse. Percocet doesn't agree with me.

For some reason, when that panicky feeling starts, walking helps me. I was afraid of having problems with this anxiety attack business when I had my chest done. Just the surgery thing and all happening again, you know. Well, I did have it for one night following surgery. I got up in the middle of the night and walked around the hotel lobby, which was absolutely beautiful. They had all of these tall ship models in glass cases and you know how I adore tall ships!! It calmed me down right away. I did a lot of walking, though, and on one of the days post op, that Tabs and I were there, we drove down to the beach at Camp Pendleton and walked around there.

I was able to get around really well after the second day post op. As far as the drains go, I only had mine for 2 days post op. I really think that whether you have them or not depends on how much tissue you have removed and how much you bleed. After the second day post op, I wasn't draining much at all, so he pulled them both. What a relief that was, emotionally and pain-wise!!

Have you scheduled your surgery date yet??

~Theo~ :bouquet:

[Tommi]

i will line some one up but there is a 50/50 chance i won't have tubes.

Koop,
I know early on there were questions and answers in the thread, and wanted to pop in here to add a comment.

Being in recovery I had to clarify with my Doc's before I had a total radical hysterctomy for endometrial cancer that I may have a problem with certain meds. pre and post op.

My Doc and the anesthesiologist were aware I was in recovery and provided meds that left me safe and sane. Propofol is the recomended anesthesia, and no lidocaine in the drips, no benzodiazapines, no verced, etc. Just sayin' it can be a slippery slope.

Best wishes to you, and I'm south of you in OC and if I can do anything holler. :nurseshot:

Tommi

[The Oopster]

Walking helps to prevent blood clots, lung problems (pneumonia, particularly after general anesthesia) and constipation from narcotic painkillers, and ya, that's why they get you up and moving so quickly after surgery.

After my first knee surgery, I developed an anxiety disorder. I can't figure out where that came from because I've never had a nervous bone in my entire body, but I got one. Probably because that kind of surgery was so traumatic, debillitating and painful and all of the drugs (a lot of Percocet, mainly) I was on made it even worse. Percocet doesn't agree with me.

For some reason, when that panicky feeling starts, walking helps me. I was afraid of having problems with this anxiety attack business when I had my chest done. Just the surgery thing and all happening again, you know. Well, I did have it for one night following surgery. I got up in the middle of the night and walked around the hotel lobby, which was absolutely beautiful. They had all of these tall ship models in glass cases and you know how I adore tall ships!! It calmed me down right away. I did a lot of walking, though, and on one of the days post op, that Tabs and I were there, we drove down to the beach at Camp Pendleton and walked around there.

I was able to get around really well after the second day post op. As far as the drains go, I only had mine for 2 days post op. I really think that whether you have them or not depends on how much tissue you have removed and how much you bleed. After the second day post op, I wasn't draining much at all, so he pulled them both. What a relief that was, emotionally and pain-wise!!

Have you scheduled your surgery date yet??

~Theo~ :bouquet:

Surgery is a week from today, April 29th.

It would have been nice to stay at the ayers but i'm staying at the embassy suites instead. I wanted a bedroom with 2 beds plus a living area with a sofa sleeper. That way if the person going with me needs a bed there is one there for him. Also the seperate living room will allow him to not have to sit in silence if i'm resting.




Koop,
I know early on there were questions and answers in the thread, and wanted to pop in here to add a comment.

Being in recovery I had to clarify with my Doc's before I had a total radical hysterctomy for endometrial cancer that I may have a problem with certain meds. pre and post op.

My Doc and the anesthesiologist were aware I was in recovery and provided meds that left me safe and sane. Propofol is the recomended anesthesia, and no lidocaine in the drips, no benzodiazapines, no verced, etc. Just sayin' it can be a slippery slope.

Best wishes to you, and I'm south of you in OC and if I can do anything holler. :nurseshot:

Tommi

This my fourth surgery in recovery, damn! So I get what you are saying. In the past with my neck surgeries i've basically gone right to over the counter extra strength tylenol. I get sick from IV pain meds and that causes much more pain then relief. I don't like how the others stopped up the piping. I'lll make sure they know and talk it over with the people close to me first.

[The Oopster]

Even though some stuff will be old hat for me :ymca: I really appreciate everybody's input. 1) there are some things I maybe wouldn't have thought of like putting my grabbers in an accessible spot 2) Hopefully other people will learn what they need to know from this thread and I may now how to do something but i'm guessing most people having top surgery haven't had the number of surgeries I have had.

I'm really grateful for having those surgeries though because setting stuff up has just come naturally. It is so different to be doing it while I feel well. Usually I'm preparing for surgery when my pain level is at its max

One thing others might find helpful that my friend mentioned last night is the drains are messy so be prepared to have a possible mess in the bed. I'm fortunate or unfortunate to be sleeping alone so I don't have to worry about another person. I actually have the type of mats they use in the hospital and a water proof cover over my mattres so those will help protect my sheets and mattress.

Again surgery experience has given me the gift of throwing up on myself :| and well lets just say i'm not the best at using a bed pan while flat on my back.:eek: So i'm use to gross stuff

[Rockinonahigh]

I know this is a bit of a derail but I know I will be haveig neck and back surgery to have disk spacers put in or some other such stuff like it dome.This scares the bejeasus outta me.If u dont mind can u give me some ball park idea what im going to deal with.I live with my son so he shure isnt going to be much help as a nurse,lord knows the only cooking he dose is tv dinners.

[Goofy]

First off Koop, congrats!

I took Arnica before and for a couple of days after my surgery and had very little bruising too. I've seen pics of some pretty bad bruising too, and really think the arnica helped me.

Arwen mentioned the drains. Holy cow, is she right! I had my drains in for about a week, if I remember right. There is no way in hell I would have been able to do that by myself. The position of them alone would have made them difficult to deal with even if I hadn't just had surgery.

And something that I realized after Arwen left, that caused me much dismay...the microwave in my apartment was over the stove. I couldn't reach up to put anything in it or get anything out of it. Pans were just too heavy, even empty.

I didn't sleep in my bed for about a month after my surgery. Thinker mentioned the pressure of bending over at the waist...it was sort of the same thing for me, but in reverse. Plus I generally sleep on my side and that was totally out of the question for awhile. I covered my recliner in an old bed sheet in case the drains did leak (which they did, a bit) and slept there for awhile.

Good luck Oopster, I'm excited for you!

[The Oopster]

First off Koop, congrats!

I took Arnica before and for a couple of days after my surgery and had very little bruising too. I've seen pics of some pretty bad bruising too, and really think the arnica helped me.

Arwen mentioned the drains. Holy cow, is she right! I had my drains in for about a week, if I remember right. There is no way in hell I would have been able to do that by myself. The position of them alone would have made them difficult to deal with even if I hadn't just had surgery.

And something that I realized after Arwen left, that caused me much dismay...the microwave in my apartment was over the stove. I couldn't reach up to put anything in it or get anything out of it. Pans were just too heavy, even empty.

I didn't sleep in my bed for about a month after my surgery. Thinker mentioned the pressure of bending over at the waist...it was sort of the same thing for me, but in reverse. Plus I generally sleep on my side and that was totally out of the question for awhile. I covered my recliner in an old bed sheet in case the drains did leak (which they did, a bit) and slept there for awhile.

Good luck Oopster, I'm excited for you!

Thanks Goofy!

Thanks i have a recliner if needed ... bought myself a nice lazy boy for my last neck surgery.

Microwave is already at a good level... just normally i would have troubles with one up high.

I'll have people in place for the drains, although I still may not have them. Like I said he will only put them in if he really thinks they are absolutely necessary otherwise he prefers to remove any fluid via a needle. Less chance of infection.

Honestly can see how the arnica would work. It's really hard to get my veins so whenever they take blood I end up bruised from all the digging. Today I've literally been watching the bruises disappear before my eyes. The smaller bruises from monday are completely gone. And the one that would be there normally a week minimum could be gone tomorrow. IT's been a trip to watch my arm today

[The Oopster]

How often do the tubes need to be cleaned? So in case I do have them I can tentatively arrange for help.

[Goofy]

How often do the tubes need to be cleaned? So in case I do have them I can tentatively arrange for help.

I think it was about 3 or 4 times a day. But I also seem to remember it being somewhat dependent on the volume of fluid that was draining. Sorry Koop, my memory's a bit fuzzy on the specifics.

[Alpha Dog]

Since my surgery was more recent I have all my notes still;

Drains: Empty drains at least every 6 hours and more often as needed for the first 24 hours. After this empty the drains when they become half full. Do not expect the drainage to be equal on both sides; that is rare.

and

I did get a list of things to stop taking 2 weeks prior to surgery; aspirin, alka seltzer,BC powder, ecotrin,excendrin x-strength,backache reliever, analgesic caplets and 1 week prior advil,aleve,motrin,ibuprofen,nuprin and other products to avoid that increase bleeding; alcohol,anaprox,darvon,dristan,ginger,garlic,green tea, ginko biloba,ginseng,sine-aid are the most common.

[Arwen]

Thanks Goofy!

Thanks i have a recliner if needed ... bought myself a nice lazy boy for my last neck surgery.

Microwave is already at a good level... just normally i would have troubles with one up high.

I'll have people in place for the drains, although I still may not have them. Like I said he will only put them in if he really thinks they are absolutely necessary otherwise he prefers to remove any fluid via a needle. Less chance of infection.

Honestly can see how the arnica would work. It's really hard to get my veins so whenever they take blood I end up bruised from all the digging. Today I've literally been watching the bruises disappear before my eyes. The smaller bruises from monday are completely gone. And the one that would be there normally a week minimum could be gone tomorrow. IT's been a trip to watch my arm today

On the microwave, make sure you don't have to reach higher than your belly to get into and out of it. Don't cook "heavy" as in weight foods. I tried to think of things before I left but missed that one. I felt awful 'cause Conner was REALLY hungry when he called me to tell me about the food in the microwave that he couldn't get down.

I drained the drains based on levels. The first 2-3 days it was about 3-4 hours I think and then tapered off a lot. If someone has a weak stomach, don't ask them to do it. They'll make it worse.

And for Gods sake make sure they steady the line at the incision BEFORE draining. I did that to Conner once by accident. Felt awful to hurt him that way.

Here's hoping you don't have to do the drains but if you do, just get someone who won't be a wuss. (I actually was worried I would be a wuss.)

Oh, get extra no-stick tape and cotton pads BEFORE the surgery. They will not give you enough. Get some tongue depressors too because they are awesome for smearing stuff on the areas.

One thing that helped Conner a lot was getting some big water jugs for the fridge. :) He drank a buttload of water.

[The Oopster]

On the microwave, make sure you don't have to reach higher than your belly to get into and out of it. Don't cook "heavy" as in weight foods. I tried to think of things before I left but missed that one. I felt awful 'cause Conner was REALLY hungry when he called me to tell me about the food in the microwave that he couldn't get down.

The rotating tray in microwave is at belly button level!:koolaid:

Don't plan on cooking a :turkeyday:

I drained the drains based on levels. The first 2-3 days it was about 3-4 hours I think and then tapered off a lot. If someone has a weak stomach, don't ask them to do it. They'll make it worse.

Goin to try to call the person tomorrow that is suppose to go with me to find out what is grossometer is

Here's hoping you don't have to do the drains but if you do, just get someone who won't be a wuss. (I actually was worried I would be a wuss.)
I really hope not. I really got the impression that it would be more likely that I wouldn't. When I asked about it just felt like he only does it if there's a lot. I'm not as worried about the gross factor and the pain in the neck part of the tubes, it's just having an added source of risk of infection. If he can do it via a needle I say go for it. I go back in at 10 am the next day.


Oh, get extra no-stick tape and cotton pads BEFORE the surgery. They will not give you enough. Get some tongue depressors too because they are awesome for smearing stuff on the areas.

Will add to the list

One thing that helped Conner a lot was getting some big water jugs for the fridge. :) He drank a buttload of water.


I have a speciall water filter i already drink around a gallon a day.

:)

Thanks hun for all the tidbits

[The Oopster]

would it be hard to have an arm in a sling?

I have a few places I will go after surgery where the people don't always think, plus everyone doesn't know me. There is a lot of shaking hands and possibility of being bumped into. I can isolate myself some from the crowd, but someone there suggested I put my arm in a sling, as a caution sign. Something that would get there attention to be careful around me.

[Thinker]

would it be hard to have an arm in a sling?

I have a few places I will go after surgery where the people don't always think, plus everyone doesn't know me. There is a lot of shaking hands and possibility of being bumped into. I can isolate myself some from the crowd, but someone there suggested I put my arm in a sling, as a caution sign. Something that would get there attention to be careful around me.

It seems like it would work out okay, but I certainly don't know for sure. Try it out for a few hours at home the day before an event and see how you feel.

On another note...

I'm so freakin' excited for you!!!!! It's almost time!

[The Oopster]

It seems like it would work out okay, but I certainly don't know for sure. Try it out for a few hours at home the day before an event and see how you feel.

On another note...

I'm so freakin' excited for you!!!!! It's almost time!

Thanks that's a good idea! Leave it to count down thinker to remember it's coming up! Thanks I'm sort of excited, overwhelmed, and in disbelief all at the same time!

Still got a lot to get done, but I think I'll get there. Bedroom is basically throughly cleaned and accessible. In process of putting bathroon itmes on my dresser. Don't have a lot of counter space in bathroom pluss I don't like to keep my toothbrush out with the toilet.

Got my head buzzed the other day. For other people contemplating surgery, I highly recommend it. I've done it for other surgeries and it's just no maintenance. By the time i'm really feeling to a point that I care about it it's pretty much grown back anyways.

[Logicaly]

I'm excited for you and there has been ALOT of great advice in this thread too that I am going to have to put to use when it eventually comes time for my surgery as well!

[Sam]

Thanks that's a good idea! Leave it to count down thinker to remember it's coming up! Thanks I'm sort of excited, overwhelmed, and in disbelief all at the same time!

Still got a lot to get done, but I think I'll get there. Bedroom is basically throughly cleaned and accessible. In process of putting bathroon itmes on my dresser. Don't have a lot of counter space in bathroom pluss I don't like to keep my toothbrush out with the toilet.

Got my head buzzed the other day. For other people contemplating surgery, I highly recommend it. I've done it for other surgeries and it's just no maintenance. By the time i'm really feeling to a point that I care about it it's pretty much grown back anyways.

good luck, hope it goes well, will keep you in my thoughts

[Thinker]

I'll be thinking of you tomorrow, Koop. And I'll send up prayers for you and the entire surgical team.

Check in when you can and let us know how you are.

Best wishes,
Thinker

[Linus]

Good luck, Koop! We'll have to talk once I move out there :)

[NikiNik]

Koop,
Good luck tomorrow! I will be thinking about you and wishing a speedy recovery! I will keep the doctor and staff in my prayers.I know you have waited a long time for this! I am very excited for you.

[Leigh]

Very excited for you My friend, good luck :)

[theoddz]

I'll be thinking of you tomorrow, Koop!! (f)

Good luck and keep us posted on your progress!! It's really not that bad. It's going to be a lot less hassle than you anticipate. I remember mine was that way. It'll be done and over with in a breeze and you'll be pretty much healed up in a few weeks. :winky:

~Theo~ :bouquet:

[Logicaly]

Good luck Koop! Will send positive energy your way!

[Plato]

Koop,
Good luck tomorrow! I will be thinking about you and wishing a speedy recovery! I will keep the doctor and staff in my prayers.I know you have waited a long time for this! I am very excited for you.

Koop is home from surgery and all went well.
No drains, but he says he was hit by a Mac truck.
.. or that's how it feels, anyway! ...

CONGRATULATIONS KOOP!:danceparty:

[Goofy]

Koop is home from surgery and all went well.
No drains, but he says he was hit by a Mac truck.
.. or that's how it feels, anyway! ...

CONGRATULATIONS KOOP!:danceparty:

Glad to hear he's doing well! That mac truck will get smaller in a couple of days!

Congrats Koopster!

[Sam]

Congrats, great to hear things went well!

[The Oopster]

Glad to hear he's doing well! That mac truck will get smaller in a couple of days!

Congrats Koopster!

Thanks for all the well wishes

Your right it's more like a pick up truck today!

I'm home and everthing seemed to go great!

Very little swelling and bruising and no tubes, if anyone is ever interested in pics pm me your email and i'm happy to share. Just took pics today.

The funniest thing that happened in all this was at the hotel this morning. My ride slept in and I was hungry so I went down to get breakfast myself. I was moving so slow that everytime I left the table they tried to clear it and I'd have to yellow across the room. The guests were laughing after awhile.

Like Goofy I'm finding that the recliner is the most comfortable. I recommend if someone has to stay at a hotel that they try to find a room that has a recliner or a nice big oversized easy chair. I did not sleep well at all on my back .. and was most comfortable when sitting propted up in the bed.

The dr. didn't believe in the arnica yet said that whatever I did to get ready worked because there's so little swelling and bruising most of it is on my right side ... and the sides in general where he did some lyposuction.

I don't drink much soda but had brought some zevia soda as a treat. Luckily I had because i had a lot of air in my stomach from the anistesia and the carbonation helped a lot.

My only other real challenge was learning how to move because it is so different then for back surgery.

I recommend people do a lot of situps before surgery because the easiest way to lie down and get back up is to do a situp without using any arms to push up. Unfortunately I haven't done sit ups for awhile, otherwise if I do have to push up its easiest to push from the elbows.

Also make sure to have some type of bland food along, like crackers or bread. They recommend a liquid diet the day of surgery but something solid is needed for some of the medicines.

I go back in 12 days to get the stitches out. :)

[Logicaly]

Koop, did i miss it when you said who your doctor was? Curious where you had your surgery done at.

[The Oopster]

Koop, did i miss it when you said who your doctor was? Curious where you had your surgery done at.

I went to the same one as theo, Voloshin in NewPort Beach. I don't think we was any cheaper then others but just was more convenient, the staff was great, and I was really happy to not have to have drains.

[SuperFemme]

I'll show you mine if you show me yours. :fencing:

[theoddz]

Thanks for all the well wishes

Your right it's more like a pick up truck today!

I'm home and everthing seemed to go great!

Very little swelling and bruising and no tubes, if anyone is ever interested in pics pm me your email and i'm happy to share. Just took pics today.

The funniest thing that happened in all this was at the hotel this morning. My ride slept in and I was hungry so I went down to get breakfast myself. I was moving so slow that everytime I left the table they tried to clear it and I'd have to yellow across the room. The guests were laughing after awhile.

Like Goofy I'm finding that the recliner is the most comfortable. I recommend if someone has to stay at a hotel that they try to find a room that has a recliner or a nice big oversized easy chair. I did not sleep well at all on my back .. and was most comfortable when sitting propted up in the bed.

The dr. didn't believe in the arnica yet said that whatever I did to get ready worked because there's so little swelling and bruising most of it is on my right side ... and the sides in general where he did some lyposuction.

I don't drink much soda but had brought some zevia soda as a treat. Luckily I had because i had a lot of air in my stomach from the anistesia and the carbonation helped a lot.

My only other real challenge was learning how to move because it is so different then for back surgery.

I recommend people do a lot of situps before surgery because the easiest way to lie down and get back up is to do a situp without using any arms to push up. Unfortunately I haven't done sit ups for awhile, otherwise if I do have to push up its easiest to push from the elbows.

Also make sure to have some type of bland food along, like crackers or bread. They recommend a liquid diet the day of surgery but something solid is needed for some of the medicines.

I go back in 12 days to get the stitches out. :)

Great to hear that you're doing so well, Koop, and that the whole ordeal has been relatively smooth for you!!! :D

Everything will get easier now, day by day. You're really lucky that you didn't have those drains. I was "double barreled" for 2 days!!! :|

Keep up the good work and let us know how things are going. :winky:

~Theo~ :bouquet:

[The Oopster]

Great to hear that you're doing so well, Koop, and that the whole ordeal has been relatively smooth for you!!! :D

Everything will get easier now, day by day. You're really lucky that you didn't have those drains. I was "double barreled" for 2 days!!! :|

Keep up the good work and let us know how things are going. :winky:

~Theo~ :bouquet:

Thanks Theo!

Yesterday was rough, but the sheet the dr gave me said the swelling and bruising would probably be the worse 2 or 3 days out. Also was fighting a fever but it so far is gone today. Once I started taking tylenol every 3 hours it seemed to get under my control, for some reason waiting that 4th hour would allow it to take off. I've actually been able to get the shirt on and off myself but if somebody has help I'd take it.

Finally gettin the hang of how to move around in bed and in and out of my chair.

Things I have found helpful have been paper plates and bowls and i bought some of those bath wipes that you heat up in the microwave. They make cleaning up easy.

Also if you have some tight shirts my doctor says those can be used instead of a binder. I"m still using the binder but do have a tight under shirt under it, to help keep the binder clean longer and because the binder is a little bit itchy.

When were people able to start sleeping on their side? That is the part that is killing me the most.

Did anyone using any cold packs at all? I've been putting them on occassionally on the bruising that is under my arms and goes towards the back. Nothing on the front side. Just on the bruising and swelling that is away from the graphs and incisions.

When did you clean up around the incision area? So far I've stayed away from cleaning that area. I know the paperwork says I can get those strips wet but i know they'll stay on longer the longer I stay away from that area.



Dang had a brain fart! I thought of something else but it's gone now :wallbreak:

[The Oopster]

Gosh I really can't wait till I get to lie on my side ... sleep is getting harder and harder!

One of the more interesting things I have found myself doing is standing on my tip toes. I'm fortunate that i'm fairly tall to begin with and often i just need an extra inch or two to avoid having to reach up, and this is accomplished by standing on my tip toes.

[Leigh]

I bet it feels great having had the surgery done bro, I'm happy for you congrats :)

[theoddz]

Koop, how's things going?? How's the healing coming along?? :)

I had to contact Dr. V's office here, lately, and ask for a *notorized* copy of my surgical letter, so I can have the State of Florida change my gender marker. I thought they would do it without a notarization, but as it turns out, they do need a notarized letter.

Speaking of backwards, it's only been since last year that the State of Florida would even change a name on a birth certificate with a court order from outside of the state of Florida. :|

Anyway, Dr. V's office has cheerfully agreed to provide a notarized letter. Talk about great customer service, even waaay after the sale. Dr. V. and his office are truly a caring and helpful team. I can't say enough about this great, compassionate doctor and his staff. There's no way I could have ever chosen a better doctor. :winky:

I was able to go outside shirtless today, to grab the garbage that blew into my front yard with the high winds we've had lately. It's nearly 75 degrees here today, and the warm breeze felt great blowing through my chest and tummy hair against my skin. :)

So Koop, how is your chest turning out?? Are you pleased with your results?? I certainly hope you are and will continue to be as pleased as I am and have been. :)

~Theo~ :bouquet:

[The Oopster]

Hey Theo, funny you should ask since I was thinkin about coming in to post today.

Tomorrow will be two weeks since my surgery and i'm just amazed at where I'm at. I've been extremely pleased with the care I've gotten from Dr. Voloshin and his staff. Although i believe there are other excellent places to go I am so pleased I went there.

Yesterday I got the nipple stitches out and got a kick out of the fact that even Dr. Voloshin was amazed at how great my chest looks. I showed it to my roomie last night and he said he was a little jealous at how great my chest looked cause now he's got the man boobs in the house.

I thought I would come in here and post where I'm at with the two week mark. It's easier to post now then to try to remember back some day when other people are looking into their surgeries.

At two weeks, i'm casually walking for about 30 to 60 minutes. I've done a few short drives, 15 to 30 minutes one way and yesterday drove down and back to newport, about an hour each way and did some errands. Was beat when i got home but was out and about for over 5 hours.

I'm able to put sleevelesss under shirts on and even can get my compression shirt that is a single layer with a shirt built in on and off. Although I almost had to call my roomie for help last night, getting it off. It was the first time and I hadn't figured out the best method for that shirt yet.

I'm slowly starting to move things back into their places now that I can easily reach up into the first and second shelves of cupboards. Today I'm going to shower for the first time. Up to now I've been mainly using the disposable bath wipes that you can buy in the store and heat up in the microwave.

About a week back i got so frustrated with sleep that i reclaimed one of the dog beds. I've had problems with memory foam in the past but any itches from it have been well tolerated for the comfortability and ability to sleep. I'm still using it and because of that I was able to finally sleep on my sides last night.

Not sure what else to comment on but i'm just thrilled at where I'm at.

I go back in two weeks again just to be checked on. Till then I'm still suppose to keep the cloth tape on the scars. For the next couple days i'm suppose to still put bandages and cream over the nipples. Everything is coming along good.

I see no reason not to start back at work at the beginning of June. Will still start back part time. It's two more weeks until I can work out good and I want to be able to do some before I'm back in the grind full time.

If I had a desk job I would probaby think about starting back part time next week, but unforunately i'm not that fortunate.

I hpe to also start looking for new work now that this phase is done. I need a job with benefits before I look into any of the name/sex change stuff.

[The Oopster]

Did anyone else have binder burns? How long did they take to go away? Have they gone away?

[Thinker]

Did anyone else have binder burns? How long did they take to go away? Have they gone away?

None here. Are you talking about your surgical binders?

I didn't have any from regular pre-surgery binding either. Post-surgery, I used Ace bandage/tensors, not any sort of "official" post-surgical binder. Maybe that was the difference.

That sounds pretty severe though. If you're wearing something that is causing burns like that, how about using something different??? Or going without while you're at home lying down?

On a side note, how are you feeling? Healing?

[The Oopster]

None here. Are you talking about your surgical binders?

I didn't have any from regular pre-surgery binding either. Post-surgery, I used Ace bandage/tensors, not any sort of "official" post-surgical binder. Maybe that was the difference.

That sounds pretty severe though. If you're wearing something that is causing burns like that, how about using something different??? Or going without while you're at home lying down?

On a side note, how are you feeling? Healing?

These are from presurgery, when the binder would roll up and dig into my ribs.

I'm doing pretty good. Amazed at how much the surgery took out of me. I'll feel decent then do stuff and be exhausted. Had to clean the fridge yesterday because a huge ice sculpture had formed in the freezer and it was a bigger process then normal. Had to just do a little bit, rest and do a bit more. The good note is that the more physically i do the less stiff I am both surgically and all over. Hopng to start some work back up next weekend. Will go in and talk to them towards the end of the week, about what will work the best.

My chest looks amazing though.

I haven't had to do any type of binding now for about a week. Just able to wear a normal shirt. He does have me putting tape over the big incisions for a few months though. Part of that is just to keep it from getting irritated.

[Maverick]

I have a question for the guys that have had their surgeries a while ago and are healed up. I'm thinking about having top surgery in the future but I'm concerned about losing sensation in the nipples afterwards. What are your experiences with this? Is there good sensation still or is it mostly numb now. I will definitely need double incision as I'm fairly large.

Thanks

[The Oopster]

I have a question for the guys that have had their surgeries a while ago and are healed up. I'm thinking about having top surgery in the future but I'm concerned about losing sensation in the nipples afterwards. What are your experiences with this? Is there good sensation still or is it mostly numb now. I will definitely need double incision as I'm fairly large.

Thanks

i really had no sensation prior and I definitely have sensation now!

[Maverick]

that's encouraging to hear.

[Nadeest]

I am so glad that I read this thread. Through it, I found out that there is an SRS surgeon right here in Texas, and that they are still operating. Thanks, everyone, for posting here.

[SelfMadeMan]

I have a question for the guys that have had their surgeries a while ago and are healed up. I'm thinking about having top surgery in the future but I'm concerned about losing sensation in the nipples afterwards. What are your experiences with this? Is there good sensation still or is it mostly numb now. I will definitely need double incision as I'm fairly large.

Thanks

I had sensation prior to my top surgery, and retained that, plus! I was also fairly large chested and had the double incision with nipple grafts.

[Maverick]

That's great to hear! Thanks.

[Soft*Silver]

a dear friend of mine locally is having top surgery and is funding it thru the sale of his tshirts. they run $10 up to size 2x, $15 for larger sizes. All colors available. To buy one, contact him on FB

https://www.facebook.com/kage.j.coven

or PM me here and I will connect you to him.

I have his permission to post this.

Here is what the shirts look like

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm216/softness57/534938_391176884263560_562442641_n.jpg

[EnderD_503]

Did anyone else have binder burns? How long did they take to go away? Have they gone away?

I'm (finally! I still am having troubles believing that there's an end in sight) getting surgery at the end of the month and have been wondering this as well. I don't know whether to call them binder burns or what, but basically dark seemingly permanent marks a few centimetres out around the bottom of my arms pits and parts of my chest where the outer edge of the binder cuts in. Also just areas of the skin just roughened by the binder edges from wearing it for so long. I've been wondering if those will eventually go away. I figure they'll probably fade with time.

So yeah, I second this, anyone with experience with this would be interesting to hear.

[EnderD_503]

Ender has now officially had top surgery (yay!!!)!!! *exclamationmarkexclamationmark* :p So I'll try to remember to come back here as time goes by to post if the binder burns/scars go away/how long it takes.

P.S. So happy! :D

[DapperButch]

Ender has now officially had top surgery (yay!!!)!!! *exclamationmarkexclamationmark* :p So I'll try to remember to come back here as time goes by to post if the binder burns/scars go away/how long it takes.

P.S. So happy! :D

Congratulations! I bet you are thrilled! Yes, please keep us updated on your healing process!

[EnderD_503]

Congratulations! I bet you are thrilled! Yes, please keep us updated on your healing process!

Thanks! Unbelievably thrilled! :D I'm pretty much permanently insanely happy right now, lol!

[theoddz]

Ender, I hate to even suppose something like this, but you know what it sounds like you have??

Some kind of similar thing to what they call "venous stasis" markings. When you wear something that's tight, it cuts off circulation, primarily the venous return pathway back to the heart. The blockage in circulation causes the capillary system in the dermis (skin) to be blocked/squeezed off and the resulting swelling causes pooling of blood and pigmentation of the exterior skin. Some large people can get this same thing, including the pigmentation, from wearing socks that are too tight. You end up seeing the discoloration where the elastic was. That's where the blood clots can form, too.

It's too bad that binding is the only way for us guys (XX guys, vs. XY guys) to flatten our chests until we can afford or get chest surgery. Wearing binders/compression devices is so risky, primarily because of the dangers of embolisms (clots). If you have to wear a binder or compression device, please try to not wear them for prolonged periods of time. Loosen or take them off at intervals, if you can. It's not worth throwing a clot and dropping dead of a clot to either your brain or your lungs.

I know that not all of us have health insurance these days, but I'm sure that most, if not all, of us transguys would gladly exchange our policy's "maternity coverage" for trans services!!!! It's just a damned shame that most of us have to save for so long in order to pay for it ourselves. Congrats to you for getting yours soon!! Keep us up on your progress!!

~Theo~ :bouquet:

[Nadeest]

Thanks, Theoddz for telling us about this. I was not aware of it, though I am at risk for DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis, i.e. blood clots in the deep veins in my legs, as I understand it.) due to the hormones that I take for my transition.

Congrats, Ender!

[EnderD_503]

@theoddz, wow, I had no idea! I'll look into it, though thankfully won't be binding anymore. Its definitely not so severe looking on me as in a lot of the pictures I saw on google images and when they were doing the pre-op tests potential for clotting in that general area was something they were looking out for...I'm crossing my fingers that all is well. Right now it seems that some of my incisions are covering up the marks themselves, so its hard to tell if there's been any change in that department. How does one generally make sure this sort of thing hasn't already happened? Is it detectable in blood tests and such?

Thanks for sharing the info! Another reason for people to be more cautious when binding!

Anyhoo, one week post-op and things still looking good :D Almost completely off pain killers and pretty mobile. Yesterday I was out all day trying to sort a bunch of school related stuff out and walking around a lot. I didn't seem to have too much trouble with that other than some occasional pain around the incisions. The surgeon was suggesting moving around if possible since apparently it helps reduce the chances of blood clotting (since we're on the topic of clots). Only thing is I can't wait to take a proper shower, lol!

[EnderD_503]

Just thought I'd check back about the binder burn stuff. Last week I had my third post-op appointment at the 3 1/2 week mark and they seemed super happy with how I was healing and took a bunch of pictures. They said I don't have to go back until January now since everything is healing perfectly according to them. Generally I feel pretty good right now physically and today I even got to toss around a frisbee without any discomfort though I was careful not to overstretch. Scabs on the nipples are gone, one is a bit puffy/raised but apparently that's normal. Incision looks good expect for some puckering near the centre but they said it'll go away over time. There's still a bit of swelling under my armpits but they also said that it's normal up to even 6 months to have some swelling.

The marks from the binder that we've been discussing here is something the surgeon said wasn't anything to worry about in my case (meaning no blood clots! yay! :D ) and seemed to be just from the friction against the skin. So far the marks are still pretty visible and I'll be about 5 weeks post-op tomorrow. I'll see if I can borrow a camera to show what they look like (they aren't on my chest but under my armpits so hopefully that won't be against the TOS).

I've also been using an anti-scar gel called New Skin that was available at the drugstore for $10 the last few days. Have been putting it on parts of the incision that puckered as well as the binder marks. Maybe I'm too optimistic but seems to be very slight change even in a matter of days. I'll let you guys know if it continues to work or if its just my imagination lol

[The Oopster]

Hey ender

I'm not sure when my marks went away but It's been two years and they are gone now. I know they didn't leave immediately but it didn't take the whole two years either

[ahk]

I have been planning on getting Top Surgery for a few years now and finally started really saving for it. I am stuck though-- on 2 MDs. Dr. Peter Raphael (Texas) or Dr. G (Florida) -- I guess my issue is really about the distance -- how did you figure out which MD you went with?

Thanks in advance.

[Kent]

Thanks to all the guys who have posted here in this thread and the other trans threads for being brave and sharing your information and experiences. You are appreciated more than you know.

I have a consultation with Dr. Peter Raphael next week. I'm so happy that I can't even begin to describe this happiness to you. :fishing:

[DapperButch]

I have been planning on getting Top Surgery for a few years now and finally started really saving for it. I am stuck though-- on 2 MDs. Dr. Peter Raphael (Texas) or Dr. G (Florida) -- I guess my issue is really about the distance -- how did you figure out which MD you went with?

Thanks in advance.

Have you seen the work of either of them? I have seen the chest of two guys from Dr. Garramone and they were done really well. He also has that body masculinization procedure that you could do at the same time. Personally, he would be my choice.

For some reason I am blanking on the name of that website that used to be transster. There you can see pictures of top surgeries from different docs.

Could you afford to have a consult with both of them? Travel and lodging costs may also play into it for you, assuming the top surgeries are around the same price.

[Jesse]

Here is a flip book that has 126 or so before and after photos of Dr. Garramone's chest work. Below that link is his web page with contact info.

http://drgarramone.com/transgenderflorida/photogallery/photogalleryflipbook.html

http://www.drgarramone.com/transgenderflorida/

[The Oopster]

I have been planning on getting Top Surgery for a few years now and finally started really saving for it. I am stuck though-- on 2 MDs. Dr. Peter Raphael (Texas) or Dr. G (Florida) -- I guess my issue is really about the distance -- how did you figure out which MD you went with?

Thanks in advance.

I initially went to the Dr. that did my surgery, Dr. Voloshin, just for a consultation. It was free so I thought I would just go and see what was up. I was so pleased with the visit that I didn't go see anyone else. I was open to it but for me he was the only person local that I was interested in and I have/had health issues that made staying near home a plus. I had also seen pictures and knew some people that had gone to him. One of those friends is in the medical field and the fact he was very well pleased with my dr and staff also sealed the deal. He was about the same amount as berstein however I didn't have as much in travel costs for either that visit or follow up visits and the next day I was able to be home in the comfort of my house.

To me this is different then buying a car, a house, etc., or changing ones hair color. Although revisions can be made to me it's something I wanted done once and wanted to be pleased with the results. So first I would settle on drs that you feel you will get what you want from. Then I would start to factor in the other things. I wouldn't settle just because someone is cheaper, closer, can get you in sooner, etc. This is your body and you've been unhappy with it for a long time, so don't cut corners. (my 2 cents)

[Gentle Tiger]

I have been planning on getting Top Surgery for a few years now and finally started really saving for it. I am stuck though-- on 2 MDs. Dr. Peter Raphael (Texas) or Dr. G (Florida) -- I guess my issue is really about the distance -- how did you figure out which MD you went with?

Thanks in advance.

Hi ahk. I went with Dr. Raphael. I saw his work. I called around and spoke with the Doctors and also their staff that were recommended. I couldn't meet them in person because of distance. I was in Denver, CO at the time. So I did phone screens. I would say list out every single question you can think of; no matter how silly or lame you may feel they are. And then ask each one those questions. Then choose from there. In other words, do your homework and interview them.

Hope that helps.

[ahk]

Thanks to all the guys who have posted here in this thread and the other trans threads for being brave and sharing your information and experiences. You are appreciated more than you know.

I have a consultation with Dr. Peter Raphael next week. I'm so happy that I can't even begin to describe this happiness to you. :fishing:

Hey Kent-- Why are you choosing Dr. Raphael? and have you had any other consultations with other MDs?

Thanks in advance.

Have you seen the work of either of them? I have seen the chest of two guys from Dr. Garramone and they were done really well. He also has that body masculinization procedure that you could do at the same time. Personally, he would be my choice. (I am leaning towards agreeing)

For some reason I am blanking on the name of that website that used to be transster. There you can see pictures of top surgeries from different docs.

Could you afford to have a consult with both of them? Travel and lodging costs may also play into it for you, assuming the top surgeries are around the same price.

Most consults are free these days, or seems to be. Yeah travel to Florida is a bit further for me, but I am not concerned about this to much, I am more concerned on the quality of results.

Here is a flip book that has 126 or so before and after photos of Dr. Garramone's chest work. Below that link is his web page with contact info.

http://drgarramone.com/transgenderflorida/photogallery/photogalleryflipbook.html

http://www.drgarramone.com/transgenderflorida/

Thanks Jesse, for the links, I had not seen the photogallery, but have seen his webpage and youtube.

Hi ahk. I went with Dr. Raphael. I saw his work. I called around and spoke with the Doctors and also their staff that were recommended. I couldn't meet them in person because of distance. I was in Denver, CO at the time. So I did phone screens. I would say list out every single question you can think of; no matter how silly or lame you may feel they are. And then ask each one those questions. Then choose from there. In other words, do your homework and interview them.

Hope that helps.

I have been asking -- and asking, just really can't make up my mind. So I was asking others for their ops. Thanks for your words, much appreciated.

[ahk]

I initially went to the Dr. that did my surgery, Dr. Voloshin, just for a consultation. It was free so I thought I would just go and see what was up. I was so pleased with the visit that I didn't go see anyone else. I was open to it but for me he was the only person local that I was interested in and I have/had health issues that made staying near home a plus. I had also seen pictures and knew some people that had gone to him. One of those friends is in the medical field and the fact he was very well pleased with my dr and staff also sealed the deal. He was about the same amount as berstein however I didn't have as much in travel costs for either that visit or follow up visits and the next day I was able to be home in the comfort of my house.

To me this is different then buying a car, a house, etc., or changing ones hair color. Although revisions can be made to me it's something I wanted done once and wanted to be pleased with the results. So first I would settle on drs that you feel you will get what you want from. Then I would start to factor in the other things. I wouldn't settle just because someone is cheaper, closer, can get you in sooner, etc. This is your body and you've been unhappy with it for a long time, so don't cut corners. (my 2 cents)

^ I couldn't agree with you more (stated above) -- Thank you. I think you may of just helped me make a concrete answer. Best.

[Gentle Tiger]

I was thinking some more about your question and my answer ahk. In addition to quality of work, and feedback from guys to went to him, I also chose Dr. Raphael because of the connection between their office and the hotel I stayed at. There was a shuttle. And there was no cost. The hotel was great and there was a discount because of what I was there for. And the nursing staff really follows up. As it has been said, you have to go with the one you're most comfortable with. I chose to deal with the distance, and logistics of travel to go to the Doctor and team I felt the most at ease with.

I wish you well in your journey.

[Peach]

Hey everyone, forgive my intrusion, but I am looking for some help for a friend. A young transman here in Nanaimo, will be in SF next month for his top surgery. I'm just looking for a few folks that might be willing to do lunch or coffee or something with him and his girlfriend. They really have no support system down there, and dont know anyone.
If you might be able and willing to meet up with this couple, send me a PM, I will pass it along. He is a good guy, VERY strong and active in the queer/trans youth program here in Nanaimo.

Thanks :)

[Peach]

I got one one reply, could use a couple more maybe? I know its a lot, asking for help for total strangers, but these are good peeps!

[The Oopster]

I got one one reply, could use a couple more maybe? I know its a lot, asking for help for total strangers, but these are good peeps!

you might want to post in the bay area stuff thread ... and see if you get any response there? A lot of us on this thread don't live in the bay area so hard to help out!

http://www.butchfemmeplanet.com/forum/showthread.php?p=698072#post698072

[DapperButch]

Hey, guys, I didn't know about this organization until today

http://inabind.transactiveonline.org/

It is a 21 years old and under transguys binder program. Everyone knows about the Big Brother Binder program (for trans 18 and older), but I didn't know about the above. Right now Big Brother Binder program is actually suggesting people donate to the teen site because Big Brother is not in need.

So, if anyone has any extra binders around or have gotten surgery/going to get surgery, consider sending your binders to them.

[DapperButch]

Also, I never thought about any serious dangers associated with using actual chest binders, only bandages/tape. I haven't seen any threads in the trans or butch zones on binding.

Take care of yourselves, folks!

http://theartoftransition.net/chest-binding-dangers-ftm-transition/

[Nadeest]

As a comment about Dr. Raphael, I did a consult with him, earlier this year, about transition related surgery, and felt very comfortable with him. I would certainly consider him for my surgeries. Unfortunately, he doesn't do bottom surgery for mtfs. :(

[DapperButch]

As a comment about Dr. Raphael, I did a consult with him, earlier this year, about transition related surgery, and felt very comfortable with him. I would certainly consider him for my surgeries. Unfortunately, he doesn't do bottom surgery for mtfs. :(

Hey, Nadeest, I just wanted to say that I hope that you either talk in this thread, or create a new one, for support from this community if/when you do get any trans related surgeries.

I don't think we have a thread for any other surgery (for any gender), besides this top surgery thread. I hope all members feel like they can share any surgery here at the Planet.

[Nadeest]

Will do, DapperButch. I went there to consult with him about an orchidectomy (um, this is where they remove the testicles, but not the testicular sac, which is useful for later SRS), which he does do, as well as breast augmentation and lipo. The nice thing was that he didn't think that I needed FFS (Facial Feminization Surgery) or a trachea shave. :)

[DapperButch]

Will do, DapperButch. I went there to consult with him about an orchidectomy (um, this is where they remove the testicles, but not the testicular sac, which is useful for later SRS), which he does do, as well as breast augmentation and lipo. The nice thing was that he didn't think that I needed FFS (Facial Feminization Surgery) or a trachea shave. :)

That is pretty great that you don't need any FFS or trachea shave! Awesome. I would bet that kind of surgery would be a painful recovery.

I know less about MTF surgeries than I do FTM. Since the testicles are being removed, does this mean one would no longer have to take t-blockers?

[DapperButch]

Hey, everyone! On 10/10/13, I had top surgery with Dr. Garramone in Florida. I had the double incision method. http://drgarramone.com/

My chest looks fantastic, and I couldn't be happier. It was a fantastic experience, and the man is a genuis.

As you all can see in my profile, I don't define as FTM, but as transgender butch (male leaning). I am not on testosterone. I thought it important to share that I got this surgery because I think that butches are getting these surgeries/thinking about getting these surgeries, but just aren't talking about it (I have seen them talk about it in the past, on other b/f forums). I am not sure why the change, I am wondering if butches getting top surgery is no longer supported by the community so they are afraid to talk about it? Don't know.

Anyway, it is the best thing I ever did. I agonized over the decision for 15 years. The struggle was not about whether or not I wanted a "male" chest, but how that would fit into my life as a person who professionally (and in some areas, personally), lives as female. I would be ok just binding for a few years and then it would rear its ugly head again. I would shove it back down and then carry on. I decided I was sick of dealing with it and the reality is that my presentation most likely wouldn't change all that much because my many years of binding had already resulted in looking pretty damn flat, anyway.

What I was hoping for and was pleased to see, is that you can still have a defined chest without testosterone. Although I know that some of it is swelling, Dr. Garramone was quick to point out that my definition is due to my own body composition. Again, I am extremely pleased.

I have a lot of information and suggestions to share with anyone considering getting this done. Being that we are mostly a b-f site, and it is mostly transmen that get this surgery, the discussion on this thread may not significantly increase, but I want to put out there that I would be happy to answer any questions on looking for a surgeon, the process, and recovery with all genders even though it is in the trans zone.

I considered posting this in the butch zone as I fear butches may not feel comfortable posting in the trans zone, but I think it is important all top surgery information/resources remain in one thread on this site (plus, of course I wanted to share with my trans* brothers and sisters here!). I think that Koop/The Oopster would welcome any gender who is considering top surgery, to this thread.

[BullDog]

Dapper, thank you so much for posting this. Those familiar with me on the site know I am a very proud butch woman and completely a She with no plans to transition. However, I am also a stone butch and not really in sync with my breasts. I would love to have top surgery and have thought about it for a long time. I have never seriously looked into it because I don't have the money for the surgery. I don't know if I will ever be able to afford it, or if my age will be an issue if I ever do have the money. I am 51 now. I also have wondered what issues it would raise for me, both medically and socially, if I did decide to do it. I don't know what issues would be different for someone like me who is not male or trans-identified.

We did have a discussion years ago on the Dash site with many butches who were not trans-identified who did discuss this issue. So that is why I decided to post. Thank you again Dapper.

[DapperButch]

Dapper, thank you so much for posting this. Those familiar with me on the site know I am a very proud butch woman and completely a She with no plans to transition. However, I am also a stone butch and not really in sync with my breasts. I would love to have top surgery and have thought about it for a long time. I have never seriously looked into it because I don't have the money for the surgery. I don't know if I will ever be able to afford it, or if my age will be an issue if I ever do have the money. I am 51 now. I also have wondered what issues it would raise for me, both medically and socially, if I did decide to do it. I don't know what issues would be different for someone like me who is not male or trans-identified.

We did have a discussion years ago on the Dash site with many butches who were not trans-identified who did discuss this issue. So that is why I decided to post. Thank you again Dapper.

Hey, Bulldog. Glad you posted. Maybe a thread in the Butch Zone for Butches (of all genders - women and third gendered, other?) to discuss top surgery is warranted. I didn't want to muddle the thread here with that discussion as I wanted to keep the focus on information/resources, as it was designed.

I would love to read/participate in a discussion over there. In respect of the butch zone, even though I identify as butch, I think it would be great if a non trans-identifying butch started that thread. What do you think?

Yes, the dash site is what I was referring to. I remember reading about it in the Transgender Butch section, but I hear you saying it was discussed elsewhere.

---------------

To respond to your comment about age, I can tell you that I have seen youtube videos of older people (admittedly, they were all on testosterone) who had top surgery. With a double incision the skin is cut and pulled tightly, so I don't really see age making a difference (if you are speaking to the issue of how our breasts/chests sag as we age).

[DapperButch]

1) How many surgeons did you consult before deciding who was going to do your surgery?
Two, Dr. Beverly Fischer (Timonium, MD) and Dr. Charles Garramone (Davie, FL)
2) Who did your surgery?
Garrmone
3) Are you happy with the results?
Absolutely. I am over the moon.
4) Did you need any revisions?
Too early to tell, but I doubt it very much.
5) What procedure did you have?
Double incision. Garramone also does "mansculpture" which is liposuction of the hips and thighs to create a more male physique
6) What was your recovery process like?
Great. I stayed at New Beginnings in Delray Beach, FL, which is a group home for top surgery guys recovering from surgery. They take you to/from your appts/surgery, the grocery store, to pick up prescriptions, etc. Unfortunately, they had to temporarily close this past week. TF was of course amazing in my recovery and made me healthy foods in the kitchen. It was cheap and it was great to be around other transguys as they healed. I started out the process with another guy there and we ended together. It was great. did I say great? Yes, I did.
7) Did you do anything to prepare for the surgery?
Making sure I ate healthy and did cardio workouts to be as in shape as possible cardiovascularly for quick recovery. I also worked on my pecs, however, this is not necessary. Dr. Garramone follows the line of your pec muscle with his incisions (he cuts under the line of the pec). He certainly is able to find that muscle without large pecs! It is notable to say that I am not on testosterone and still have a defined chest. Your mileage will vary based on your natural muscle definition, of course, but I believe he gives the best result for the non-testosterone using patient.
8) How much time did you have to take off work?
I am taking two weeks because I have a desk job.
9) Is there anything you wish you would have done any differently?
Me, being who I am, did extensive research on what I needed to do before surgery and what I needed to bring. However, I did not focus on my abdominal muscles prior to surgery as much as I should have. You have to use your abs to lift your body up and down as you can't use your arms to assist you, so I had some soreness in my abs for a day or so. Additionally, I would bring a loofah with a handle for lower body washing while standing in shower during recovery so you don't have to bend over/stretch incisions. Those are the only two things I missed.
10) What questions did you ask the surgeon?
WAY too much to write!
11) What didn't you ask that you wish you would have?
Nothing really
12) what resources did you use in helping to decide what surgeon to go to or for what questions to ask?
The MOST important thing I think a person who is getting this surgery can do to determine surgeon is go to transbucket.com to look at surgery results.
13) What online resources do you know of?

http://transbucket.com/
http://www.ftmguide.org/chest.html

14) What supplements did you use, if any?

http://www.vitamedica.com/products/recovery-products/recovery-support-program/
http://www.vitamedica.com/products/recovery-products/arnica-montana-30x-bottle/
*Curcumin (Tumeric) for inflammation
*Probiotics

15) Any surgery recovery tips?

http://www.buzzfeed.com/emmettp/things-you-may-not-know-you-need-for-your-ftm-ches-dcoa

[Nadeest]

Yes, I would no longer have to take T-blockers ( my anti-androgen). I would also be able to cut down on my intake of estrogen, considerably.

[DapperButch]

Hey, guys. I just wanted to add that at 7 days when I got the bandages off I had minimal swelling and no bruising. I really believe it is a function of the supplements I took. Now, at 11 days, there is only a small amount of swelling left under my arms. I can say that most every other surgery picture I have seen (and I have seen 100's), have significantly more swelling than I do at this point in my recovery. The typical line by surgeons is that swelling can take up to 3 months to go away.

I think that the VitaMedica Recovery Support Program/Arnica Montana is the explanation for it (I put both links in my prior post). I would suspect that the Curcumin/Tumeric also plays a big part in the minimal swelling (inflammation), I have. You can get Curcumin/Tumeric very cheap (like $12.00/bottle), so at minimum get this supplement. Take it in large quantities (it is safe), for one-two weeks prior to sugery, and until the swelling goes away after surgery.

I take Curcumin supplements on a regular basis anyway, as I believe that inflammation in our bodies (internally), is the root of many diseases.

You can get the Arnica cheap, too. So, I guess what I am suggesting is that if you cannot afford the Recovery Support Program (which includes the Vitamins and the Bromelain with Quercetin), find a cheap vitamin site and pick up some Curcumin/Tumeric and Arnica. You should be able to get them for $40 total.

I hope that more guys answer The Oopster's list of questions. I know that there are other transguys/butches on this site that have gotten top surgery and have a wealth of information to share.

[The Oopster]

Dapperbutch that is interesting on the arnica.

Did you have to have tubes?

The only other person that used arnica besides me that I know of didn't have to have tubes. Neither did I

I have always wondered so it's interesting to hear someone else used it and had minimal bruising and swelling also.

I only used arnica, nothing else.

[DapperButch]

Dapperbutch that is interesting on the arnica.

Did you have to have tubes?

The only other person that used arnica besides me that I know of didn't have to have tubes. Neither did I

I have always wondered so it's interesting to hear someone else used it and had minimal bruising and swelling also.

I only used arnica, nothing else.

Hey, Oopster, did you see I took over your thread? :|

Yes, I had tubes.

I remember reading earlier in the thread that Thinker used Arnica too. I don't know if he had tubes or not.

Unfortunately, I had tubes. The things hurt. A lot. The right side came out fine and is healing nicely. The left side got jacked up and now I have a knot that feels like scar tissue. I hope it will settle down. I think what happened was that when I was moving from recovery bed to chair a nurse was holding my arm and I sat down more quckly than she expected. I can still remember what that pull felt like. Or it wasn't laying perfectly flat when he wrapped my chest over top of the tubing. That is more likely, as it would have been the incisions that pulled when the nurse was holding my arm.

Anyway, my plan, if it doesn't heal nicely (still have swelling under my arms so I have to wait to see), is to get Dr. Beverely Fischer to revise it. She is only 50 miles from me and Garramone is 1,000! I hope it is just a snip and stitch in the office. Whether or not I get it done though would be based on cost.

Otherwise, I am healing amazingly well. It is weird. So far about three inches of steri strip has come off from under my right pec. The incision is completely closed, not red, and it looks like just natural skin. How crazy is that? Where the strips are coming off under my arms it doesn't look that way, but the incisions are very thin. Of course, I know they will widen over time, but they look good for now!

Did you use anything on your scars? I am using ScarGuard in the areas where the steri strips are coming off. When it all comes off (probably this week), I will start using Scar Away strips.

How are your scars? It has been 3.5 years now for you. How do you like your overall results? Would you use the same surgeon again?

Garramone told me there really is nothing one can do for widening scars. He says he had a patient contacted him a year later for a referral to a physical therapist. The guy moved his arms so little over a one years time since surgery, that he had "frozen shoulder". Garramone said the guy's scars ended up widening anyway. Although I am going to use the above products, I am not overly concerned about scarring. I am just thrilled I got it done. F* any scars I may end up having.

[The Oopster]

thinker didn't have tubes. So far he's the only one besides me that I know hasn't.

I had a hard lump on my right side and it was bruised but that was all do to the lypsosunction.

I think my scars are pretty good. my dr just recommended nivea. I also have used other vitamin e products. The key is to lightly massage the scar to keep the scar tissue from building up. I don't have any chest hair so there is no hiding mine.

I haven't tried it but I had an occupational therapist who wanted me to use cheese cloth soaked in castor oil on my other scars to break down the scar tissue.

I definitely would go to the same dr if he is still practicing. He is older so not sure how much longer he will be doing it.

I'm very happy with mine. I do have little pugee's on the side but when I lose weight they go down. I've always gained weight in my chest so I figure doing something about them would be pointless. Exercise is my best bet!

[Kelt]

Hey, everyone! On 10/10/13, I had top surgery with Dr. Garramone in Florida. I had the double incision method. http://drgarramone.com/

My chest looks fantastic, and I couldn't be happier. It was a fantastic experience, and the man is a genuis.

As you all can see in my profile, I don't define as FTM, but as transgender butch (male leaning). I am not on testosterone. I thought it important to share that I got this surgery because I think that butches are getting these surgeries/thinking about getting these surgeries, but just aren't talking about it (I have seen them talk about it in the past, on other b/f forums). I am not sure why the change, I am wondering if butches getting top surgery is no longer supported by the community so they are afraid to talk about it? Don't know.


I think it is great that you posted this. I am in a similar boat in that I am not on T and for a number of reasons it is not practical for me. I have been basically ignorant of this possibility. When I knew T was unlikely for me I shelved the whole idea because I had the impression it was a prerequisite. I don't know about the community support with butches. Maybe it could be as simple as being like me and just not knowing it is available as a stand alone procedure. One can hope.

This is really encouraging and I am starting into researching options now that I know there are some! I am fairly small chested so a reduction would not be of any particular help to me and would not give me the result I would want (male appearing chest) anyway. I have done some other things along the way that would fall into the category of transition steps and have been very happy with them. This would be a terrific step to add.

It would be a couple of years down the road due to unrelated family issues and I have to consider my age, 52, but I think this looks like a really great option. Since there will be some wait for me it will give me time to really get my research down. I like Garramones work a lot, his results look great. I am also looking into Brownsteins practice. It has recently changed hands and is now being run by Dr Crane. I will be able to see how he develops over some time but his credentials are solid. The fact that it would be local for me would mean quite a savings in travel as well as being able to recover at home.

Thanks to Oopster and the other guys for this thread. You don't know it, but I have been reading back through all of the trans threads and been getting really helpful information from all of you. Thanks.

[DapperButch]

Hey, Oopster.

I did see one picture on transbucket of a guy who Garramone (my surgeon), did without drains in December 2012. Guy made some sort of comment that he thought maybe Garramone was changing to doing no drains. I guess Garramone was just testing that out though because all of the youtube videos I have seen since that guy (and there are TONS for Garramone), have drains. That guy's chest looked just as good as all the others. No different. It would have been great to have no drains.

I think you are very lucky to have not had drains. It would be nice to not have this unattractive (whatever it is) on the side of my chest (even though I am hopeful and wouldn't be surprised if it went away with healing). It would be weird though to imagine my body just absorbing all that blood/liquid that came out into the drains.

I didn't have liposuction (that I am aware of anyway). Did that lump go away?

That is very interesting about the cheese cloth. I have never heard that before. Seems like it would be a pain in the ass to do, though.

So, you don't think the "pugees" on the sides are dog ears? I don't know if dog ears get smaller and bigger with weight gain/loss though. If they are dog ears, most likely you can get a free revision in his office. Most doctors do that. Maybe you can send him a picture in email and he can let you know if it is indeed dog ears or not.

Thanks for the conversation.

[DapperButch]

I think it is great that you posted this. I am in a similar boat in that I am not on T and for a number of reasons it is not practical for me. I have been basically ignorant of this possibility. When I knew T was unlikely for me I shelved the whole idea because I had the impression it was a prerequisite. I don't know about the community support with butches. Maybe it could be as simple as being like me and just not knowing it is available as a stand alone procedure. One can hope.

This is really encouraging and I am starting into researching options now that I know there are some! I am fairly small chested so a reduction would not be of any particular help to me and would not give me the result I would want (male appearing chest) anyway. I have done some other things along the way that would fall into the category of transition steps and have been very happy with them. This would be a terrific step to add.

It would be a couple of years down the road due to unrelated family issues and I have to consider my age, 52, but I think this looks like a really great option. Since there will be some wait for me it will give me time to really get my research down. I like Garramones work a lot, his results look great. I am also looking into Brownsteins practice. It has recently changed hands and is now being run by Dr Crane. I will be able to see how he develops over some time but his credentials are solid. The fact that it would be local for me would mean quite a savings in travel as well as being able to recover at home.

Thanks to Oopster and the other guys for this thread. You don't know it, but I have been reading back through all of the trans threads and been getting really helpful information from all of you. Thanks.

Kelt! Good to see you on the thread, my friend!

Yes, I am interested to watch what happens with Crane, as well. He did train under Brownstein, who of course is the father of top surgery (well, I guess one could argue that with Reardon).

What I have noticed about Garramone's work is that it is consistent. Right on the money every time. I think that Brownstein's has been pretty consistent as well, although I have noticed that his chests sometimes have more of a scoop look to them under the pecs than I like. I think that is where the surgeons go wrong the most. I suppose that would be them not following the pectoral muscle well. Not that Garramone's incisions aren't different in amount of curve based on pec, but I have seen some surgeons (not Brownstein), consistently, or dramatically have too much of a scoop. Throws the whole thing off and it conjures up visions of female breasts, even though the chest is completely flat.

Last night, now having my own chest done, I took a bit of a step back and went through probably about 200+ photos of all different surgeons. I was surprised to see how good (and consistent), Fischer's double incision surgeries were. She is known for her keyhole/peri procedures and that is the bulk of her work, but her double incisions were quite good. Don't get me wrong, I am glad that I went to Garramone, but it was interesting to see that my second pick was in my backyard. I know that I mentioned going to her for consult, but that was earlier, when my focus (and query) to her was how small I could get if I chose a breast reduction instead. I was researching the idea of a hybrid/modified type surgery at the time. I had not seen many double incision pictures of hers.

I think that if I had to choose between a surgeon who had AMAZING results some of the time and "ok" results some of the time, versus a surgeon who had consistently good results, I would go with the consistent surgeon. You are betting with your chest, and there is only one shot.

I see Garramone, Brownstein, and Fischer as the most consistent (based on what I have seen. But, I admit I have paid more attention to their surgeries, than others, due to them jumping out at me as quality work from the "get go"). This is now the ONLY surgery Garramone does (Fischer does others, I am not sure what Brownstein did), so it makes sense he would have a good rhythm going. The sign on my bed post said, "Garramone #4". I was his 4th surgery of the day. He does 5 per day, 10 per week (sometimes he adds a third surgery day and does more). The whole thing was a great experience. Don't worry, I will save you from yet ANOTHER ramble as to how great the man is. I'm sure everyone on the thread will be THRILLED when I go back to work next week and stop being a posting fool!

Last thing, and advice to anyone who is looking. Get as many consults as you can. Especially if they are free. Garramone is free (he does phone consults, you email him pictures of your chest), while Fischer was not ($125). No downside to consulting with more than one.

In a nod to Oopster (and Theo), I haven't seen any of Dr. Voloshin's work and they are both pleased with their surgeries. Additionally, the other surgeons mentioned in this thread (DuPere, Raphael), I have seen good results with, as well. I think we all just have our preferences for how we like our chests to look and to be honest I find it more rare than common to read guys not being pleased with their surgeries.

[DapperButch]

Ok, so it has been 9 weeks since my surgery.

Things continue to go well. I changed from Scar Away strips to using the Scar Away gel. The strips were cumbersome and with some research (with Kelt's assistance), it was determined that the strips and gel had the same outcomes.

I have read good stuff about Bio Oil, so I use some of that, too. Massage is very good for scars.

So, my routine is to apply Scar Away in the morning after my shower. When I get home from work, I rub in the Bio Oil. Before bed, I apply Scar Away again. I like to always have the incision line "moist", as that is part of what is supposed to heal the scars.

I am pretty certain that the scars are less red. However, I have not been consistent with taking weekly pics with the same lighting, so it is hard to say from pictures. Subjectively, I believe they have. They probably did not show any significant change until 6 weeks of use. You are supposed to only use this stuff for 3 months, but I am guessing I will be using it for a year. Based on this brief period of use, I would say that it will cost me about $35-40 per month for scar treatments, if I continue with the same level of diligence. I believe that this investment will be worth it.

I can also say that my scars are pretty much completely flat. I would say that 7/8 of the incisions/scars are flat. That is pretty significant, and would be due to the silicone gel, as well. I believe my using the gel as soon as possible after surgery kept the scars from becoming as raised as they would have become without treatment (not to say that they weren't raised when I started the treatment, however).

I have been pleased so far that my scars have not stretched. I still do not lift my arms up completely above my head. I feel a pulling if I do this. I hope that I am not just delaying stretching of scars, but rather assisting them in healing to the point where they will not stretch once I use my arms more. I am also not strength training for the same reason (even though I want nothing more than to build up my pecs!).

The sides where the drains were has settled down a great deal. However, there is still a small area of skin that is shaped like a little teepee on either side. This is not a dog ear. With tubes coming straight out from your sides, only to be flattened with a very tight ace bandage for 6 days, results in pulling/lifting of that skin. I am hopeful that it will eventually become completely flat. My motivation for using the Bio Oil is mainly to massage this area.

The nipples have healed nicely with no difficulties. There is no sexual feeling to them of course, since they are free grafts (this was expected).

I did have one "spit suture" along the incision line. This is where the body pushes out one of the stitches. You just have to wait for it to fill in from the inside (skin growing). It has been a month for me and is finally filling in. I am very glad that I only had one, of these. Even though there are hundreds of stitches, I was concerned about how slow it was to "fill in", plus the hole itself was getting a bit larger. Additionally, the incision line that spit suture was on, was consequently wider than the rest of the incision line. More "spitting sutures", would have meant more widening.

I think that is all. I hope this information is useful to future "recoverers"!

[Red Dirt Girl]

Hi all. I’m not sure which thread to post this in but since the initiating event is top surgery, I landed here. Please let me know if I should go elsewhere.

My partner is trans and is having surgery in April. I’ve been trying to come up with effective language to share this news with my family. Terms like “top surgery” and "T" and “trans” are not in my mother’s vocabulary so I don’t think “Hey Mom, partner’s having top surgery” is going to work. This conversation will also encompass a “Hey Mom, partner’s trans” component. I am not apologetic, but I am trying to be sensitive. I’m anticipating this conversation to be at the very least moderately uncomfortable and more likely quite uncomfortable and painful. (This doesn't account for coming out to neighbors, family friends, extended family, etc., which will almost definitely be much more that moderately uncomfortable.). My sister is very likely to be supportive or lovingly indifferent. One friend suggests telling sis and having sis tell mom!

Regarding surgery, I feel like the words “double mastectomy” are so loaded and cancer-implying that I’m hesitant to use them. “Boobectomy”, partner’s occasional description of upcoming procedure also seems not quite right. My mom does has some awareness of the non-traditional nature of our relationship (I refer to my partner as my lesbian husband) and my understanding of gender/gender expression as a non-linear experience (not in such enlightened, currently PC, self-aware terms, but in concept. :)) I made her read Well of Loneliness and she kind of seemed to “get it” – whatever that means. Regardless, I’m still floating around in my head with all this.

So, carefully-crafted sentences aside, how do I tell my mom my partner’s trans? I am planning to do this in writing – partly for my own comfort level, partly to allow the info to settle in without me sitting right there next to my mom nervously awaiting love and understanding or rejection and grossed outness (or any combination in between). I’m interested in feedback from anyone willing to share – trans folks, partners of trans folks, butch, femme, TG butch, gender-nonspecific, queer, other, etc… How did you tell the people who matter to you? How do you feel about the approach you took? How did it go? Did it go as you expected? Better? Worse? Anything you’d do differently? I know every situation is different. I'm not looking for an indisputable formula, just thoughts and insights based on your particular experiences.

Thank you so much in advance for any replies! If you are more comfortable PMing me, please feel free.

[Rufusboi]

1) How many surgeons did you consult before deciding who was going to do your surgery?

I consulted with phalloplasty surgeons all over the world.

2) Who did your surgery?

I decided on Dr. Crane in San Francisco, California due to his credentials.

3) Are you happy with the results?

I am extremely happy with my results. My phallus looks natural and I have have been told by other doctors it looks natural.

4) Did you need any revisions?

I am going for my revision in July. The side of my phallus needs a revision where there was a loss of blood supply right after the surgery.

5) What procedure did you have?

I had Radial Forearm Phalloplasty.

6) What was your recovery process like?

My arm and phallus healed quickly, I had a problem with the donor site on my leg. It took about 6 weeks to heal.

7) Did you do anything to prepare for the surgery?

I quit smoking and began working out daily to become as healthy as possible. I am 62 years old and new it would be a hard surgery for someone my age, but I had no problems at all.

8) How much time did you have to take off work?

I work from home so cannot answer this question. Others I know went back to work in 6 weeks, but said they felt like they could have gone back to work earlier.

9) Is there anything you wish you would have done any differently?

I wish I had booked my apartment in San Francisco for 5 weeks instead of 4. I was not ready to fly home and endure long hours on the plane and sitting in airports. The problem was with my donor site not healing properly, if it had healed properly I would not have had a problem. You really cannot predict your healing time because some things do not go as planned.

10) What questions did you ask the surgeon?

I asked for his qualification.
How many phalloplastys he had performed.
The cost.
Pictures of past surgery's.
How long the surgery would take.
How long we would need to stay in San Francisco.
How long I would need to wear a catheter.
I am sure there were other questions, but I cannot remember them all right now. I had 2 friends in England who had the same procedure last year and they helped me with many of my questions.

11) What didn't you ask that you wish you would have?

Nothing.

12) what resources did you use in helping to decide what surgeon to go to or for what questions to ask?

I called many surgeons around the world and talked to them personally. I have friends who have had surgery done in England and Serbia, so they were helpful in making my decision.

13) What online resources do you know of?

Dr. Crane has a website and pictures of his past surgeries.

I hope this helps others who may be thinking of having phalloplasty.

Rufusboi

[DapperButch]

Hey, Rufus. How many surgeries did Crane say he did? Thanks for posting about phalloplasty.

[Liam]

I finally have a date for my top surgery, August 11th. Yay!

[DapperButch]

I finally have a date for my top surgery, August 11th. Yay!

Awesome, Dude! Remind me who the surgeon is? Psyched for you! It will change your whole life! The dysphoria drops like a ton of bricks( well, in that area anyway).

[Liam]

Awesome, Dude! Remind me who the surgeon is? Psyched for you! It will change your whole life! The dysphoria drops like a ton of bricks( well, in that area anyway).

Dr. Esther Kim.

[Kelt]

I want to bump this thread because some discussion on this topic is happening in another thread and pulling it off its own topic. *guilty* While it is in the trans section I hope anyone contemplating or researching this procedure would feel free to add their thoughts for my particular question.

I have a huge case of dysphoria both gender and body. I have seen over time a lot of people contemplating top surgery mentioning losing weight in preparation for it. Being as healthy as possible going into any surgery is best of course but it brings up a question in my mind. What happens if, after having top surgery, a person gains or loses a significant amount of body weight?

Breast tissue is known for its fat storage capabilities and I see when bio men gain a lot of fat they tend to get "moobs" but to a much smaller degree. If the top surgery includes any kind of sculpting/reconstruction I'm not sure what tissues are used. Given that I have wanted this since I was seven and told to wear a shirt in the summer, I'm surprised I never thought of this before. :blink:

The further question is; do you know or have you seen a person who has had this procedure go through a weight change? If so, what was the effect? Better yet, anyone here have personal experience you're willing to share? This would be either gain or loss of say 10% or more.

[DapperButch]

I want to bump this thread because some discussion on this topic is happening in another thread and pulling it off its own topic. *guilty* While it is in the trans section I hope anyone contemplating or researching this procedure would feel free to add their thoughts for my particular question.

I have a huge case of dysphoria both gender and body. I have seen over time a lot of people contemplating top surgery mentioning losing weight in preparation for it. Being as healthy as possible going into any surgery is best of course but it brings up a question in my mind. What happens if, after having top surgery, a person gains or loses a significant amount of body weight?

Breast tissue is known for its fat storage capabilities and I see when bio men gain a lot of fat they tend to get "moobs" but to a much smaller degree. If the top surgery includes any kind of sculpting/reconstruction I'm not sure what tissues are used. Given that I have wanted this since I was seven and told to wear a shirt in the summer, I'm surprised I never thought of this before. :blink:

The further question is; do you know or have you seen a person who has had this procedure go through a weight change? If so, what was the effect? Better yet, anyone here have personal experience you're willing to share? This would be either gain or loss of say 10% or more.

Garramone says that there will not be gain in the chest if you gain weight. I don't know the name for the tissues, glands, etc., but this is what he says.

And as you well know, Garramone is "all knowing" when it comes to top surgery (yeah, I admit I am biased ;)). But, the man does do 500 top surgeries a year.

Don't forget, he does free phone consults. :D

[Liam]

My surgery went very well, and it looks like I will have an awesome chest! I spent one night in the hospital, and was overwhelmed with all of the love and care of my nurses. I've never experienced anything like it! My home health care nurse is the same, so I feel blessed. The surgeon, and nurses all commented on my pecs, I had no idea they were so hot! I do not like the drains, you fellows who did not have to deal with them are most fortunate. Mine will come out on Tuesday, and that is not soon enough for me. I think I have six more weeks in the compression vest (for the nipple grafts,) and I am really looking forward to being binder-free.

[DapperButch]

My surgery went very well, and it looks like I will have an awesome chest! I spent one night in the hospital, and was overwhelmed with all of the love and care of my nurses. I've never experienced anything like it! My home health care nurse is the same, so I feel blessed. The surgeon, and nurses all commented on my pecs, I had no idea they were so hot! I do not like the drains, you fellows who did not have to deal with them are most fortunate. Mine will come out on Tuesday, and that is not soon enough for me. I think I have six more weeks in the compression vest (for the nipple grafts,) and I am really looking forward to being binder-free.

Congratulations, Liam! I am really happy for you! I'm so glad to hear your experience with the medical staff was good.

Yes, it certainly was not fun to have the drains, but honestly I don't like the idea of that crap being absorbed back into my body. I know it doesn't matter and is ok, but I would just rather all that fluid and blood come out.

I have never heard of someone in the U.S. staying overnight in the hospital. Is this Dr. Kim's standard protocol or do you have a medical history that would warrant that "extra watching"? I'm also curious to know if your insurance paid for the home health care nurse, too?

[Liam]

Congratulations, Liam! I am really happy for you! I'm so glad to hear your experience with the medical staff was good.

Yes, it certainly was not fun to have the drains, but honestly I don't like the idea of that crap being absorbed back into my body. I know it doesn't matter and is ok, but I would just rather all that fluid and blood come out.

I have never heard of someone in the U.S. staying overnight in the hospital. Is this Dr. Kim's standard protocol or do you have a medical history that would warrant that "extra watching"? I'm also curious to know if your insurance paid for the home health care nurse, too?

Thanks, Dapper!

Staying overnight in the hospital is Dr. Kim's standard protocol. Given that I had no one caring for me, or helping me when I returned home, yes, my home health care nurse is being paid for, by my insurance, and he is a real gem. He will be visiting me once a week.

[DapperButch]

Thanks, Dapper!

Staying overnight in the hospital is Dr. Kim's standard protocol. Given that I had no one caring for me, or helping me when I returned home, yes, my home health care nurse is being paid for, by my insurance, and he is a real gem. He will be visiting me once a week.

Interesting to know about Kim, and excellent about the insurance paying for the nurse!

[Liam]

Only one drain was removed today. :( Fudge cake later, took some of the sting out of that disappointment. I was excited to show the surgeon what a great job she did, and thank her. She was very impressed with her work! She asked me if I was crying, and I told her that my eyes might be leaking, and that I have waited only 43 years to finally see my chest. I think I saw a light bulb flicker above her head, very briefly, and I think the reality of gender dysphoria became a little bit more clearer to her. My reserved, stoic surgeon, smiled, giggled and became almost playful as she helped the nurse practitioner finish up dressing my nipples. I am such a lucky guy!

[DapperButch]

Only one drain was removed today. :( Fudge cake later, took some of the sting out of that disappointment. I was excited to show the surgeon what a great job she did, and thank her. She was very impressed with her work! She asked me if I was crying, and I told her that my eyes might be leaking, and that I have waited only 43 years to finally see my chest. I think I saw a light bulb flicker above her head, very briefly, and I think the reality of gender dysphoria became a little bit more clearer to her. My reserved, stoic surgeon, smiled, giggled and became almost playful as she helped the nurse practitioner finish up dressing my nipples. I am such a lucky guy!

I admit, I too had "leaky eyes", when I looked at my chest after the bandages first came off. I was both surprised and embarrassed by the tears, but my sense from Garramone was that this was a common reaction.

You're YOU finally, you know? That is some powerful shit right there!

So, what is the scoop on the one drain?

[Liam]

So, what is the scoop on the one drain?

Its output doubled the day of my appointment, and was way above the level required for removing the drains. Sigh...

[DapperButch]

Its output doubled the day of my appointment, and was way above the level required for removing the drains. Sigh...

Interesting. How is it now? When do you go back for a check/possible removable?

[Liam]

Interesting. How is it now? When do you go back for a check/possible removable?

The output is decreasing; there is a chance that I might be able to have it removed tomorrow, there is a clinic in the afternoon, on Friday, each week, and if my numbers are low enough, I might be able to squeeze in. If not, I have an appointment on Tuesday.

[DapperButch]

The output is decreasing; there is a chance that I might be able to have it removed tomorrow, there is a clinic in the afternoon, on Friday, each week, and if my numbers are low enough, I might be able to squeeze in. If not, I have an appointment on Tuesday.

I hope the numbers are low enough today, it would stink to have the drain in for that long. If you got your surgery on August 11, that is 11 days already.

One of mine was painful. Well, it isn't the tubing that is painful, but the effect of having the drain flattened against the body (pulling up skin) by the ace bandage. Also, they are just annoying to have hanging around!

[Liam]

Drain free....as free as the wind blows, as free as the grass grows, drain free, to follow my heart. :)

[DapperButch]

Drain free....as free as the wind blows, as free as the grass grows, drain free, to follow my heart. :)

haha Awesome! Congrats!

[Liam]

Everything is healing up nicely, and I can now take a modified shower - yay! My surgeon is being adamant about no heavy lifting for six weeks, which makes me feel anxious, because I need to pay my rent in October. I'm glad that my boss is being understanding and supportive.

[DapperButch]

Everything is healing up nicely, and I can now take a modified shower - yay! My surgeon is being adamant about no heavy lifting for six weeks, which makes me feel anxious, because I need to pay my rent in October. I'm glad that my boss is being understanding and supportive.

No heavy lifting until 6 weeks is standard after top surgery. I am trying to remember how they define "heavy lifting". Is it 50lbs? How much do you need to lift?

[Liam]

No heavy lifting until 6 weeks is standard after top surgery. I am trying to remember how they define "heavy lifting". Is it 50lbs? How much do you need to lift?

I need to be able to lift 50 lbs and push 150 lbs.

[DapperButch]

I need to be able to lift 50 lbs and push 150 lbs.

Yikes. I really hope you give yourself those full 6 weeks if financially possible. Is your boss open to you doing lighter duty work?

[Liam]

Yikes. I really hope you give yourself those full 6 weeks if financially possible. Is your boss open to you doing lighter duty work?

My Boss wants me to follow my surgeon's instructions, and she wants me to come back to work, when I can do so, without any restrictions or limitations. I am no longer freaking out about money, everything else about this part of my adventure has worked out well, why would this be any different?

[DapperButch]

My Boss wants me to follow my surgeon's instructions, and she wants me to come back to work, when I can do so, without any restrictions or limitations. I am no longer freaking out about money, everything else about this part of my adventure has worked out well, why would this be any different?

Great attitude!

[Liam]

I get to return to work in two weeks, without any restrictions! I no longer have to deal with daily dressings, just one dry band aid on that stubborn drain hole. I also am free of the surgical compression vest, and at last, I am binder-free!! I will see my surgeon in October, and she is very pleased with how everything looks. I am too; now I need to work on my posture, and walk as tall, as a short guy can. :)

[DapperButch]

I get to return to work in two weeks, without any restrictions! I no longer have to deal with daily dressings, just one dry band aid on that stubborn drain hole. I also am free of the surgical compression vest, and at last, I am binder-free!! I will see my surgeon in October, and she is very pleased with how everything looks. I am too; now I need to work on my posture, and walk as tall, as a short guy can. :)

Excellent! Congrats! My mom kept telling me I was hunched over after my surgery. This isn't something I did pre surgery (I never attempted to be "read" as male), so I think my hunching over post surgery was an unconscious need to protect my "wound". I did something similar after having a colon resection; I was very conscious (but unconscious), of protecting my stomach, and would hunch over a bit.

Anyway, stand tall and walk proud! Yippee! :hangloose:

[Liam]

I am so happy that my six weeks are coming to an end, and that I get to return to work on Monday. My homework from my last appointment with my surgeon, was to massage my scars and refrain from lifting anything heavy. I was skeptical about massaging the scars, but they seem to have disappeared for the most part. I've been stretching and doing light isometric exercises to prepare for work; hopefully I will be cleared on the 7th to start working out. I am very pleased with my chest, and I am very grateful that I was finally able to get my top surgery done.

[Blaze]

Any recommendations for a Texas Surgeon? Or should I follow the San Francisco crew?

[DapperButch]

Any recommendations for a Texas Surgeon? Or should I follow the San Francisco crew?

Without or without a therapist letter?

ETA: Meaning, do you have a therapist to write a letter saying you have gender identity disorder? If not, are you on testosterone or are legally male?

[Blaze]

Ahh, I have an out dated therapist letter, that would make it legally Without. Meaning I have to go through all the e-vals again huh? dang..feels like just yesterday, yet is been almost a decade. . Wow how time Flys... smh

[DapperButch]

Ahh, I have an out dated therapist letter, that would make it legally Without. Meaning I have to go through all the e-vals again huh? dang..feels like just yesterday, yet is been almost a decade. . Wow how time Flys... smh




No, you don't. I just wanted to point you in the right direction.


Surgeons who don't require letters from mental health professionals is as follows:
1. Dr. Steinwald of Illinois
2. Dr. Lawton of Texas
3. Dr. Mangubat of Washington
4. Dr. Garramone of Florida (will accept letter from your Primary Care Physician)

I got my surgery done from Dr. Garramone, so I am biased in thinking he is the bomb. If you want to see some of his work, on youtube you can type in "FTM top surgery reveal with Garramone" and a crapload of videos will come up. His "letter" is now only a check off list. You only need to get your primary care physician to check off a box that says that your top surgery would be "the next step in the transition process". Meaning, he is open to working on genderqueer individuals.

Check out transbucket.com and sign up to see pictures of other people's work.

You mentioned San Francisco. Brownstein is no longer in business. Curtis Crane took over his practice. I am not in love with Crane's work, but it is ok.

I can't remember ever seeing a picture of Lawton's work, but if you want I can ask around about it. His name is familiar and I have never heard anything bad about him.

If you find a surgeon that you like that needs a "letter", let me know and I can give you the number of a guy who will Skype (or maybe it is just online), with you for 3 sessions and give you a letter at the end. Not really the way things should be done, but if you want a for sure letter in 3 sessions and are clear in wanting this surgery, that is one way to go.

Good luck and let me know if I can be of any help.

[Blaze]

Thank you very much Dapper, I appreciate your time, information and knowledge.

[nhplowboi]

Dapper.......I know you used Dr. Garramone but did you ever consider Dr. Melissa Johnson for your top surgery? Any thoughts about her?

[theoddz]

Koop, Linus, Sincitychains (from the old site) and myself all went to Dr. Voloshin in Newport Beach, CA. He didn't require a letter to perform my top surgery, and to my knowledge, he didn't for Koop, Linus or SCC, either.

~Theo~ :bouquet:

[DapperButch]

Dapper.......I know you used Dr. Garramone but did you ever consider Dr. Melissa Johnson for your top surgery? Any thoughts about her?

Hi, nhplowboi.

I didn't consider Melissa Johnson because I knew that I wanted Garramone.

This youtube video is from a guy who went to Melissa Johnson. He is the only person I know that has had surgery with her. He is a very known youtube FTM and is very friendly. I am confident that he would be open to a dialogue about this experience. Additionally, he knows a lot of people as he does speaking and such. He would certainly know of others who have used her and could give you their thoughts. FTM Top Surgery - 3.5 Years post-op showing! - YouTube

I can tell you that I haven't heard anything bad about her, but I don't think that she is used very often. I believe that Skylar (the guy in the video), went to her because she was close to his home. He was in college at the time and parents helped him with his transition (he got it done when he was on a school break).

[Nadeest]

Wow, y'all just got me started wondering just how long my SRS letter is going to be good for. I got it back in the first part of 2013. Right now, I don't have the funds to be able to pay for any surgeries, but still, this sort of thing is nice to know, ahead of time.

[nhplowboi]

Dapper.....thanks for the quick response. I agree Dr. Garramone seems to have the best reputation for top surgery on the East Coast. I like how informational and up front he is about pricing on his web site. I was just thinking if I could easily commute for the surgery, it would save on the additional expenses of flight, time away from home, rooms, meals, etc.. I'll reach out to Skylar for his thoughts. Thanks again for the info. KC

[DapperButch]

Wow, y'all just got me started wondering just how long my SRS letter is going to be good for. I got it back in the first part of 2013. Right now, I don't have the funds to be able to pay for any surgeries, but still, this sort of thing is nice to know, ahead of time.

I can't imagine that if you have continued with HRT treatment that a surgeon would have an issue with any length of time, really. If so, perhaps when the time comes you could contact the therapist who wrote the letter and have a quick "re-evaluation", where they would "resign" their first letter?

Just a thought.

[Blaze]

Thank you Dapper! got an appointment with Lawton and I'm extremely excited to see what they offer. Thanks again!

[DapperButch]

Thank you Dapper! got an appointment with Lawton and I'm extremely excited to see what they offer. Thanks again!

Awesome! Please come back and report to the thread how it went!

[Nadeest]

I can't imagine that if you have continued with HRT treatment that a surgeon would have an issue with any length of time, really. If so, perhaps when the time comes you could contact the therapist who wrote the letter and have a quick "re-evaluation", where they would "resign" their first letter?

Just a thought.

I could, I guess. The problem lies in that she is in Houston, TX, whereas I am now living in Florida, which is a considerable distance away.


Still, the problem is academic right now, until i actually am able to start saving for my needed surgeries.

[DapperButch]

I could, I guess. The problem lies in that she is in Houston, TX, whereas I am now living in Florida, which is a considerable distance away.


Still, the problem is academic right now, until i actually am able to start saving for my needed surgeries.

And the costs are crazy high, unfortunately.

[Logicaly]

As the ability to actually have my top surgery is becoming a very real possibility. I was wondering what the recovery was like for everyone when they had theirs. What was mobility like? How dependent were you, if at all on someone else and for how long? What was the pain level like for you? How hard was it to change any dressings, etc. Being diabetic I know my recovery time will likely be longer than the average person.

[Thinker]

As the ability to actually have my top surgery is becoming a very real possibility. I was wondering what the recovery was like for everyone when they had theirs. What was mobility like? How dependent were you, if at all on someone else and for how long? What was the pain level like for you? How hard was it to change any dressings, etc. Being diabetic I know my recovery time will likely be longer than the average person.

I felt pretty limited with regard to mobility. I don't know how much of that was "real" and how much was me being extra careful because I didn't want to create a negative situation for myself.

Immediately after the surgery I felt very dependent on the friends who were helping me. After half a day or so, I was able to do pretty much everything for myself. Again, though, I didn't push it.....did little to nothing and let others help when they offered.

I wasn't in a great deal of pain. I was uncomfortable, of course, but the pain wasn't bad at all. And I don't recall having any issues with keeping things sanitary and clean, changing bandages, etc...

I suggest taking off as much time from work as possible, doing as little as possible, and just letting yourself rest, recover, and heal. Sleep is good.

:) My best...

[The Oopster]

As the ability to actually have my top surgery is becoming a very real possibility. I was wondering what the recovery was like for everyone when they had theirs. What was mobility like? How dependent were you, if at all on someone else and for how long? What was the pain level like for you? How hard was it to change any dressings, etc. Being diabetic I know my recovery time will likely be longer than the average person.

I suggest you go back to the beginning of this thread and do some reading. I started this thread and asked a lot of questions and got a lot of input plus I was pretty good right away at documenting my recovery.

I think I was off for 7 to 8 weeks. I was an independent contractor and was able to take off during a slow part of the year.

I think the hardest part was the surface area of the scar is so big so during the healing process it did bug me some. More then most the surgeries I've had but it was more irritating then anything especially during the itchy stage of healing.

[Liam]

The person who agreed to take care of me after my surgery backed out, so I didn't have anyone to care for me post-surgery. However my GP nurse made a few phone calls and arranged to have a visiting nurse check on me, and two meals delivered daily. He visited me once a week for the first three weeks, and was awesome. My mobility was unhindered, I just didn't want to raise my arms the first few days. It was very easy to change my dressings because I laid down in bed to do it. I was not in a great deal of pain and refused my pain medication, I did take ibuprofen though. I was home for six weeks, because my surgeon was unwilling to have me doing the heavy lifting, pushing and pulling which is part of my job, any sooner than that. As some of you might have noticed, I was not pleased with this, but in the end, I understand that it was in my best interest. When I returned to work, it was without any restrictions, and I had no difficulty doing my job. Thinker is correct, rest is good. I spent a great deal of time reading at first, and then started taking walks to help my "cabin fever." I continued to experience fatigue several months after I returned to work, it took awhile to get that anaesthesia out of my system. I actually listened to my surgeon and resumed working out, only after she cleared me to do so.

[Thinker]

The person who agreed to take care of me after my surgery backed out, so I didn't have anyone to care for me post-surgery. However my GP nurse made a few phone calls and arranged to have a visiting nurse check on me, and two meals delivered daily. He visited me once a week for the first three weeks, and was awesome. My mobility was unhindered, I just didn't want to raise my arms the first few days. It was very easy to change my dressings because I laid down in bed to do it. I was not in a great deal of pain and refused my pain medication, I did take ibuprofen though. I was home for six weeks, because my surgeon was unwilling to have me doing the heavy lifting, pushing and pulling which is part of my job, any sooner than that. As some of you might have noticed, I was not pleased with this, but in the end, I understand that it was in my best interest. When I returned to work, it was without any restrictions, and I had no difficulty doing my job. Thinker is correct, rest is good. I spent a great deal of time reading at first, and then started taking walks to help my "cabin fever." I continued to experience fatigue several months after I returned to work, it took awhile to get that anaesthesia out of my system. I actually listened to my surgeon and resumed working out, only after she cleared me to do so.

No kidding! I remember wishing I had returned to work for half-days for the first two weeks. After about 5 hours, I would hit a wall and was useless. :seeingstars:

[Logicaly]

I felt pretty limited with regard to mobility. I don't know how much of that was "real" and how much was me being extra careful because I didn't want to create a negative situation for myself.

Immediately after the surgery I felt very dependent on the friends who were helping me. After half a day or so, I was able to do pretty much everything for myself. Again, though, I didn't push it.....did little to nothing and let others help when they offered.

I wasn't in a great deal of pain. I was uncomfortable, of course, but the pain wasn't bad at all. And I don't recall having any issues with keeping things sanitary and clean, changing bandages, etc...

I suggest taking off as much time from work as possible, doing as little as possible, and just letting yourself rest, recover, and heal. Sleep is good.

:) My best...

Thank you. I intend to take a bit of time off work to recover. I was planning two weeks worth of time off, and then from there, working from home for awhile as well, but after reading what everyone has said, it seems like I might have to find a way to take more than that if possible. I have a desk job though, so fortunately, no lifting or anything of that nature, just typing on a computer.

I feel like there is a good chance that I will limit myself in terms of my own self conscious and worries about not wanting to hurt myself, or cause any issues.

I suggest you go back to the beginning of this thread and do some reading. I started this thread and asked a lot of questions and got a lot of input plus I was pretty good right away at documenting my recovery.

I think I was off for 7 to 8 weeks. I was an independent contractor and was able to take off during a slow part of the year.

I think the hardest part was the surface area of the scar is so big so during the healing process it did bug me some. More then most the surgeries I've had but it was more irritating then anything especially during the itchy stage of healing.

Thanks, I will certainly be reading back through this thread for sure to get any information, and advice from it that I can.

I am not looking forward to the itchy stage, that is for sure.

The person who agreed to take care of me after my surgery backed out, so I didn't have anyone to care for me post-surgery. However my GP nurse made a few phone calls and arranged to have a visiting nurse check on me, and two meals delivered daily. He visited me once a week for the first three weeks, and was awesome. My mobility was unhindered, I just didn't want to raise my arms the first few days. It was very easy to change my dressings because I laid down in bed to do it. I was not in a great deal of pain and refused my pain medication, I did take ibuprofen though. I was home for six weeks, because my surgeon was unwilling to have me doing the heavy lifting, pushing and pulling which is part of my job, any sooner than that. As some of you might have noticed, I was not pleased with this, but in the end, I understand that it was in my best interest. When I returned to work, it was without any restrictions, and I had no difficulty doing my job. Thinker is correct, rest is good. I spent a great deal of time reading at first, and then started taking walks to help my "cabin fever." I continued to experience fatigue several months after I returned to work, it took awhile to get that anaesthesia out of my system. I actually listened to my surgeon and resumed working out, only after she cleared me to do so.

I am sorry to hear that the person who had agreed to take care of you, bailed on you. I am fortunate that my partner will be around to take care of me when the time comes. That and since I am going to hopefully go with a local doctor, I will be able to stay within the comfort of my own home in the first few days as well.

I don't really get cabin fever, so I am fortunate in that regard. I will be perfectly happy to lay around in bed and watch movies all day, and play video games as I doze in and out of sleep.

[DapperButch]

I suggest you go back to the beginning of this thread and do some reading. I started this thread and asked a lot of questions and got a lot of input plus I was pretty good right away at documenting my recovery.



Ha, ha. I was going to say the same thing, but didn't want to appear rude (like you ...ha!) Sorry, Logicaly, there is a crap load of information on this thread Iit's like...the point of the whole thread), and honestly, to my knowledge every guy who has had this surgery on this site answered in this thread. I can only think of a couple who haven't who have verbalized other places on BFP or the dash site that they got it done.

Read through the whole thread and you may find you have some follow up questions for specific guys. I wrote non stop after I got it done. Pretty much the whole time I was healing. I was an annoyance all over the site at that time!

I don't believe that anyone on this thread (or site, to my knowledge), used Crane. I know this is who you are considering.

I have a "desk job". I did 2.5 weeks. I wish I would have done 3.

I'm glad things are looking good for you to get this done sooner rather than later.

[DapperButch]

Thank you Dapper! got an appointment with Lawton and I'm extremely excited to see what they offer. Thanks again!

Blaze, what happened at your appointment? I know it was a while ago.

[The Oopster]

Ha, ha. I was going to say the same thing, but didn't want to appear rude (like you ...ha!) Sorry, Logicaly, there is a crap load of information on this thread Iit's like...the point of the whole thread), and honestly, to my knowledge every guy who has had this surgery on this site answered in this thread. I can only think of a couple who haven't who have verbalized other places on BFP or the dash site that they got it done.

Read through the whole thread and you may find you have some follow up questions for specific guys. I wrote non stop after I got it done. Pretty much the whole time I was healing. I was an annoyance all over the site at that time!

I don't believe that anyone on this thread (or site, to my knowledge), used Crane. I know this is who you are considering.

I have a "desk job". I did 2.5 weeks. I wish I would have done 3.

I'm glad things are looking good for you to get this done sooner rather than later.

Originally I was going to repost stuff but then there was way too much.

I know I documented stuff immediately like the day after and two weeks after and i'm not sure after that cause I stopped reading. But I did it as it happened so it would be fresh. Cause honestly 5 years later I really don't remember. I know a lot of the people here even had theirs prior to me.

I personally don't usually like going back and reading things out of laziness but I went back and looked and there was just way too much info and good info to repost.

[DapperButch]

Originally I was going to repost stuff but then there was way too much.

I know I documented stuff immediately like the day after and two weeks after and i'm not sure after that cause I stopped reading. But I did it as it happened so it would be fresh. Cause honestly 5 years later I really don't remember. I know a lot of the people here even had theirs prior to me.

I personally don't usually like going back and reading things out of laziness but I went back and looked and there was just way too much info and good info to repost.

I was thinking the exact same thing (rewriting). I also thought about not remembering it all. I was just saying that to TF. It feels so long ago even though for me it was only a year and a half ago.

[DapperButch]

Logically, the only itchiness I had was from the tape Garramone uses on top of the bandages. I didn't have itchy incisions.

You should look on youtube for other guys who went to Crane to find out his post op instructions. You can't go by Brownstein. Brownstein used drains and Crane doesn't so he may have changed other things.

Do you know if Crane requires a surgical vest after bandage removal?

[Logicaly]

Logically, the only itchiness I had was from the tape Garramone uses on top of the bandages. I didn't have itchy incisions.

You should look on youtube for other guys who went to Crane to find out his post op instructions. You can't go by Brownstein. Brownstein used drains and Crane doesn't so he may have changed other things.

Do you know if Crane requires a surgical vest after bandage removal?

I am not sure if he does require a vest or not. I haven't read anything about that yet. I am just really starting to look into it now that I know my Financials will support it and we have a plan in place for it. I have seen some pictures of his work on trans bucket and it none of the guys said anything about the vests and their results have also looked awesome.

I am hoping to sit down some time this week and go through some videos guys have posted and start coming up with questions that I need to research and for the surgeon for when I schedule a consult.

I also just want to say that I appreciate what everyone has been posted. I do fully intend to go back and read the entire thread as I know a lot of you have documented your experience rather well. I just figured by asking again it would start the thread going again and invite new people that maybe haven't posted their experience yet to jump in and post too.

[The Oopster]

I am not sure if he does require a vest or not. I haven't read anything about that yet. I am just really starting to look into it now that I know my Financials will support it and we have a plan in place for it. I have seen some pictures of his work on trans bucket and it none of the guys said anything about the vests and their results have also looked awesome.

I am hoping to sit down some time this week and go through some videos guys have posted and start coming up with questions that I need to research and for the surgeon for when I schedule a consult.

I also just want to say that I appreciate what everyone has been posted. I do fully intend to go back and read the entire thread as I know a lot of you have documented your experience rather well. I just figured by asking again it would start the thread going again and invite new people that maybe haven't posted their experience yet to jump in and post too.

Voloshin had a binder, just one of those wrap around ones, that they supplied and was on following surgeryl

[Liam]

Voloshin had a binder, just one of those wrap around ones, that they supplied and was on following surgeryl

Dr. Kim gave me an order for a surgical binder, and I walked down to Supply at General, and picked it up, taking it with me to the hospital, the morning of my procedure. It was the softest, nicest binder I have ever worn; it was from a plastic surgery supply place, I don't remember the brand name.

[DapperButch]

If you are thinking about getting top surgery, or have gotten top surgery, please fill out this survey. It is data being collected by micah who has the neutrois.me It will be good to have this data.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1JS69Qk-tyZEWeR73rTM6YuKTI3xKxTBgjjMEKGwdiI4/viewform

[cathexis]

Need some advice about my upcoming appt. with a plastic/reconstruction surgeon within the next couple of weeks. Anyone have any advice of do/don'ts during the interview/examination?

As it gets closer, I get more frightened. Have this weird sense that my life depends on the appointment. It's silly, but that's how I'm feeling. I'm all shaky with my BP elevating.

Anyone know this feeling?

[DapperButch]

Need some advice about my upcoming appt. with a plastic/reconstruction surgeon within the next couple of weeks. Anyone have any advice of do/don'ts during the interview/examination?

As it gets closer, I get more frightened. Have this weird sense that my life depends on the appointment. It's silly, but that's how I'm feeling. I'm all shaky with my BP elevating.

Anyone know this feeling?

First question is to ask them how many top surgeries they have done. Make them separate out double incision versus peri/key hole method.

As them who trained them (hopefully a surgeon who's specialty is trans surgeries).

I am going to assume you are getting double incision.

I would ask them what size areolas they make. Old standard method is the size of an nickel...surgeons would literally draw around a nickel in the surgery. I personally have seen that when areolas are left too large (for my taste), it detracts from the look of the chest. I see "female", no matter what the chest looks like. It seems to me that the less experienced surgeons leave them too large (beyond the "nickel" size). I went to Garramone in Florida who makes them the size of a dime. They also stretch out. Ask to see photos and then tell them what you think of the size.

Ask if they do free revisions. This would mean not paying for the surgeons fee, but still would pay for the other costs of surgery. However, I am thinking you are using Medicare and/or Medicaid, so I don't know how it would fit into this. I paid out of pocket.

I think your emotional response is completely normal. For us with dysphoria, after the idea of having no breasts comes closer, we realize how important a male chest is to us. I hear this from a lot of trans people when they get closer to their surgeries. Often they (and I felt this way), have excessive worries something will go wrong and they won't be able to have the surgery that day.

Keep us updated!

[cathexis]

Thanks Dapper,
Your note has helped me calm down a bit, but still bouncing off the walls. No one knows anything about this guy. He took the place of a surgeon who had quit. My TG/IM/Primary Care doc said he has heard good things about him. Plan to approach this the way I do most other things...as a skeptic and a cynic. Will let you about the appointment on Monday night. Thanks for the empathetic, calming words. They do help.
cathexis

[cathexis]

Thanks Dapper,
Your note has helped me calm down a bit, but still bouncing off the walls. No one knows anything about this guy. He took the place of a surgeon who had quit. My TG/IM/Primary Care doc said he has heard good things about him. Plan to approach this the way I do most other things...as a skeptic and a cynic. Will let you about the appointment on Monday night. Thanks for the empathetic, calming words. They do help.
cathexis

Sorry, it took Saturday for me to get back. The doc is older with a very laid back, but knowledgeable demeanor. He seems like he has done a fair amount of plastic/reconstructive surgery with experience in trans. surgery ... top surgery at least. Sue and I perused his certificates on the wall, and were happy with his credentials.

Had pictures taken at various angles. He examined me, and questioned about how long I had been thinking about and why. I have a follow up in a month when he has all the WPATH documentation.

Will keep you posted, but I'm really excited about this surgery and the surgeon.

[homoe]

Sorry, it took Saturday for me to get back. The doc is older with a very laid back, but knowledgeable demeanor. He seems like he has done a fair amount of plastic/reconstructive surgery with experience in trans. surgery ... top surgery at least. Sue and I perused his certificates on the wall, and were happy with his credentials.

Had pictures taken at various angles. He examined me, and questioned about how long I had been thinking about and why. I have a follow up in a month when he has all the WPATH documentation.

Will keep you posted, but am

Good to hear! Thanks for posting and keeping us up to date.

[DapperButch]

Sorry, it took Saturday for me to get back. The doc is older with a very laid back, but knowledgeable demeanor. He seems like he has done a fair amount of plastic/reconstructive surgery with experience in trans. surgery ... top surgery at least. Sue and I perused his certificates on the wall, and were happy with his credentials.

Had pictures taken at various angles. He examined me, and questioned about how long I had been thinking about and why. I have a follow up in a month when he has all the WPATH documentation.

Will keep you posted, but I'm really excited about this surgery and the surgeon.

I'm glad you felt good with him. You mentioned "a fair amount of plastic/reconstructive surgery with experience in trans. surgery" I am not sure what that means. Did you ask him directly how many top surgeries he has done? Did you ask to see pictures of his work?

[cathexis]

I'm glad you felt good with him. You mentioned "a fair amount of plastic/reconstructive surgery with experience in trans. surgery" I am not sure what that means. Did you ask him directly how many top surgeries he has done? Did you ask to see pictures of his work?

Did ask to see photos. He wanted the medical records (even though I brought some of them with me) before going into specifics. He was especially interested in getting the WPATH documentation, probably because I don't look very masculine.

This is our first meeting. Perhaps, he thought it might be an impulsive decision. Not sure his rationale for waiting to discuss the specific surgery (like 2 incision vs keyhole, when I'm obviously not a candidate for the latter). Appreciate his need to be certain , but a bit worried about how far into the summer I'll be healing if he waits too long. Don't tolerate summer as it is.

[DapperButch]

Did ask to see photos. He wanted the medical records (even though I brought some of them with me) before going into specifics. He was especially interested in getting the WPATH documentation, probably because I don't look very masculine.

This is our first meeting. Perhaps, he thought it might be an impulsive decision. Not sure his rationale for waiting to discuss the specific surgery (like 2 incision vs keyhole, when I'm obviously not a candidate for the latter). Appreciate his need to be certain , but a bit worried about how far into the summer I'll be healing if he waits too long. Don't tolerate summer as it is.

So did he show you any photos (you only said you asked)?

Did you ask him how many top surgeries he has done?

Did you ask him where/who trained him in top surgery?

I know you said that he replaced someone. Is he there specifically to do trans surgeries, or he just inherited this role from this last surgeon?

Based on the fact that he doesn't know anything about WPATH and didn't immediately start talking about double incision (your chest is larger than a small B with no droop to your breasts, right?), concerns me.

I'm sure he is a good surgeon. He might be an excellent plastic surgeon. What matters is if he is an excellent (or good) top surgeon. The question is if he had any training in top surgery and how many times he has done it.

I think you live in Michigan? I assume you have Medicare. You can go to the University of Michigan.

http://www.uofmhealth.org/conditions-treatments/transgender-services

Since Medicare is a federal insurance, you can use it anywhere. Transgender health programs are popping up at all the University hospitals and they take Medicare.

It's true that every surgeon who does top surgery has to start somewhere. The question is if he had any training in it. I have seen too many guys in such distress over their results when using a non-seasoned top surgeon. I know travel is costly, but it might be worth it.

Yet, with all this said, there are many guys who don't care about how "good" it looks and just "want them off". There is nothing wrong with that, either.

[cathexis]

Guess I was a bit worried in the office. He told me the WPATH documentation he needed before going any further. You wrote that it concerned you when he seemed unfamiliar with WPATH. Please explain.

Didn't ask the questions you recommended, He seemed reluctant to discuss it any more in depth before receiving the WPATH and other medical records? Will print out the list for Jan. visit. Do many plastic surgeons take telephone questions?

You mentioned that you were familiar with other medical centers. I live in NY way up near Montreal, Canada. The closest large US cities are Burlington Vermont (3 hrs.) and Albany New York (5-6 hrs) . Yes, I truly live in the boondocks of a small dairy town. Don't ask how or why this Chicagoan got stuck here. I'll tell you sometime, if you're curious.

Thanks for all the advice. I'd be lost without it.
Btw, do you know of any trans support groups in either city. We are saving up for Albany, though.

[DapperButch]

Guess I was a bit worried in the office. He told me the WPATH documentation he needed before going any further. You wrote that it concerned you when he seemed unfamiliar with WPATH. Please explain.

Didn't ask the questions you recommended, He seemed reluctant to discuss it any more in depth before receiving the WPATH and other medical records? Will print out the list for Jan. visit. Do many plastic surgeons take telephone questions?

You mentioned that you were familiar with other medical centers. I live in NY way up near Montreal, Canada. The closest large US cities are Burlington Vermont (3 hrs.) and Albany New York (5-6 hrs) . Yes, I truly live in the boondocks of a small dairy town. Don't ask how or why this Chicagoan got stuck here. I'll tell you sometime, if you're curious.

Thanks for all the advice. I'd be lost without it.
Btw, do you know of any trans support groups in either city. We are saving up for Albany, though.

I'm sorry, I assumed you knew what WPATH was. WPATH informs the Standards of Care (medical care) for trans people. It is where all things spring when it comes to care for trans people. I looked back and I can't tell from your post if he had never heard of WPATH, or just wanted a letter from your therapist.

http://www.wpath.org/

Why are you saving for Albany?

I have to be honest with you. The number of people doing top surgeries have increased quite a bit in the last few years and I have not kept up with them. I could talk to you about bottom surgeons all day long, but not top surgeons.

I found this, however:

http://www.topsurgery.net/surgeons/medicare.htm

I would not assume all of these people still take Medicare and I would not assume that this list is up to date. There are probably more surgeons who take Medicare. I can tell you that Berverly Fischer no longer take Medicare.

Call your closest University hospital and see if they have a surgical trans health program. If they do, you can be pretty sure they will take your Medicare. It will be harder to find a private practitioner who takes Medicare since they pay so poorly.

Are you on FB? If so, the best thing you can do is join a top surgery FB group and the guys there will have everything you need to know. I can find out the name of the "main one", if you want. I bet that within one post of giving your location someone there can tell you the closest person to you who will take Medicare.

With all that said, it seems that you haven't asked the questions you need to ask your current provider in order to rule him out. But, his reluctance to discuss is a huge red flag. Why wouldn't a trans provider assume you would ask how many surgeries he has done and to ask to see pictures? YOU are the consumer. He is providing the service. I can't help but wonder if he has only done a couple and doesn't have any pictures. Anyway, I wouldn't move any further with this guy if he didn't answer these questions to my satisfaction. Don't let him intimidate you.

Remember, you want a surgeon who specializes, or at least has some decent experience in doing FTM top surgeries. Nothing else matters. Trans people often feel like they have to take crumbs. That we should be thankful that there is someone out there who will do our surgeries. Well, guess what? Shit has changed and there are now qualified people who will do them, who care about our community and want to do them. Unfortunately, some trans people still don't have a choice, based on their location, and that sucks (no money for travel). Insurance is often a sticking point, too. However, don't feel that you have to accept this provider without at least getting some of your questions answered to your satisfaction. With all of this said, I am not saying that one shouldn't accept a provider who is new to it and is eager to learn...sometimes that is the best you can get. Just DON'T forget to ask about free revisions. Do all your research about other providers before you next appt. with him so you know your options going in.

Good luck.

[cathexis]

The doc is affiliated with U Vermont, Montpelier (capital city). They have an active youth trans program. At least they are familiar with the care. Went to the Jan. appt. It was just a check in to tell me that everyone (therapist, surgeon) appeared to be onboard.

It lasted about 20 mins. He knows that I live 3 hrs. away. Every appt costs 100 dollars in out of pocket expenses that I don't think can be re-cooped. Next (hopefully last pre-op) hoop is that Anesthesia wants cardiac and IM clearance based on my medical hx before surgery.

He wants to see me again after getting that. Will call the office to see if we can Skype that visit. Really not thrilled about spending 6 hrs and the cost for a 20 min visit.

[Bard]

OK guys seriously now thinking about top surgery and do plan on talking with my endo on the next visit the binder is just a pain at times and even though being not um a lot I mean I can go with out but I just am getting to a stage where I am self conscious
I am also getting cysts from binding ugg most likely be able to do the keyhole just so much and well I am nervous so thought ??

[DapperButch]

OK guys seriously now thinking about top surgery and do plan on talking with my endo on the next visit the binder is just a pain at times and even though being not um a lot I mean I can go with out but I just am getting to a stage where I am self conscious
I am also getting cysts from binding ugg most likely be able to do the keyhole just so much and well I am nervous so thought ??

Hi, Bard.

I am not sure what you are asking? I have never heard of someone getting cysts from a binder, so I would check that out.

You mentioned keyhole. The most internationally known/respected keyhole/peri areola surgeon is Beverly Fischer in Timonium, MD (close to Baltimore). Unfortunately, she no longer takes insurance. Her double incision is $9,500. I don't know what her keyhole/peri is, but it would be a bit more than the DI. She is also an amazing person. Has been doing top surgery since the 1990's.

Many guys think they can get keyhole who really can't. If there is any droop to your breast, you should plan on it not being a suggested procedure.

Also, I didn't know you were on testosterone. I didn't see it posted anywhere. Can I ask when you started? Congratulations.

I would suggest before you get super excited about a top surgeon that if you have trans health insurance that you call your insurance company first to see who is in-network. Hopefully, they won't have ANY providers and then you will have your pick of the litter (as long as your preferred surgeon is willing to work with your insurance).

[nhplowboi]

I am wondering if anyone knows much about Dr. Melissa Johnson? I would rather go to Dr. Garramone but would have to arrange time away from home if I choose him. Johnson is a short car ride away.

[Bard]

Hi, Bard.

I am not sure what you are asking? I have never heard of someone getting cysts from a binder, so I would check that out.

You mentioned keyhole. The most internationally known/respected keyhole/peri areola surgeon is Beverly Fischer in Timonium, MD (close to Baltimore). Unfortunately, she no longer takes insurance. Her double incision is $9,500. I don't know what her keyhole/peri is, but it would be a bit more than the DI. She is also an amazing person. Has been doing top surgery since the 1990's.

Many guys think they can get keyhole who really can't. If there is any droop to your breast, you should plan on it not being a suggested procedure.

Also, I didn't know you were on testosterone. I didn't see it posted anywhere. Can I ask when you started? Congratulations.

I would suggest before you get super excited about a top surgeon that if you have trans health insurance that you call your insurance company first to see who is in-network. Hopefully, they won't have ANY providers and then you will have your pick of the litter (as long as your preferred surgeon is willing to work with your insurance).

Thanks Dapper been on for over a year now and taking my time with this as I do, yeah I had cyst before that was removed and when I had started feeling some pain and such had my doc check she feels small cyst but test came back clear soo just thinking this is the next or best step for me in the information gathering stage right now and will talk to my endo she had mentioned some surgeons in the area she works with for the trans community here for when and or if I wanted any being small if you will and no drop so I guess we will see I just want to make sure this is the best thing as it has been on my mind a lot thought I would reach out honestly I think it is all part of the processes that each goes through when becoming

[DapperButch]

I am wondering if anyone knows much about Dr. Melissa Johnson? I would rather go to Dr. Garramone but would have to arrange time away from home if I choose him. Johnson is a short car ride away.

Melissa Johnson is very good and carries a great reputation in the community. Check out transbucket.org for pictures of her work.

I assume you know you would only have to stay for 7 days in FL if you went to Garramone, right?

[DapperButch]

Bard,

I don't know if you have read my extensive ramblings to cathexis, but one thing I listed was this site: http://www.topsurgery.net/

It will give you a solid foundation when starting the process of looking into top surgery.

I forget to tell you that when you contact your insurance company for providers, you need to ask them to send you information on what is required for them to pay for your surgery. Look on your insurance website for trans health coverage which will also have the information.

Without a doubt both your insurance company and the surgeon will require at least one "letter" from a gender therapist saying that this surgery is medically necessary. Make sure that when you see said therapist that you give them a copy of what your insurance company wants in a letter and what the surgeon you have chosen wants in a letter. This way the therapist will make sure to have all of the information needed for both parties. Otherwise, you will find yourself returning for another letter.

If you don't have a gender therapist you can look for a gender therapist who will meet with you for an evaluation and write a letter for you. Usually this is out of pocket, rather than using insurance. Make sure you also find out the therapist credentials required for the insurance company and surgeon.

Let me know if I can help in any other way.

[kittygrrl]

i think top surgery is amazing..i am just not sure about the hormone therapy..dated a few guys in transition and ftm..nice guys but seemed unhappy..had a lot of fun with mtf, we sync..a lit experience

[DapperButch]

i think top surgery is amazing..i am just not sure about the hormone therapy..dated a few guys in transition and ftm..nice guys but seemed unhappy..had a lot of fun with mtf, we sync..a lit experience

Well, you are going to find unhappy people of every gender. I don't think that your sample of a "few guys" is statistically significant to determine the happiness of an entire population. :sunglass:

Typically, you see improvement in mood when someone begins hormone therapy. Their mood levels out since they are finally getting the hormone their body has been missing. That is why the 42% suicide attempt rate of trans people begins to decline when they begin medical transition. :)

[kittygrrl]

Well, you are going to find unhappy people of every gender. I don't think that your sample of a "few guys" is statistically significant to determine the happiness of an entire population. :sunglass:

Typically,

My sample, is part of my life and very meaningful. You can disagree Dapper but my experience is my experience. I'm telling you from a girl point of view. Most couples i knew broke up, because transition put stresses on their relationships. Of course this is years ago and maybe it's better now. Unhappy was never meant to imply suicidal and since I was never deeply involved, my dates didn't share their issues. also..

btw the top surgery i saw about 20 years ago was top notch, beautiful work, very little scarring. This was in the PNW.

[cathexis]

Thanks Dapper been on for over a year now and taking my time with this as I do, yeah I had cyst before that was removed and when I had started feeling some pain and such had my doc check she feels small cyst but test came back clear soo just thinking this is the next or best step for me in the information gathering stage right now and will talk to my endo she had mentioned some surgeons in the area she works with for the trans community here for when and or if I wanted any being small if you will and no drop so I guess we will see I just want to make sure this is the best thing as it has been on my mind a lot thought I would reach out honestly I think it is all part of the processes that each goes through when becoming
Years ago, wish that my doc had made such a recommendation when a solid cyst was found. Instead it was determined as benign based on an in surgery pathological eval. I had signed consents for mass removal, subtotal mastectomy, or radical mastectomy. Sure wish I'd had a pick one from column A, then one resolution from column B. Let's see...no cancer...subtotal mastectomy.

Too bad life doesn't work like that.

Wish I could choose binder vs surgery; instead,

I've basically got renal failure vs relief from gender dysphoria
OR
Heart problems vs feeling better about my body

If you're younger, I'd look really close at surgery as an option.

Turning back the clock is not an option later.

Instead, many must put Justice's blindfold on and weigh the best you can

[nhplowboi]

Thanks for the info Dapper, I will check out transbucket. Unfortunately, a week away from the store and farm would take tremendous planning. Melissa Johnson is very good and carries a great reputation in the community. Check out transbucket.org for pictures of her work.

I assume you know you would only have to stay for 7 days in FL if you went to Garramone, right?

[candy_coated_bitch]

Thanks for the info Dapper, I will check out transbucket. Unfortunately, a week away from the store and farm would take tremendous planning.

I've seen Johnson's work up close and personal with two friends who went to her. I saw them imediately after surgery and through the healing process and I would highly recommend her. She was great, the results were great, and both friends were thrilled with their results.

If time away from the store is a concern, I would say go to Johnson. As an outsider. Hope it's ok I posted in this thread.

[DapperButch]

Thanks for the info Dapper, I will check out transbucket. Unfortunately, a week away from the store and farm would take tremendous planning.

I hear you. As CCB said, Johnson does good work. You will be in good hands. I would definitely set up a consult and you can see how she "feels" to you. She will also have pictures of her work. Of course, surgeons always have their best pictures, but that is why transbucket is such a good resource.

I have always thought that Johnson had done quality work, but years ago she used different incision lines, instead of cutting under the pec muscles, which is the standard with the double incision method. Since we just simply cannot get away from scaring, the scars were more noticeable for those who have the ability/choose to, build up their pecs that can hide the scars somewhat.

I know you have been thinking about this for a long time/planning this. Good luck to you.

[Dean Thoreau]

Hey all,
Back in January I had to get a mammogram prior to top surgery simple right.
My schedule was like this start T appx Jan 15

Get top surgery April
Get lower removal surgery April

Well I went and got a mammogram , two days later they call I need a more detailed one....ok cool prolly a cyst.
Well long story short it wasn’t a cyst
So schedule had to be adjusted:
Lumpectomy, so I did that and in one day I had appt to return visit surgeon and endocrinologist.....
Endocrin refuses to start the T said see your surgeon... long story short cancer....
sooo now it’s other breast testing, radiation, genetic testing,
Well of which needed to be done b4 top surgery and a vacation to Italy in March.
So had all the basics and then was faced with a decision full bilateral mastectomy..... or take tamoxifen for 3 years and no T

Genetic testing came back verified what I already knew

Two weeks ago I had a bilateral mastectomy and a complete hysterectomy and three lymph nodes removed in arm pit area at same time. All pathology reports are in and all is clear no cancer no possibility of “female cancer since everything is gone”. Every 6 months I will get a ct scan.
Tomorrow I start T

Now this is not what I planned.... but it is all working out.... in about 6 months the plastic surgeon will do top surgery and contour and I will get tattooed on nipples for the look.

Right now hi am getting accustomed from going from a DDD to nothing but a swollen strip with stitches from armpit to armpit...
So I pass sort of.... next week I start speech therapy to teach me how to maintain my voice in the lower octave range as well as fine tune male word inflection. So as the T takes hold and the facial hair and voice goes even lower than it is already... I’m prepared sort of
I’m 65 and doing this and tomorrow my adult kids and the grands are throwing me a Happy T Day. Party

Why am I scared and doubting myself after all this ?

[DapperButch]

Hey all,
Back in January I had to get a mammogram prior to top surgery simple right.
My schedule was like this start T appx Jan 15

Get top surgery April
Get lower removal surgery April

Well I went and got a mammogram , two days later they call I need a more detailed one....ok cool prolly a cyst.
Well long story short it wasn’t a cyst
So schedule had to be adjusted:
Lumpectomy, so I did that and in one day I had appt to return visit surgeon and endocrinologist.....
Endocrin refuses to start the T said see your surgeon... long story short cancer....
sooo now it’s other breast testing, radiation, genetic testing,
Well of which needed to be done b4 top surgery and a vacation to Italy in March.
So had all the basics and then was faced with a decision full bilateral mastectomy..... or take tamoxifen for 3 years and no T

Genetic testing came back verified what I already knew

Two weeks ago I had a bilateral mastectomy and a complete hysterectomy and three lymph nodes removed in arm pit area at same time. All pathology reports are in and all is clear no cancer no possibility of “female cancer since everything is gone”. Every 6 months I will get a ct scan.
Tomorrow I start T

Now this is not what I planned.... but it is all working out.... in about 6 months the plastic surgeon will do top surgery and contour and I will get tattooed on nipples for the look.

Right now hi am getting accustomed from going from a DDD to nothing but a swollen strip with stitches from armpit to armpit...
So I pass sort of.... next week I start speech therapy to teach me how to maintain my voice in the lower octave range as well as fine tune male word inflection. So as the T takes hold and the facial hair and voice goes even lower than it is already... I’m prepared sort of
I’m 65 and doing this and tomorrow my adult kids and the grands are throwing me a Happy T Day. Party

Why am I scared and doubting myself after all this ?

Wow, you have been through a lot!

Sorry about the cancer. :( It was hard for me to understand what you were saying, but I think you are done with radiation?

Good luck with your top surgery. I know a guy that had to get mastectomy due to genetic testing. The surgeon was supposed to make his chest more male looking, but he did not. It was a horrible situation, and clear transphobia. He is going to go to a top surgeon now that he has trans health care.

Is your insurance paying for voice therapy? That is very unusual.

Make sure you use a medical tattoo artist for your areola/nipples

It isn't unusual for someone to doubt themselves before going on T. However, you have been through a hell of a lot. I know that you decided to go on T prior to all this stuff hapenning. However, it certainly wouldn't be a bad thing to give yourself a breather before you get started on T.

Just a thought.

[Dean Thoreau]

I am pretty lucky where I live, I have penn medicine which is a great nonphobic place. Even non gender bathrooms.

The speech therapy is paid for by insurance since it is part of my treatment for my diagnosed condition of gender dysphoria.
I met one plastic surgeon and I thought he was just an asshole so I.met with another and he is great so we are just counting days and pounds if I can drop about 40 or so pounds then with the contouring I will also get some stomach work done.. since the internal material needed for top is coming from the gut..
I also moved back to pa from nj because of the better medical care and thanks to Obamacare care the insurance is affordable.
Also I am a vet, and if the va can not provide a needed service then they send to civilian... and of course I say send me to penn medicine and get the needed treatment.

This starting T stuff is a bit unnerving for me, it’s weird I am looking forward to greater hair growth on face, I already have a deep voice, but for 40 years have thrown the voice higher to more easily be acknowledged as female... I really got tired of being met by police outside the ladies room doors.

Well in 2 hours I get T, for so many years I have waited for this...wanted it, now I am in the Countdown and honestly have no idea if I am going to go thru with it and get the first shot and the rx. Guess I will know when I know... dean

[Gemme]

Dean, good luck with whatever choice you make for yourself.

[DapperButch]

I am pretty lucky where I live, I have penn medicine which is a great nonphobic place. Even non gender bathrooms.

The speech therapy is paid for by insurance since it is part of my treatment for my diagnosed condition of gender dysphoria.
I met one plastic surgeon and I thought he was just an asshole so I.met with another and he is great so we are just counting days and pounds if I can drop about 40 or so pounds then with the contouring I will also get some stomach work done.. since the internal material needed for top is coming from the gut..
I also moved back to pa from nj because of the better medical care and thanks to Obamacare care the insurance is affordable.
Also I am a vet, and if the va can not provide a needed service then they send to civilian... and of course I say send me to penn medicine and get the needed treatment.

This starting T stuff is a bit unnerving for me, it’s weird I am looking forward to greater hair growth on face, I already have a deep voice, but for 40 years have thrown the voice higher to more easily be acknowledged as female... I really got tired of being met by police outside the ladies room doors.

Well in 2 hours I get T, for so many years I have waited for this...wanted it, now I am in the Countdown and honestly have no idea if I am going to go thru with it and get the first shot and the rx. Guess I will know when I know... dean

Hi, Dean.
I hope you are comfortable with whatever decision you made today.
I don’t live in PA but I live near the area. I am curious to know who your top surgeon is. Since you mentioned a male being an “asshole”, I am going to assume you saw Dr Leis. He is a misogynistic jerk, yet does fine work. The thing about him though, is that he has no idea. And supposedly all of the women who go to him find him to be very kind and caring.
I work in the trans health care field and have worked with all the major insurance companies. I am also very involved with the trans community nationally. This the first time I have heard of an insurance company paying for voice therapy for a FTM billed under a “Gender Dysphoria” diagnosis. I know of one person who had it approved under “hoarseness”, because he is a teacher. I have only known of one company who has paid for voice therapy for a female under Gender DyphoriA
Are you sure they are using the ICD-10 code for Gender Dysphoria (F64.1) for your voice therapy? You mentioned Obamacare, so I assume this is your insurance. Who is the
carrier? Or is the voice therapy under TriCare?

Would you mind asking your voice therapist what code they are using to bill? I interface with a lot of trans people and it would be helpful. Insurance companies are still not following WPATH standards and voice therapy is so very important for many MTF individuals.
Thank you for your help.

[Dean Thoreau]

I love my kids, my 30 yr old daughter picked me up we went to the endocrin, by the time we got there her and I were laughing and joking so much I was calm and ready. So I got my first T shot.... a tiny amount... but a shot. I handed them the papers that instructed male pronouns and name to call me tho they can change my name on records they will Call me the name
After that daughter took me for a haircut and then returned in time for the T DAY PARTY. 😀😀😀

Hey Dapper,
The first plastic surgeon I saw was Joshua do’s not, penn med, very excellent surgeon but a bit of an asshole egotist. And just a real condescending jerk; so after I left the appt I talked to a few docs and got a referral to Dr Au another fine plastic reconstruction surgeon at penn med who has a good amount of sensitivity, trans experience, and I trust him. The speech therapist office I am going to is penn medicine on at the good shepherd location, it took my choice person 2 weeks to find a qualified person. Actually I asked my VA PRIMARY DOC and Va psych person who did my trans psych profile for a speech referral and I cited about 20 different reasons as to why it was necessary. So the VA said yes but since they don’t have a qualified spec they gave me vet choice I said penn med... so then the va makes aptmt with the civilian doc and they pay the costs. Penn med is great for vets and all docs under penn med accept the vet choice payment schedule
I have my speech aptmt may 4 so can give u more info after that. That worth standards book has great info and I quote from it frequently... if u private msg me I will try to find a copy of my notes and justifications I used to get the referral. And what to emphasize. Passing with appropriate voice is major important due to rest rooms and the danger associated ...
ok so dapper I just looked in mirror and my chin hair growth hasn’t increased..... 🙃🙃🙃 damn wanted to start waxing my beard ( joke, I know it will take a bit, my kids have a pool going as to when the beard and mustache is visible from 10 feet away)

[Reach *BANNED*]

I can feel the joy in your heart when you write Dean. Congratulations!!

(hope this was ok to put here)

[DapperButch]

I love my kids, my 30 yr old daughter picked me up we went to the endocrin, by the time we got there her and I were laughing and joking so much I was calm and ready. So I got my first T shot.... a tiny amount... but a shot. I handed them the papers that instructed male pronouns and name to call me tho they can change my name on records they will Call me the name
After that daughter took me for a haircut and then returned in time for the T DAY PARTY. 😀😀😀

Hey Dapper,
The first plastic surgeon I saw was Joshua do’s not, penn med, very excellent surgeon but a bit of an asshole egotist. And just a real condescending jerk; so after I left the appt I talked to a few docs and got a referral to Dr Au another fine plastic reconstruction surgeon at penn med who has a good amount of sensitivity, trans experience, and I trust him. The speech therapist office I am going to is penn medicine on at the good shepherd location, it took my choice person 2 weeks to find a qualified person. Actually I asked my VA PRIMARY DOC and Va psych person who did my trans psych profile for a speech referral and I cited about 20 different reasons as to why it was necessary. So the VA said yes but since they don’t have a qualified spec they gave me vet choice I said penn med... so then the va makes aptmt with the civilian doc and they pay the costs. Penn med is great for vets and all docs under penn med accept the vet choice payment schedule
I have my speech aptmt may 4 so can give u more info after that. That worth standards book has great info and I quote from it frequently... if u private msg me I will try to find a copy of my notes and justifications I used to get the referral. And what to emphasize. Passing with appropriate voice is major important due to rest rooms and the danger associated ...
ok so dapper I just looked in mirror and my chin hair growth hasn’t increased..... 🙃🙃🙃 damn wanted to start waxing my beard ( joke, I know it will take a bit, my kids have a pool going as to when the beard and mustache is visible from 10 feet away)

Dean, I am glad things went well with your shot and that you have a supportive family. What dose did they put you on?

You might want to consider going with a trans surgeon for your surgery. I would strongly suggest this. There are two surgeries in your area that have surely done well over 100 surgeries. I can't suggest this strongly enough.

Your two options of trans surgeons in the Philadelphia area that take insurance are Dr. Kathryn Rumer and Dr. Leis. Most prefer Dr. Rumer. She also does well with larger guys. You can see pictures of both of their work at transbucket.org. You might want to visit topsurgery.net. You can also visit their websites. I have seen two many guys go to surgeons who have some experience and have poor surgeries, only to seek out actual trans surgeons to revise their surgeries.

Since you go through the VA I assume the insurance you are using is Tricare. Is this correct? Is Tricare your primary insurance and Obamacare (the health care marketplace), is your secondary that picks up the copay?

If so, Tricare would have been the insurance to authorize voice therapy, and again, that would be useful to know. Trans people have attempted to justify voice therapy for years and it has never come to fruition. I am wondering if the key is your insurance. I don't know anyone who tried to get voice therapy paid for under Tricare. Thanks and congrats.

Oh, and 10 feet away may take a bit of time! lol

[Dean Thoreau]

Dapper,
First off Thank you those words are simple but really meant, your advise and assistance is helping me a lot. And I am most appreciative also jealous of your car,,, I miss my spyder more than I can say; and have been looking but trying to hold off till I get the legal name change and gender change on my legal docs and college transcripts. By August that shud be done.
With regard to T My beginning dose is very tiny, it will be increased every two weeks as long as the blood pressure stays under control. So I am at 25 and am doing weekly shots; I wanted the lowest possible to start... they were going to start at 50 per week which I knew was small. But I had wanted even smaller. The endocrin and I have been talking for months about this and at this stage being overly cautious is my rule of thumb. What’s a few months at real low doses and staging if it helps prevent heart attack etc. currently living in 4 diff heart meds and still watching the Bp hit high levels I really want to prevent any heart complications.
Dr Rumer , I met with her some time ago, she does her work at Hahnemann hospital... she just became the head of the trans program their. Truth is I was uncomfortable with her; and I am not fond of hanneman hospital, it’s a personal prejudice and bluntly its dirty And the staff is cranky.
I’ve seen au’s work he’s great, he was also in the or when I had the mastectomy to draw lines for my oncology surgeon so the cuts where done where needed for top work.
Dapper I am a disabled veteran and have use of va hospitals/ medical care. Any veteran that applies to the med center can get treatment there with or without service connection illness. I strongly recommend it. With a few newly implemented programs over the past couple years the VA has become more inclined to send folks out of the VA medical center for care to local specialists.
So when I approached the VA regarding my gender dysphoric issues and needs I made sure I had done the homework and research and had laid the groundwork.
I have found insurance companies and the VA are very responsive when the issue of passing and dangerous restroom situations are brought up and really pushed. Also the fact that for over 50 years I have been escorted or dragged out of a ladies room, more times than I can count on my digits. Also the vocal adjustment one does so one is not mistaken.... I raise the pitch of my voice for so long to try and reduce the yes sir,,, thing,, that lowering it just back to the normal speech octave is so difficult I need speech path assistance. Basically dap because the voice can in fact cause one not to pass and put a trans in physical danger the VA took quite seriously. Bluntly I point to places like North Carolina, and I show the “bathroom app” and say if I am in this location the info on this app says the safest unisex washroom is 6 miles away.... now at my age the washroom and time to get there does not include a 40 minute drive in the city. Etc etc etc
And I was approved, the VA doesn’t have a qualified speech therapist for my needs so they had to send me outside of the veterans administration health system.
I also knew penn med aka univ penn hospital had what I needed so I was helpful to them and told them where I could go.
��

[DapperButch]

Dapper,
First off Thank you those words are simple but really meant, your advise and assistance is helping me a lot. And I am most appreciative also jealous of your car,,, I miss my spyder more than I can say; and have been looking but trying to hold off till I get the legal name change and gender change on my legal docs and college transcripts. By August that shud be done.
With regard to T My beginning dose is very tiny, it will be increased every two weeks as long as the blood pressure stays under control. So I am at 25 and am doing weekly shots; I wanted the lowest possible to start... they were going to start at 50 per week which I knew was small. But I had wanted even smaller. The endocrin and I have been talking for months about this and at this stage being overly cautious is my rule of thumb. What’s a few months at real low doses and staging if it helps prevent heart attack etc. currently living in 4 diff heart meds and still watching the Bp hit high levels I really want to prevent any heart complications.
Dr Rumer , I met with her some time ago, she does her work at Hahnemann hospital... she just became the head of the trans program their. Truth is I was uncomfortable with her; and I am not fond of hanneman hospital, it’s a personal prejudice and bluntly its dirty And the staff is cranky.
I’ve seen au’s work he’s great, he was also in the or when I had the mastectomy to draw lines for my oncology surgeon so the cuts where done where needed for top work.
Dapper I am a disabled veteran and have use of va hospitals/ medical care. Any veteran that applies to the med center can get treatment there with or without service connection illness. I strongly recommend it. With a few newly implemented programs over the past couple years the VA has become more inclined to send folks out of the VA medical center for care to local specialists.
So when I approached the VA regarding my gender dysphoric issues and needs I made sure I had done the homework and research and had laid the groundwork.
I have found insurance companies and the VA are very responsive when the issue of passing and dangerous restroom situations are brought up and really pushed. Also the fact that for over 50 years I have been escorted or dragged out of a ladies room, more times than I can count on my digits. Also the vocal adjustment one does so one is not mistaken.... I raise the pitch of my voice for so long to try and reduce the yes sir,,, thing,, that lowering it just back to the normal speech octave is so difficult I need speech path assistance. Basically dap because the voice can in fact cause one not to pass and put a trans in physical danger the VA took quite seriously. Bluntly I point to places like North Carolina, and I show the “bathroom app” and say if I am in this location the info on this app says the safest unisex washroom is 6 miles away.... now at my age the washroom and time to get there does not include a 40 minute drive in the city. Etc etc etc
And I was approved, the VA doesn’t have a qualified speech therapist for my needs so they had to send me outside of the veterans administration health system.
I also knew penn med aka univ penn hospital had what I needed so I was helpful to them and told them where I could go.
��

I started on a very low dose of T too, so I hear you on that. I agree that UPenn is a good hospital. There is no question about that. In fact, I recently had some surgery there. Good luck with your top surgery. You shouldn't go with a surgeon you are uncomfortable with.
Trans people have been living dangerously for years when it comes to their voice, most pointedly trans women. Doctors saying it is a "medically necessary" or "making a case" does not work with insurance companies. If it is on their exclusion list, it is on their exclusion list. That is why I am so curious about you getting it covered. I am going to be with a group of trans health providers and surgeons over the next few days. I am going to find out if anyone else has heard of someone getting Tricare to cover voice therapy.

[SleepyButch]

I hopefully will be having top surgery at the end of May. I just got my insurance approval and am waiting for the surgery scheduler to get back to me so we can get the ball rolling. I'm so excited and cannot wait!

[DapperButch]

I hopefully will be having top surgery at the end of May. I just got my insurance approval and am waiting for the surgery scheduler to get back to me so we can get the ball rolling. I'm so excited and cannot wait!

Awesome and congrats! Who is your surgeon and how long is the usual wait time for them?

[SleepyButch]

Awesome and congrats! Who is your surgeon and how long is the usual wait time for them?

Thanks!! I'm seeing Scott Harris in Plano, TX. When I had the consult at the end of March, they said they were booking into April so hopefully I can still get end of May at this point.

[Dean Thoreau]

Dapper it’s not TriCare it is the veterans administration health system. Ck out va.gov and click on veteran health.
Also thru that site u can get the va book on trans care.
Any trans women vets tell em talk to me I will help them.

[Dean Thoreau]

I hopefully will be having top surgery at the end of May. I just got my insurance approval and am waiting for the surgery scheduler to get back to me so we can get the ball rolling. I'm so excited and cannot wait!



I wish u great success Sleepy Butch!

Once the drains r gone life is easier....
My daughters made little pouches I could put on a belt put drains in and then could walk and shower easier... and a tad privately

[SleepyButch]

I wish u great success Sleepy Butch!

Once the drains r gone life is easier....
My daughters made little pouches I could put on a belt put drains in and then could walk and shower easier... and a tad privately

Luckily enough, they don't use drains. The compression garment is what is going to drive me to drink but I understand it's necessary lol. Thanks for the well wishes!

[Dean Thoreau]

Lucky u!!!! In 6 months I will get my second half of top surgery....had to do in 2 parts....also working to get some weight off so my beer gut will look more like a case instead of a barrel... I gave up on a 6 pack years ago.

[DapperButch]

Luckily enough, they don't use drains. The compression garment is what is going to drive me to drink but I understand it's necessary lol. Thanks for the well wishes!

Yes, the drains are not fun. But, the idea of all that blood, tissue, etc., being absorbed into my body grosses me out! ;)

Having not heard of Scott Harris and the fact that you are getting in so quickly gave me pause. Usually one waits over 6 months - 1 year for top surgery when you are dealing with a good surgeon.

I checked out his site. Although surgeons always put up there best work, it is pretty obvious that he really knows what he is doing. He has a good amount of pictures up and you can see how he adjusts his incisions deftly, based on body type.

I know that you had a breast reduction before. I assume that you had incisions under the breasts? Are you getting DI? If so, does he plan to just follow those incision scars?

[SleepyButch]

Yes, the drains are not fun. But, the idea of all that blood, tissue, etc., being absorbed into my body grosses me out! ;)

Having not heard of Scott Harris and the fact that you are getting in so quickly gave me pause. Usually one waits over 6 months - 1 year for top surgery when you are dealing with a good surgeon.

I checked out his site. Although surgeons always put up there best work, it is pretty obvious that he really knows what he is doing. He has a good amount of pictures up and you can see how he adjusts his incisions deftly, based on body type.

I know that you had a breast reduction before. I assume that you had incisions under the breasts? Are you getting DI? If so, does he plan to just follow those incision scars?

Yes, I have incisions under my breasts and they will be doing DI and following those scars.

[SleepyButch]

Lucky u!!!! In 6 months I will get my second half of top surgery....had to do in 2 parts....also working to get some weight off so my beer gut will look more like a case instead of a barrel... I gave up on a 6 pack years ago.

Lol, I'm with you on that.. my beer gut... objects are larger than they appear once you have Top surgery.

[Dean Thoreau]

Lol, I'm with you on that.. my beer gut... objects are larger than they appear once you have Top surgery.

Omg yeah..... I am in shock , I haven’t been able to look down and see anything other than ........ till the top surgery part1( aka mastectomy)
Now I look down and say holy crap where did that come from and no wonder the trouser waists have been getting tighter and tighter and tighter.

[cathexis]

Been worried about how my core will look after the
top surgery removing size DD beasts. Got a beer gut too
even though don't drink beer, in fact hate the stuff. Am
sure gut will look like a mountain.

Will be glad to get the breasts gone, though. I am waiting
for Internal Med. and Cardio. clearance then my surgeon is
ready to schedule the case. Probably be done 1 month later.

Dapper, got a question after reading about guy's drains. My
surgeon told me there would no liposuction. Does that mean
there will be "dog ears" automatically?

[DapperButch]

Been worried about how my core will look after the
top surgery removing size DD beasts. Got a beer gut too
even though don't drink beer, in fact hate the stuff. Am
sure gut will look like a mountain.

Will be glad to get the breasts gone, though. I am waiting
for Internal Med. and Cardio. clearance then my surgeon is
ready to schedule the case. Probably be done 1 month later.

Dapper, got a question after reading about guy's drains. My
surgeon told me there would no liposuction. Does that mean
there will be "dog ears" automatically?

No, it does not automatically mean you will have dog ears. Dog ears most often occur due to surgeon inexperience/lack of skill. Some dog ear procedures can be taken care of in the surgeon's office and you should also ask if revisions are free. People should ask that at the time of their consult.

You will see some grossly overweight guys have fat on the sides of their chest, which they call dog ears. However, this is actually back fat and a different procedure would need to be done.

Regarding liposuction, I was just at a trans live surgical training this past week. One of this morning's live surgeries was double incision top surgery. Dr. Bluebond-Langner was saying that she never uses lipo when doing top surgery because there is too much of a chance of having flat spots. I think that makes sense.

[cathexis]

Another quick question.

Why can't it be done using laser instead of scalpel? Seems like
it would be less damaging to the surrounding tissue?

One more, ok? Do they do it with the patient supine or prone?
It scares me to be turned upside down. They'd better put me
out first!:seeingstars: