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.

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 :)

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/foru...072#post698072

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.

Binding Dangers
 

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-...tm-transition/

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.

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?

My Turn!
 

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.

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).

Surgery completed 10/10/13
 

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/r...pport-program/
http://www.vitamedica.com/products/r...na-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

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.

Supplements and healing
 

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.

arnica
 

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

Healing update
 

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"!

Talking to family
 

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.

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

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

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).

Dr. Esther Kim.

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

update
 

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?

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!

update 2
 

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?

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?

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.