top surgery

[SelfMadeMan]

Originally Posted by 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

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

[EnderD_503]

Originally Posted by The Oopster

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* 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!

[DapperButch]

Originally Posted by EnderD_503

Ender has now officially had top surgery (yay!!!)!!! *exclamationmarkexclamationmark* 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!

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

[EnderD_503]

Originally Posted by DapperButch

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

Thanks! Unbelievably thrilled! 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~

[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 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! ) 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.

[DapperButch]

Originally Posted by 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.

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/transgenderfl...yflipbook.html

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

[The Oopster]

Originally Posted by 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.

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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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

Thanks in advance.

Originally Posted by DapperButch

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.

Originally Posted by 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/transgenderfl...yflipbook.html

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

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

Originally Posted by Gentle Tiger

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]

Originally Posted by The Oopster

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.