|
top surgery
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. |
Quote:
|
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? |
Quote:
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!!! |
Quote:
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... |
Quote:
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. |
Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions Thinker
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
Thanks again for your input! |
Quote:
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. |
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: |
Yep, transster is gone, but there is a site that fills that same need. Thank goodness!
www.transbucket.com Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
|
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 |
Quote:
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: |
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 |
Quote:
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: |
Quote:
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... |
Quote:
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. ;) |
try the ftmsurgerysupport and ftmsurgeryinfo groups on yahoo
|
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. |
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. |
Quote:
Congrats, Oopster, on finding someone you feel comfortable with. |
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!
|
Quote:
|
Quote:
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. |
Quote:
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. |
Quote:
|
Quote:
I think I started about two weeks out if I remember correctly. I'm thrilled for you!! |
Quote:
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... |
Quote:
Thanks |
Quote:
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...ble%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 |
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) |
Quote:
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: |
Quote:
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. |
Dr. Garramone (Ft. Lauderdale)
|
Quote:
|
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. |
Quote:
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. |
Quote:
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.\\ |
Quote:
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!!! |
Quote:
|
Quote:
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. |
| All times are GMT -6. The time now is 09:41 AM. |
ButchFemmePlanet.com
All information copyright of BFP 2018