Just thought I'd write a few thoughts on how I've coped with having my chest constructed in stages.Initially I was really excited because I never dreamed I would get it offered this way due to me being a 38c to start with. The consultant told me it could take two years because it involved liposuction then three months in between for skin shrinkage then more lipo then another three months and possibly a third lipo depending on how things were going.
The first lipo went really well and he took 750grams altogether that was great I thought . The problems started when I got home and the first time I took my binder off. Before I had the surgery I knew that I would still have my moobs but when the reality hit and as illoogical as it was I was still devistated and it kicked my dysphoria in big time, to the point where I didn't want to return to work. The irrational thoughts dominated as I thought stupidly and it was, that people could see my moobs and it would stop them seeing me as male. This was rediculous because you couldn't see anything except what looks like pecs. So I just had to kick myself up the back side and get on with it trying to focus on the finished product and the fact that I would have minimal scaring.
After a rather horrible attack by a member of staff at work I took time out to get my head round things and it was only three days before Easter Break so not to bad but I got a sick note to cover me from doctors.
When I returned I had got my head into gear and was looking forward to the next lot of lipo which was unfortunately five months after the first lot. I feel much better after this second stage and now that he has taken nearly 1000grams of fat from my chest I feel much more at ease but still can't wait for the chest lift which has come within a year of starting the process much to the suprise of the surgeon.
I have had many friends, trans men say to me that they couldn't have done it this way and I really respect that because it is one of the hardest things I've done ever. I still have concerns about how it will look but I have confidence in the surgeon to do a good job. Any how hope these thoughts have given you some room for thought about chest surgery and which way to go all I know is less scaring is important to me so I have to be strong in order to achieve what I ultimately want xx Felix