For those who have had FFS

[Stephanie-L]

I am starting to research FFS surgeons, I am planning on getting FFS and BA in 12 to 18 months, so I can save money and let the hormones hit max benefit (it will be a little over 2 years on hormones at that point). So, I would like to get input from anyone who has had FFS, about your surgeon, the care you received, price, your happiness with the final result, etc. Basically anything you care to share. Based on postings in this forum I have already started looking at Dr Meltzer, in fact I requested a consult with him since I will be in Scottsdale anyway, and Dr Cardenas. What is the opinion on the various Drs in Thailand, the other Americans, Canadians, how about the South Americans, they seem to be up and coming, or how about India, anyone been there for FFS? I am not ruling out travel, i.e. Thailand or similar, but all other things being relatively equal I would like to stay closer to home. In fact that is one reason Meltzer is weighing heavily positive right now, there is a stong potential I will be moving to the Phoenix area in a year or two. Of course, quality being equal, price would be a big factor too, so that is a negative for Meltzer. I know that a lot of this material has already been posted by various people, and I am searching old posts for it, I am just hoping to pull it together in one place. Perhaps this could be a sticky, I am sure others are interested. Thank you all for any info...........Stephanie

[Aprilrain]

I went to Dr. Spiegel in Boston, he and his staff were great. I was not super impressed with the BMC (Boston Medical Center) but they were renovating so I guess we can cut them some slack. The nurses there were terrible with pronouns! Anyway I had quite a lot done, brow ridge, hairline advancement, brow lift, rinoplasty, cheek implants, and jaw work. Im very pleased with the result though there are some side effects. The top of my head is numb though I'm starting to get some feeling back there and my chin feels strange like the full range of motion is not there anymore but Its only been 4 months and full healing takes a year. I was in the hospital for one night and in a hotel room for a week. I had 2 follow up appointments. I stayed in Brookline and one can take the "T" (Boston's train system) from the airport to the hotel and to his office with short walks here and there. DONT RENT A CAR unless you enjoy being lost! Better yet have Stephanie S chauffeur you around ; ) anyway the one place that is not easy to get to on the train is the hospital, plan on using a taxi. I'm pretty sure the pain killers were more for the boredom than the pain.