FFS Consultation

[Dorit]

This week I had a consultation with a surgeon that besides mouth and jaw reconstruction for accident victims, does do work in facial feminization. His opinion was that my forehead, chin, and neck where not obviously masculine and therefore did not require any intervention. My jaw is masculine, but his opinion was that doing a jaw reduction was not worth it because my developed jaw muscles would absorb the reduction so that it would not really change anything. He did recommend a rhinoplasty, but no other surgery. His opinion does seem to confirm my ability to mostly pass in public (If I don't open my mouth!:heehee:), but I wonder if his not being a specialist in FFS is partly responsible for such a minimalist attitude. Not that I am looking for more invasive, painful surgery, but I wonder if any of you girls have received such an opinion, especially about the inability to do an effective jaw reduction?

[Mirya]

I strongly recommend going to a surgeon who specializes in FFS. When it comes to any type of surgery, accumulated years of experience doing the same surgery is the most important factor. You really want to go to a surgeon who is known for doing FFS as his primary specialty.

[MarieTS]

Totally agree with Mirya. Your Doc sounds as if he wants the business, but please Dorit, don't be his practice dummy.

[Dorit]

Just to clarify, we have public healthcare in Israel so the FFS surgeon gets no payment from me. He does not do rhinoplasty, this is considered only cosmetic surgery in Israel, not in the government basket of healthcare, even for a transgender person. So I have to go private and pay for it. Top and bottom surgery is paid for, FFS is a controversy here.

[Jeri Ann]

Go to an experienced and successful plastic surgeon who specializes in FFS. An expert can see below the surface and know when one procedure hinges on another. Rhinoplasty may make your jaw more obvious, etc.

Also, at your age, restorative procedures may be necessary at the same time. IT's complicated.

[Dorit]

My problem is that there are no surgeons in Israel that would specialize in FSS and be considered an expert. I am aware of such places in Belgium, Spain, the US, etc. but the problem is the enormous extra cost that traveling abroad adds to the price of the surgery. I already have committed to SRS in the US in December, a big expense for me. I am trying to do FSS locally at minimal cost.

[Jeri Ann]

Any skilled and experienced Facial Feminization Surgeon is not going to charge minimally. You pay for what you get. Honestly, the thought of letting a surgeon, who is not highly skilled and experienced, take your face apart and put it back together properly creeps me out. Also, no one can see what is in your panties. Nose, jaw, forehead, ears, lips, these are the body parts that people see. Eliminating as many visual clues, the male markers, as possible will make your voice less of an issue.

I do not know about other options but but the after care that Transop in Guadalajara (Cardenas) offers cost $1,250 for ten days and includes a companion. This includes, lodging, meals and all transportation too.

[Kaitlyn Michele]

If you want to easily pass as female...(regardless of your voice), FFS will make a huge difference.

It's hard to get a close up but my honest look is that you'd pass on a cursory basis and maybe more, but you'll have to make a hard decision that many transwomen have made.
If it's even just a little bit possible, it's worth the money. I think just looking at your pics, it will work very well for you if done correctly

Your quality of life will be much improved.
I know a number of women that don't mind being looked at, you'll have to decide how you feel about that... only you can decide.

If you do decide to try to go forward, its absolutely essential to get a surgeon that is primarily FFS. Zero tolerance on this. It's a science as well as an art. It's literally a mathematical calculation to get your bone structure in female range, and its an artistic/experience ability to make it look natural.

I won't lie...cost is high, there is some risk you won't like it or you may look "surgical"...and it hurts like heck (although not as much as i thought it would)..

but i walked out of there after surgery with my face swollen and bruised...my forehead and nose covered in bandages...and my college sweatshirt and sweats... and i walked to the drug store for the pain meds and an old man called me sweetie and said he wanted to beat up whoever did this to me...(apparently he thought it was funny to joke about a woman getting beat up)....

I'm 6'2.... i simply did not pass as female...and then all of a sudden i did...
the surgery does what it says it does..i wish it were an easier choice for you..

That's the best I can say.

[Dorit]

I first want to say how much I appreciate all the feedback, it is really a help to me. There is no trans community where I live. I would just love to sit with you girls over a coffee and discuss this! Jeri Ann, just the round trip airfare for two in the sardine class from Tel Aviv to the West Coast of the US costs about $3000! Kaitlyn, what you wrote really makes sense. Hebrew is a total gender language, so I do know that I often pass in public, but not with an occasional questioning look.

What I am considering is doing the rhinoplasty separately here in Israel. This was the recommendation of the FFS surgeon. I have a consultation in two weeks with an expert in rhinoplasty. (When I was in high school in the US all the Jewish girls had nose jobs!:heehee:) Even though this is not paid for by our Public Health, I do have supplemental insurance that does cover such things. My copay would be low, and I would be home the next day. I do not think this would preclude future FFS with a foreign expert. What do you all think?

[MarieTS]

I don't think it will restrict your future options. The Rhino is definitely helpful. Other than the Rhino Dorit, just remember that more is not necessarily better.

[Dorit]

I had known for a month that I had a Skype consultation with my GRS surgeon in the US on Friday, August 24. I suddenly realized that he is also an FFS expert! So I asked him for an FSS consultation too. He agreed with most of what my Israel surgeon said; no jaw, chin, or throat work necessary, but a rhinoplasty needed. He did disagree about my forehead and thought I would greatly benefit from a brow lift and bone reduction. He offered to do it at the same time I was having my GRS. Something to consider, but things are becoming more clear about what I should do.

[Kaitlyn Michele]

just saw your closer up picture in your profile..

Rhinoplasty would be great for you...and it sure looks to me based on picture that it could really be all you'd want to do

[Dorit]

I want to share with you all my final decision about FFS. After four consultations with different surgeons, I have a surgery date of September 27. My wife will be with me. I choose the surgeon who is considered the expert transgender surgeon of Israel, he does the government approved SRS besides other types. I will be having a rhinoplasty, blepharoplasty, brow and forehead lift. Fortunately for me no bone, jaw, or chin work is necessary. It will be a day hospitalization only, in Tel Aviv. I have two nights in a local hotel for recovery and care, and then one of my children will drive us home to Galilee where we live. I am very grateful that this is how I have been directed, and also appreciate all the advice from you all!:)

[Katya@]

This is really soon! Good luck to you and speedy recovery!

[Devi SM]

Dorit,
Thanks for your update.
I'd been following your journey and I'm happy things go good and fast, wow! Fast!
My best wishes on soon recovery.
Post pictures when you feel good on showing results.
Kisses,

[AllieSF]

Congratulations Dorit. I am so happy that you found your doctor and he is close to you and the date is this month. How fortunate. It must be your wonderful personality and spirit that made it all happen .... plus a lot of determination. Thanks for sharing

[Lana Mae]

Dorit, best wishes on your surgery and your recovery! Hugs Lana Mae