Dr. B-L moved from University of Maryland's health system to NYU's. I had a consultation with her yesterday. She was always my number one choice and after meeting with her that has been solidified. She's really nice and approachable. And extremely knowledgeable on phalloplasty. I had a list of questions and after starting with the first she'd just about answered them all by the end.
She has a team that includes Dr. Levine and Dr. Zhao, urologist and microsurgeon respectively. I was able to chat with Levine to and he's equally awesome. I am going back in February for a meeting with Zhao and to have some CAT scans on my donor site.
Dr. B-L went over RFF, ALT, and MLD. She does not recommend MLD and prefers to not use that site. Upon finding out that I had DI top surgery she mentioned that MLD can cause a drooping of the pec tissue on that side. She also says the nerve pulled from that area is the least tactile. Because I want a larger phallus and my forearms are on the thin side I have settled on ALT and I am 100% happy with that.
I am looking at 4 stages. Dr. B-L does a full meta for the first stage with a UL. So vaginectomy included. It is full closure of the vagina and removal of the mucosa. Stage 2 would be the formation of the phallus and the new urethra plus glansplasty and scrotoplasty. Stage 3 would be the nerve hookup and Stage 4 would be testicular implants and erection device. I will be discussing erection options next time.
She likes to do it this way because in her experience it reduces the risk of complications. She did say phallo has a 40% rate which is awfully high for surgical procedures in general. However, 20% of that 40% repairs itself. At minimum I have to wait 90 days between stages. Dr. Levine uses a state of the art robot to do the vaginectomy, also. I will have the hair on the outside of my left thigh removed via electrolysis or laser before stage two.
After stage one I have to stay in the NYC area for a week upon leaving the hospital. The hospital stay for each stage is 5-6 days, 3-4 days, 3 days, and 2 days respectively. It is out of network but her coordinator, Jesse, is submitting paperwork to get me in network. Jesse is on top of her stuff too. Very good at her job. I cannot schedule a surgery date until I get my final letter to them as required by insurance. When I go back next month I will discuss openings.
Dr. B-L has a short vid of an interview she did about GRS from where she was in Maryland. It's a good depiction of her personality. I did a write up of my visit with Dr. Rumer here the other day. After meeting with Drs. B-L and Levine though, it is clear to me that they are by far the better option. They also have a track record and a really good reputation. I will be able to use my preferred donor site and get all of the major things I want: stand to pee, good size phallus, sexual function and penetration.
Any questions just ask!
Congrats man! Knew you'd love her.
Depending on how much hair you have on your donor site, you may want to start hair removal even before stage 1. It can take around a year to get a donor site hairless.
As soon as I know which surgery I will have, I'll start with electrolysis. Since I have been on T, I look like a wookie from the navel down.
Quote from: VictorMike on January 13, 2017, 04:20:25 PM
As soon as I know which surgery I will have, I'll start with electrolysis. Since I have been on T, I look like a wookie from the navel down.
That made me howl laughing!
Quote from: CMD042414 on January 10, 2017, 11:57:46 PM
Dr. B-L moved from University of Maryland's health system to NYU's. I had a consultation with her yesterday. She was always my number one choice and after meeting with her that has been solidified. She's really nice and approachable. And extremely knowledgeable on phalloplasty. I had a list of questions and after starting with the first she'd just about answered them all by the end.
She has a team that includes Dr. Levine and Dr. Zhao, urologist and microsurgeon respectively. I was able to chat with Levine to and he's equally awesome. I am going back in February for a meeting with Zhao and to have some CAT scans on my donor site.
Dr. B-L went over RFF, ALT, and MLD. She does not recommend MLD and prefers to not use that site. Upon finding out that I had DI top surgery she mentioned that MLD can cause a drooping of the pec tissue on that side. She also says the nerve pulled from that area is the least tactile. Because I want a larger phallus and my forearms are on the thin side I have settled on ALT and I am 100% happy with that.
I am looking at 4 stages. Dr. B-L does a full meta for the first stage with a UL. So vaginectomy included. It is full closure of the vagina and removal of the mucosa. Stage 2 would be the formation of the phallus and the new urethra plus glansplasty and scrotoplasty. Stage 3 would be the nerve hookup and Stage 4 would be testicular implants and erection device. I will be discussing erection options next time.
She likes to do it this way because in her experience it reduces the risk of complications. She did say phallo has a 40% rate which is awfully high for surgical procedures in general. However, 20% of that 40% repairs itself. At minimum I have to wait 90 days between stages. Dr. Levine uses a state of the art robot to do the vaginectomy, also. I will have the hair on the outside of my left thigh removed via electrolysis or laser before stage two.
After stage one I have to stay in the NYC area for a week upon leaving the hospital. The hospital stay for each stage is 5-6 days, 3-4 days, 3 days, and 2 days respectively. It is out of network but her coordinator, Jesse, is submitting paperwork to get me in network. Jesse is on top of her stuff too. Very good at her job. I cannot schedule a surgery date until I get my final letter to them as required by insurance. When I go back next month I will discuss openings.
Dr. B-L has a short vid of an interview she did about GRS from where she was in Maryland. It's a good depiction of her personality. I did a write up of my visit with Dr. Rumer here the other day. After meeting with Drs. B-L and Levine though, it is clear to me that they are by far the better option. They also have a track record and a really good reputation. I will be able to use my preferred donor site and get all of the major things I want: stand to pee, good size phallus, sexual function and penetration.
Any questions just ask!
Congrats on getting things going!
However, it looks like you got Dr. Levine and Dr. Zhao backwards. Zhao is the urologist. I am planning on looking into going to him to fix my fistulas if they don't completely heal. One is quite large and I am already at 10 weeks post op.
I really want to avoid traveling back to Austin and I am paying out of pocket anyway, so it doesn't matter who I go to.
Quote from: Bimmer Guy on January 22, 2017, 09:31:52 AM
Congrats on getting things going!
However, it looks like you got Dr. Levine and Dr. Zhao backwards. Zhao is the urologist. I am planning on looking into going to him to fix my fistulas if they don't completely heal. One is quite large and I am already at 10 weeks post op.
I really want to avoid traveling back to Austin and I am paying out of pocket anyway, so it doesn't matter who I go to.
Mild derail CMD, apologies.
BG - I know your insurance plan had a lifetime cap for trans surgeries, but technically wouldn't fistula correction fall under normal urological care? Something to look into and maybe appeal.
No worries. Keep the convo going. We need more of this info on specific surgeons.
Does she do UL and scrotoplasty? What kind of insurance do you have? Do you know if penile implant is covered by insurance?
Quote from: MattFlo on February 22, 2017, 11:29:59 PM
Does she do UL and scrotoplasty? What kind of insurance do you have? Do you know if penile implant is covered by insurance?
She does do UL and scrotoplasty. Implant may or may not be covered depending on your specific insurance policy.
Quote from: MattFlo on February 22, 2017, 11:29:59 PM
Does she do UL and scrotoplasty? What kind of insurance do you have? Do you know if penile implant is covered by insurance?
I actually just had a second consultation with her Tuesday. Yes to UL and scrotoplasty. Everything including implant is covered by my insurance.
I met Dr. Zhao the other day. He is a reconstructive urologist. He is the third part of her team. Dr. B-L is the plastic surgeon. She doesn't do the UL or the microsurgery hookup herself. But she is the team leader by far. For anyone interested Dr. Zhao, who is great btw, does the same procedure for cis and trans men. In terms of the erection device I asked about both options, pump and rod. He said the vast majority of his cis patients go with the pump because it closely mimics the erection process of a real penis. I've chosen to go with the pump.
He is also using vaginal mucosa to form the UL through the phallus (ALT). I'm all set up for stage 1 of 4 in July. I was super nervous and scared of the recovery but after meeting the entire team now I'm ready to go. It's going to be hard to wait until July.
Lots of trans folks in the waiting room again. I think Drs. B-L, Levine, and Zhao may end up like an East coast version of Crane.
Thank you for the update. I have a consult with B-L in May. Did she show you her work? Can you describe how they looked in comparison to other surgeons work?
Quote from: MattFlo on March 02, 2017, 11:17:40 PM
Thank you for the update. I have a consult with B-L in May. Did she show you her work? Can you describe how they looked in comparison to other surgeons work?
I have seen her portfolio. Aesthetically, I see no significant differences than other surgeon's work. She's also very patient-focused, so if you have a strong preference about how something will look, she tries to take that into consideration. Like I told her if we went the phallo route I would want to be on the smaller side (under 5") and I would want a very prominent glans. She was down for all of that.
Quote from: MattFlo on March 02, 2017, 11:17:40 PM
Thank you for the update. I have a consult with B-L in May. Did she show you her work? Can you describe how they looked in comparison to other surgeons work?
I saw pictures. I can't say that they were better or worse than others I've seen. Looked good to me.
Do you know how many meta/phallo she has done?
Her office will tell you she does not do meta. The first stage of all of her phalloplasties though, is a full meta. When I consulted with her last October, she had been averaging one a month since 2015. I think that number jumped significantly after she moved to NYU though.
I am looking in to this Dr does anyone have pictures of her work. Please.
Quote from: dontazz2003 on April 12, 2017, 10:25:55 PM
I am looking in to this Dr does anyone have pictures of her work. Please.
She doesn't have pictures online, you would need to go to a consultation to see them.
Quote from: FTMax on January 22, 2017, 10:19:14 AM
Mild derail CMD, apologies.
BG - I know your insurance plan had a lifetime cap for trans surgeries, but technically wouldn't fistula correction fall under normal urological care? Something to look into and maybe appeal.
Yes, you are right. The issue is that I would have to pay out of network. I would still have to pay the max coinsurance, which is like 4K. Now that I am thinking about it, though, at least I could get both the fistula work done and the return of the implant for this. I did want to go back to Crane because he did an awesome job on getting rid of the dogs ears, It was awesome to see a scar that wasn't all fat and wide like my hypertropic scarring one. Seeing this thick, over 1/2 inch scar and then this tiny line next to it, really makes him pulling up the rest of the scar and re-stitching very attractive. Regular insurance wouldn't pay for that, though. It does tick me off that I have to do out of network for fistulas, as I am sure no one would touch me in network. I wonder if I can make my insurance company call all of the providers in network and ask so I don't have to? Then they would HAVE to pay in network even though it is for regular insurance, right? I wonder if I can even ask them to do that. Hmmmmm Tell me what you think, Max.
Quote from: FTMax on March 03, 2017, 11:33:50 PM
Her office will tell you she does not do meta. The first stage of all of her phalloplasties though, is a full meta. When I consulted with her last October, she had been averaging one a month since 2015. I think that number jumped significantly after she moved to NYU though.
Max, I am only responding here for information sake for others guys who may come by. I asked B-L if she did a complete meta when the person was getting phallo, and she said no. I suspect that she was going to do a full one for you (all pretty and stuff), because you were thinking that may have been your stopping point. I don't know what she might skip. I am guessing something like wrapping the phallus with the minora or something. I don't see why a surgeon would care about girth/ would bother with that, if they are going to phallo. Just a random guess. I asked her the question (even though it had nothing to do with me being there), because I was curious. It didn't make sense to me that she would make this pretty picture, only to tuck it into a tube, never to be seen again.
Quote from: CMD042414 on January 10, 2017, 11:57:46 PM
Dr. B-L moved from University of Maryland's health system to NYU's. I had a consultation with her yesterday. She was always my number one choice and after meeting with her that has been solidified. She's really nice and approachable. And extremely knowledgeable on phalloplasty. I had a list of questions and after starting with the first she'd just about answered them all by the end.
She has a team that includes Dr. Levine and Dr. Zhao, urologist and microsurgeon respectively. I was able to chat with Levine to and he's equally awesome. I am going back in February for a meeting with Zhao and to have some CAT scans on my donor site.
Dr. B-L went over RFF, ALT, and MLD. She does not recommend MLD and prefers to not use that site. Upon finding out that I had DI top surgery she mentioned that MLD can cause a drooping of the pec tissue on that side. She also says the nerve pulled from that area is the least tactile. Because I want a larger phallus and my forearms are on the thin side I have settled on ALT and I am 100% happy with that.
I am looking at 4 stages. Dr. B-L does a full meta for the first stage with a UL. So vaginectomy included. It is full closure of the vagina and removal of the mucosa. Stage 2 would be the formation of the phallus and the new urethra plus glansplasty and scrotoplasty. Stage 3 would be the nerve hookup and Stage 4 would be testicular implants and erection device. I will be discussing erection options next time.
She likes to do it this way because in her experience it reduces the risk of complications. She did say phallo has a 40% rate which is awfully high for surgical procedures in general. However, 20% of that 40% repairs itself. At minimum I have to wait 90 days between stages. Dr. Levine uses a state of the art robot to do the vaginectomy, also. I will have the hair on the outside of my left thigh removed via electrolysis or laser before stage two.
After stage one I have to stay in the NYC area for a week upon leaving the hospital. The hospital stay for each stage is 5-6 days, 3-4 days, 3 days, and 2 days respectively. It is out of network but her coordinator, Jesse, is submitting paperwork to get me in network. Jesse is on top of her stuff too. Very good at her job. I cannot schedule a surgery date until I get my final letter to them as required by insurance. When I go back next month I will discuss openings.
Dr. B-L has a short vid of an interview she did about GRS from where she was in Maryland. It's a good depiction of her personality. I did a write up of my visit with Dr. Rumer here the other day. After meeting with Drs. B-L and Levine though, it is clear to me that they are by far the better option. They also have a track record and a really good reputation. I will be able to use my preferred donor site and get all of the major things I want: stand to pee, good size phallus, sexual function and penetration.
Any questions just ask!
What size phallus did you say that you wanted? I definitely know I'm going to have phallo as my bottom surgery and I would prefer to use MLD. Why does she not like to use that site? I'm at a crossroad between her team and Dr. Crane. And based on your post I'm thinking of following this same route but only if I can understand why you settled on ALT. I'm not total comfortable with the idea of having that forearm scar
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Quote from: dre_moe on May 29, 2017, 03:23:46 PM
What size phallus did you say that you wanted? I definitely know I'm going to have phallo as my bottom surgery and I would prefer to use MLD. Why does she not like to use that site? I'm at a crossroad between her team and Dr. Crane. And based on your post I'm thinking of following this same route but only if I can understand why you settled on ALT. I'm not total comfortable with the idea of having that forearm scar
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
According to Dr. B-L MLD is not ideal if you've had top surgery already. The tissue that they use to create the phallus comes from a section of your side up to your underarm that can cause droopiness for the chest. Your pec on that side would look uneven after time. It also has the least amount of sensation due to less nerves harvested. Phallo is stage 2 so I haven't solidified size with her yet. I am lookong for at least 7 in length. 6.5 if I have to. ALT means girth will not be a problem. Her default surface area for electrolysis on the thigh is 6×6 but I am clearing 8×7. I will ask her more about phallo size when I meet with her in July for my pre-op stage 1 appointment.
Hey this a continuation from a reply you posted in this thread https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,216382.0/topicseen.html
But the question is more fitting here. Dr. B-L does four stages but you didn't mention when she places the penile erection device. Is that done in Stage 4 when she combines the urethra to the neo-urethra?
Quote from: dre_moe on May 31, 2017, 09:09:11 AM
Hey this a continuation from a reply you posted in this thread https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,216382.0/topicseen.html
But the question is more fitting here. Dr. B-L does four stages but you didn't mention when she places the penile erection device. Is that done in Stage 4 when she combines the urethra to the neo-urethra?
So this is ALT only here but glansplasty and erection device are a fifth stage. RFF would be stage 3 I believe. I know that sounds like a b*tch doesn't it?! Its her method though. She wants that UL to be completely healed and operational for some time before the device. According to B-L the complication rate is vastly reduced this way so I'm ok with it. I figure I've waited this long and I want to do it right. So for me my timeline as long as all goes well is: Summer 2017 Stage 1, December 2017 Stage 2, March 2018 Stage 3, Summer 2018 Stage 4, December 2018 Stage 5. I have stages 1 and 2 already scheduled.
Thought I'd update this for anyone out there looking for information. I started this topic because I was supposed to have stage 1 Phallo with Dr. B-L in July 2017 but I got sick. I am now scheduled for August 10th 2018. My insurance covers it all. Dr. B-L and her team like to take it slow and build your urethra in multiple steps. Our original plan and her usual method is a 5 stage process but for me we are going with 4 and a reordering. This is mainly due to my illness and the need to just get 'er done. The new staging will be:
1 - ALT phalloplasty (7 inches)
2 - vaginectomy, scrotoplasty, rerouting of original urethra, creation of new urethra from vaginal mucosa ,possibly glansplasty
3 - connect original urethra to new urethra, glansplasty if not done stage 2
4 - erectile device
I am not sure about having both sets of genitalia for 4 or 5 months between stages one and two. Really concerned about that but it is what it is.
CMD042414, you will get through having both for the 4-5 months; look at the results not what you have in between. What erectile device you want; I am thinking I want the pump to be more real for me.
Quote from: mm on February 07, 2018, 07:34:43 AM
CMD042414, you will get through having both for the 4-5 months; look at the results not what you have in between. What erectile device you want; I am thinking I want the pump to be more real for me.
Hey thanks! I want the pump also. Thought I have plenty of time to decide. The urologist, Dr. Zhao specializes in these procedures for cis and trans men and he says cis men almost always go for the pump because it mimics a natural erection.
I'm so glad i finally found someone whose going to have her as a surgeon for phalloplasty. At first i was thinking about going to dr.ting but things said about him and the lack of info on phalloplasty from his patiences has distanced me from him so ive been looking into dr.B-L and she sounds awesome so far. im also looking to get 7inch ALT. When it comes to the stages youre going to be having as you states "1. ALT phalloplasty , 2. vaginectomy, scrotoplasty,urethra,glanplasty 3. connecting urethra an glanplasty if not done in stage 2, 4. erectile device. Is it possible i can have this order of stages because this would honestly be perfect for me. or did she change it up for you because of your illness you had?
Quote from: Tae_C on February 12, 2018, 12:16:08 PM
I'm so glad i finally found someone whose going to have her as a surgeon for phalloplasty. At first i was thinking about going to dr.ting but things said about him and the lack of info on phalloplasty from his patiences has distanced me from him so ive been looking into dr.B-L and she sounds awesome so far. im also looking to get 7inch ALT. When it comes to the stages youre going to be having as you states "1. ALT phalloplasty , 2. vaginectomy, scrotoplasty,urethra,glanplasty 3. connecting urethra an glanplasty if not done in stage 2, 4. erectile device. Is it possible i can have this order of stages because this would honestly be perfect for me. or did she change it up for you because of your illness you had?
Honestly you'll hear something about every surgeon at some point. Though I must say I've heard nothing bad about Dr. B-L other than frustration with the amount of stages. Her team just won an award in December: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nyu-langone-health-surgeons-honored-for-their-commitment--contribution-to-lgbtq-community-300570985.html
From what I gather from the scheduling staff they do have patients that opt for the normal stage 2 up front so I don't think it was just for me. Be sure to mention that. I will say as insurance continues to go our way she is becoming crazy busy. The office is always slammed so response times can be slow and getting a hold of someone even slower.
;D good point and yeah the amount of stages is a little frustrating but I'm sure she does that so there's less risks and complications. And its good to know that others have asked for that stage up front too , lol because to be honest I rather have to wait 90 days for my next stage while enjoying a bulge than to be stuck with meto for that long til the next stage.
Quote from: Tae_C on February 12, 2018, 07:31:02 PM
;D good point and yeah the amount of stages is a little frustrating but I'm sure she does that so there's less risks and complications. And its good to know that others have asked for that stage up front too , lol because to be honest I rather have to wait 90 days for my next stage while enjoying a bulge than to be stuck with meto for that long til the next stage.
Yea I go back and forth on this one. Pros and cons each way.
Well good luck with your stages :) please please keep us posted , its exciting to know we'd literally be seeing the same person 😂😂 makes me feel closer to you even though I dont really know you lol
For sure, man.
Good luck guys. I met with Dr B-L when she was in Baltimore. At that point she was a bit inexperienced for me but she clearly cared about what she is doing. She is so nice too.
Moni
Quote from: HappyMoni on February 13, 2018, 04:06:27 PM
Good luck guys. I met with Dr B-L when she was in Baltimore. At that point she was a bit inexperienced for me but she clearly cared about what she is doing. She is so nice too.
Moni
Inexperienced in what way?
When I met with her, quite a while ago, she had only done about 25 M to F GCS surgeries. She has had a lot of surgeries since. Didn't mean to worry you. I never asked about F to M surgery.
Oh no worries, just curiosity lol. Her waiting area is around 2:1 mtf over ftm now.
Quote from: Tae_C on February 12, 2018, 11:03:42 PM
Well good luck with your stages :) please please keep us posted , its exciting to know we'd literally be seeing the same person 😂😂 makes me feel closer to you even though I dont really know you lol
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:) thank you
Dr B-L is an amazing surgeon. I met with her & her team multiple times — but after so much research I definitely chose Dr Ting & his team at Mt Sinai. His new procedure is so revolutionary by not using large skin grafts/muscle tissue — but instead using the labia & genital skin to create the penis really blew my mind. The surgery lasted 14 hours but I got everything I asked for... instead of endless surgeries lasting well over a year. For me, that would have been too much. And the pain alone... & of course, complications... glad I chose Dr Ting. He was the right surgeon for me. I actually had a surgery date locked in with Dr B-L...it would have been last Nov 30th... but her team was so frustrating & difficult to contact. They never called me back or kept me on track with all the necessary aspects to prep for. I called so many times about electrolysis & no one ever called me back to schedule dates/times. Not to mention they couldn't guarantee Medicaid would pay for it. So NYU in general would have additional out of pocket costs. But with all that said, I still think she's an amazing surgeon. Good luck to you guys!
His new procedure gets everything done within one stage? And would I be able to get 6 inches if I go with that procedure
Everything but the implant if you want one. I am STILL waiting for Ting's team to get back to me so that I can actually meet with him. I don't know for sure but I think his method has size limitations based on the patient's weight and thickness. I'm a thin guy and I can't see how I'd have enough tissue down there to create a 7 inches in length and 5 inches in girth. If I am wrong and he can do that I would probably go to him.
Yeah the size concerns me cause I want that too but I can't imagine how they would do it tbh , but idk if you're in the Facebook group its called ,ftm surgery support group- ting phallo. You can ask questions to Dr.ting there too an there's a bunch of answered questions already .
>:( I just got in touch with Dr.ting to ask about ALT phalloplasty and he literally told me he has never done alt phalloplasty so I assume he's only done rff ... So I guess he's over my list of potential surgeons , I'll for sure be speaking to Dr.bluebond-langner instead.
If I may ask, do you have Dr.bluebond-langer's email? I would like to contact her with some questions but dont want to call her directly.
He doesn't do ALT huh? Cuz the website says he does. Interesting. Dr. B-L doesn't have an email. Once you are an established patient you can message her from the NYU Langone patient portal. You'll have to set up a consultation with her.
https://nyulangone.org/doctors/1902867393/rachel-bluebond-langner
Yeah nah ,I asked him about alt and he says he hasn't done it... And I want to ask her a question before getting a consultant though.. Because I dont want meto as a first stage, I would like phallo with urthrel lengthening . I'm afraid that if I dont ask her before the consultant, I would have wasted time if she says I have to get meto.. Because I know that you got phallo first stage but I want to know is she really able to do that for anyone..
Try calling the office and asking. You'll probably have to leave a message and wait for someone to get back to you. My biggest issue with all of these surgeons is how busy they are and how long they take to respond.
:-\ okay I'll probably call tomorrow or next week
Quote from: transnomad on February 16, 2018, 01:25:39 PM
Dr B-L is an amazing surgeon. I met with her & her team multiple times — but after so much research I definitely chose Dr Ting & his team at Mt Sinai. His new procedure is so revolutionary by not using large skin grafts/muscle tissue — but instead using the labia & genital skin to create the penis really blew my mind. The surgery lasted 14 hours but I got everything I asked for... instead of endless surgeries lasting well over a year. For me, that would have been too much. And the pain alone... & of course, complications... glad I chose Dr Ting. He was the right surgeon for me. I actually had a surgery date locked in with Dr B-L...it would have been last Nov 30th... but her team was so frustrating & difficult to contact. They never called me back or kept me on track with all the necessary aspects to prep for. I called so many times about electrolysis & no one ever called me back to schedule dates/times. Not to mention they couldn't guarantee Medicaid would pay for it. So NYU in general would have additional out of pocket costs. But with all that said, I still think she's an amazing surgeon. Good luck to you guys!
Welcome back, transnomad! How goes the healing?
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My issue with Dr.tings new procedure is I feel like he isn't answering certain questions that many people would like the answer to.. It worries me but as far as your procedure what did you get in the first stage and how are you doing with recovery
By the way were you able to get all stages within one surgery with his new procedure?
Quote from: Tae_C on February 26, 2018, 10:30:37 AM
My issue with Dr.tings new procedure is I feel like he isn't answering certain questions that many people would like the answer to.. It worries me but as far as your procedure what did you get in the first stage and how are you doing with recovery
What questions has he not answered? This is interesting.
Quote from: Tae_C on February 26, 2018, 11:13:41 AM
By the way were you able to get all stages within one surgery with his new procedure?
I believe all of the major work is done in one stage. Stage two would be optional erectile device and glans possibly. Remember Ting is not taking from another donor site so it is easier to do all in one. I could be wrong though.
Multiple people have been asking what is done in each stage but have yet to be answered.. There's one person in the group who has had stage 1 but only discussed is recovery with his donor site and when I asked what was done in stage one he kinda blew off the question and said that since he was one of the earlier patients the new procedure has been changed so he can't really say what's in stage one since it may have been changed.. But didn't tell me what was done for his.. Also people want to know about how you can get sensation without nerve hook up since dr.ting isn't doing nerve hook up but says a patient he operated up went in for a check up an stated he has sensation after 2 weeks.. But has yet to say is the sensation from the phallus or buried clitoris and if its erotic sensation or just regular sensation.. ALSO , dr.ting says the donor site is from I believe the abdomen muscle ,he takes 1/3 of it but that doesn't really explain how the phallus gets blood flow. What artery is he taking if nothing is taken from the thigh or forearm.. Its a very unstable topic and there's no pictures posted by the people who got the first stage.. If this new method is so wonderful you'd think patience would be glad to talk about their recovery and show their results and healing like how patience of dr.Chen post things everywhere but not patients with dr.ting... Its very scetchy so unless I start seeing pics and post and more info I dont trust anything.. As far as stages though everyone keeps saying its in multiple stages and dr.ting is saying he DOESNT do erectile device.. He takes fat from the body an puts it in the scrotom..
I met with Ting's nurse practitioner and she said the piece of abdominal muscle creates a good amount of rigidity so that an erectile device is not needed. But i am sure at the time she said a device could be put in if desired. I was not aware that there is no nerve hookup. I was excited about the use of pelvic and inner thigh tissue to create a phallus because it is already sensitive to erotic sensation but what is the point if there is no hookup?
I don't understand how this method works for guys on the thinner side like myself either. I don't have a ton of tissue to work with so size would be greatly impacted I'd think.
A big upside with Ting for me being an out of towner is that he utilizes a NYC surgical recovery center for the entire aftercare. You're up there for 4 damn weeks stage 1. So I asked Dr. B-L's office about this and they did not have good things to say about the only such center in the NYC metro area that Ting uses. According to her office the facility ia fine and the folks are nice but they aren't versed in trans surgeries at all which she finds concerning. So who knows. They all say the opposite of one another and it is impossible to know what's right. I'd suggest getting in to see Ting if you want concrete answers.
If using the above muscle makes it able to be used for penetration with an ED that's awesome. But dr.ting has said your length is impacted by your anatomy which I dont think has been explained into great detail either.. This worries me because I'm skinny and I dont want to end up with a 4 incher just cause of that.. I'll be devistated and probably fall into depression.. Smh this is so hard because I dont want to waste my time but I also want clarification.. Idk whether to take the chance with this so called amazing new method or stick to a surgeon who does something I understand but I can't get in contact with what so ever before hand cause I don't have my referral letters yet so I can't make a consultant.. The fact that dr.ting is available for discussion makes me want to pick him but I'm shying away from the new method... So its either go with a surgeon who I can't question before hand or go with a surgeon who I can but is doing something new..
Whether you can meet with a surgeon up front or not you have to have the letters to move forward with surgery anyway so in that regard there really is no difference. It is always a good idea to consult with multiple doctors to compare and have options. I've met with 2 and hopefully soon to be 3. I would meet with at least 5 if I had other surgeons in my region that don't require a flight.
True true but so far that I know of the closest ones to me are dr.ting and dr.bluebond .. But I personally dont wanna look into more because I get overwhelmed easily and I'm a very up and down type of person so putting more in my plate won't be good for me mentally.
I can understand that.
I was just told by some other trans guys that I have to have a hysto done before getting phallo. Is this true?
Yes that is true. For pretty much all surgeons. Ting has a GYN on staff. Dr. B-L does not ao she will require that it be done somewhere else.
I'm probably gonna go with Dr.ting for regular rff .. Even though I would like 6 inches from alt , there's more downsides for me with going with Dr.bluebond and I want this process to not be harder than it should
What did they tell you about how you would have feeling in it afterwards?
So many questions...& a lot of false info/speculation already being posted on here. I met with both surgeons numerous times & ended up using Dr Ting. I'm 55 days post surgery. Listen, this type of phalloplasty procedure is so new (I think I was his 11th patient utilizing this labia technique). 95% is finished in 1 stage.... yes, 1 stage. He placed my urethra hole temporarily on the side of my penis so that I would be less likely to have bacterial infections. So my 2nd surgery in a few months will be to move the hole to the standard top central location. Plus, to have any small elements improved.
Listen guys, the reason why many of your questions can't be answered 100% is A) it's such a new technique B) it's quite complicated considering it's using your labia skin. It's definitely NOT because he's a questionable surgeon... he's incredible & very meticulous, in my opinion.
And yes, if you very little labia skin... this surgery probably won't be possible. But again, you won't know until you book a consultation!
First recommendation, contact the Mt Sinai Center for Transgender Medicine & Surgery & you'll need to first meet with Zil Goldstein, Program Director. She will take you through the entire process... your options, the requirements, etc. During a check up last week, I heard Dr Ting is now booked solid for 2-3 years (re:surgeries)! So you've gotta get aggressive & motivated when making appointments! Use this forum for help/brainstorming but ultimately... it's vital that you understand all the steps & requirements. Later they'll have you meet with Ida Hammer & numerous social workers. There's a long list of requirements.
Now I can't recall who posted a negative comment about the recovery center? Again, you'll stay at the hospital 6-7 days, then transferred to a recovery center for 2-3 weeks, then once you are released to go home... they offer (at home)!nurse & physical therapy visits - all covered by Medicaid. I was told that all of Dr Tings patients get private rooms. All I can say... be thankful guys! In most cases this isn't even an option. I was so thankful & appreciative!
I couldn't walk for 3 weeks as I was in so much pain... having constant nurse care & daily physical therapist visits 2x a day was so needed. How could anyone complain about that!?
Phalloplasty is such a highly painful & difficult procedure. Be thankful, not negative.
I'm also shocked with the focus on penis size. Yes of course, it's your choice... whatever dream size you have in your mind. But personally I just wanted a smooth surgery - with as few complications as possible! I have a good size penis... I'm very happy. It's not a gigantic, girthy one but I'm not into that appearance.
I have already posted this but I've already had numerous mini erections! My penis does get hard (from the base up maybe 3/4) & it is noticeable. I'm still unable to have sex yet but Dr Tings method is already working for me. It's really cool & will get better with time. Same with sensitivity...every day that gets better! My girlfriend massages down there & gets the blood flowing! Of course it's not a perfect erection but I'm so happy with everything so far!!!
Final comment: if you choose phalloplasty, whatever surgeon or technique... it takes an enormous amount of patience! It's a very painful rollercoaster. It's something I needed to feel complete! But honestly you'll learn to love what you have regardless if it's not exactly what you envisioned.
Patience & self love! And at least 1 year of healing will be needed regardless of the surgeon.
Quote from: transnomad on March 25, 2018, 07:20:35 PM
So many questions...& a lot of false info/speculation already being posted on here. I met with both surgeons numerous times & ended up using Dr Ting. I'm 55 days post surgery. Listen, this type of phalloplasty procedure is so new (I think I was his 11th patient utilizing this labia technique). 95% is finished in 1 stage.... yes, 1 stage. He placed my urethra hole temporarily on the side of my penis so that I would be less likely to have bacterial infections. So my 2nd surgery in a few months will be to move the hole to the standard top central location. Plus, to have any small elements improved.
Listen guys, the reason why many of your questions can't be answered 100% is A) it's such a new technique B) it's quite complicated considering it's using your labia skin. It's definitely NOT because he's a questionable surgeon... he's incredible & very meticulous, in my opinion.
And yes, if you very little labia skin... this surgery probably won't be possible. But again, you won't know until you book a consultation!
First recommendation, contact the Mt Sinai Center for Transgender Medicine & Surgery & you'll need to first meet with Zil Goldstein, Program Director. She will take you through the entire process... your options, the requirements, etc. During a check up last week, I heard Dr Ting is now booked solid for 2-3 years (re:surgeries)! So you've gotta get aggressive & motivated when making appointments! Use this forum for help/brainstorming but ultimately... it's vital that you understand all the steps & requirements. Later they'll have you meet with Ida Hammer & numerous social workers. There's a long list of requirements.
Now I can't recall who posted a negative comment about the recovery center? Again, you'll stay at the hospital 6-7 days, then transferred to a recovery center for 2-3 weeks, then once you are released to go home... they offer (at home)!nurse & physical therapy visits - all covered by Medicaid. I was told that all of Dr Tings patients get private rooms. All I can say... be thankful guys! In most cases this isn't even an option. I was so thankful & appreciative!
I couldn't walk for 3 weeks as I was in so much pain... having constant nurse care & daily physical therapist visits 2x a day was so needed. How could anyone complain about that!?
Phalloplasty is such a highly painful & difficult procedure. Be thankful, not negative.
I'm also shocked with the focus on penis size. Yes of course, it's your choice... whatever dream size you have in your mind. But personally I just wanted a smooth surgery - with as few complications as possible! I have a good size penis... I'm very happy. It's not a gigantic, girthy one but I'm not into that appearance.
I have already posted this but I've already had numerous mini erections! My penis does get hard (from the base up maybe 3/4) & it is noticeable. I'm still unable to have sex yet but Dr Tings method is already working for me. It's really cool & will get better with time. Same with sensitivity...every day that gets better! My girlfriend massages down there & gets the blood flowing! Of course it's not a perfect erection but I'm so happy with everything so far!!!
Final comment: if you choose phalloplasty, whatever surgeon or technique... it takes an enormous amount of patience! It's a very painful rollercoaster. It's something I needed to feel complete! But honestly you'll learn to love what you have regardless if it's not exactly what you envisioned.
Patience & self love! And at least 1 year of healing will be needed regardless of the surgeon.
Thanks for the update, Transnomad. It's great to hear from one of Ting's patients, and especially one so patient. I've re read this string, and at nearly 13 weeks out from MLD w Dr Miroslav Djordjevic (Belgrade, Serbia), who is an adjunct professor at Mt Sinai—the disparaging comments about the different techniques gets old. Most US docs don't like MLD because they are generally less experienced at it—as it reflects their patient population's pursuit of tactile sensation of the phallus. MLD sensation is generally proximal, meaning touch to the phallus translates to the natal bits, which I'm pleased to say it does well, and did right out of the gate. What MLD does provide is a very robust flap less prone to failure, that well tolerates ED and UL, and generally does not require de-bulking (mainly regarding ALT).
Each technique has its trade-offs with regard to complications. Which one you choose has everything to do with your priorities. Choose well!
Congratulations on your 55+ days out Transnomad! Looking forward to hearing your followup! I think it very interesting that Doc Miro is on the Mt Sinai team.
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Hi all. I have completed stage 1 phallo with Dr. Bluebond-Langner and her team at NYU. I think she is awesome and so is everyone who works with her. I don't visit this site much at all anymore but I do receive email notifications. If anyone has questions or anything just send me a PM and we can correspond via email from there. I am ready and willing to answer anything that I can so please don't hesitate!