Fun at Dr. Z's!

[Julie Marie]

I accompanied a friend for her consultation with Dr Zukowski, a very well known FFS surgeon, and got to sit in on most of it.  As I listened, he explained the whole process and soon I understood why so many girls have FFS.  What can be done is amazing!  Yes, it is expensive, but so is a brand new car.  I found myself asking which would you rather have?  A beautifully feminine face that will stay with you the rest of your life or a new set of wheels that will last a few years?  Yes, I know, you'll age, but not as fast as that car! 

While Dr Z was showing pictures of his patients he mentioned some by their first name.  I heard a name I recognized and I asked him if she was "R" and gave her last name.  "Oh, do you know her?"  I said yes.  "Well she's here.  Do you want to say hi?"  Of course!  So the three of us went to her office where she was just setting it up.  She specializes in alternative healing that she says will cut the recovery time in half. 

My friend went back with Dr Z to the consultation room while I got the low down on all the equipment "R" had.  When the consultation was done we all got together in the lobby and started talking.  There was a display with silicone breast implants on the receptionist's counter.  "R" takes one and sticks it in my bra.  We all started laughing as Dr Z was looking on with a raised eyebrow probably thinking, "Women!".  I adjusted the implant and looked down.  WOW!!!    My eyes told the story.  I was loving it!  I took it out and "R" then put it back in.  Dr Z looked at the three of us and said "Now I'll know why my implants have disappeared."  We were all cracking up but my eyes were fixed on by boob and how good it looked.  All I could think was, "This could really be me?"  No doubt the other girls were seeing how much I was enjoying this.  Then Dr Z jokingly said, "You girls are having too much fun.  Go home"

On the drive home I just couldn't get that image out of my head.  I saw a lot of pics of girls he did BA on and they really looked good.  A seed had been planted!

We later met another friend and went out to dinner.  There was a lot of talk about the experience.  All three of us have been looking into FFS and BA so the conversation was pretty lively.  I heard more than one comment about the look in my eyes when that implant was sitting in my bra.  The waiter didn't know what to think! 

Before I walked into Zukowski's office I was on the fence about FFS or even BA.  When I left I was trying to figure out how I was going to pay for them.

How things change....

Julie

[Stormy Weather]

Now that I understand completely... and I shall be seeing Dr. Z when he comes to London in November for a consultation.

I had absolutely no idea that FFS existed until about a couple of years ago and at first was dismissive, but now when I tell people what I'm considering having done, most of them honestly say I don't need it. But it's hard to disentangle the feelings of insecurity and vanity that drive the decision though. And besides, it's also a matter of really wanting to enjoy this time of my life now that the difficult bits are over.

Julie, if you've got any advice on how to best approach the consultation and how to get the most out of it, I'd appreciate anything that you can share. I see meeting someone like this is just as meeting any high-paid professional, and expect to go prepared...

[cindianna_jones]

Julie, you don't have silicon falsies?  What's with you girl?  I thought EVERYBODY had silicon falsies!

I sometimes envy all of you who are going through this now. There is so much available to make the journey easier. 

Now Julie, about the comparisons between FFS and a new car.... I'm trying to figure out how you can drive your new face

Cindi

[Kate]

Before I walked into Zukowski's office I was on the fence about FFS or even BA.  When I left I was trying to figure out how I was going to pay for them.

LOL, *exactly* my experience - and that was from a mere phone consultation. Hmmm, maybe if I sell the car, don't eat, max the VISA... hmmm... I MUST do this, I WANT this!!!

And now... I'm not so sure. We'll see. Oh, it's certainly miraculous and amazing, but... I dunno.

It IS nice to have as a backup plan though, isn't it? Like "if all else fails, there's always FFS..." It's HOPE.

Kate

[KarenLyn]

It all comes down to priorities. I looked into BA and was ready to do it but also had racing lined up. I could do one or the other but not both. I finished 18th in the Nationals last season. Not bad for a rookie. I'm only planning on racing through the 2008 season. After that, I might be back to see about the augmentation.

Karen Lyn      

[Stormy Weather]

Just to follow up on this, after my first post, Julie PM'd me with some advice which was much appreciated.

(Public) thanks.

[Julie Marie]

Julie, you don't have silicon falsies?  What's with you girl?  I thought EVERYBODY had silicon falsies!

Cindi

Yes, I have them but this was different.  My brain saw them as mine, as part of me.  It was like I already had BA.  Sure got me thinkin'!

Stormy, the pleasure is mine.

Julie

[Chaunte]

Now Julie, about the comparisons between FFS and a new car.... I'm trying to figure out how you can drive your new face

Cindi

You know, a wink, wiggle of the hips and a little cleavage can get you any car you want  - with a driver to boot! 

Chaunte

[Melissa]

I go back and forth on the whole thing.  Last time I considered this, I had resigned myself to eventually needing FFS.  Now I'm starting to pass as a gg at transsexual events by those who don't know I'm TS.  It must be these new hips.  I think at this point I'll wait to see what HRT does to my face over the next few years.

Melissa

[Julie Marie]

I think at this point I'll wait to see what HRT does to my face over the next few years.

Melissa

One of the things Dr. Z said that I've always believed to be true is HRT does not change the face when it comes to bone structure.  I've heard some girls swear it does but if it does it takes decades and the changes are very small.  Obviously if you begin HRT while the bones are still developing there the hormones will have an effect.  But if you start after development is complete, there will be no noticeable changes.

The skull is the foundation and everything else is built on that.  Muscle and fat changes caused by HRT and electrolysis might help feminize your face but they will still be lying on a male skull.  There's no getting around that without surgery.

Julie

[LostInTime]

I was talking with Dr Z and had hoped to go up and see him but I was laid off from my job and my current one paid about $9K less per year.  I found him to be very friendly and open.  he suggested a few things I did not think of and put aside a couple of things I thought I needed.  If I ever get back on my feet, I will definitely have FFS.

[Melissa]

I think at this point I'll wait to see what HRT does to my face over the next few years.

Melissa

One of the things Dr. Z said that I've always believed to be true is HRT does not change the face when it comes to bone structure.  I've heard some girls swear it does but if it does it takes decades and the changes are very small.  Obviously if you begin HRT while the bones are still developing there the hormones will have an effect.  But if you start after development is complete, there will be no noticeable changes.

The skull is the foundation and everything else is built on that.  Muscle and fat changes caused by HRT and electrolysis might help feminize your face but they will still be lying on a male skull.  There's no getting around that without surgery.

Julie

I realize HRT does not change bone structure.  However, in regards to your comment on it still being a male skull, that is making the assumption that it was male to begin with.   The thing I've noticed is my skeleton kind of fall somewhere inbetween female and male and seems to lean more towards being female.  HRT has done some work, but not really that much.  I've found that one of the big reason I do pass is both my bone structure and my hair.  I've been having to keep increasing my hormone dosages because they still are not quite at normal female levels.

Melissa