I have to choose between Dr. Spiegel and Dr. Z in like a month - help me!

[Achila]

I am in the early stages of my transition, carefully making decision about which procedures to endure. Coincidently I became good friends of a trans-woman who used Dr. Z for her FFS a year ago. So, to this day, feb 9, 2012, she complains of scar tissue in her gum that interferes with her smile, causing a slight uneven muscle contraction as she forms a smile; she had cheeks done, which completely exacerbated unwanted features that don't look very natural, although femine in shape. Again, forwarding to this day, she has a permanent numbness on her left side and had recurring scarring by her ears that made her go back to the table few times (probably caused the cheek job). Her eyes are not much different from before surgery, just a bit pressed up by her pronounced cheeks.

Understandbly, complications may happen, but they should resolve within reasonable healing expectations. I don't want to loose sensibility, nor have a crooked smile, or a puffed doll face.. Certainly, by looking at her, shows me what not to include in my package. However, she tells me how pleasant Dr. Z was throughout the process,  and the great forehead techniques he used.

[helen2010]

I chose Dr Z after meeting with Dr O and Dr S in 2010   They each had great reputations and a great portfolio of before and after shots; they each introduced me to former patients and on forums each had their supporters and their detractors 

My view is that it is about the chemistry and empathy that you feel with the surgeon.  I am automatically uncomfortable if I sense that a Doctor is overselling/over promising re the final result  Dr Z listened and made his recommendations.   Frankly I thought that he was recommending too much work (hair advancement, brow reduction, upper and lower eyelid reduction/fat removal, rhinoplasty, cheek implants, upper lip lift, chin and masseter muscle reduction, o shave, lower face lift and lipo/body sculpting) but I am very pleased that I took his advice (albeit in 2 separate operations) and achieved the result that I wanted. I am told that I now present as a lot younger and more androgynous at work but definitely feminine when I am able to present as female.  I am very pleased as this is what I had hoped for and at 54yrs and 6 feet tall I was always going to be a challenge 

Dr Z was professional, courteous and respectful.  I am a supporter of Dr Z but to be candid, my sense is that Dr S is just as strong and would also be a fine choice

[greenjessica]

Looking at the results it looks like either way you will make a good choice as Spiegel and Dr.Z are super impressive!