top surgery

[AJ]

I should probably read more of the current posts before opening my mouth but.....  I was wondering who had some experiences with  top surgery in LA, California and if anyone out there has some answers for a somewhat shy guy who is trying to run the fast track.

I wanted to know what therapy, psychoanalysis, etc, a guy would have to go through to get top surgery done? I have no idea what doctors are out here or what the costs are (any info on that greatly appreciated), but I am going to be a Daddy in 7 months and all I want in the world (aside from a healthy wife and child) is my chest done.   I pass most of the time especially at work in a suit and tie but not being able to come home from work and take off my shirt or potentially enjoy getting wet while trying to bathe my baby is the most depressing thought ever.

Any information in the area, like people you can talk to, rescources for doctors, costs, anything for a guy whose too shy is much appreciated. 

[mikke]

I don't know of any surgeons in LA off the top of my head- but there's a really really well-known one in San Fran. His name is Brownstein, and his specialty is the double incision. He actually doesn't require that you have a letter from your therapist or be on hormones (correct me if I'm wrong here, I could be wrong but I'm pretty sure I read that on his website). He's on the higher end of the price range, but it includes any revisions you might need as well. And he's also very, very good.

You can see some of his results at transster.com (you have to register) and at his website:
http://www.brownsteinmd.com/



There's a TON of other resources on transster too, if you want to look into other surgeons (though you might have to travel out of state).

[tinkerbell]

Actually the HBSOC has six criteria for GRS and breast surgery:

Requirements for Genital Reconstructive and Breast Surgery
Six eligibility criteria for various surgeries exist and equally apply to biological males and biological females
legal age of majority in the patient's nation
12 months of continuous hormonal therapy for those without a medical contraindication
12 months of successful continuous full time real-life experience. Periods of returning to the original gender may indicate ambivalence about proceeding and should not be used to fulfill this criterion
while psychotherapy is not an absolute requirement for surgery for adults, regular sessions may be required by the mental health professional throughout the real life experience at a minimum frequency determined by the mental health professional.
knowledge of the cost, required lengths of hospitalizations, likely complications, and post surgical rehabilitation requirements of various surgical approaches.
awareness of different competent surgeons
Two readiness criteria exist
demonstrable progress in consolidating the new gender identity
demonstrable progress in dealing with work, family, and interpersonal issues resulting in a significantly better or at least a stable state of mental health.

So as far as I am concerned, a letter is indeed required.

See this link for further information.

tink

[mikke]

It does, but Brownstein doesn't require them for some reason. Here, I found the quote from his website for future reference:

On an individual basis, I may, or may not, prior to surgery, require a letter of referral from a therapist, indicating the appropriateness of the procedure and timing of this stage of your transition. The taking of hormones prior to surgery is also not a mandatory requirement, if approved by or recommended by your therapist.

[tinkerbell]

Lane, could you be so kind as to provide a URL for the quote you just posted?  Having a direct link to this information can be beneficial to our current members and the new comers as well, thanks a bunch! 

tink

[mikke]

I did, in my first post. But here it is again (great site, by the way):


http://www.brownsteinmd.com/

[Christo]

I did, in my first post. But here it is again (great site, by the way):


http://www.brownsteinmd.com/

thanx for posting bronwstein's site, man.  he ain't ask 'bout no letter. only 'bout my T  doc.

[AJ]

Hindrix,

Did you have to be on T? If so how long? I'm not on them yet.

[AJ]

Thanks Hidrix. That's so amazing dude. You got an appointment just like that!!  Your voice gave you away that you're on T? Cause most people think I'm a guy cause of my voice but I'm not on it yet. That's good news that when I do start I'll have bass! How long have you been on it?