FFS with Dr. Bart on Aug.26.14

[Sophiabutterfly09]

Im so excited for you!!! cant wait to see the results

[calicarly]

Thank you Sophia! I will post before and afters. By the way, you look beautiful in your avatar! Yesterday I got the blood test results and that finishes all the preparations, I emailed the tests and X-ray over and I am just awaiting an email back to day they received them. I will be paying for what's left of what has to be payed by transfer either Friday or Monday next week. Pretty much all set!

[jgirl76]

WOW! On the final stretch! I know how excited you must be and I think you're going to turn out to be shockingly gorgeous :-)  All the best girl! Hugs!

[calicarly]

WOW! On the final stretch! I know how excited you must be and I think you're going to turn out to be shockingly gorgeous :-)  All the best girl! Hugs!

Thank you Jgirl!! Yeah! On the final stretch, I think it will feel more real from tomorrow since it will be aug the 1st, it's been a long road and after FFS there's still GRS to go, but it all feels more and more real and less like a dream as the days go by, I know you know the excitement and feelings of this, and I know you and I have some similar views on a lot of things. Sometimes my bf has asked me, I bet you felt great when you had your BA, and I always say as great a feeling as giving steps like these are, more than great, once it's done I feel " just right", I hope I feel just right when I come out on the other side of my FFS, well, once the results are evident. And well, the shockingly gorgeous part, I hope so! Coming from the most stunning girl on Susan's, it is a promising phrase!

How are you feeling these days about your forehead? You really do look incredible as you are and although as I mentioned before I agree with you if you go ahead with a revision, you really do look a 10 already Hun.

I got a receipt of acknowledgement from Dr. Bart's team that they received the test results and X-ray also. So that's all done.

C x

[jgirl76]

How are you feeling these days about your forehead? You really do look incredible as you are and although as I mentioned before I agree with you if you go ahead with a revision, you really do look a 10 already Hun.

I got a receipt of acknowledgement from Dr. Bart's team that they received the test results and X-ray also. So that's all done.

C x

You're such a doll Carly! My forehead is improved overall BUT there is still bossing, which is more apparent on my left side. Not sure why there is a difference, but this is something that Roni also mentioned, that one side appeared more smooth than the other. The incision healing, numbness, redness, swelling, and ITCHING has been the worst part of recovery. My incision is still red/sore in certain areas close to 3 months out. I'm 37 (not ancient, but still older) so it might take me longer to heal compared to those who are 10 years younger.

I still feel a revision to my forehead WILL BE necessary but I'm not sure if I will go to Cardenas... I'm soooooo tempted based on Roni's results however!   I think he did such a beautiful job on her!  I've also noticed some asymmetry in my jaw/chin... I don't think it's that noticeable but it could also use a revision to even it out. Additionally, none of the jaw "flaring" on the corners was touched, so I still have a more angular looking face than I would like. My chin is vastly improved, but my jaw still looks too square, too heavy. I plan to fly to Guadalajara for an in-person follow-up in about 3 months or so.

YES you are going to be SHOCKINGLY gorgeous, I already know. These days leading up are going to be so exciting, in fact it's really the best part! Make it memorable! Splurge on that extra nice dinner in Antwerp or something, do whatever to make this extra special and treat yourself well! You deserve it! I am genuinely excited for you and CAN'T WAIT to hear all about it.

[calicarly]

Thanks for the advice Hun, not only do we have my ffs as a reason to go for a nice dinner in Antwerp but it's my bf's bday a cpl days before my op too so,  absolutely double reason to have that special dinner while we're there!
The excitement is slowly kicking in, I really am looking forward to this. I also got together with a lovely girl who lives in the area (squircle is her screen name here on Susan's) and we discussed about our FFS, she's seeing Dr Bart only some 10 days after me for her op, just to discuss things in person with someone who really understands. It's exciting times . Only a couple of weeks now , all ready I'll start slowly packing for the trip in a few days now.

[calicarly]

Ok I have a question for those of you who have undergone FFS, it's about make up, do I bring it to my trip? How soon can I start wearing make up again after surgery? Should I just bring some concealer for the bruises? Or will I be ok to bring my whole makeup bag ? Would pencil eyeliner be A little too rough after the brow lift, any no nos? Ideas? Advice? Just starting to plan what I'm packing and all that jazz and I'm only traveling with an overhead luggage for the 10 days in Belgium so I have to be smart. Thanks ladies.

Carly x

[Dash]

I hope the surgery goes well Carly. : )

Another Manchester girl here. I've been through several online consultations (including with Dr. Bart van de Ven), and seen Facial Team and Mr. Musgrove in person. I have a face-to-face consultation with Dr. Bart on August 30th. I really like the look of his work as I need aggressive work done to my face to feminise it if I'm to ever have hope of passing.

[calicarly]

I hope the surgery goes well Carly. : )

Another Manchester girl here. I've been through several online consultations (including with Dr. Bart van de Ven), and seen Facial Team and Mr. Musgrove in person. I have a face-to-face consultation with Dr. Bart on August 30th. I really like the look of his work as I need aggressive work done to my face to feminise it if I'm to ever have hope of passing.

That's what sold me on him too Hun, constantly aggressive results, I did the drive down from Manchester to London back in may. Remember!,  he's not like a character or anything personality wise, but he is concise and focused and that's more reasons for my decision to with him. how did you find the other consultations? I nearly went to Musgrove but Charging that much for a simple consultation put me off  then I did see some before and afters and most weren't that great apart from 1 or 2 of them.

Thank you for the good wishes I am getting very excited now , if you are having a consultation on the 30th, then I will be recovering in Antwerp! So crossed fingers I will have good news of my results to bring back to you on here also.

[GeorgieGirl]

Hi Carly, under 3 weeks now, you must be so excited. I can understand how you feel. I took some of your advice, but am not willing to put anything up on this forum at the moment, as I do not want to jinx myself. If you get the time, drop me a line and we can talk a little. Best of luck to you xx

[calicarly]

Hey Hun!! Yes the excitement kicks in more each day! I'll send you a PM ! I appreciate the luck wishes x

[Dash]

That's what sold me on him too Hun, constantly aggressive results, I did the drive down from Manchester to London back in may. Remember!,  he's not like a character or anything personality wise, but he is concise and focused and that's more reasons for my decision to with him. how did you find the other consultations? I nearly went to Musgrove but Charging that much for a simple consultation put me off  then I did see some before and afters and most weren't that great apart from 1 or 2 of them.

Thank you for the good wishes I am getting very excited now , if you are having a consultation on the 30th, then I will be recovering in Antwerp! So crossed fingers I will have good news of my results to bring back to you on here also.

Facial Team were very professional. I was impressed with them (saw Dr. Capitan and Alexandra Hamer of virtualffs.co.uk at Sparkle) though the quote I was offered happened to be higher than both Mr. Musgrove's and Dr. Bart van de Ven's. Mr. Musgrove was very thorough and showed me some before and afters that were quite good, but the consultation charge, like you've previously said, was a lot of money. Out of the quotes that I've received on this half of the pond his is the least expensive though.

Looking forward to hearing your feedback on your surgery. May it go well. x

[Julia-Madrid]

Hey Carly

Cool - I found your FFS thread!   The day grows closer!!  I shall be watching your progress.

Tomorrow marks 2 weeks and 2 days since my FFS.  I'm astonished at how quickly it has healed.  I owe my mother a few selfies each Saturday so I'll update them on my FFS thread.

Hugs and a fantastic weekend to you!

Julia

[calicarly]

Hey Carly

Cool - I found your FFS thread!   The day grows closer!!  I shall be watching your progress.

Tomorrow marks 2 weeks and 2 days since my FFS.  I'm astonished at how quickly it has healed.  I owe my mother a few selfies each Saturday so I'll update them on my FFS thread.

Hugs and a fantastic weekend to you!

Julia

Hi Julia!

Yes here I am   wow I can't believe how fast the days have gone since your surgery, looking forward to all done up pix of ya

I just noticed your ticker that says you've been on HRT for 4 months, so expect more changes yet to come in the next year ! You will look great Hun.

Carly x

[Julia-Madrid]

And as promised, now that I realized how to do the photo uploads, here is the profile simulation before and after Dr. Bart did for me at the initial consultation in London in May, he made it kind of quick and I believe he hasn't been doing this for long and not for everyone, but I think it helps to show what the problem areas are and what he intends to change, my profile really shows the issues with the bossing and the fatty double chin!

Oh, how much we tend to exaggerate our little deficiencies Carly!!!  No doubt you shall look great afterwards, but hey, you already look excellent.  We are all a bit nuts I think 

I posted a few more photos on my FFS page.  Be interesting to know what you think.

Hugs from Madrid!
Julia

[calicarly]

Hey Julia!

I found your post so funny!, yes in a way we are all a little nuts, but that is always a good thing, and it couldn't be more true how we all exaggerate our deficiencies but hey after all we're just trying to make the best version of ourselves come forward and when it comes to transition, I think it's good to give it our best shot! I love the pics of you done up Hun, they really showcase that forehead, facial team did a great job, and you do look even younger as a side effect from the brow lift too!!

[Sophiabutterfly09]

Bring: 1: Sunscreen (helps with scarring, especially at the hairline)
         2: Concealer/Base
I wouldn't do eyeliner or shadows, everything is gonna be sort of tight, and a little swollen. Lip balm would be a good idea though; maybe Brow gel.

[calicarly]

Thanks Sophia!

I will bring just basics mainly then.  I hadn't really thought about sunscreen for some reason. But you're right, getting unprotected sunlight on scars is not good, thanks for that tip.

[calicarly]

As it gets closer to the surgery date I keep preparing and among the important and obvious there is also some small things...

Since a lot of people make mention of the lengthy amount of time it takes for swelling to go away from the chin and jaw area, I thought I would mention about some stuff I learned from when I had my BA about a year and a half ago to help the healing process along when having surgery:

+Arnica Montana. This was recommended to me by the clinic nurse when I had my BA, it's mainly for the bruising from surgery and I must admit I had little bruising thanks to the arnica and what little I had healed up and went away pretty quickly.

+Bromelain. Back when I had my BA, I drank lots of pineapple juice, which is where bromelain comes from, but as much as I love pineapple juice it did get a little sickening in the end so this time I just went ahead and got the supplement. It helps mostly with the swelling.

+Multivitamin. I take that once a day regardless but since I am gonna have surgery I had to check that the one I'm taking is low on vitamin E, cause vitamin E in high doses for a long period of time can promote bleeding (this is one of the reasons you girls have to be well informed before taking any supplements and consult your Dr.)

+Vitamin C. I like the effervescent kind. It helps to keep infections at bay the first days after surgery too.

Chances are if you already eat healthy and exercise this is only a small boost to help you along with recovery and as I mentioned above please be careful and consult your Dr before taking supplements to aid with surgery recovery, having in mind any medication you take and any other health conditions so please be careful ladies x

Carly x

[alena]

I love pineapple juice and have been drinking loads this summer! I received an message from Dr Barts secretary the other day to book my post-op consultation in September - they are quite organised! I hope all your prep goes well Carly, keep us updated on how everything goes!