Order of priority: nosejob vs. trachea/voice

[Sammy]

So, just yesterday I learned that there is a skilled local surgeon who is performing voice operations. I did know that he was doing chondrolaryngoplasty surgeries, because I contacted him online and he confirmed that he is experienced in this kind of surgery, but I did never imagine that he does voice surgeries as well.
I also know that there is another clinic which can do the trachea shave (but no voice surgeries) and they are quite good with facial plastic surgery. They also do SRS, but the particular surgeon does not operate frequently and has not done more than 20 SRS surgeries, so, while doing SRS in Your hometown sounds tempting, I am not really byuing into this.
Previously, my plan for this year was to undergo nosejob and trachea shave at the same time (in the latter clinic), but now I dunno. My current budget would allow me either (trachea shave+ voice / nosejob) but not both. I am really fretting over my nose, but everybody else seems to notice it only if I explicitly mention that as an issue. On the other side, having Your voice pitch permanently altered is kinda landmark decision, which would just force me to take next stop and move forwards.

[Ms Grace]

It's a hard choice to make - you need to consider which one will give you the most confidence to be yourself.

While I'm reasonably happy with my voice I know being able to knock it up in pitch would be beyond awesome. At the same time, even though plenty of others have had the procedure, I'd be scared witless of having my throat tinkered with. Largely that's due to a poor understanding of the procedure and a fear of it going wrong.

You're looking great in your latest avatar pic by the way - you've changed so much in the time I've known you on this forum!

[Sammy]

Thank You, Grace 🙂 And You do look very feminine and confident in Your avatar picture! I, if needed, can still pass a guy (at least, I think so).
And yep, You knocked it down - both surgeries kinda seem important in terms of confidence... As regards nosejob, apparently, it is me internalising some issues and overthinking it. What concerns voice - until recently I did not really think about that one (as opposed to trachea shave which is kinda mandatory) but if there is such an option, why not use it? I had a funny experience with my bff and colleague when we went outside for a walk  - she witnessed me interacting with other people and then commented that I speak in an entirely different manner with strangers, namely, I do not allow any of those lower pitch tones to slip in - but I slip in everyday office life (and I did not know that, so it kinda seems subconscious - but it also explains why I often pass with complete strangers despite having voice related issues). So, getting that fixed would make an entirely different facet of everyday life settled too, phone convos included (I do not really pass in phone conversations, but strangers recently are extra checking if they are speaking with "him").

[Seras]

I wouldn't mess with your voice unless you need to. Voice surgery going wrong is pretty much the worst thing I can imagine going wrong of all potential surgeries and all it does it pitch! Which for me at least is the easier part.

[Sammy]

Well, I am quite confident about him as surgeon - he has excellent record, both local and European, he is semipro-singer himself and I have heard good feedback concerning trans-specific surgeries. Of course, things, per se, can go wrong, but they can also go wrong when performing trachea shave as well, when cords are damaged...
Huh, decisions, decisions...
I guess, I need to sign up for appointment, talk to him and then start to figure things out...

[katrinaw]

Aha.... Tough decision Emma...

What would make you feel good about yourself, forgetting that you are in transition??

Personally I would struggle too, what people see and hear first tends to stick... Voice is key, but if you are good in public with your pitch and tonal quality, then do the trach and nose...Facial procedures are very much to do with self confidence as is trying to get as close to natal females as possible in our case...
Even Natal girls want to look good too.

Adams Apple and voice fail is a bigger risk to being clocked than others that cross genders... But any surgery is a risk... It's which choices do you want the most...

BTW your Avatar looks really nice and fem 

L Katy

[LizMarie]

I agree - what do you think would give you the biggest boost in confidence? That's what I'd do first, if I were in your shoes.

[mmmmm]

Which one of these two options should be prioritized, it's the answer only you can tell. I know one thing, changing a nose to a more feminine shape, can feminize your face, but it can also disrupt facial balance and do the opposite. It is something that should be approached after a lot of thinking and after a long discussion with a surgeon, because an average plastic/aesthetic surgeon doesn't know much if anything about FFS, or feminizing the face. I would recommend, even if doing only rhinoplasty, to do it a surgeon who has a lot of experience with trans patients.
May I ask about the name of the surgeon for voice surgery you mentioned?

[Muffinheart]

I agree - what do you think would give you the biggest boost in confidence? That's what I'd do first, if I were in your shoes.

Good advice!
I made a list and had tracheal at the top of the list, followed by GRS, and BA, VFS and FFS were at the bottom of the list.
Not sure at this stage of my life if the last three are something I'll consider...maybe.
I'd rather pay down my mortgage and travel lol

[Sammy]

Good points, everyone . Now, it seems that I can get away with nose for now, but Adam's apple is much bigger concern and summer is coming too, so less clothing to cover that one. I called the doctor yesterday and was able to get an appointment this monday evening. I intend to inquire about everything possible regarding trachea shave and - most importantly - types of voice surgeries he is offering. I hope to get some pricing indications too.

katrinaw - thank You, that was sweet of You 🙂 But I can still pass as dude, if needed .

mmmmm - I will send You PM with details after Monday.

[katrinaw]

Emily same for me, have MPB but it is recovering, very slightly... But have hope, and stranger things can happen 

L Katy  😘

[Christine Eryn]

I am almost in the same situation, Emily. I have a choice between 3 local FFS surgeons, two of them do what I want including trachea shave, the other does not do trache shave with any nose work because of what he calls "breathing issues", although his reviews are way better than anyone else. Plus I've seen the outcome of his work in person. My Adam's apple really has to go. As far as my voice is concerned, I think that's something I just have to work on without surgery.