Dealing with an untransitioned chest can be the worst. Binders slip, can leave painful creases or windup falling part way down. On the other hand, its one of the cheapest surgeries. If you are lucky and have an A cup, you can get away with loose shirts, but its always on your mind. I spent years with my shoulders slumped over trying to hide mine.
There are some things that are better about teens knowing what is going on and how to fix it, even if they don't have the money to do so, but I also think it makes the wait longer, knowing but having no means of doing things about it. Are you old enough to get a weekend job or after school job? If you aren't out to your family but want to have the money to start when you do come out, you may have to push burgers for a while.
Its hard coming out to your parents if you haven't already. I'm sure you know the risks and have probably gone through them a thousand times in your head. I know some people think its better to feel them out on the subject first, but that doesn't always give you an idea of what your parents will do when they find out about you. They may not agree with transitioning for people in general, yet when they are faced with their own child's pain and need to transition, they may look at it differently and wind up backing you. Had I asked my parents opinions first, I think they would have had a bad reaction. As it was, I just came out and told them what was going on, and they backed me. By then I was in my mid twenties.
If you don't have a therapist, get one. They are not only able to help you work out your own feelings, but they are also a good source of information when it comes to finding Dr. s who work with transgenders. There are therapists that specialize in helping parents cope with children who have gender dysphoria. When I came out to mine parents, as good as they were at backing me, they had a hard time understanding why it happened and what the best thing they could do for me was. My therapists found them someone who could answer those questions and who had the degree and experience as well as being a non-involved helper.
There are varying price ranges depending on the surgeon, and you can get them either straight off a web site, or contace an office you find online and ask them for an estimate. Also, if you haven't started HRT, that can help shrink your breasts.
Point is, binding is uncomfortable and you don't want to spend anymore time than than you have to. I gave up on it. There were no good binders back then and all i had in my area was ace bandages. I felt like i had to watch every move i made or the whole thing would unravel. Find someone who can help you though the process. Its much easier that way. I wish you luck. I know how hard it is.
sam1234
