FFS with Dr. Rossi, June 2015 + Revisions/New Procedures, August 2016

[reborn]

hi Ruby,

How is your healing progressing? Did you get the cast of your nose removed? I am so much interested in your progress...

[RubyAliza]

Hi,

   Thanks Paula it's good to hear you're doing well too. And I'm healing quite well reborn, in fact my bruises are nearly gone, under my eyes. The swelling is almost gone on my forehead and eyelids too. Less then a week and it doesn't really look like I had major surgery. The only things are the chin swelling, lip lift incision with sutures, the nose cast (off on Thursday, excited! But expectations low cause I hate being disappointed).

Went for my first walk yesterday and it felt so good to feel the breeze. I couldn't care less what anyone thinks about how I look haha and now that this revision is done and the worse is over, my mind is free to pursue bigger questions and quests in life. What's next? Well voice surgery at Yeson but I'm hoping to make some friends, have some adventures, work on my teaching career or find a new one, make a home with my partner with some little ones running around. This transition was never meant to be more than that: a transition to a better life

-Ruby

[reborn]

The dysphoria is a terrible thing to have. It constantly occupies your mind and prevents you from working on your goals in life. I am so happy it is over for you and you can now concentrate your full energy on your career and private life. Now when your mind is clear of that terrible feeling of having the wrong body you can set goals and work towards achieving them. I am very happy for you. I believe that our desires come through when you truly desire something. Now, only the sky is the limit for you. lots of love and healing thoughts.

xxxx

[Rhonda Lynn]

Ruby, thank you so, so much for being so open and sharing in this thread. It has been simply amazing.

I think you look great, by the way. That one photo where you are sitting back and smiling you look so happy and pretty! Your photos and your story have helped to convince me that Dr. Rossi is a great choice for FFS and I've made contact with Amanda this week.

Without women like you sharing these experiences, the rest of us would be wandering around in the dark.

I hope that you have a fast recovery and that this revision turns out exactly as you hoped it would.

Hugs,
Rhonda

[RubyAliza]

The dysphoria is a terrible thing to have. It constantly occupies your mind and prevents you from working on your goals in life. I am so happy it is over for you and you can now concentrate your full energy on your career and private life. Now when your mind is clear of that terrible feeling of having the wrong body you can set goals and work towards achieving them. I am very happy for you. I believe that our desires come through when you truly desire something. Now, only the sky is the limit for you. lots of love and healing thoughts.

xxxx

Thanks, you're very sweet. Everything you said is exactly what I've gone through. I am currently in a major self-reflective moment - when the dypshoria dissipates, it leaves a vacuum of thoughts and feelings. I feel a bit empty and directionless. I can't decide if it's a good or bad feeling hehe I don't know if you've seen the movie Castaway but I feel like Tom Hanks' character in the last scene. I was lost, then found, thanked those who been there for me, and know I am looking at the different roads in life I can take from this point

Glad I could help in some way Rhonda. You look wonderful in the pictures on your thread. Whatever choice you make for your surgeon, I'll be so happy for you.

So quick update - Dr. Rossi took out a bunch of my stitches everywhere, left the staples in my head from the coronal incision, but left the nose cast on. He said that since it's a revision rhinoplasty to the bridge of my nose, it needs two weeks of healing in the cast. The suspense builds - I just want to see what I looks like. At this point though I'm extremely happy with the revision. I thought I looked good before this surgery - many people said his original work was very good including Dr. Ousterhout before he retired - but now I look even better. This is all considering where I started from, very masculine.

If I were to use Alexandra's masculine-feminine scale (http://www.virtualffs.co.uk/My_Facial_Feminisation_Thesis_Part_8_How_Feminine_is_Feminine_Enough.html)
M5 --> Gender Neutral <-- F5

  I would say that I started off as a M3. The original surgery with Dr. Rossi made me gender neutral, GN on her scale, from the front. Oddly though I looked very feminine from the profile! So that was something I didn't expect, to look so different from side angle compared to the front. But I wanted to look better from the front but I needed makeup and female hairstyle to push me over the edge to comfortably passing. With makeup after surgery, I was only maybe F1 or a F2. Basically I had still had dysphoria without makeup, probably a similar kind to some cisgender women.

    This revision was about pushing my from gender neutral over into F1 or F2 without any makeup - from the front. My expectations were low because ffs can't always do that. My goal was to able to walk out the door without any makeup without looking androgynous. From that standpoint, it succeeded. I feel a huge boost in confidence! However, Dr. Rossi did a much more aggressive surgery than I expected in all aspects (except my nose - don't know about that yet). I can say now that facial fat grats make a tremendous difference. I recommend it now without hesitation. My forehead is completely smooth now, My brows are in the perfect position/shape, my upper lip looks much more feminine, but perhaps the must unexpected change was my jawline and chin. Dr. Rossi knocked it out the park with this one. Big difference now

    For my breast augment ion, I love it. Dr. Appiani, Dr. Rossi's right hand man, deserves much of the credit for this one. Seriously folks, if you're getting ffs and you're want a breast augmentation, pay the extra 3.3k to get it done. Perfect natural shape and small, hidden scars in your armpits. It adds some extra pain for sure, but worth it. I have slightly above average shoulders for a female but the boobs balance it out. Finally, for the lipofat transfer to the hips, it looks really good as well. I definitely have that hour glass shape going now. Some fat will reabsorb of course.

    I'll be back on here in a few months to post better pictures and change my avatar photo. Other than that, I will have taken this thread as far as it can go. I'd like to hear from people about Dr. Rossi and even about those from Dr. DiMaggio, since they're both in Buenos Aires. Even though I've come to love this city, I miss home! Wish I could click my ruby red slippers and be home

P.S.  quick tip - to help bring down the swelling after ffs, try this.: This video is only the basics and a random video from youtube, so do some of your own research on lymphatic massage. It's good stuff. I had it done professionally after the first surgery, was taught how to do it myself, and used it after my revision. It really helped drain the swelling.

- Ruby

[Jocee]

I'm hoping to make some friends, have some adventures, work on my teaching career or find a new one, make a home with my partner with some little ones running around. This transition was never meant to be more than that: a transition to a better life

-Ruby

Thanks for putting things in to such beautiful perspective. You remind us all that there is life to live.

Joanna

[Rhonda Lynn]

Thanks, you're very sweet. Everything you said is exactly what I've gone through. I am currently in a major self-reflective moment - when the dypshoria dissipates, it leaves a vacuum of thoughts and feelings. I feel a bit empty and directionless. I can't decide if it's a good or bad feeling hehe I don't know if you've seen the movie Castaway but I feel like Tom Hanks' character in the last scene. I was lost, then found, thanked those who been there for me, and know I am looking at the different roads in life I can take from this point

The package and the crossroads! A perfect metaphor. I think I get it. You've been so focused on this goal and it's been so all-consuming. Now you that you've arrived, you have nothing but choices ahead. I hope that you can stop and smell the roses for a while. Life is actually pretty good when we can love ourselves and have people around us who also love us for who we are.

Glad I could help in some way Rhonda. You look wonderful in the pictures on your thread. Whatever choice you make for your surgeon, I'll be so happy for you.

Thank you, Ruby. And I'm enjoying following your journey.

[...]
If I were to use Alexandra's masculine-feminine scale (http://www.virtualffs.co.uk/My_Facial_Feminisation_Thesis_Part_8_How_Feminine_is_Feminine_Enough.html)
M5 --> Gender Neutral <-- F5

  I would say that I started off as a M3. [...]

    This revision was about pushing my from gender neutral over into F1 or F2 without any makeup - from the front.  [...]

The scale is very interesting and helpful. And you're right, you might get a different score from different angles. Also, different features might be more on one side or the other. For example, your nose after the first surgery seemed very feminine to me.

Many healing thoughts!
Rhonda

[reborn]

Hi Ruby,

How did the nose cast removal go? I am sure you are amazed by your face now.

[RubyAliza]

Hey reborn, Dr. Rossi took off the cast the same day I left Buenos Aires. I like it a lot - I'm surprised at how much a difference the nose bridge makes for feminization I'm in a layover right now, so tired and ready to be home. I'm going to post some before/afters eventually, once I'm well rested and settled in back home. Going right back to work. Yay

- Ruby

[reborn]

Have a nice flight honey, and get back home safe. I am very happy that the nose work is also a success for you. Looking forward to see the difference. Kiss

[Debra]

Hey reborn, Dr. Rossi took off the cast the same day I left Buenos Aires. I like it a lot - I'm surprised at how much a difference the nose bridge makes for feminization I'm in a layover right now, so tired and ready to be home. I'm going to post some before/afters eventually, once I'm well rested and settled in back home. Going right back to work. Yay

- Ruby

Great to hear! Hope you have a safe flight home.

[RubyAliza]

Hey Everyone,

     This is my last post on this thread. My transition has drained so much energy out of me emotionally and physically. It's time to move on, at least when it comes to thinking about facial feminization. Maybe in the future I'll get Fraxel laser skin treatments, and even further down the line, a mid face lift or something like that, but I can't even think of surgery without feeling a bit sick

   Here are some before/after initial surgery/after revision. I still have swelling everywhere, forehead, brows, the bridge of my nose, upper lip (from the lift and fat transfer), and especially the chin/jaw. There's some bruising under my right eye. Also, I let my eyebrows grow out so the browlift is a little better in reality, particularly at the tails. I'm sure it will look a different in 6 months but these are good enough, even if the final result will be a little better:





The difference is subtle and I'm no good at taking photos. Profile is basically the same, except for the upper lip and more refined jaw/chin. I feel much more comfortable going out without makeup and that was the main point, aside from the breast aug, for going back to Buenos Aires. So nice to be home again!

- Ruby
   

[reborn]

Even though the changes may seem subtle to you, analyzing the pictures the difference in your face is huge. Your nose looks so perfect. I really love the work done and it has contributed a lot to feminizing your face. The chin and jaw work look also very good and your new chin gives you more refined and noble looks. I don't see any difference in your forehead bone work but your eyebrows look natural and higher. Beautiful position of your eyebrows. The lip lift scar will fade away soon but having a shorter distance between your upper lip and nose has contributed to feminizing your face further. The fat transfer did an amazing job especially in the temples and around your eyes. I think that in case it gets reabsorbed you should redo it with dermal fillers. So before the surgery you looked 80% cis. Now you look 100% cis. I could never tell you are a trans based on your face. I don't think any doctor would get you better results than this. You have achieved the maximum from FFS. I am so happy for you. And yes. enough of surgery. It is the time to enjoy life. You are now a beautiful woman, hopefully the surgeries have boosted your confidence to follow your dreams. Enjoy the life of a beautiful and confident woman and hopefully soon a successful one. kisses

[deeiche]

Hey Everyone,

     This is my last post on this thread. My transition has drained so much energy out of me emotionally and physically. It's time to move on, at least when it comes to thinking about facial feminization. Maybe in the future I'll get Fraxel laser skin treatments, and even further down the line, a mid face lift or something like that, but I can't even think of surgery without feeling a bit sick
SNIP
The difference is subtle and I'm no good at taking photos. Profile is basically the same, except for the upper lip and more refined jaw/chin. I feel much more comfortable going out without makeup and that was the main point, aside from the breast aug, for going back to Buenos Aires. So nice to be home again!

- Ruby
   

I am so happy for you. 

You look great.  I don't see any reason why you would need makeup.

Now it is time for you to live your life.

Put off the LSR for awhile, you've had a lot of surgeries over the last 18 months or so.

take care and be well.

[RubyAliza]

I am so happy for you. 

You look great.  I don't see any reason why you would need makeup.

Now it is time for you to live your life.

Put off the LSR for awhile, you've had a lot of surgeries over the last 18 months or so.

take care and be well.

Thanks Deeiche, life must go on Oh I forgot one last photo of me and Dr. Rossi right before we left.

[Rhonda Lynn]

Hey Everyone,

     This is my last post on this thread. My transition has drained so much energy out of me emotionally and physically. It's time to move on, at least when it comes to thinking about facial feminization. Maybe in the future I'll get Fraxel laser skin treatments, and even further down the line, a mid face lift or something like that, but I can't even think of surgery without feeling a bit sick

   Here are some before/after initial surgery/after revision. I still have swelling everywhere, forehead, brows, the bridge of my nose, upper lip (from the lift and fat transfer), and especially the chin/jaw. There's some bruising under my right eye. Also, I let my eyebrows grow out so the browlift is a little better in reality, particularly at the tails. I'm sure it will look a different in 6 months but these are good enough, even if the final result will be a little better:


The difference is subtle and I'm no good at taking photos. Profile is basically the same, except for the upper lip and more refined jaw/chin. I feel much more comfortable going out without makeup and that was the main point, aside from the breast aug, for going back to Buenos Aires. So nice to be home again!

- Ruby
   

Hi Ruby,

Congratulations on making it through your 2nd surgery and on getting home. You've been through a lot. From what I can see, it was worth it.

I also thought that the differences between the second and third set of images were subtle. However, I think part of that is because the difference between the first and second image is very dramatic. Perhaps your mind tricks you into thinking that the 2nd and 3rd images aren't different in comparison. Your mind says, #2 and #3 are the same but #1 is different.

Once I covered up the the first image to eliminate the distraction, then I could really see the difference! Yes, the shape of the nose both from profile and from the front is already starting to show a difference even with the swelling.  Also the the narrower jaw is definitely more feminine than before. I think that the change to your lips are going to be a really big part of your new look! They look great!

Honestly, I think Dr. Rossi did a wonderful job on this revision. To my eye, you absolutely look like a girl without any makeup on.

Enjoy being out there girl!!
Rhonda

[KarmaGirl]

So Happy you're done and back! Get some much needed rest! I know these ops can really tire you out, not to mention the trip back home! HUGS!!!!

[TaylorLeigh]

Hi Ruby

You look so great! I'm really interested to know if you've had much fat re-absorbsion from your hip procedure. I'm really impressed with your hip/thigh proportions in the pic that you posted of you and dr Rossi. Oh- and was it just your hips you had done, or your butt too?

[RubyAliza]

Hi Taylor,

  Thank you for the complement For the fat transfers to my hips, pretty much all of it stayed. Same with my cheeks. I've had great success with these procedures. Dr. Rossi didn't transfer fat to my butt. I had my butt and hips done in 2015, with lots of lipo to my back, flanks, and tummy. Much of that fat stayed but I gained some weight and decided to get more fat transferred to the hips with Dr. Rossi. That stayed too and that's why my hips look pretty curvy. As far as getting fat to the butt with ffs, it's not recommended at all since you're not suppose to sit or sleep on your back for up to a month afterwards..

   Might as well do a quick update. I've continued to heal and now I feel comfortably passing even without makeup, although I prefer to always go out with some on. I really love what he did in my forehead contouring revision. He shaved down my orbital rims even more which, along with the bone paste he used in the middle to fix a small indentation, made my forehead smooth and ever so slightly curved. The fat transfers to my cheeks not only stayed, but when I gain some weight during the holidays, really look cute haha.

  I will say one thing to the ladies going to Dr. Rossi, which I may have said already somewhere in this thread; if you really don't want your hairline raised, and you really want to make sure your eyebrows stay high, get the incision done at the hairline. That's the only thing I regret. Just get  hair transplants to cover the scar later if you want. Really, it's better not to lose the hair anyways (they'll just throw all that precious strip of skin and hair from the coronal incision in the garage - so sad).

   All in all I'm pretty happy though. But before getting procedures done, just make sure to do tons of research and ask around on these wonderful forums. Ask a million questions during the consultation, don't just agree with the surgeon, but at the same time, don't push the surgeon to do something they aren't comfortable with. Be proactive!

- Ruby

[kittenpower]

Hi Ruby, I love your new avatar pic; you look absolutely gorgeous! 😊