Is it ok to use ace bandages for an hour or so?

[perrystephens]

I'm going to get my first ID in a few days and I don't want my chest to stand out. I used ace bandages for short periods of time when I was younger and was fine but since then I've developed both minor back problems AND major respiratory problems. I want to be as flat as possible in my picture and I'll take it off in the car after I get out if I have to. Is there another way to get a flat chest? tight sports bras always just make my chest sort of pop out over the top and makes it even more noticeable and layering sports bras does nothing for me.

Also on a related note, I want the ID to apply for jobs, at which I would like to be taken seriously as a man, so would it be possible to change the name and/or sex on my ID? My mom is fully supportive btw and I live in Oklahoma.

[synesthetic]

if you're without a doubt going to use ace bandages anyways, I can't stop you. but it's really unsafe, even if it's only for a short period of time. wearing them for an hour is a lot better than wearing them for a whole day, but it still is risky. I mean, even tape is safer than ace bandages. pretty much everything is safer than ace bandages.

sorry, I'm not trying to be all preachy or whatever, but ace bandages just really aren't safe, especially if you've already got respiratory problems. is there any way you could get a proper chest binder? if your mom's supportive, and you could afford it, I'm sure she'd be willing to help buy you one. or if not, maybe just try wearing a large hoodie that helps conceal your chest?

I don't really know how the legal name/sex changing process works, but I'm sure that is possible.

[perrystephens]

if you're without a doubt going to use ace bandages anyways, I can't stop you. but it's really unsafe, even if it's only for a short period of time. wearing them for an hour is a lot better than wearing them for a whole day, but it still is risky. I mean, even tape is safer than ace bandages. pretty much everything is safer than ace bandages.

sorry, I'm not trying to be all preachy or whatever, but ace bandages just really aren't safe, especially if you've already got respiratory problems. is there any way you could get a proper chest binder? if your mom's supportive, and you could afford it, I'm sure she'd be willing to help buy you one. or if not, maybe just try wearing a large hoodie that helps conceal your chest?

I don't really know how the legal name/sex changing process works, but I'm sure that is possible.

My mom's supportive but we don't have the money. I'll try something else but I have a big chest and it's hard to cover. I've basically given up on trying for day-to-day purposes, but I really don't want to look like that in my ID.

[FTMax]

Layer sports bras and then loosely wrap the ace bandage around the parts that seem to pop out, if that's what you're going to do. I do not think it is a safe practice in general, and especially for you if you're already having back and respiratory issues.

You would need to look up the requirements for the name and gender change on your ID. Your local circuit court should have information on how to get your name changed. If you are a minor, a parent will need to sign off on the change and probably appear on your behalf. The gender marker gets trickier, as in many states you need to be currently undergoing some form of medical transition in order to have it changed. I am not sure what the requirements are for Oklahoma, but you could check the Documentation Changes page in the Wiki.