Would FFS even be worth it?

[Princess Kristiann]

Hey guys, I just wanted a second opinion, As of right now, I am going full time, and have yet to start my hormones.  I  pass 75% of the time as long as I don't sweat my makeup off in the heat and humidity of Florida lol.  Anyways In person I feel as though I have a somewhat androgynous face.  But do you think hormones are going to make that big of difference to where I won't need to get FFS?  I just need to prepare financially.  TIA - Kristi


What I look like.
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What I think I'll Look Like(Edited picture of me):
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[RoseH]

It is hard to predict, YMMV, but my guess is that hormones are going to make a lot of difference for you.. It's going to soften up your features.
If you will 'need' FFS? Only time will tell. It's not a good idea to get FFS before starting hormones unless maybe if you e.g. have traits that are extremely masculine. And you do not 

[Princess Kristiann]

Thank you.  I understand the whole, don't do surgery until you know what the hormones are going to do for you.  I want to have as little surgery as possible I'm not trying to look plastic lol. Thank you for the reply I just wanted to make sure.  On a side note do you know of a site where I could find a trans friendly doctor in Florida? I don't know that many people around here so It would be hard to ask somewhere where to do to get on hormones. Thankies.

[RoseH]

No idea, I live in Denmark 

But I'm sure somebody who can recommend you something will come across this post.. If not you can make a new post and ask for that specifically.

[iKate]

Thank you.  I understand the whole, don't do surgery until you know what the hormones are going to do for you.  I want to have as little surgery as possible I'm not trying to look plastic lol. Thank you for the reply I just wanted to make sure.  On a side note do you know of a site where I could find a trans friendly doctor in Florida? I don't know that many people around here so It would be hard to ask somewhere where to do to get on hormones. Thankies.

Talk to your local PFLAG chapter and they can steer you in the right direction.

[michelle82]

Now that I'm full time, I spend a lot less time worrying about passing. When I was first planning my transition, I use to think that I would never leave the house or pass unless I had FFS.

After 5 months on HRT and building a much stonger confidence, I don't really have problems passing. I'm still getting FFS though because I want that confirmation for myself when I look  in the mirror.

You might find that after HRT takes effect, and you grow out your hair,etc, complete facial hair removal etc, that you don't really need FFS.

[Mallory]

I agree with Michelle.  Give HRT at least 1 year (6-8 months full dosage) before you start worrying about FFS.  There's so much that we, as trans* persons, worry about when 90% of it should be the last things on our minds.

I started HRT back in April.  I went cold turkey/quit 6 weeks later in May because I freaked out big time.  All I could think about was finances and how I could afford this or that, my hair was short, my boobs were hurting, I doubted I'd ever pass without this or that, I felt stuck in a relationship and place I didn't want to be in, and I was just a good ole' train wreck about everything.  So 85 days later I started again.

This time around?  I'm not even worried about it.  Most of the results I've seen of 30-32 year old's have come after 8-18 months, weight loss (from obese to average/healthy), and hair growth with no FFS and they all look radically different.  And I do mean ALL of them.

Keep your chin up and don't worry yourself over it.  It's so hard to be patient because we want immediate changes, but trust me when I say that the only thing that will make a difference is time and the proper chemistry.

[iKate]

My personal perspective:

I'm considering FFS because it will enhance how I view myself. I am not happy with some of my facial features even though some people tell me I'm fine. So in the end this is less about passing than it is about me.

And to be honest, passing is not hard now once you get into the groove of it. Now that I'm full time I'm more or less forced to "pass" by default. Or rather, I present female and simply don't worry about it.

Again, regarding the advice of, "you don't need it." I was told the same thing about voice surgery, how I should just train my voice and be happy with what I have, how surgery is risky etc etc. I still went ahead and did the VFS anyway. BEST DECISION EVER. My voice is effortless, passes 100% of the time and most importantly, I am happy with it.

So I say when deciding on FFS, get professional consults with face surgeons and also maybe virtual FFS. Then you decide for yourself whether it is necessary. Don't base it on passing, base it on your own happiness.

My plan is 1-2 years on hormones then I will evaluate with virtual FFS and then see if I will want to do actual FFS. My main concern is not really money, but it is pain, numbness and general surgical risks.

Good luck!

[Wednesday]

I think iKate's is very wise advice. It's not always about passing. For some people is just about getting rid of certain features or even achieving a certain look. To see themselves in the mirror/photos/videos and be happy with what they see.

[marie]

Hi ladies

I think too that iKate advice is very wise indeed .. for me, I always considered FFS for myself first, since I am living my life for me first, not for others... I underwent a ffs back in March as detailed in the Saint Patrick topic that combined with the full time was really a life changing option ...

Hope that helps

Hugs

Marie

[cindianna_jones]

Kristiann, no matter what you end up deciding, you can certainly afford to wait a while. Your face is much more feminine than mine was. I discovered that just getting rid of my facial hair and losing some weight gave me enough to make it by just fine. The hormones will give you softer skin and redistribute the fat to some degree, so give that a chance.

I would like to change my facial features. I'd really like to get voice surgery too. But now that I'm older, I have a difficult time justifying the expense, not to mention facing the risks of something going wrong. I don't have any difficulties in public and friends I've had for years have no clue about my past.

I haven't taken hormones for 15 years. They seem to spike my glucose levels. And you know what? Nothing has changed about my ability to present myself as female to anybody. Everyone is different of course. I'm just presenting my experience to show that you can do whatever you want and that you have a choice.

Chin up!
Cindi