3rd surgery and I don't want anymore

[kittenpower]

In 2007 I had type 3 forehead, scalp advancement, rhinoplasty, and a cheek lift.
In 2011 I had a lip lift, tracheal shave, BA, and Lipo to my tummy and flanks.
On 09/08/15 I had the rest of the FFS I needed, which included Jaw & chin, neck lift, lower facelift, fat transfer to my lips, lower cheeks, and laugh lines, plus a lower bilateral blepharoplasty.
I was on the fence about SRS, but after this surgery I really do not want another one. The pre surgery anxiety followed by the painful recovery makes the thought of anymore surgery extremely undesirable for me. If I would have had the money to get all of my FFS done at once, and then do BA and bodysculpting that would have put me at 2 surgeries, and SRS would have been number 3; I guess 3 surgeries is my limit. 

[JaniceNL]

If you are satisfied why should you have more ?

[Dena]

From childhood have have had 7 surgeries and the first one at age 4 gave me a real strong hate of the medical profession. I was young and you haven't lived until you have been sick from ether.  The last 3 were surgeries that I had a say in. The first two were nose/adams apple followed by SRS. I vowed about 33 years ago that SRS would be my last surgery but things changed and number 7 was voice surgery this summer. I was the ball of nerves that I knew I would be but it was something I decided I really wanted and when I made my vow, voice surgery didn't exist so I didn't know it would be possible. Overall, this was one of the best surgeries I had and thanks to a sneaky anesthesiologist I remember nothing about the surgery.

I suggest that as you are at least 6 months before you have any additional surgery, you let your mind recover from the surgery before making a decision on SRS. You had fairly major surgery this time around and you are only about 4 day out so that can cloud your judgement. If in 6 months you still decided you don't want SRS, more power to you but do what makes you happy.

[Laura_7]

There is someone on youtube who said after ffs the srs will be a breeze.

Because its not in the face, its somewhere away.

And remember its healthy people going into an operation. You can keep yourself healthy before, and plan enough time for recovery.

Just take the time you need...

wish you a speedy recovery now...


many *hugs*

[Maybebaby56]

I don't know if it's any consolation, Kitten, but you look great.  I can certainly understand your reluctance.  It seems I can barely handle electrolysis, lol!

Like Dena, I had a pretty harrowing experience as a child, undergoing major surgery at age 7, and ever since then hospitals really make me nervous.  I am determined to have FFS, though.  After that we'll see what happens.

[Danielle11746]

In 2007 I had type 3 forehead, scalp advancement, rhinoplasty, and a cheek lift.
In 2011 I had a lip lift, tracheal shave, BA, and Lipo to my tummy and flanks.
On 09/08/15 I had the rest of the FFS I needed, which included Jaw & chin, neck lift, lower facelift, fat transfer to my lips, lower cheeks, and laugh lines, plus a lower bilateral blepharoplasty.
I was on the fence about SRS, but after this surgery I really do not want another one. The pre surgery anxiety followed by the painful recovery makes the thought of anymore surgery extremely undesirable for me. If I would have had the money to get all of my FFS done at once, and then do BA and bodysculpting that would have put me at 2 surgeries, and SRS would have been number 3; I guess 3 surgeries is my limit.

Surgery is very draining, physically, emotionally and financially.  What surgeons did you use, you look great. 

[kittenpower]

Thanks; Meltzer in 2007, Chettawut in 2011, and Dr. Zukowski. I'm a Melchettakowski girl
I'm going to wait a couple of months for the swelling to subside, before posting updated pictures.

[Jessie Ann]

Hang in there girl.  I've had 2 surgeries since the middle of April and I know how draining the recovery is.  Take more time than you think you need.  I've tried to push my recovery a little too much this time and wish I had rested more.  Give yourself time to heal before making any decisions.  It's never a good idea to make any important decisions while under such stress.  I'm sure your going to look even more beautiful.  Hugs girl.

[kittenpower]

Thanks Jessie, and I would for you to know that you are looking hot in your current avatar picture, very pretty.

I learned my lesson about pushing myself too fast yesterday; I had a rough night last night, and I'm not feeling that great right now. Anyway, I get to go home on Wednesday, and that is a comforting thought.

[deeiche]

My thought is before you make any decision you should allow yourself to get further from the pain of recent surgery.

I can understand your thoughts completely.

In the early to mid 80s I went through 2 rhinoplasty, a tracheal shave, breast implants and finally SRS.

I wanted nothing to do with surgery ever again.

Now, 30 years on, I'm getting FFS.  Also, after talking to a local plastic surgeon and doing further research, I find I need to get an MRI to verify there has not been a rupture in either silicone gel implants.  If there has I'll need to replace them.  I'm not relishing the thought of another BA.  Even if the implants show okay now I may get them replaced anyway.  I'd rather deal with surgery in my 50's.  I watched what my parents went though when they had surgeries in their 70's.  On top of all this I'm seriously considering laser skin resurfacing.  I hate getting older.

[kittenpower]

Yes, I'm supposed to change my implants every 10 years, and I agree that it would be better to get it done while I'm in my 50s. And after 5 days post op, I'm settling into my recovery, and I'm getting stronger everyday and seeing improvements (I still look like a monkey though, lol) also. So, now that I am in a better state of mind...surgery is back on the table (no pun intended). 

[Beth Andrea]

Pain management is a thing...the docs and nurses have a standard protocol for it, but really it's up to you to let them know if you're comfortable or not.

Myself, I always tried minimal, but that has never worked. Now I just go in on first contact and tell them I DO NOT tolerate pain well, please give me enough where I will NOT be hurting. A mild ache is ok, sharp searing pain is not.

Btw, your fear of pain is why my original "penciled in" schedule of surgeries was voice, face, then SRS...because I knew no matter what, I'd be getting bottom surgery, but if I got that first and suffered post-op, I might change my mind about voice and face.




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[marie]

Hi Kitty

be sure I can understand this, I had myself FFS and BA this year and plan to undergo SRS on June 2016, but after that it will be over... too many anesthesias, two times this year is enough, I am 50...



Marie

[JLT1]

Hey,

Glad you are doing well OK.  Zukowski does good facial work but I think it hurts worse than some. 

I know what you mean about surgeries.  My last one was number 14.  I don't believe SRS will be much worse, even if they do get easier.

Take I slow and remember to message the jaw.

Hugs

Jen

[kittenpower]

Thanks Jen, one of the reasons I chose Dr. Z is because he has a reputation for being aggressive, but I underestimated the level of pain and discomfort I would feel during the first few days after the surgery. I am now 7 days post op, and I feel really good; it was just those first few days with the big bulky dressing that were the worst for me, and then everything started getting a lot easier beginning on post op day 3 when I got to have a shower and have the big dressing replaced with the compression garment.

14 surgeries Jen; wow I can't imagine having that many. Take care.

[bamar86]

I have to egmit within the first 4 days of my ffs I also said to myself that I'd never get another surgery. Its a little traumatizing.  And I found it especially hard because it's difficult to eat or drink within the first few days. But I'm only 17 days post op and already planning my next surgery.

[allie0365]

I'm glad you're feeling better Kitten! the pre surgery stress, the pain management issues, the 4-5 first post op days...ugh!! I'm having trouble focusing on the outcome, but it sounds like you've turned the corner, the worst is behind..

-allie

[Zumbagirl]

3 was my magic number too. I did my forehead, nose, and trachea shave in 1 operation. Second time was for SRS, and the third time was BA and lower jaw reshaping. To be honest I don't want to go under the knife anymore unless my life depends on it. What you did is a lot more than me, so I can only imagine the post-surgical care you have gone through. Take some time off to just enjoy life. Perfection isn't necessary for that.

[vickym]

Like Zumbagirl I think 3 will be my limit.FFS and then SRS a year later took sooo long to recover from.I just had so little energy.A facelift is in order because my FFS was so aggressive on my jaw height and there was loose skin left after the swelling went down.It's not something I'm looking forward to and maybe I'll just live with looking older.

[Christine Eryn]

Ugggh, I have thought about this exact thread for the past week or so. A few days ago, I had my 2nd FFS surgery and am still sitting around healing and recovering. My first surgery 4 months ago I was full steam ahead and had "braced myself to just make a smooth landing". This last time, I just wanted to get it over with and not look back and dwell too much on it. In the prep room I was even apprehensive and a bit nervous.

I now want no more facial surgery ever ever ever on my face. I am now strongly leaning towards not getting my planned breast augmentation next year or even putting off any GRS for the next few years. Us trans folks have procedures beyond what cis people have.

The results are 100% worth it though. I say that with swollen lips and my throat still bandaged. A little faith helps too.