At a crossroads. Should I or shouldn't I get FFS

[ali.yo1991]

So a little bit of context. I would love to get FFS. I feel like it would make big difference in my life but Ive gone through a ton of disappointments regarding insurance covering ffs. I have an insurance that says they "cover" ffs but when I talk to surgeons they say that its not true and that the most they cover is equal to 1% of the surgeries. Ive gone through this too many times. Getting excited and having my dreams crushed over and over and over again has really been taxing on my mental health. So now im considering not even getting it. I just know it will always bug me. I know for some its fine but for me I'd feel "incomplete". its basically a choice between that or constantly fighting insurance in what seems like a losing battle. Im sorry for being such a downer im just really frustrated and just want good news thats not immediately followed by soul crushing disappointment. So in the mean time do you think I look fine without ffs? Am I being too critical on myself?
http://imgur.com/9daaImA
http://imgur.com/DFxSYqt
This is me immediately after work looking like garbage lol. So what parts of my face are super masculine? What would you think would make the biggest difference if I did get ffs? Trust me you wont hurt my feelings lol

[Dena]

From those photos, your face is far more feminine than mine was at that stage. I only see a female face and I can't really see it as a male face. I suspect when your hair is down it appears even more feminine.

I don't see a need for FFS as I don't see the masculine face you describe. If you are still early in HRT, I suspect your face will get even better with time.

[Joan]

I agree with Dena. I don't think you need ffs. 

[lostcharlie]

 honestly I have to agree with Dena. I've spent 10 minutes jumping from your post to your pictures and back and for the life of me nothing screams male to me . the only thing that I see at all is maybe it wouldn't hurt to do just a little thinning and shaping to your eyebrows. don't let that comment make it sound as if you have big bushy "guy" eyebrows, you don't. I just think a little shaping would look better ( personal taste really ).
all that said I do understand really wanting something even if you may not need it. have you gotten copies of your insurance policies benefits and studied them well to see if the doctors are being totally honest about your coverage ? Also something to think about. If you want the facial work bad enough does your life circumstance have room for a part time job in addition to your regular job ? the plan would be all money earned from second job goes into a facial surgery account. before you know it .... cash in hand .
 

[ali.yo1991]

From those photos, your face is far more feminine than mine was at that stage. I only see a female face and I can't really see it as a male face. I suspect when your hair is down it appears even more feminine.

I don't see a need for FFS as I don't see the masculine face you describe. If you are still early in HRT, I suspect your face will get even better with time.

Im actually a little over 2 years on hormones. Dont think there's much that will change but thank you for the compliments

[ali.yo1991]

honestly I have to agree with Dena. I've spent 10 minutes jumping from your post to your pictures and back and for the life of me nothing screams male to me . the only thing that I see at all is maybe it wouldn't hurt to do just a little thinning and shaping to your eyebrows. don't let that comment make it sound as if you have big bushy "guy" eyebrows, you don't. I just think a little shaping would look better ( personal taste really ).
all that said I do understand really wanting something even if you may not need it. have you gotten copies of your insurance policies benefits and studied them well to see if the doctors are being totally honest about your coverage ? Also something to think about. If you want the facial work bad enough does your life circumstance have room for a part time job in addition to your regular job ? the plan would be all money earned from second job goes into a facial surgery account. before you know it .... cash in hand .

Yeah I just hate the feeling of "what if" you know? Maybe I will look amazing and with the possibility to go stealth. My brows are bad lol ive just been feeling ->-bleeped-<-ty about myself so I just kinda let things go. Probably the thing that bugs me the most is my brow line and my jaw line....thats all I'd really want fixed...thats still 30,000 bucks! I have thought about a second job but my current job just doesn't allow it. Ugh im just so conflicted haha

[warmbody28]

yeah you look good without it. save the money for something else you want

[Selina8402]

You look great. I don't see the need for FFS.

[katrinaw]

I see no real manly features at all...
therefore certainly don't see any reasons at all to fork out all that money.

But hey if you really feel you need it for yourself, then consider it in that light xx

Katy xxx

[Lagertha]

Every trans woman has a few facial features that can be feminized and reversed with surgery (except those lucky ones who started with HRT at age 11 or 12 before any puberty damage). Whether or not people here think you need anything or not is irrelevant. The only important question is if you want it or not?

If your insurance has coverage of FFS in their policy, then it's possible. It's much easier for surgeons (and their office) to say it's just 1%, and hope you will give up and pay them with your own money, than to work hours and hours with you and insurance company and make all the paperwork and everything else. There are some people who had it covered, and there are few threads about that in FFS section.

[Jessirules]

Ask the Dr to request prior authorization,  then you will know exctly where you stand!

Jessi

[Debra]

I also agree, you can get by w/o ffs easily. I myself have gotten by without it for 6 years and I'm only just now considering it....mostly as a finishing surgery....a finalized thing.

[in.Chains]

If I was in your position, I don't think I would; your face is quite feminine as is. It's probably best to avoid surgery as much as possible, both for financial and safety reasons.

[Wild Flower]

Hmm... If you i were you, the only thing I notice was the upper lip area. Im not sure if its the shadow or you need a lip lift for the distance. I cover your mouth while doing it... Your eyes are beautiful and passable. And then did the same and that was something that pop to me. My opinion.

Otherwise I agree withe the people.

[iKate]

People tell me I look fine, I'm largely stealth in daily life but I see myself in the mirror and that's why I want FFS.

My chin and forehead bother me a lot. Sure I see women with brow bossing but they have other features which balances it out. They also have the fallback of being cisgender.

So I'm getting FFS. The question remains how much and with who. I'm sorting that out but I've already asked work for time off.

In the end if you are fine with it then good. If not then you should make a decision. In the end it's up to you.

As far as passability goes I don't see FFS making that big of an impact as people think. You can pass with a fairly masculine face. Voice and confidence are the major factors. I have both so I pass all the time. Caitlyn Jenner looks gorgeous but her voice gives her away. Take it for what it's worth

[Ritana]

My honest opinion:

Your face looks pretty feminine for a transgender woman, however, in my opinion you would greatly benefit from forehead contouring,  chin reshaping and upper lip augmentation.

You are right, Ikate. Voice.plays a major major role.in passability. I have come across girls who I genuinely thought they were transgender but changed my mind after hearing their extremely feminine voices.

Ritana

[ali.yo1991]

Wow honestly didnt expect this response. Your all so kind. I think I just have a self esteem issue. I just always felt I needed FFS starting from the beginning of my transition. Im realizing that its my confidence and in turn thats causing me to not use the feminine voice ive worked hard to perfect. Its like a dominoe effect. FFS is a important part of transitioning for some women and it should be covered but its still new. Until insurances and surgeons figure their crap out im just focusing on things I can control like losing weight, confidence, and using feminine mannerisms. Thank you everyone your all awesome <3

[Ritana]

The ultimate passability test is the street. If you already pass as a female.in public (eve'n in boy mode)  than you don't need ffs. If you don't pass then you need it. It's as simple as that. People on here can compliment you or tell you you don't pass but street is the ultimate passability test.

[nocgirl]

Your eyebrows could use a good wax, and make sure you have no facial hair. apart from that you look feminine.

[Wild Flower]

The ultimate passability test is the street. If you already pass as a female.in public (eve'n in boy mode)  than you don't need ffs. If you don't pass then you need it. It's as simple as that. People on here can compliment you or tell you you don't pass but street is the ultimate passability test.

Yes. The public never lies if its in mass agreement.

You should go on a liberal street corner, and do a survey "Guess my Secret" and let them write it down. And give them a free prize. 

And then tell them your secret, and to those who thought you were trans, ask them why.