Deciding where to go for FFS

[Ellement_of_Freedom]

Hi everyone,

My parents surprised me a week ago and told me they will take me to get FFS. I told them I want to wait a couple of years until I've been on HRT longer, finish laser on my facial hair and get my braces off.

In the mean time, I've decided to start my research and decide on a surgeon. I'm in Australia, but travelling is no issue.

I was just after some recommendations for FFS surgeons? If you've had it and you would recommend your surgeon, please tell me more/send before and after photos (if you feel comfortable to do so).

Thanks!

[mmmmm]

Ellement_of_Freedom you have more than enough time to do proper research.. For a start you could take a look at galleries that surgeons have on their websites, and buy online dr. Ousterhouts book on Facial feminization surgery. Also Yahoo FFS group has a vast amount of results published.

[deeiche]

VirtualFFS long predates the existence of FacialTeam, having said that she does have some sort of financial arrangement with them now.  However the service she provides can be very valuable.

I did not use VirtualFFS.  I already knew what I wanted done.  I started with a very large frontal sinus, plus I had a lot of age related skin issues, in addition a receding hairline.  I also had limited funds available, where limited was <USD30k.  So I chose an FFS surgeon based upon ten years of following Yahoo FFS group, also some very informative posts here.

[AnonyMs]

I've started having an interest in FFS even though its doubtless many years away.

So far the one thing about Facial Team that worries me is the large amount of marketing they do. When you search for them it turns up a lot of promotional material and I'm worried how much this influences the perception of their work. That is after all the point of marketing.

I didn't know about VirtualFFS being associated with them. Does anyone know what the nature of that relationship is?

I'm not saying there's anything wrong with them, only that I can't tell. If they were as popular as they are now had done none of that I'd be a lot more confident they were good.

Suporn is a case in point for SRS. He's world leading SRS surgeon and does no marketing. That makes me feel a lot more confident he's as good as people say.

Facial Team will be in Australia in December 2016 (with bowers and Yeson apparently).
http://facialteam.eu/international-consultations-list-of-cityes-and-dates/

[mmmmm]

Dr. Ousterhout used titanium or steel wires and screws/plates. Dr. Deschamps Braly is using steel screws and wires. Dr. Di Maggio is the only one of FFS surgeons who performs type 3 reconstruction without any metal screws, wires or plates. In majority of patients. In cases when additional support is required he uses titanium screws and wire. Otherwise he shapes the edges of bone plate in a conical way, so a sinus bone plate holds itself in its position from side, and forehead skin holds it from the other.

[Paula1]

Hi Ellement_of_Freedom ... 

Awesome news about your parents, good idea to wait for the hormones to kick in and do their work.

Well I will not try and tell you who to go to but are you up for some light reading? ... 

If you wish to read thru 9 pages and 177 replies ( most are mine ... LOL ...  )

then check out my thread:  https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,199847.0.html

Gosh it already has had over 7600 views !!!  Amazing.

Briefly I had my original facial surgery in the USA - Feb 2004 with revisions up to 2013 !!!

Then another procedure in 2014 here in the UK, which proved to be pointless and finally actual FFS in Spain this April.

All that I can tell you is that so far, I am 100% happy with the work done, have never experienced such professional care and attention to all my needs, and as you can imagine I am very critical and now a perfectionist.

The private hospital they use is the best that I have ever been in throughout my transition ( and for other non transition surgery ) which began in 1988 and the only hospital that ran close to it was the Sussex Nuffield Private Hospital in Woodingdean near Brighton, Sussex, UK where I had my colonvaginaplasty in 1997.

Their charges are considerably less than UK or US surgeons thankfully because Mediterranean countries such as Spain, Italy and Portugal have different economies to Northern Europe where prices are higher.

Their marketing is very good, afterall they need to sustain their business but I can assure you that their surgeons skill and expertise is equally good, in my humble opinion.

Finally, quite a lot of their work is sorting out patient's previous surgery problems as I had.

This member Eveline's forehead situation was far worse than mine:

Like me, this was her 'Last chance saloon'.

See her threads:  https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,188764.0.html

and:  https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,203638.0.html

and: https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,203897.msg1812930.html#msg1812930

Good luck with your research.

Hugs

Paula

PS. While I was down there staying at the villa run by Jenny Bowman called 'Jenny's Nest', there were three Brits including me (30's, 50's and yours truly who is 70 !!!!), one USA girl in her early 30's, one Turkish girl in her late 20's, one German girl in her 50's and one girl from Australia in her 40's, I think ... Very international all of whom were great fun to be with.

PPS. My original thread about my woes started here:
https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,180029.0.html which then leads on to the above thread I mentioned. Sorry some more light reading for you ... 

[Ellement_of_Freedom]

Hi amazing parents you have!  Honestly, if money isn't going to get in the way, I would get virtual ffs done by Alexandra in the UK first.  She's impartial towards any particular surgeon and has a master eye for what would help you achieve your goals. At the very least, read her thesis on her site and read Dr. Ousterhout's book on FFS. It's best to know as much as you can. Do your own research. These are are some fantastic starting points.


      The ladies on this board are just so sweet and knowledgeable. However, get so knowledgeable, analytical, and skeptical that you can make your own informed decision. I've seen so many people say "Go to this surgeon because they are the best" when the truth is that that person is guided by loyalty for their surgeon. If you hear someone shower their own surgeon in complements and don't provide any downsides or not enough details, be careful. And yes, photographic evidence is by far the best. Be careful though because too many surgeons have their patients use make up in their before/afters. Be skeptical about everything, including angles and lighting as well.

    Personally, I will only say that if I could have chose anyone in the world, it would be who Dr. Ousterhout personally trained - Dr. Deschamps-Braly. IMO he's probably the most expensive but on balance, the most aggressive and safe master surgeon with both bone and soft tissue. If you want to know more about who I went to, Dr. Rossi in Argentina, read my thread and make your judgements. I provide enough description of my surgery for that, but if you have any questions, feel free to PM me.


Best of luck!

-Ruby

   

Thank you for the advice! Will definitely look into those things and get virtual FFS done. I appreciate the recommendation and will keep an open mind re: other peoples opinions etc.

Ellement_of_Freedom you have more than enough time to do proper research.. For a start you could take a look at galleries that surgeons have on their websites, and buy online dr. Ousterhouts book on Facial feminization surgery. Also Yahoo FFS group has a vast amount of results published.

As I said, I'm beginning to research now. Asking for opinions/photos on here is part of it. Thanks, will look into that Yahoo group.

Hi Ellement_of_Freedom ... 

Awesome news about your parents, good idea to wait for the hormones to kick in and do their work.

Well I will not try and tell you who to go to but are you up for some light reading? ... 

If you wish to read thru 9 pages and 177 replies ( most are mine ... LOL ...  )

then check out my thread:  https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,199847.0.html

Gosh it already has had over 7600 views !!!  Amazing.

Briefly I had my original facial surgery in the USA - Feb 2004 with revisions up to 2013 !!!

Then another procedure in 2014 here in the UK, which proved to be pointless and finally actual FFS in Spain this April.

All that I can tell you is that so far, I am 100% happy with the work done, have never experienced such professional care and attention to all my needs, and as you can imagine I am very critical and now a perfectionist.

The private hospital they use is the best that I have ever been in throughout my transition ( and for other non transition surgery ) which began in 1988 and the only hospital that ran close to it was the Sussex Nuffield Private Hospital in Woodingdean near Brighton, Sussex, UK where I had my colonvaginaplasty in 1997.

Their charges are considerably less than UK or US surgeons thankfully because Mediterranean countries such as Spain, Italy and Portugal have different economies to Northern Europe where prices are higher.

Their marketing is very good, afterall they need to sustain their business but I can assure you that their surgeons skill and expertise is equally good, in my humble opinion.

Finally, quite a lot of their work is sorting out patient's previous surgery problems as I had.

This member Eveline's forehead situation was far worse than mine:

Like me, this was her 'Last chance saloon'.

See her threads:  https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,188764.0.html

and:  https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,203638.0.html

and: https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,203897.msg1812930.html#msg1812930

Good luck with your research.

Hugs

Paula

PS. While I was down there staying at the villa run by Jenny Bowman called 'Jenny's Nest', there were three Brits including me (30's, 50's and yours truly who is 70 !!!!), one USA girl in her early 30's, one Turkish girl in her late 20's, one German girl in her 50's and one girl from Australia in her 40's, I think ... Very international all of whom were great fun to be with.

PPS. My original thread about my woes started here:
https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,180029.0.html which then leads on to the above thread I mentioned. Sorry some more light reading for you ... 

Wow you've been through a lot re: surgery! Thanks for the links I will have to read through them bit by bit.

[Debra]

As others have said, you have lots of options to pick through and research.

I'm doing my own research but have my own reasons for staying in the US too. Going outside the US does seem like a good choice financially.

That being said, I strongly suggest trying out Virtual FFS with Alexandra. She's awesome!! It definitely helps give you an idea of what could be without going through with it first.

[Paula1]

Hiya,

Sure have.

Unwittingly I have become rather a surgery junkie .... 

Enjoy the read, hopefully it will take you less time than I took to write it all ... 

Hugs

Paula

Wow you've been through a lot re: surgery! Thanks for the links I will have to read through them bit by bit.

[SamSparks]

Gosh you are easily insulted... Arent you a school teacher or something? Are you insulting students when you correct them and give them correct information?

Sadly Im not affiliated with any surgeon... I wouldnt mind though, but so far noone offered to hire me or something like that.
I know very specific things about FFS and facial surgery in general, because Im curious and fascinated by surgery. I have been following FFS field for about 10 years, and I would probably be rather dumb, if I didnt learn anything in all this time.

Ive got nothing against Alexandra, and I didnt say anything negative about her or Facial team.

Just to add onto this.  Its not "secret information".  You can ask these surgeons during consultation and they will happily tell you how they do things.  They aren't trying to trick patients or "hide" techniques from them.  Just because someone has knowledge to say x surgeon does this, y surgeon does this doesn't mean they are secretly working for them give me a break...

[clawdeenwolf]

I've been researching for years! It's stressful for me at times.

[Jacqueline]

 

There have been a number of posts over the past two days here that are a little harsh. Let's remember, while emoticons are fun, we can't really see and hear how a sentence is being delivered. This can lead to people misinterpreting as well as getting angry or hurt. Mutual respect and kindness is the name of the game. There is enough stress in most people's lives much less a trans persons' journey.

Thanks for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Joanna

[Ellement_of_Freedom]

Does anyone have experience with Dr. Spiegel? Thanks.

[debbiinpink]

Hi,

Im just four weeks out to the day from my FFS with Dr. Spiegel out of Boston and I could not recomend him and his team more. I initially used Alexandria's service out of the UK for imaging and then had a Skype consult with Dr. Spiegel before going to Boston for 10 days to have the procedure done.

I'm 45 years old, in great shape and had the following work done...

1. Scalp advancement
2. Brow Bone Shaving
3. Rhinoplasty
4. Upper Lip implant
5. Lip Lift

The results were/are profound and amazing. Even with scars and bruising the trip back from Boston to my home in Vegas was completely different, I even got automatically patted down by a female airport security officer.. It's been four weeks and I haven't been misgendered once. I went on a date last week with a guy who has no idea that I'm trans and whats incredible is I just landed my first ever modeling gig coming up next month.

Although prior to FFS strangers where always nice to me in public, I could always sense something was up with their energy. That changed overnight. I no longer have to feel like I'm holding my breath every time I go out in public. I even hung out in a bikini at well know Vegas pool party last week and was getting hit on by guys.

But beyond the amazing results, Dr. Speigel and his team were, patient, courteous, understanding, professional, kind and atentive. I could not recommend the experience more.

I wish I could attach pictures here for you to see.
Maybe once i post enough you can PM me and i can send you pics if interested

xoxo Deborah

[debbiinpink]

Im just four weeks out to the day from my FFS with Dr. Spiegel out of Boston...

PS - People also say I look 15 years younger since the surgery.

xoxo Deborah

[JaniceNL]

Debbi can I ask what sort of lip implant you have had placed? I am also looking for fuller lips, but I want a permanent solution. Not needing to have fillers injected every 3 months or so.

[debbiinpink]

Debbi can I ask what sort of lip implant you have had placed? I am also looking for fuller lips, but I want a permanent solution. Not needing to have fillers injected every 3 months or so.

Sure Janice

While working on my scalp advancement Dr. Spiegel took fat from my forehead and injected it into my upper lip. I joke about it with friends and tell them I can really speak whats on my mind now 
He also cut my nose underneath around the base and essentially pulled my upper lip up to create the lift.

I'm so happy with results. I used to feel like lipstick looked weird on me and I always shied away from bolder colors. Not any more!!

I so wish i could post pics for you girls to see the results. Everyone I know has been pleasently gobsmacked at the results.

xoxo Deborah

[Dena]

To place pictures in a thread, load the picture to a server like Photo bucket - one you control so you can remove the pictures latter if you wish. Save the link and place it in the thread as followed. Also preview your work before posting to make sure you have everything right.
[img]www.url.xxx[/img]
TOS 1 isn't applied to material that you own so your images may be posted at any time. Your avatar will have to wait for 15 posts which isn't far off for you.

[debbiinpink]

To place pictures in a thread...

AWESOME SAUCE!!!
THANKS DENA  #TotalNoob

Well girls here it is... Fresh out of Dr. Spiegel's body shop.
Here are some before and after snaps of my new face 

1. Pre FFS (with makeup)


2. PRE FFS (sideview with makeup).jpg


3. PRE FFS (last pic of me b4 surgery, no make up and sweaty because I'm in a hot tub).jpg


4. POST FFS (10 days post with makeup)


5. POST FFS (2 weeks post with makeup)


6. POST FFS (3 weeks post with makeup)


7. POST FFS (4 weeks post with makeup)


7. POST FFS (sideview-isn, 4 weeks post with makeup)


Feel free to comment or ask questions.
As I said before it has been a profound experience that has changed my life for the better and I couldn't be happier with the results.

XOXO Deborah

[debbiinpink]

BTW.. It's just wild to think that only three weeks ago I had 140 stitches in my face, 20 staples and a very broken nose.

xoxo

Deborah