Questions ^_^

[Xirafel]

Uh, I initially posted something like this in the HRT section, but I figured that it's probably the wrong place for this o.o

What are the requirements for this? How many years of therapy are required? Does a psychologist have to sign off on it?
How many years do I have to wait before it's legally permissible?
How much does it cost? How can I minimise the cost, I'm kind of a student, maybe that counts for something 

How do I lower the probability of them botching it? Sssooooo many questions, I'm totally clueless o-o
Urm, I'm in Australia right now, but I might go to the U.K. in a few years time.

[LizK]

The regulations are different from state to state but I went to a Psychiatrist to get my "letter of recommendation" for HRT. He gave me this letter on the second visit. Once I had this I was able to start HRT which costs me no more than the standard prescription cost of about $30 per month (non student/pensioners). The implants were dearer but they last 6 months.

As far as therapy goes there are no minimum "requirements" and I didn't have to convince anyone of anything. You don't have to attend a certain number of sessions...it depends on what issues you want help with to resolve. The Psychiatrist was more interested in that I had a good support group and that I wasn't psychotic. Once he established, after talking to me, that I wasn't crazy, but did have gender dysphoria that required treatment. I also had 9 months of therapy with a psychologist while I waited for my appointment with the psych. In this time she helped me in so many great ways and I catch up with her about every 3-4 months now for coffee and a catch up. More like a couple of friends

Student and Pensioner discount rates can make the price of pills as low as  $5.80 per script...I am on a disability support pension so I get the cheap pills...but I have implants anyway which cost more.

Hope some of that helps...I am curious why would you need years of therapy anyway...you sound pretty sure to me you know what you want? If you didn't know then that could be more difficult.

Liz

[Xirafel]

Okay o-o

Is there anything specifically for FFS? I hear a lot about it working wonders, but know next to nothing.

[KathyLauren]

Is there anything specifically for FFS? I hear a lot about it working wonders, but know next to nothing.

According to the WPATH Standards of Care:

The SOC do not state criteria for other surgical procedures, such as feminizing or masculinizing facial surgery; however, mental health professionals can play an important role in helping their clients to make fully informed decisions about the timing and implications of such procedures in the context of the overall coming-out or transition process.

So, it would probably be a good idea to talk it over with your therapist, but the requirements should be no different than some movie actress wanting to get a facelift.

[EmilyMK03]

FFS is considered to be cosmetic surgery, so there are no requirements or pre-requisites to getting it done.  Anyone can do it at any time.  Ironically, it's actually easier to get FFS than HRT...

But because it's cosmetic surgery, health insurance will not cover it.  You have to pay for the entire amount out of your own pocket.  Most people who have had it will say that it cost anywhere from $20,000 to $50,000 US dollars.  Different surgeons have different pricing.  It's a good idea to get consultations with multiple surgeons before deciding on one.

It's also important to realize that although it doesn't require approval by a system of therapists or psychologists beforehand, FFS is still serious, major invasive surgery.  You will be under general anesthesia.  As such you want to be in good health and physically fit to improve your chances of a good outcome and a smooth post-op recovery.  Surgeons will also require you to be medically cleared before surgery, so you will need to undergo a number of tests.  These plus the cost of aftercare should be taken into account when calculating the final cost of FFS as well.