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Advice on my face w/ pics and some questions

Started by FallenLeaves, December 11, 2008, 10:36:59 PM

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FallenLeaves

Okay, so I am looking for some advice here. The time has come where I really start planning for my future and I am trying to figure things out...like how much money I need saved in particular. First off, a nose job is definitely happening. I broke my nose badly when I was young, so this isn't even my "real" nose anyways. And very likely a trachea shave since it is relatively inexpensive anyways. Will that be enough though? Sometimes I think it will, other times I absolutely despise my chin and other features too. I just can't see myself as female in the mirror and this is definitely an issue to me. It doesn't matter how often my girlfriend tells me I look extremely passable or how rarely I get any strange looks while out, I just don't FEEL like I look like a female. I see a guy when I look in the mirror and I don't like it one bit.

I'm about 5 months in on HRT. Here are some photos

Front: http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c37/Znwo/front.jpg

Profile: http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c37/Znwo/profile.jpg

Threequarters: http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c37/Znwo/threequarters.jpg

And for good measure, one with my hair down: http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c37/Znwo/hairdown.jpg


Also a few questions if anyone is able to answer. Price is definitely a concern for me. My counselor gave me a printoff with some transgender businesses in the area, and surprisingly there was a local surgeon that did FFS for the eyes and nose. How important is the skill of the surgeon for something like rhinoplasty? Does price even vary very largely from surgeon to surgeon (excluding "top" surgeons of course)?




Edit:

Virtual FFS Pics

Pics of me now:
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c37/Znwo/Front-1.jpg
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c37/Znwo/ProfileLeft.jpg
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c37/Znwo/45Right.jpg

Pics of me post-op
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c37/Znwo/Nick1d.jpg
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c37/Znwo/Nick2d.jpg
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c37/Znwo/Nick3d.jpg
  •  

sarahb

Let me start off with a warning, of sorts. Once you have partial FFS, for me at least it was really hard to stick with just that. I initially just had my chin and trachea shave done and am extremely happy with the results, but I quickly started re-focusing my energy on the rest of the things I didn't get done and they seemed to get worse in how I saw them on the do-I-look-feminine scale.

Before my first FFS surgery I really only cared about my trachea and chin as they were, to me, the most prominent and male features. Now that those are taken care of, the other things are not as balanced as they used to be when everything was "male", so now they look more masculine these days. Therefore, I've opted now to get the rest done (forehead, brows, and nose). So one word of advice, save every penny you have now and cut down spending to bare minimum so that you can be prepared if you end up wanting more. Worse case you'll have money saved up even if you elect not wanting any more surgery.

Ok, with that said, in my opinion I agree with you on the nose. That's pretty much a given for most of us girls. I would say the chin would be good to get as well. It's not bad in the least for the profile, but is a little too angular in the front shot. Your forehead is pretty good, really the only thing up there I would recommend is maybe a brow lift and possible contouring since your brows overhang somewhat prominently and it would "open" up your eyes. Other than that I would say you're good. You have a great upper lip with a nice lift to it. Your jaw needs no work that I can see. Your trachea, at least what I can see of it is not prominent at all and could very well be skipped, or at least put off for the more important procedures.

I would say save up at least $20-25K and you'll have enough for the things I mentioned, nose, brow lift/contouring, and chin (and then about $5K+ in hospital fees). But it does also depend on the surgeon you go for. From what I've seen, nose jobs don't really vary that much. But the other things can and do.

Oh, and as far as skill, I would recommend a skilled surgeon in any procedure as it does alter your main focus of your appearance (your face) and should never be taken lightly. Do research on the surgeon prior to booking and make sure they're qualified.
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lady amarant

Cooooool! You have different coloured eyes!

Okay, I think you look pretty good, though the hair down hides your features and makes you look much more male. I think yeah to the nose. Other features ... quite honestly, I think you look good. SarahR may have a point on the chin, but I don't think it's really noticeable.

~Simone.
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cindybc

Hi Fallen Leaves hon
I noticed the eyes, quite unique.

I see a lot of potential in your features. You appear to be young still, and youth is usually the best trick for best results from HRT. You say you have been on HRT for only five months, May I suggest you wait until you have been on HRT for a full year before making any decisions on FFS? You may be quite amazed in the changes after a years time. You may be better off putting that money in a savings acount, and if it turns out that you have had sufficiently desired changes, then keep saving that money towards SRS if that is your plan.

Cindy
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FallenLeaves

Quote from: cindybc on December 11, 2008, 11:42:39 PM
Hi Fallen Leaves hon
I noticed the eyes, quite unique.

I see a lot of potential in your features. You appear to be young still, and youth is usually the best trick for best results from HRT. You say you have been on HRT for only five months, May I suggest you wait until you have been on HRT for a full year before making any decisions on FFS? You may be quite amazed in the changes after a years time. You may be better off putting that money in a savings acount, and if it turns out that you have had sufficiently desired changes, then keep saving that money towards SRS if that is your plan.

Cindy
Well, that is kind of my plan right now. I am just going to start saving in preparation. If I feel satisfied with the changes, then I certainly won't bother with FFS. HRT isn't going to fix my broken nose though so I am fairly certain that I will opt for that procedure at least.


SarahR: Thank you very much. That was sort of my guess too as to what were my most prominent male features. Due to my extremely addictive and somewhat perfectionist personality I think it very likely I be in the same boat as you in that I will want more than just my nose done. I could definitely see my jaw and brow standing out to me even more after I got my nose done.

$25k seems so very daunting to me. On a college student's earnings...sigh. Worse is my degree and my girlfriend's degree are at least 3-5 years away as we both plan on getting our master's.
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Nero

Wow. Everything was groovy till the last pic. I mean, totally female with your hair back like that. 100% female from every angle. Then with the hair down.... Somehow it just obscured the femaleness.
So, keep the hair back. You look adorable. And those eyes are wild!
Nero was the Forum Admin here at Susan's Place for several years up to the time of his death.
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FallenLeaves

Quote from: Nero on December 12, 2008, 03:30:39 PM
Wow. Everything was groovy till the last pic. I mean, totally female with your hair back like that. 100% female from every angle. Then with the hair down.... Somehow it just obscured the femaleness.
So, keep the hair back. You look adorable. And those eyes are wild!
Isn't that weird? I never even realized it until now. I guess I feel like I look more attractive with my hair down as that is certainly my favorite picture (followed by the threequarters picture with my profile picture seeming the least attractive), but I also definitely look extremely male. Part of it is probably because I am in the process of growing my hair out and I have no idea what to do with it at this length. It might be time to go in again and get it slightly trimmed and styled.
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je

Out of those images, I thought the front looked the best. They all looked okay, but that last image... No, just no.

When I take pictures of my ugliness, I tend to somehow choose the most horrid ones.

QuoteCooooool! You have different coloured eyes!

Yea, those eyes totally rawk!!! Very cool!
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sarahb

Quote from: je on December 12, 2008, 03:53:42 PM
Yea, those eyes totally rawk!!! Very cool!

I agree, although trying to find matching outfits is a nightmare, lol. You could sport the whole two-face wardrobe though ;)
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FallenLeaves

Quote from: je on December 12, 2008, 03:53:42 PM
Out of those images, I thought the front looked the best. They all looked okay, but that last image... No, just no.

When I take pictures of my ugliness, I tend to somehow choose the most horrid ones.

Yea, those eyes totally rawk!!! Very cool!
I have wondered if I do that too. People often seem to disagree with me with how bad or good I look in photos.

I do love my eyes (it's always the girls that notice...not complaining there), although I usually like coordinating with my hair more than anything. Something about black shirts (and sometimes white) against black hair that I just really like. I've definitely noticed wearing some lighter blues can definitely bring out my eyes though. I just need more clothes =)
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Candygirl

I ended up having major facial and cranium restructuring because of damages done to me, from a mugging/rape.
Very little is original as it was. The entire process took over five years, and well over sixty five grand..not including orthodontic  reconstruction, and ophthalmic surgery. I had micro surgery to hide scars later.
When I look at myself today in the mirror, I still feel my face, and wonder if there should be more done? i.e. Identity Shock!  I have had Botox and collagen touch ups as well.  You can also become addicted to facial surgery.  Which is why, some women cannot stop, and end up ruining their faces.

My husband tells me I am perfect.  My mother tells me, that the boy she raised is gone, without a trace.
My sisters tell me, enough is enough. They are jealous of my nose. My dad says, I'm not at all the same person. Umm, DUH!  Hello, my face was shattered, remember?

If you decide to have any facial reconstructions, make sure your doctor is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery,
and a member with the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.  Also, ask for references and look at before and after photos.

Get ready for pain like you've never experienced, and a swelled black and blue face for many weeks on end.  ( after the wrappings come off that is.. )  You'll also be inactive for a while. It can take a year for things to settle and become what they will be.
There will be scars no matter how well done it is. Make up is the only answer to that!

Having a good bone structure to start with, is the canvas that your surgeon will work his magic on...I think you have it...



  •  

Alyssa M.

You're beautiful as is. And, yes, keep the hair UP!!!

I don't know why you want a nose job -- maybe pic #2 showed a problem, but it was hard to tell because of the background.  I also don't know why you want a tracheal shave -- no Adan's apple was visible in any of those pictures -- but I guess you really want that too.

There will always be some way to be more beautiful. I'd really encourage you to stop after those two. Unless there's a real problem (or you just have tons of money to throw around) I'd say it's not worth either the money or the risk. There are ways to make yourself beautiful that don't involve knives -- ways that actually work.
All changes, even the most longed for, have their melancholy; for what we leave behind us is a part of ourselves; we must die to one life before we can enter another.

   - Anatole France
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Vexing

IMO, you look fine.
Would be an enormous waste of money for not very much.
Give the 'mones another 12 months and see how you feel.
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Annwyn

Great eyes.

I won't presume to be a plastic surgeon though.  I don't even know where to start.

Not bad at all, your face is just so androgynous that I can't pick out what exactly would switch it one way or another.
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Beyond

Quote from: Alyssa M. on December 16, 2008, 11:22:26 PM
You're beautiful as is. And, yes, keep the hair UP!!!

I don't know why you want a nose job -- maybe pic #2 showed a problem, but it was hard to tell because of the background.  I also don't know why you want a tracheal shave -- no Adan's apple was visible in any of those pictures -- but I guess you really want that too.

There will always be some way to be more beautiful. I'd really encourage you to stop after those two. Unless there's a real problem (or you just have tons of money to throw around) I'd say it's not worth either the money or the risk. There are ways to make yourself beautiful that don't involve knives -- ways that actually work.

Quote from: Vexing on December 16, 2008, 11:26:52 PM
IMO, you look fine.
Would be an enormous waste of money for not very much.
Give the 'mones another 12 months and see how you feel.

Which pictures are you looking at?  I mean come on, who are you lying to, her or yourselves?  She's expressed her concerns, quite accurately I believe, and you poo poo her.  I've said it before and I'll say it again: FFS is a highly personal decision.  She asked for opinions to evaluate her own conclusions..... not a snow job.  If you're a surgery phobe... fine, just don't post to threads like these.  If you don't have the resources to pursue FFS... fine, just don't try to hold somebody else back from what they need.

I'm and FFS grad (2005) and it was the best money I've ever spent.
  •  

soldierjane

Having been only 5 months on HRT I'd recommend waiting a bit to see what you will truly need/want out of your FFS. It's like having BAS, it's better to wait a bit until fat and shapes resettle.
I think you look nice, honestly, and you just need that reshaping to occur. Gaining a bit of weight wouldn't hurt either.

Not to turn this topic into a bickerfest, but I don't think your being happy with your FFS disqualifies other people's sense of beauty, Beyond.

  •  

christene

I would also wait for a while, let the HRT work its way into every little cell in your body before making such a decision. Ive been on HRT for a little over a year and I can't believe the changes already...
I think you already have a lot of feminine features, especially in the profile picture...
The fat will redistribute and change the body in ways that I know will surprise you :-)
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Candygirl

You are young enough that HRT will have an impact on your face. It will depend largely on what your given, and at what doses.
Time is also on your side. Being young, you haven't developed a man's face yet. Your genetics have given you a ingenue face, which is very good.

I'd like to make a couple of other points after reviewing your pic's.

Keep in mind, once you cut into your face, and the surgeon breaks, and scrapes bone, cartilage, and alters your structure, it is nearly impossible to reverse it. I have known a few women who haven't liked the results they got, and regretted it later. One was a face lift, that went to far,  her skin had been severely damaged by a lifetime of sunbathing...results was a stretched tight alligator hide.
Another one, over did the lips, and ended up with carp mouth. Big ole fish lips! Nasty!

HRT will fill out your face some, to give it a softer look. It is going to depend greatly on your family genetics. Female hormones are water holding hormones. HRT will redistribute fat and water in your body. With enough time, and proper strengths, you'll become "fleshed out" in all the right places. Your skin will change to a velvety texture, and body hair growth will change too.

As a pretty young man, you still have some areas, that might need some work.

Brow line...
Nose hump...
Chin prominence...
And lack of cheek bones...

Your major assets are your eye shape and color. Hair line and density of hair.
Nice lips and mouth. And a creamy complexion.

The skull under it all, isn't to mannish yet. If you do have FFS, on any part of your face, don't go over board.  I can see from an artists eye, you have the possibility to look absolutely gorgeous by the time your 30...

A well qualified plastic surgeon could do realistic renderings of what he/she could give you. You can discuss it, and make changes to your preferences before scalpel ever touches skin.

I wish you luck with your decision...

Rene'
  
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tekla

FFS is just a little sub branch of plastic surgery, a place were good outcomes and bad outcomes pretty much match, the greater the amount of work, the higher the likelihood that it could go wrong in a big way.  The number of Hollywood/entertainment types who have had it go bad is even pretty high, and they are paying top dollars to top people.

FIGHT APATHY!, or don't...
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Just Mandy

HRT is not going to change the underlying bone structure of your face. But I think
with a year or two of HRT and a rhinoplasty you will be so pretty that you will decide
your other masculine traits are not a problem.

Those masculine traits are the height and shape of your chin and the bossing
around the orbital sockets. But I think once the nose is taken care of nobody will
even see those.

Amanda

Something sleeps deep within us
hidden and growing until we awaken as ourselves.
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