Bowers vs. McGinn -- Opinions?

[ArleneTgirl]

Hello everyone.  I have also been weighing my choices and have gotten feedback from both Dr. Christine & Dr. Marci's office.  I just received a quote for Dr. Marci's 2009 price as $23,000.  They think that it will remain the same for 2010, and are currently 12 months out.  This thread has been very enlightening, and I hope to make my decision soon.
Arlene

[katgirl74]

I was initially trying to decide between Bowers and McGinn as well. I originally set a date with Bowers, but began to feel some reservations about it. Her celebrity status actually bothered me, as well as pricing. I am fortunate to have insurance coverage, but her price was above the limits, and since I am planning BA as well, it was stretching the budget for the time frame alloted.
   Anyway, a friend had her surgery with McGinn, and was flying up for a follow-up appointment. I set an appointment for a consult the same day, and we traveled to PA together. I was extremely impressed with McGinn, so much so I scheduled on the spot. I was even able to move the date up when some scheduling changes of mine allowed me to. Now it's just 74 days away, but who's counting.   
    Price was an option, but I was also very impressed with her bed side manner, just much more down to earth in my opinion. I know a few people who went to her, and they were all very happy with the results. The fact that McGinn did train with Bowers put me at ease. Not to mention it just felt like the right choice, I always trust my instinct.

Kat

[ArleneTgirl]

I had my Gender Confirming surgery  and BA with Dr. McGinn, (on Jan. 11) and am extremely pleased with the results.  Her aftercare is also wonderful.  She spends a lot of time with each of her patients.  I can't say enough about her.

[Sandy]

I had my Gender Confirming surgery  and BA with Dr. McGinn, (on Jan. 11) and am extremely pleased with the results.  Her aftercare is also wonderful.  She spends a lot of time with each of her patients.  I can't say enough about her.

Do you think that we'll let you get away with just that?

Details, girl, details!!!

And pictures!

I see from your avatar that you appear to have a supportive family there, I hope all has been good during your transition.

I had my GCS from the good doctor Christine in March of 2008 and it was wonderful!

-Sandy

[ArleneTgirl]

Do you think that we'll let you get away with just that?

Details, girl, details!!!

And pictures!

I see from your avatar that you appear to have a supportive family there, I hope all has been good during your transition.

I had my GCS from the good doctor Christine in March of 2008 and it was wonderful!

-Sandy

lol, sorry Sandy......I have a very supportive family, and my wonderful wife of almost 39 years has  continued to be my BFF.
Although we are no longer sexually compatible, we are just connected in every other way, and just experienced the birth of our third grandchild.
I am a business owner and feel it's my duty to be active in the Trans community in the Detroit, Mi. area.  I co-facilitate a weekly support group and continue to strive politically and socially for transgender rights.  I am also on thr local  boards of Transgender Detroit and PFLAG.
But, enough about me....I just can't say enough about Dr. McGinn, and will be happy to answer any specific questions.

[Autumn]

Dr. McGinn is a very compassionate women - she performed my operations and I see her on a regular basis.  Part of her residency was conducted with Dr. Bowers (pretty sure).  She is very in tune with the needs of the transgender population, however can be specific when it comes to accepting patients.  She expects all of her bottom surgery patients to have a good support system and be in good mental/physical health.  She is one of those people that maintains a high interest in learning all she can about transgender health.

I had a complication during my operation - we think it was caused by too much testosterone running around.  In any case, I had an emergency operation the next morning.  Dr. McGinn was at the hospital very very early in the morning checking up on me before on I went into surgery.

My body has issues with scarring, so she is seeing me on a regular basis.  I live pretty close.  I trust her with my life.

You can read more about my experiences on my blog (should be a link in the signature).

I'll admit I was a little disappointed to find out that her link now goes to adultfriendfinder looking for trans.


Arlene, what was your price? Does she still talk about it being two step, or do most of her girls stick with 1? What's the price difference?

Katgirl, what insurance provider do you have?

[ArleneTgirl]

http://www.drchristinemcginn.com/  This link goes directly to her site.  She explains one step/two step there, and in person.  Her prices are listed, and I believe currently vaginoplasty is $17,500.  I have many friends who went to Dr. Bowers and, I am very happy I chose Dr,. McGinn.
Like so many, my insurance doesn't cover any kind of Gender Re-assignment Surgery, but it appears it will be tax deductile under medical expenses.

[katgirl74]

@Autumn- My insurance is through Aetna, but the benefit is provided by my employer and Aetna just coordinates the benefit. Interestingly, most insurance companies have clinical policy bulletins in regards to GCS, and under what circumstances it is covered if elected by the provider of the benefits. For the most part, companies that provide coverage are larger and self insure, meaning they actually pay for all benefits but use insurance companies to coordinate benefits and handle claims, etc.

@Arlene- The recent tax court ruling finally recognizes trans related health care expenses as medically necessary under the tax code, and, interestingly, uses the WPATH standards as the foundation of their ruling. Right now, the IRS has a 90 period to appeal. If they do not appeal, the ruling stands. So far, I have not heard any news of an appeal. So, if things like GCS and BA are done according to the SOC, then they are deductible medical expenses. Even out of pocket HRT costs. Very promising. Of course I am not a CPA or an attorney, so refer to one for any advice about claiming these.


Kat

[ArleneTgirl]

Believe me, my accountant is on it. (lol)

[FairyGirl]

I chose Dr. McGinn as well, and the main reason was because of all the wonderful reviews I read from the girls who have used her as their surgeon, reviews both here at Susan's and elsewhere. I have met with her in person and have no doubts I will be in capable hands. She is one very smart woman, and I have no qualms that she will do a first rate job. My surgery is scheduled for June 21 this year and I can't wait!

[ArleneTgirl]

I chose Dr. McGinn as well, and the main reason was because of all the wonderful reviews I read from the girls who have used her as their surgeon, reviews both here at Susan's and elsewhere. I have met with her in person and have no doubts I will be in capable hands. She is one very smart woman, and I have no qualms that she will do a first rate job. My surgery is scheduled for June 21 this year and I can't wait!

Congratulations and big huggs.  I'll anxiously await your post comments.

[keriB]

Wow, I'm glad that I found this thread.... has anyone used Dr. McGinn for BA?  I'm going to see her probably in the next 2 months for my initial consult, but will likely be getting BA first, probably right after New Year's....

~Keri

[Flan]

my electrologist says bowers is an ass, the attitude problem was well before her transition (while at university of mn) and stuck around to today, as if she forgot to check male privilege at the door. (her personal life is another matter, but i'm not going there, needless to say it's not blemish free either.)

[ArleneTgirl]

Wow, I'm glad that I found this thread.... has anyone used Dr. McGinn for BA?  I'm going to see her probably in the next 2 months for my initial consult, but will likely be getting BA first, probably right after New Year's....

~Keri

I used Dr. McGinn for the big 2...vaginoplasty and BA.  The results of both have been wonderful, partuicularly my breasts.  It was nice doing the two together since you have the pain pump to also take care of the breast surgery, which is actually a bit more painful than the vaginoplasty.
Dr. McGinn's aftercare and individual patient attention is second to none, and this includes all the folow up visits which are included in the original cost.

[Meshi]

I have heard some not too good things about Dr. Bower's from reputable ppl, but it is hearsay and i dont want to repeat it in an open forum.  I went with Dr. Toby Meltzer big mistake.

[Griffin]

I've got my consultation with Dr. McGinn in May for chest surgery.  Her office has just been so wonderful to me!

I talked to them about a year ago, and they said that they didn't accept insurance.  I went over the issue today, and it seems that they have changed their policy on that.  Sarah (office manager) said that they will do pre-auth for surgery, but they are not an in-network provider with anyone.  So I'd be paying out-of-network rates for treatment and surgery.  Which is totally fine with me -- paying 50% is better than 100% right? 

For hormones and consult, I'm paying up-front and being reimbursed by insurance.  For surgery, I don't know if I will be paying up-front or not.  Something to discuss in the consultation.  One thing they mentioned RE: insurance was that most companies were willing to pay for hospital and anesthesia costs, but not surgeon's fee.  FWIW.

Bowers' office was very cordial to me, but Bowers really isn't the surgeon for me.  She doesn't do chest surgery and has a BMI/weight limit for hysto, which is a bummer.  McGinn is more flexible on weight for chest surgery, especially if you have been making progress (as I have).  Weight is a hard limit for me, since I really can't hide my chest well and still function.  So her being willing to work with me is a wonderful thing.  =)  Her results are also good.

...as if she forgot to check male privilege at the door.

I'm sorry, are you saying that she's too "uppity" for a woman?  If that's not what you meant, you may want to re-read your post.

[Flan]

I'm sorry, are you saying that she's too "uppity" for a woman?  If that's not what you meant, you may want to re-read your post.

she just has the arrogant bastard gene, not the proud of work type that the majority of surgeons have, but something else.

[ArleneTgirl]

I didn't get the arrogant "thing" at all.  She has been very warm, friendly, and caring, both with me and my friends who have gone to her.  She is particularly attentive with her aftercare, something you won't get with Marci. (She is a doctor, which requires "bluntness" and she does know what she's talking about.  Perhaps that is what you experienced?)

[Julie Marie]

Well, a sad fact is no one can say they tried more than one surgeon and for that reason they think this surgeon is better than that one.

Now, I may get some tomatoes thrown at me and booed off the soapbox, but it has been my experience that too many of us are prejudiced towards the surgeon who did our work, be it face, bottom, boobs, whatever.  It is a rare thing to read any negative accounts of someone's surgery in every trans forum I've been involved with so far.  And when it comes to bottom surgery, it is even rarer.

For that reason, discussing the surgical outcome and using that as the barometer for who one will choose  as their surgeon is just as effective as throwing darts at a board.  The consultation can help so long as one doesn't get "sucked into the dream" but we must still understand every GRS surgeon is part sales person. 

Being "one of us" doesn't make a surgeon better.  Being the innovator doesn't either.  Brassard created the one-step procedure.  Bowers studied under him to learn it.  I think McGinn still does a two step.  But does any of that matter?  Is there a "vagina test" we must pass in order to get our vital records changed or be able to walk out into public and say, "I am a woman!"  Not to my knowledge. 

Fact is, many of us don't really know what a vagina really looks like, let alone feels like.  So how can we judge the results of our surgery?  We have to dilate for life because our body sees the cavity as a wound.  We have to lubricate for dilation or intercourse.  What we have is very different than what a natal female vagina is.  And we just have to accept that.

As for orgasm, I've heard Bowers say all her patients are orgasmic.  I know that's not true and I'll bet she knows that too.  Brassard goes the other way - he says orgasm will only happen mentally, not physically.  And I know that's not true either.

The truth is, we can only go with certain known facts when deciding who will do our surgery.  We know this doctor has performed "X" amount of surgeries and there are "Y" number of reported complications.  We know this doctor has good bedside manners.  We know this facility has better recovery facilities than that one.  We know this price is more than that.  Outside of the known facts, everything else boils down to educated guesses and feelings.

Okay - throw your tomatoes.

[Sandy]

Okay - throw your tomatoes.

You won't get any from me, Julie.  I have exactly the same feeling.

In our journey, we know we only get one shot at this, so most of us, I think, agonize over what to do.  We literally bet our lives on our decisions.

So we do our research as best we can, we listen to others stories, good and bad, and make our decision.

Because of this, many of us may be biased as a result of our actions, because *we* don't want to feel like we made a bad choice.  So we may be very vocal in our support of one surgeon or another.

And you are right.  Of all the accounts of peoples surgeries that I have read here and other places, virtually all of them present glowing accounts of their surgeries.  You can almost hear the angelic voices singing their praises.  I can count on the fingers of one hand the number of stories of people who had bad experiences.

As you said, the plain fact is that you do the best research that you can, but it is still a crapshoot.  But chances are very high that you will have a good outcome regardless of who you decide on.  There are a very few number of doctors in the world that perform these very specialized procedures, and most of them have been doing it for a very long time.  If they didn't do a good job virtually all the time, they would go on to other surgeries and not do SRS again.

-Sandy