Breast augmentation - to disclose status or not?

[ClaireR]

I'm a post-op MtF and am considering breast augmentation with a local surgeon. I live in a province that prides itself on being redneck so I'm not exactly eager to disclose my past. In general, I usually make a clean breast (sic) of it when it comes to medical issues but I'm leery when it comes to surgery. I've had doctors react poorly in the past - my original GP flat out told me that he had "issues" with me being in conflict with his faith and that I should consider finding someone else. He's also not the only one who has reacted this way, so this isn't exactly a knee-jerk reaction.

My question is this: for those of you who have had BA, did you disclose your TS status to your surgeon? In other words, are there differences between a natal female's breast and a HRT-induced underdeveloped breast?

I'm not finding much information on this, so I'm hoping that someone here will be able to shed some light on this, please.

[placeholdername]

I don't have expert info, but I think any time you go under the knife is a scary proposition, and the idea of my surgeon having one expectation and possibly finding something unexpected after cutting into your breasts... well that sounds like a nightmare.  I don't know exactly how much BA costs, but I figure if you have the money for a BA, you probably have money to travel somewhere to find a surgeon who doesn't find our situation reprehensible (and the feeling is mutual!).

[Cindy]

Hi
I cannot really help you but in my country and I thought in the USA as well that medical confidence rules. Your family Doctor sounds blatantly a dope. I was under the impression that medical trained people HAD to treat their patient to the best of their ability, or you can sue. OK the GP may say listen I'm not into *** and recommend you see someone else. But if someone came in with AIDS and the Dr said, I'm not treating you because it's against my morality, then they should be struck off.

Sorry for not being helpful. IMO most plastic surgeons are understanding about cosmetic surgery. But in Redneck world, Goddess knows. BTW I'm in Australia so my information may be of even less use!!

Hope it works out

Love and Hugs

Cindy

[Nero]

I don't have expert info, but I think any time you go under the knife is a scary proposition, and the idea of my surgeon having one expectation and possibly finding something unexpected after cutting into your breasts... well that sounds like a nightmare.  I don't know exactly how much BA costs, but I figure if you have the money for a BA, you probably have money to travel somewhere to find a surgeon who doesn't find our situation reprehensible (and the feeling is mutual!).

This.
A surgeon may be able to tell your status and you just don't want to risk the chance of someone discovering that while taking a knife to you.

[Syne]

When dealing with any type of surgeon, it is best to disclose all relevant medical history. If you are not comfortable doing so then the surgeon is not the right one for you.

[Sandy]

Yes, you really should disclose everything that may be medically relevant.

For example, dosages for anesthesia are different for a GG than a GM.  Depending on how long you may have been on HRT, your body may react differently and it all should be taken into account.

When you are under general anesthesia, you are closer to death than any other time.  Your respiration is halted and must be constantly observed by the anesthesiologist.  This is only one aspect.  The Health Information Privacy Act of 1999 (HIPA) forbids any disclosure of medical information by *any* medical staff under penalty of civil and criminal prosecution.  Your information is private and anything you disclosure to them is to protect your life.  They may not approve of you as a MTF, then pass on them and search elsewhere.  But any information you may give them in the process of consultation is PRIVATE.

Additionally there is a large difference between the thorax (chest) of a male and a thorax of a female.  He (I assume your surgeon is male, sorry if I'm wrong) may get the impression you are male just from that.  Placement and size of implants are different for these size thoraxes.  If you are looking for a pleasing shape that will definitely be a factor.  Also, many MTF's have broad shoulders and the placement of the BA's will be such that you may have a large cup size but no cleavage.  Welcome to my world.  The only way I can get any cleavage is to duct tape the cups of my bra together. 

Check out your surgeons background.  If he has a website, be sure that he is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) or other relevant group.

And to answer your question, yes, my surgeon was completely aware of my MTF status.  He also performed my facial feminization.  He was Dr. Zukowski.  I am a proud "Z" girl.  Feel free to PM me.  Check out my blog "Sandy's Transition" for my surgery experience.

-Sandy

[Syne]

I loved chatting with Dr Z, shame that I was laid off from the high paying job and could not afford to go and see him.

[ClaireR]

Thank you all for your replies. I'm not in the US - I'm in Canada. And yes, my former GP wasn't professional in his response. I had a choice of insisting he retained me as a patient (and being resentful about it) or walking away to find someone brighter than he is. I'm elated with my current (new) GP, so it all worked out.

Yes, I'm going to be fully disclosing my medical history to my plastic surgeon doing the BA. I'm pretty good at reading body language and if I see any discomfort or hesitation, I'm out of there to find another surgeon. That's Plan A - thoughts, anyone?

[Syne]

Definitely sounds good and falls under WWSD.