Chondrolaryngoplasty (tracheal shave)

[Katelyn-W]

So I just got a reply to the email I sent to the GRS place in Montreal.

For the cost:
"5410 including surgery, locale anesthesia, hospital out patient and 3 nights residence care"

Is it really that expensive?

I live in British Columbia (west coast Canada), any places near me that do this surgery? Like maybe somewhere in the USA? Or any places that are cheaper? Regardless I'm going to get this, might just have to live off crackers for a while  .

[Renate]

A chondrolaryngoplasty as a stand-alone operation will cost you a bit.
It's usually done as an add-on to something else.

For comparison, just ask your surgeon what it will cost to roll you into the OR, anesthetize you and roll you out again without actually doing anything.
The cost will surprise you.

On a related subject: I've never seen it discussed how aggressive/radically a surgeon attacks the cartilage.
Go for it all and you risk stability of the vocal cords.
Be conservative and leave more of a bump.

[hkgurl1480]

Katelyn
I have recently been researching the various procedures that i will eventually need.  That price seems to be quite expensive.
From my research i decided that i will head to Thailand for all of them.  I dont know if you have ever considered Thailand as an option.  They have excellent facilities and some of the best, most experienced doctors in this field in the world.
Airfares YVR to BKK are around $US1300.
Package price for the procedure is $US1800. I regard this doctor to be one of the best in Thailand.
Of course it is a long way for such a small procedure so at those prices you could look at adding in something else to make the trip more worthwhile?

Just a thought...

Good luck with it whatever you choose to do

Hugs
Shelly
xx

[Katelyn-W]

Shelly do you have the name of that doctor in Thailand? Or maybe a website?

I never really thought of Thailand, just went straight to thinking of Montreal since I'll be getting GRS there. That would save me quite a bit of money though (especially since the Canadian and US dollar are so close right now). I've heard good things about the surgeons there. I know someone who's going there for FFS I'll have to ask her who she's going to, she seemed quite impressed by him.

I'll have to think about other procedures haha, besides the adam's apple I already pass, I'm very tempted to get brow+nose surgery though hmmmmm. I think I'll just save for now see what HRT does, I think Thailand is a good idea though.

Thanks for the responses 

[hkgurl1480]

Hi Katelyn

The doctor i refer to is Dr Chettawut.  In my opinion he is one of the top 3 surgeons in Thailand for FTM procedures.  Again, this is just my opinion, i encourage everyone to do their own research.

Hugs
Shelly
xx

[Renate]

Since you are getting SRS in Montréal are you sure that that price quoted is the add-on price for a chondrolaryngoplasty?

[Katelyn-W]

Well when I say I'm getting GRS/SRS in Montreal, it's because my province covers it. I'd be crazy to go somewhere else , it's still a year or two down the road though. When I emailed them, I specifically just asked about only the chondrolaryngoplasty. I'm still going to consider getting them together, but I'd really like to get chondrolaryngoplasty sooner than later if possible.

[mmelny]

Hi Katelyn,

I live in British Columbia (west coast Canada), any places near me that do this surgery? Like maybe somewhere in the USA? Or any places that are cheaper? Regardless I'm going to get this, might just have to live off crackers for a while  .

I spent quite a bit of time in BC the 2nd half of last year, so know the area a bit.

================
If you are around Vancouver, Dr Morrison, who does voice surgery, also does 'trach shaves' (Chondrolaryngoplasty),

http://www.pvcrp.com/

He also has an office at VCH (email is on this page):
http://www.surgery.ubc.ca/faculty/mmorrison.html

I consulted with him, and he is friendly, and works quite a bit with trans women. 
=========

Dr Thomas in Portland, a 5 hour or so drive from Vancouver, does trach shaves too.
http://www.voicedoctor.net/

============

Note that both these surgeons are voice surgeons, but they offer trach shaves.. and I would imagine would do them without voice surgery, worth a try anyway, could save you some Buck$, or Toonies , eh? 

Good luck!

Melan

[Suzy]

Are you looking to stay in Canada?  If so I understand.  But if you would be willing to travel to Guadalajara, you can do this procedure very inexpensively.  Probably in the neighborhood of 2K, depending on your airfare and lodging (1400 + your expenses).  This is not a commercial!  I have just seen the work of Dr, Cardenas and have been quite impressed, though no one talks about him here.

His price list is here:
http://www.lazarocardenas-cosmeticsurgery.com/prices/index.php
Go down to the FFS section and you will see trachea shave.  Keep in mind that he owns his own private hospital and clinic, so this is a total price for his services.  On the other hand, you are  on your own for a place to stay, though they will make arrangements for you.  As I said, when I went there I was blown away by the quality of their work and their prices.  Right now the h1n1 scare works in our favor and they are willing to deal to get your business.

If you want to see pics see my odyssey page.  Or if I can answer questions, drop me a note.

Best of luck!

Kristi

[Katelyn-W]

I just sent an email to both those guys in B.C thanks Melan .

Kristi what page is your pictures on? It's such a long thread . Anyways that's a pretty good price, thanks for the info .

There's so many options, where to go? which to choose? . I think I'd like to stay in B.C but I've never heard about them before, I'll see what they say.

[Suzy]

Kristi what page is your pictures on? It's such a long thread . Anyways that's a pretty good price, thanks for the info .

OK, here you go:

https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,10208.msg418865.html#msg418865

Kristi