Best surgeon for revision?

[AnitaLife]

Basically, I had my SRS 16 years ago in Brussels, Belgium (by Dr. Michel Seghers). Suffice it to say, I wasn't happy with either the appearance or depth. He wanted me to come back a couple of years later for a revision labiaplasty, but i'm glad now that I didn't and waited this long, since it's seems techniques have improved alot.

Anyone know of a good doctor for a total revision (not just labiaplasty)? I've lost depth from not dilating for years, and right now I have literally about 2 inches of depth, which isn't satisfactory at all for sexual intimacy (unless i can find a man with a micropeen  ). I've contacted Dr. Bowers, and from my research she sounds like a good option, but i've also heard about some other doctors.

Any suggestions/experiences? TIA 

[rejennyrated]

Depends where in the world you are. Almost all the modern surgeons can do a good job so it really depends on who you feel that you can trust (and indeed afford). A lot of us old timers (I'm 26 years post now) do this...

I went to a UK surgeon James Bellringer - he did a pretty reasonable job and was very good value. I remain very pleased.

My friend went to Toby Meltzer. He probably did an even better job but he was a whole order of magnitude more expensive.

The only surgeon that I have seen pics of work from which really made me go "oh wow" was Harold Reed, but i don't know enough about him or the costs involved to really say for sure. I mean pics are just pics. The can't guarantee that you will get as good a outcome.

[AnitaLife]

Thanks Jenny! You're always so nice and helpful    I checked Dr. Meltzer's website and was pretty surprised that he has a procedure that's exactly what i'm looking for called "Vaginal Deepening"!
http://www.tmeltzer.com/Surgeries_Procedures/mtf_surgeries/Vaginoplasty/vagdeep_mtf.html

I was kinda ecstatic when I saw it, kinda like when I first heard of "facial feminization" on the 'net years ago (before that, I didn't think I had any options to correct my heavy brow bone and masculine jawline and would just have to accept it).

I just sent him an email, so we'll see how it goes. I'm sure the price is going to scare me, but at this point i'll do whatever I can to fix this.

[blackMamba]

Thanks Jenny! You're always so nice and helpful    I checked Dr. Meltzer's website and was pretty surprised that he has a procedure that's exactly what i'm looking for called "Vaginal Deepening"!
http://www.tmeltzer.com/Surgeries_Procedures/mtf_surgeries/Vaginoplasty/vagdeep_mtf.html

Thank goodness Meltzer finally updated his website.  10x better!!

[peggygee]

Depends where in the world you are. Almost all the modern surgeons can do a good job so it really depends on who you feel that you can trust (and indeed afford). A lot of us old timers (I'm 26 years post now) do this...

I went to a UK surgeon James Bellringer - he did a pretty reasonable job and was very good value. I remain very pleased.

My friend went to Toby Meltzer. He probably did an even better job but he was a whole order of magnitude more expensive.

The only surgeon that I have seen pics of work from which really made me go "oh wow" was Harold Reed, but i don't know enough about him or the costs involved to really say for sure. I mean pics are just pics. The can't guarantee that you will get as good a outcome.

I concur, it depends on where in the world you are, or are willing to travel, and the capital that you are able to expend towards your
revision. Though I  too am a fan of Dr. Reeds work, particularly given his price point.

[AnitaLife]

Well, I got a reply from Dr. Meltzer's office (Michelle, his patient coordinator, seems very nice and friendly). Now suddenly i'm reconsidering the whole thing  And it's not even because of the cost (which is several thousand less than what Dr. Bowers told me, which was surprising). There are some very scary complications that can happen (although they're "rare"), and to have to go through the whole pain/catheter/discomfort aspects is very daunting to me, all for the reason of being able to fit a peen in there? Pfft i'm not sure it's worth it, honestly. My vagina is fine and healthy right now, other than the fact that I don't have depth, which sucks.

I guess i'm just going to have to mull over everything and decide.

[Julie Marie]

Every surgeon I've talked to has mentioned, directly or indirectly, how the other guy screwed up and "I did a wonderful job fixing it."  I have yet to meet one who doesn't have a big ego and who hasn't had unhappy patients. 

But fixing something here or there rather than performing a major transformational surgery is a bit more successful.  That, based on what friends have said.  It seems overall revision patients are happier with the results.  Just do your homework and don't get lulled by smooth talk.

[peggygee]

Every surgeon I've talked to has mentioned, directly or indirectly, how the other guy screwed up and "I did a wonderful job fixing it."  I have yet to meet one who doesn't have a big ego and who hasn't had unhappy patients. 

I always make a mental note when a person who is performing a service criticizes the previous person's work. Be it a surgeon,
hair-dresser, mechanic, etc..

When I had my labiaplasty I took note that the revising surgeon complimented the original surgeon.

[Jinny]

Anita it is definitely possible to regain depth & width with work I was able to gain almost all my lost depth after not dilating for almost 20 years I also improved the external appearance (unexpectedly!) via re-establishing a dilation routine, so don't rule this out as an option

[Julie Marie]

Anita it is definitely possible to regain depth & width with work I was able to gain almost all my lost depth after not dilating for almost 20 years I also improved the external appearance (unexpectedly!) via re-establishing a dilation routine, so don't rule this out as an option

Interesting...  This is contrary to everything I have heard, some from surgeons, some from friends.  Now I'm wondering if the "Once depth is lost it can only be regained through surgery" mantra is just something fabricated to get you back on the surgeon's table. 

FWIW, the thought of going back on an established dilation routine doesn't send warm fuzzies throughout my body.  There has to be a better way than those hard plastic missiles.  "Incoming!!!"

[girl_ashley]

FWIW, the thought of going back on an established dilation routine doesn't send warm fuzzies throughout my body.

Well, you have to ask yourself the question, do you want to continue losing depth or try and regain what you once had?  All trans women who value their depth should be on some sort of dilation schedule for the rest of their sexual lives.

[Jinny]

Interesting...  This is contrary to everything I have heard, some from surgeons, some from friends.  Now I'm wondering if the "Once depth is lost it can only be regained through surgery" mantra is just something fabricated to get you back on the surgeon's table. 

FWIW, the thought of going back on an established dilation routine doesn't send warm fuzzies throughout my body.  There has to be a better way than those hard plastic missiles.  "Incoming!!!"

Hi Julie - I must admit it hasn't been easy & I haven't regained all my previous depth - lost about 1in but only been working at it for 1 month, so maybe over time it will improve further, but I have definitely had success - I use the amielle comfort dilators. I was amazed as I stopped dilation about 2 years after my srs in the late 80's so never had a proper routine, my expectations were pretty low, so I think it is an option before resorting to surgery.

[EstherL]

Hey, I am looking for people who had surgery with dr. Seghers, Dr. Biber or Dr. Menard and are willing to share their experience with me.  Since some of you mentioned having surgery with Seghers in Belgium I was hoping to talk to you. Kind regards!

Basically, I had my SRS 16 years ago in Brussels, Belgium (by Dr. Michel Seghers). Suffice it to say, I wasn't happy with either the appearance or depth. He wanted me to come back a couple of years later for a revision labiaplasty, but i'm glad now that I didn't and waited this long, since it's seems techniques have improved alot.

Anyone know of a good doctor for a total revision (not just labiaplasty)? I've lost depth from not dilating for years, and right now I have literally about 2 inches of depth, which isn't satisfactory at all for sexual intimacy (unless i can find a man with a micropeen  ). I've contacted Dr. Bowers, and from my research she sounds like a good option, but i've also heard about some other doctors.

Any suggestions/experiences? TIA 

[Lori Dee]

Hello EstherL,

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@EstherL
@Sarah B
@Northern Star Girl

[Sarah B]

Hi EstherL

My name is Sarah and I would also like to formally, Welcome you to Susan's Place!

I see that other members of Susan's have also welcomed you as well.

It's good to see you reaching out and looking for people who had surgery with Dr.  Seghers, Dr.  Biber or Dr.  Menard.  That kind of firsthand insight can be helpful when making personal decisions.

Just so you know this thread has been inactive for about 15 years so the information in earlier posts may not reflect current procedures or availability.  Still someone might see your message and be able to offer their experience.

Wishing you the best in finding what you're looking for and feel free to start a new topic if you want to ask your question in a more current space.  Kind regards to you too.

Once you feel comfortable here, it would be appreciated if you add a little bit more about yourself in the other forums and threads.    I would appreciate it very much as, I'm always interested in learning something new about new members.

In addition members of Susan's will more than likely will discuss problems or issues that are similar to yours as most have experienced these issues as well.

Take care and all the best for the future.

Once again, Welcome to Susan's Place!

Best Wishes Always
Sarah B
Global Moderator
@Devlyn  @Jessica_Rose  @Mariah  @Northern Star Girl  @Lori Dee
@EstherL