Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Hi all

This will to some off you sound like many FFS topics started in the past, but to me this feels so terribly real.  I am 5 days post op from having FFS.  The only thing I can see that I like is my mouth and lips. 

I had the following done -
Hairline advance
Brow reduction into eye socket area
Petite cheek implants
Rhinoplasty
Upper lip lift
Chin reduction ( sliding genioplasty)

I look like Jocelyn Wildenstien.  I look awful.  I am looking at my pre surgery photos and wondering if I have had too much work done.  Although far from fully feminine, I had a prettiness about me that is now gone.  When I look in the mirror I cant stand what I see.

I know there is a way to go, but my cheeks are huge!  They were super petite implants so not that big, however I could give Belinda Carlise a run for her money now as they seem very prominent.  I have so much swelling in my chin it does seem very wide.  In taking the height and width out of the chin it now seems a little receded. I did not have a brow lift but the hair line advance has caused my brows to lift to a totally unnatural position. Ahhhhhhhh!  My nose is swollen and looks a little mis shaped.  Oh dear I hope this all levels out and falls into place.  I am terrified it will look unnatural when all has settled down.

I have the usual issues, cant eat or speak properly, I cant feel most of my face.  I am tiered from sleeping upright which is soooo uncomfortable.  I cant breath properly due to swelling in my nose.  The high dose of anti biotic is making me feel sick and upsetting my digestion.  There is still dried blood in my hair even after 2 hair washes. Blah blah blah ( tell me to shut up)

I guess I am looking for a little reassurance :embarrassed:

Can anyone help me?

xxx 

Hi Joanna,
        Relax honey, take a deep breath! It's going to take a few months for everything to settle down and maybe up to a year before you actually get completely settled in to how you will finally look. That's a lot of work to have done at one time, so there is a lot of flesh and bone that has been traumatized. I had a neck lift a year ago and my upper eyelids done. It looked like I had been punched out for awhile and several months to recover 100% and not continue to look a bit puffy. The neck was one of those turkey looking genetic aberrations, almost a year has passed and I get a lot of complements about it, but it looked and felt awful for a long time and I'm still just now getting my full feeling back under my chin because they have to sever nerves and it takes time to reconnect. Hang in there, you're going to be fine! Funny part of the neck job was the bruising, it went down my chest and morphed into wild looking greens, yellows, blues and dark purple, my boobs looked like two Easter eggs!  :D

Having followed a facebook friend who had ffs and documented the recovery process pretty detailed, I can only echo the "give it time"-sentiment. I remember looking at her pics for a while after the surgery, thinking she had an unfortunate outcome, and then suddenly she was all healed up and daymn. She looks good!

Okay. You are 5 days post-op. FIVE DAYS! I realize it looks scary right now because it's your face, but you have 2-3 months to go before you will see anything close to what you actually look like. What you currently look like has nothing to do with what you will actually look like.

The sensation? That takes 18 months to fully return. That's 547 days. You've done 5. You have 542 left to go.

As for the rest, it sucks, but it's also really normal. You just had a fairly major operation on your face. It's going to suck for the first 2 weeks minimum. I couldn't breathe through my nose at all for the first week, and I spent most of it sleeping or zoned out on painkillers.

Just please make sure to follow the doctor's post-operative care instructions. A lot of problems with healing from surgery is caused by failing to do post-op care properly.

Didn't they explain this stuff to you before your op? Who did your op?

Oh and what drugs are you on? It's very likely they might be screwing with your head and you won't know if you aren't used to them / expecting it.

Don't panic. We have been in the same place.  Take a deep breath, relax and let your body heal.  You are going to feel better by the day and in due course be absolutely delighted with the results.  Your face has just had major surgery.  It is traumatised.  You will feel like you have been hit by a truck and no matter what you have been given to read or to view nothing prepares you for the actual experience.  While you will see much of the desired result within 2 or 3 months you won't see the final result for up to 18 months.   You will be hyper critical for some time but you will soon discern the improvements that you sought.  Remember to massage, eat properly and rest well - I suspect that once you have washed your hair and your breathing has improved you will be in a much better place.

Thank you so much to all of you who replied to my cry for help.  I do feel better now.  I needed a bit of a shake and a slap to come around to reality and just relax about the whole thing.

I was told many times before my op  by my surgeon what to expect post op.  Before my surgery I had 3 consultations with him, the shortest being 50 mins. However I have leaned that no matter what people tell you, what you read or see on the internet NOTHING will fully prepare you for the sight of yourself disfigured, bruised and swollen.  Along with meds, lack of sleep, pain and disorientation it can make for a very depressive cocktail.  This is what I am going through now.  I wasnt joking about Jocelyn Wildenstein.  Google her and you will see what I am currently faced with.

I will draw breath and cling onto my preoperative dreams of how I might look in a couple of months time.  After all I didnt pay £13k to look like the back end of a bus!

I have been in your shoes before. give yourself some time hun. i looked like the final fight from rocky when i first had my surgery done. it tookk like 6-8 weeks efore i started to look normal again. the first week or to cn make you feel like you did somethingwrong but its normal to have a not so good looking face at the begining.

Quote from: Joanna on October 17, 2012, 04:04:05 PM
Thank you so much to all of you who replied to my cry for help.  I do feel better now.  I needed a bit of a shake and a slap to come around to reality and just relax about the whole thing.

I was told many times before my op  by my surgeon what to expect post op.  Before my surgery I had 3 consultations with him, the shortest being 50 mins. However I have leaned that no matter what people tell you, what you read or see on the internet NOTHING will fully prepare you for the sight of yourself disfigured, bruised and swollen.  Along with meds, lack of sleep, pain and disorientation it can make for a very depressive cocktail.  This is what I am going through now.  I wasnt joking about Jocelyn Wildenstein.  Google her and you will see what I am currently faced with.

I will draw breath and cling onto my preoperative dreams of how I might look in a couple of months time.  After all I didnt pay $13k to look like the back end of a bus!

thats good price. its around what i paid too with Dr C.

Hello again everyone. Just a little update. It is the 1 week mark today. I had my stitches and nose cast off yesterday. I thought I had seen it all but the worst was yet to come.  Instead of the moments you see on extreme makeover when the cast is removed and the person says "oh I love it" my reaction was just "oh ?" The small hump has gone but I have been left with a grotesquely bulbus tip that is twice the size it was before. My Dr got my before pics to compare and you could see I had a much more refined pretty nose. I know there is swelling but COME ON this is awful. Instead of a gentle slope in profile it almost looks hooked! I burst into tears in the toilet afterwards as I cannot bear this disfigured person. Rational thinking has all but left me.

I no longer look like the sweet girl in my avi. I only pray that I heal well in the coming weeks/ months. Right now I just want to hide.

To finish on a more positive note. The stitches were removed and they all look very neat and clean

Don't panic, it will be a while before the swelling goes down and any bruising fades.  I had my nose reamed out years ago so I could breath,  and it took quite a while to return to something I recognised as a nose.  ;D  Give it time sis.

Karen.

How about the cheeks? Have they gone down at all? I'm worried because I'm having my cheeks done in the next few months and I can't have anyone questioning me.

Quote from: Joanna on October 19, 2012, 03:15:36 AM
I no longer look like the sweet girl in my avi. I only pray that I heal well in the coming weeks/ months. Right now I just want to hide.

Well dear, it looks as if you are just going to keep on punishing yourself and not listen to anything your Auntie Shan and the other nice ladies have been telling you. Just stop! You have to give it a lot of time, you will look drop-dead gorgeous in the months to come I assure you.

Oh Aunty Shan I know you are right!  Sometmes it's just hard to see the wood for the trees so to speak. 
Anyway here is a pic I have just taken today.  As you can see the tip of my nose is swollen as is my chin area especially the left side.  So this is me at 7 days.  I am hoping everything will get smaller and tighter in the weeks to come.

(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fsphotos-g.ak.fbcdn.net%2Fhphotos-ak-snc6%2Fr270%2F250448_10151100845577759_274809959_n.jpg&hash=c594eaeff0e50eae92b4f368f623da5470328606)

Quote from: Joanna on October 19, 2012, 09:28:18 AM
Oh Aunty Shan I know you are right!  Sometmes it's just hard to see the wood for the trees so to speak. 
Anyway here is a pic I have just taken today.  As you can see the tip of my nose is swollen as is my chin area especially the left side.  So this is me at 7 days.  I am hoping everything will get smaller and tighter in the weeks to come.

You don't look too swollen. How's the upper lip lift feeling? Should that not be pulling your upper lip upwards to show teeth? Forehead looks good.

Quote from: Joanna on October 19, 2012, 09:28:18 AM
Oh Aunty Shan I know you are right!  Sometmes it's just hard to see the wood for the trees so to speak. 
Anyway here is a pic I have just taken today.  As you can see the tip of my nose is swollen as is my chin area especially the left side.  So this is me at 7 days.  I am hoping everything will get smaller and tighter in the weeks to come.

(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fsphotos-g.ak.fbcdn.net%2Fhphotos-ak-snc6%2Fr270%2F250448_10151100845577759_274809959_n.jpg&hash=c594eaeff0e50eae92b4f368f623da5470328606)

Joanna, that's not nearly as bad as I had envisioned, not bad at all considering all that was done! Now just be patient and give yourself a few months and you'll see that the changes will be dramatic! You are such a little drama queen sweetie, relax and do as the doctor had advised. You will be just gorgeous and we'll be looking forward to seeing updated pix with that pretty smile.

Thanks Shan.  Yes I suppose I am a drama queen. ::)

Tesla, my upper lip lift was done on the conservative side.  However, if I part my lips my front incisors are clearly visible.  The surrounding swelling also affects my ability to smile and talk.  There is swelling inside my mouth from 3 stitched areas in my cheeks and chin area.  This is currently affecting the shape of my lips.

 So far you're looking pretty good, Joanna. :) When the swelling goes down, you will look even better - a truly fantastic prospect.

Best of luck. :)

Quote from: Joanna on October 19, 2012, 09:28:18 AM
Oh Aunty Shan I know you are right!  Sometmes it's just hard to see the wood for the trees so to speak. 
Anyway here is a pic I have just taken today.  As you can see the tip of my nose is swollen as is my chin area especially the left side.  So this is me at 7 days.  I am hoping everything will get smaller and tighter in the weeks to come.

(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fsphotos-g.ak.fbcdn.net%2Fhphotos-ak-snc6%2Fr270%2F250448_10151100845577759_274809959_n.jpg&hash=c594eaeff0e50eae92b4f368f623da5470328606)

this is what all the fuss was about ? -______________________________-

You look purty, now just wait to heal ^^

Even if nothing heals, your face is definitely more feminine now, even after only 7 days, than the already-beautiful woman pictured in your avatar.  You've merely enhanced your beauty. 

The only negative I see is that you look tired in this picture, and perhaps a bit of the discouragement we're reading I see in your eyes.  Smile instead - unless it still hurts too much!  :P

yeah. give it time to heal, i can already tell from being a scrub nurse. your going to be even more of a cutie!

5 days? Ohhhh Joanna Joanna Joanna! 5 days is but an infancy in your FFS journey, lol. You'll be fine. I was a mess at 5 days. It all settles down. Give yourself 90 days to resemble normal, k?

Here's a few of me at 5 days so you know you aren't alone:

(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi184.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fx153%2Fmeghanandrews%2F1216233593.jpg&hash=69b40a6fe5ce0ba8b0011656e9a0b77031d24bba)

(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi184.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fx153%2Fmeghanandrews%2F1216233676.jpg&hash=88412cf65d37317a9a1233a2c22e8b2112fba4de)

(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi184.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fx153%2Fmeghanandrews%2FP1020370.jpg&hash=596cb39dc827564061f1e0b0b634eec1a9637eb5)

It get better :) Hang in there Joanna, you'll get through it :) Meghan

Ladies and gentleman thank you again for your supportive and encouraging words. I promise to take a chill pill and calm down down. When recovering from FFS you are off work with time to spare so it is natural to spend that time in thought analysing and critiquing yourself and your new face.

It's flattering that some of you couldn't see what all the fuss is about. To me my nose looks and feels like an abhiration as does my chin. The photo doesn't look too bad though.

I have never seen footage of FFS surgery taking place and it would probably be wise for me never to see it. We girls always come out looking like we have been in a car crash. It must be quite brutal.

Megan, thanks for your photos. It's good to have a comparison. I follow your vids and can see how now your jaw and chin is so much more smaller and rounded as opposed to what can be seen in the pics. 90 days eh, well roll on. I promise to post some update pics perhaps in a couple if weeks time. I don't go back to work until the 26 th Nov, so should be well on my way to looking almost normal by then. Xx

One thing I didn't read here (tho I did only skim): avoid alcohol for a while, and NO SMOKING. I say this because I went from a 3 pack a day chimney to cold turkey 4 months before my SRS, never to look back and extraordinarily thankful that SRS saved my life in more than one way.... BUT was also shocked at how many patients were puffing away a week after surgery. That will ruin a lot of expensive work. If you don't smoke or never have, nice!

Quote from: Joanna on October 20, 2012, 03:02:55 AM
90 days eh, well roll on. I promise to post some update pics perhaps in a couple if weeks time. I don't go back to work until the 26 th Nov, so should be well on my way to looking almost normal by then. Xx

Thanks for watching my videos  ;D  And you have plenty of time. I had 40 days between ffs and when I went to work. No real bruising anymore, the only kind of visible thing was the raised area on my forehead where the staples were, but it was behind my hairline. Joanna, you know, I'm sure, you are already looking awesome. Make sure you take a lot of pics from all angles so you can track the changes, if you are into that kind of thing. I think you'll notice your profile changing first. Also, if you look at pics every two weeks, I'll bet you notice a lot of changes vs. every day. So happy for you :)

Quote from: Joanna on October 20, 2012, 03:02:55 AM
Ladies and gentleman thank you again for your supportive and encouraging words. I promise to take a chill pill and calm down down. When recovering from FFS you are off work with time to spare so it is natural to spend that time in thought analysing and critiquing yourself and your new face.

It's flattering that some of you couldn't see what all the fuss is about. To me my nose looks and feels like an abhiration as does my chin. The photo doesn't look too bad though.

I have never seen footage of FFS surgery taking place and it would probably be wise for me never to see it. We girls always come out looking like we have been in a car crash. It must be quite brutal.

Megan, thanks for your photos. It's good to have a comparison. I follow your vids and can see how now your jaw and chin is so much more smaller and rounded as opposed to what can be seen in the pics. 90 days eh, well roll on. I promise to post some update pics perhaps in a couple if weeks time. I don't go back to work until the 26 th Nov, so should be well on my way to looking almost normal by then. Xx

Do they have you taking pain pills? If so, you MUST eat your fiber+lots of water and light food, sometimes pain pills can *really* gunk things up

(Mom's a nurse :P)

Ave - yes I have been on pain killers and yes they do bung you up quite a bit.  I have taken a little senna to get things moving down there.

I was taking pics today as it is day 10.  I added a little Instagram magic to make me feel better.
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fsphotos-b.ak.fbcdn.net%2Fhphotos-ak-ash4%2F311182_10151104476032759_1609693970_n.jpg&hash=b0b58a5e13dc3beb60acbf376c15f3fb827920f2)
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fsphotos-f.ak.fbcdn.net%2Fhphotos-ak-ash3%2Fc0.0.403.403%2Fp403x403%2F563917_10151104473367759_1928914742_n.jpg&hash=89d7c33c6644514a8376e92556326755e4dfe9a6)

My chin and nose are still swollen.  Bruising is only around my eyes now.

I still cant smile as my mouth feels like its stuffed with cotton wool.  I am losing hair now due to the shock to the scalp :embarrassed: I was told to expect this.  It will grow back (hopefully)  Its like a general shedding from all over.  The skin on my face is also peeling.  Just goes to show what a trauma this surgery is to your body.

I am happy to report feeling more positive :)
Jo xx

girl....you are gunna be trouble. lol
them looks is going to draw in  alot of guys/girls

Quote from: Tristan on October 22, 2012, 09:34:01 AM
girl....you are gunna be trouble. lol
them looks is going to draw in  alot of guys/girls

True !

Quote from: Tristan on October 22, 2012, 09:34:01 AM
girl....you are gunna be trouble. lol
them looks is going to draw in  alot of guys/girls

And another amen to that! ((Hugs))

Quote from: Joanna on October 22, 2012, 08:47:10 AM
Ave - yes I have been on pain killers and yes they do bung you up quite a bit.  I have taken a little senna to get things moving down there.

I was taking pics today as it is day 10.  I added a little Instagram magic to make me feel better.
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fsphotos-b.ak.fbcdn.net%2Fhphotos-ak-ash4%2F311182_10151104476032759_1609693970_n.jpg&hash=b0b58a5e13dc3beb60acbf376c15f3fb827920f2)
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fsphotos-f.ak.fbcdn.net%2Fhphotos-ak-ash3%2Fc0.0.403.403%2Fp403x403%2F563917_10151104473367759_1928914742_n.jpg&hash=89d7c33c6644514a8376e92556326755e4dfe9a6)

My chin and nose are still swollen.  Bruising is only around my eyes now.

I still cant smile as my mouth feels like its stuffed with cotton wool.  I am losing hair now due to the shock to the scalp :embarrassed: I was told to expect this.  It will grow back (hopefully)  Its like a general shedding from all over.  The skin on my face is also peeling.  Just goes to show what a trauma this surgery is to your body.

I am happy to report feeling more positive :)
Jo xx

Wow! You look great and I don't know if you've worked wonders with make-up or Instagram or whatever, but to me what's striking is how little obvious 'damage' there is to your face from all the surgery. I don't see bruises, stitches, obvious swelling, scars ... It's actually a real encouragement to anyone worrying about the after-effects of FFS ...

... and heaven only knows how hot you'll look in six months' time!  ;)

Quote from: Tristan on October 22, 2012, 09:34:01 AM
girl....you are gunna be trouble. lol
them looks is going to draw in  alot of guys/girls

;D Seriously.......really well I am flattered.  If that is true well look out guys cuz im boy craaazzzzy most of the time.  Could make for an explosive cocktail  :o  Tristan, I too think you are very beautiful I can't imagine you have too much trouble in the attraction department :-*

Carlita - I kept my self fit in the months leading up to surgery.  I think it has helped especially with the bruising.  I do still have quite a bit of swelling some of which I know is going to be stubborn in going especially on the nose and chin.  I am still only 10 days post op and when I smile it looks really odd because my swollen cheeks stop the corners of my mouth from lifting.

Thanks to everyone for their kind and encouraging comments xxxxxxxx

lol well thats good because the guys will be all over you. and i must say nope not alot of problems in the guy dept. although it does suck i have to wait so long after this srs to use my magic snatch  :D

Quote from: Tristan on October 24, 2012, 05:27:08 PM
lol well thats good because the guys will be all over you. and i must say nope not alot of problems in the guy dept. although it does suck i have to wait so long after this srs to use my magic snatch  :D

Hehe love it! How long has it been and how soon until you go girl day?

not that long since i had srs. i want to wait at least 3-6 months before i try sex, since i have never had it and all. i want to make sure im all ready down south of the boarder

Quote from: Tristan on October 24, 2012, 06:12:49 PM
not that long since i had srs. i want to wait at least 3-6 months before i try sex, since i have never had it and all. i want to make sure im all ready down south of the boarder

Sounds like a wise plan hon! "Haste makes waste!" You don't need any grief!

yeah. your right  :D

Aw Tristan I hope your first time is good. ;D  It will hopefully be quite a liberating experience for you.  Sex as it should be.

Well I couldn't resist but post an updated picture of me 14 days post op.  As you can see I am sooooooooo puffy and swollen.  However its not too bad. 

(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fsphotos-h.ak.fbcdn.net%2Fhphotos-ak-ash4%2F319044_10151109613487759_1119746284_n.jpg&hash=1ecbce22bd3b395788df3438e6fb0b658512cf20)

Sadly I have had a bit of a setback.  I woke up a couple of days ago with a painful swollen lump on the right side of my head above the scar.  The lump as about half the size of an egg and sore to touch.  I went to see the nurse at my surgery who said it was nothing to worry about just swelling from a trapped stitch or I had aggravated the wound slightly.  She said the wound was intact so nothing to worry about. 

I spoke to the hospital where I had my surgery and they said monitor it over night and if it gets worse my surgeons registrar can take a look at it the next day.  Well it more swollen and so very painful it reduced me to tears.  I went for a biopsy and it is a hematoma.  It full of blood.  I am going back to see my surgeon today so he can drain it and dress it.  They think I caused a small bleed some how at the wound site internally, or it was a slow bleed following the removal of the clips.  Either way its not nice.   :embarrassed:  They have asked me to go Nil by mouth from 7 am just incase they have to put me under again.  Oh I hope not.  Wish me luck. (feedback on the pic would be good too)

Thanks
xxxxx Jo

Quote from: Joanna on October 26, 2012, 05:52:41 AM
Wish me luck. (feedback on the pic would be good too)

Thanks
xxxxx Jo

Looking much perkier already, there was always a pretty woman there and it's improving. Good luck with the lumpy thing sweetie, you'll be fine! I had some similar stuff following my neck job, it gets cleared up and goes away with a little tweaking!

How are you feeling now? It's gunna take months! I had FFS with Dr Spiegel about 10 months ago and my face was still changing even a couple months ago! They say it takes at least a year for full healing but you already know all this your just freaking out LOL. I did the same thing when I got home from Boston, I was freaking out because I got called HE at a restaurant like 3 weeks after surgery my avatar is me about 3 months ago. When I get a chance I'll post some pics from right after surgery. You look better than I did that is for sure!

Hey April, thanks for your message.  You look radiant in your picture, I cannot believe anyone would mistake you for male.  However like you say that was 3 weeks post op.  Now you look 110% female.  Just lovely.  It just goes to show how a face can continue to change post FFS.

I am now just over the 4 week mark and feeling better.  My nose and chin still bother me as they have pockets of obvious swelling on them.  My profile looks a little odd due to the swelling on the tip of my nose, however I shouldn't be too hard on myself.  I look better than I did 2 weeks ago for sure.  I must admit I am looking forward to a few more months of recovery as I can see I will be very happy.  What we also sometime forget to factor in is that we continue with HRT which also contributes to increasing feminisation of the face at the same time.  These 2 factors combined can only make you look for feminine and not more masculine.

I have a Youtube blog here .......
http://www.youtube.com/user/JennaArriving1 (http://www.youtube.com/user/JennaArriving1)

I try and post only when I have something worthwhile to talk about.  Feel free to drop by ;D

Thanks xx

Quote from: Joanna on November 12, 2012, 06:30:43 AM
Hey April, thanks for your message.  You look radiant in your picture, I cannot believe anyone would mistake you for male.  However like you say that was 3 weeks post op.  Now you look 110% female.  Just lovely.  It just goes to show how a face can continue to change post FFS.

thank you for the compliment! Spiegel does good work.

I should probably give a little more background on the story. I was out at dinner with some friends (all trans) and most did not pass well so i probably just got lumped in plus im tall so im sure the waitress (who's gender was very ambiguous) just put 2 and 2 together. 

Hmmm...You look actually very good for 4wks post op.  It generally takes around the 6 month mark to see a finished result and after 6 months changes will still take place, but at a slower rate for up to a year and sometimes longer..Chins usually take the longest.  Did you have the sliding genioplasty done?  That can take longer to heal, because it is more invasive to do.  No worries though..relax. :)

Hi Michelle

Thanks for your reply to this thread.  Yes I did have the sliding genioplasty done.  Apparently he took out about 1cm from the middle of my chin.  However it is still puffy all around there.  I sometimes get weird sensations in my lower front teeth at the front.  The chin is still quite numb especially to the right side.  How long does it take for the swelling to finally go down in the chin and the nose?

I am approaching the 6 week mark now and getting happier by the day ;D

Here I am at 6 weeks post FFS and 13.5 months HRT
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fsphotos-b.ak.fbcdn.net%2Fhphotos-ak-ash3%2F46398_10151139300887759_1203195760_n.jpg&hash=3d209f252e5ddf052e48a04bd636d57264a4b391)

Looking good!

Could you tell me what type of "Brow reduction" you had done and who your surgeon is? Did you have it done in Brighton?

You look amazing! I'm jealous!

Hi Joanna, you're looking great for six weeks post! Your surgeon did well. I attribute your concerns to transition blues, which affect most of us. The best way to combat these blues is to get up and go out every day after about day 7 post-op, even if it's just for one hour a day. In my case, I looked like a zombie and people gave me these sympathetic stares, for example when I went to the JP Gaultier exhibit at the De Young Museum in SF. Returning from the De Young via taxi was diffcult, as taxis were in short supply, and so I was surprised in no small way when people invited me to join them in their cab :) I guess it was out of pity. Going out as a post-op zombie thus comes with some unexpected privileges, but most importantly, it gets you out of the post-op rut that otherwise takes over. Not that any of this still applies to you now -- you're long past the zombie stage. Go out and show the world your fabulous new self. Hugs, Beatrice

Sorry to butt in, but all I have to say is: you look very lovely indeed.  :D 

Quote from: Tesla on November 19, 2012, 11:22:05 AM
Looking good!

Could you tell me what type of "Brow reduction" you had done and who your surgeon is? Did you have it done in Brighton?

Tesla - I went to see Mr Keith Altman at the Nuffield Hospital in Brighton.  He did a grand job and the staff there are just lovely.  As for my brow reduction, I am not sure?  I think it wasn't just a "shave down" I think part of it was removed, shaved and then replaced.  The orbital rims of my eye sockets were shaved down.

Quote from: beabela on November 27, 2012, 01:14:09 PM
Hi Joanna, you're looking great for six weeks post! Your surgeon did well. I attribute your concerns to transition blues, which affect most of us. The best way to combat these blues is to get up and go out every day after about day 7 post-op, even if it's just for one hour a day. In my case, I looked like a zombie and people gave me these sympathetic stares, for example when I went to the JP Gaultier exhibit at the De Young Museum in SF. Returning from the De Young via taxi was diffcult, as taxis were in short supply, and so I was surprised in no small way when people invited me to join them in their cab :) I guess it was out of pity. Going out as a post-op zombie thus comes with some unexpected privileges, but most importantly, it gets you out of the post-op rut that otherwise takes over. Not that any of this still applies to you now -- you're long past the zombie stage. Go out and show the world your fabulous new self. Hugs, Beatrice

Hi Beatrice.  You are right.  It is easy to become a bit of a recluse and hide away at home.  I have to admit, that was exactly what I did for the first couple of weeks.  I felt awful.  However, I am pleased to report I am now out and about, back at work and living full time ;D  All going well so far.

Quote from: Sage on November 27, 2012, 02:05:32 PM
Sorry to butt in, but all I have to say is: you look very lovely indeed.  :D 

Thank you very much :)

Quote from: LizMarie on November 24, 2012, 01:00:50 AM
You look amazing! I'm jealous!

Quote from: TessaM on November 19, 2012, 11:57:17 AM
Your so pretty :)

Thanks ladies.  I don't feel very pretty sometimes, but I am getting used to using make-up to its full potential.  Less is more!

Quote from: Joanna on November 29, 2012, 06:32:17 AM
Tesla - I went to see Mr Keith Altman at the Nuffield Hospital in Brighton.  He did a grand job and the staff there are just lovely.  As for my brow reduction, I am not sure?  I think it wasn't just a "shave down" I think part of it was removed, shaved and then replaced.  The orbital rims of my eye sockets were shaved down.

So interested to see that you went to Altman. I've been looking all around the world at FFS surgeons, not realising until very recently that there was one operating less than 50 miles from where I live. I think he did a great job on you, but what gave you the confidence that he had the experience of FFS and the aesthetic ability to provide a great looking result? ... Like yours!

Quote from: Joanna on November 29, 2012, 06:32:17 AM
Tesla - I went to see Mr Keith Altman at the Nuffield Hospital in Brighton.  He did a grand job and the staff there are just lovely.  As for my brow reduction, I am not sure?  I think it wasn't just a "shave down" I think part of it was removed, shaved and then replaced.  The orbital rims of my eye sockets were shaved down.

A while back, I had as much shaved down as possible without breaking into the sinuses. I was pretty naive about FFS back then and the surgeon may not have had the skills to go further. I suppose my forehead wasn't 'bad' pre-FFS.

I've stipulated to my new FFS surgeon to go further and remove all trace of masculinity. He said that this will be his goal. I hope he will do just as good a job as your surgeon has done on you. I did some research on Altman and bookmarked him just in case. Traveling thousand of miles by plane in a physical state is not something I relished, so I picked a UK surgeon.

BTW, I presume you had a pre-op x-ray done? Was this done on the day or weeks before?

You look amazing Joanna very pretty.

I agree. You're being too hard on yourself. You look fantastic.

When I first read this thread, I actually googled that lady you compared yourself to. Hyperbole much?  ::)

Girl, all of those procedures you listed were pretty much the equivalent of cutting off your face and putting on a new one. What did you expect?  :laugh:

Anywho, in the words of Tyra Banks, you look fierce!

Quote from: DianaP on November 29, 2012, 08:55:03 PM
When I first read this thread, I actually googled that lady you compared yourself to. Hyperbole much?  ::)

Girl, all of those procedures you listed were pretty much the equivalent of cutting off your face and putting on a new one. What did you expect?  :laugh:

Anywho, in the words of Tyra Banks, you look fierce!

Hey Diana, ha ha ha ;D  I was referring to Jocelyn Wildenstein

(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fc580019.r19.cf2.rackcdn.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2008%2F09%2Fjocelyn-1.jpg&hash=f24a4e38abcfce7ec562eefa2ed6d51099da9883)

I felt like I looked like this for a few days post op, especially when the swelling was coming out.  Of course I didn't, but it sure felt like it at the time.  I am glad to say I deffo don't look like that now! :o

Quote from: KarenMTF on November 29, 2012, 08:38:59 PM
I agree. You're being too hard on yourself. You look fantastic.

Aw thanks Karen, it's nice to get such positive feedback x

Quote from: MANDY GG on November 29, 2012, 09:22:45 AM
You look amazing Joanna very pretty.

Thank you as well Mandy x

Quote from: Tesla on November 29, 2012, 08:48:21 AM
A while back, I had as much shaved down as possible without breaking into the sinuses. I was pretty naive about FFS back then and the surgeon may not have had the skills to go further. I suppose my forehead wasn't 'bad' pre-FFS.

I've stipulated to my new FFS surgeon to go further and remove all trace of masculinity. He said that this will be his goal. I hope he will do just as good a job as your surgeon has done on you. I did some research on Altman and bookmarked him just in case. Traveling thousand of miles by plane in a physical state is not something I relished, so I picked a UK surgeon.

BTW, I presume you had a pre-op x-ray done? Was this done on the day or weeks before?

Yes, very wise to not travel too far for this type of surgery.  I had to go back in 12 days after my main surgery to stop a bleed that had occured on the side of my head.  This would have been a total nightmare if I had to get on a plane or travel long distance.  Being close to the hospital meant I got treated by my surgeon in the hospital where the original surgery was completed. 

With regard to the X-ray.  I had to have an xray of the jaw and chin area, and a "Cone Beam" CT Scan completed of my forehead and upper part of my skull.  This was done about 6 weeks before my surgery so I could discuss the results with Mr Altman well in advance to ensure the chosen surgery was possible and correct for me.

I hope that helps x

Quote from: Carlita on November 29, 2012, 06:37:06 AM
So interested to see that you went to Altman. I've been looking all around the world at FFS surgeons, not realising until very recently that there was one operating less than 50 miles from where I live. I think he did a great job on you, but what gave you the confidence that he had the experience of FFS and the aesthetic ability to provide a great looking result? ... Like yours!

I met a couple of ladies who had already been to Mr Altman for their surgery.  One of whom being Skyanne who has posted on here before.  Both she and the other lady looked really good.  I guess you never really know how things are going to go.  You have to trust your surgeon will do what he says he will. 

Mr Altman is a Mixillo-facial surgeon and has been working with the human skull for many years.  He has a lot of experience and has specialised in the feminisation for quite a long time now.
xx

Quote from: Joanna on November 30, 2012, 05:14:35 AM


I met a couple of ladies who had already been to Mr Altman for their surgery.  One of whom being Skyanne who has posted on here before.  Both she and the other lady looked really good.  I guess you never really know how things are going to go.  You have to trust your surgeon will do what he says he will. 

Mr Altman is a Mixillo-facial surgeon and has been working with the human skull for many years.  He has a lot of experience and has specialised in the feminisation for quite a long time now.
xx

Thanks so much for that info ... and I think you're so right about the benefits of having surgery close to home if at all possible.

Quote from: Joanna on November 19, 2012, 11:00:08 AM
Hi Michelle

Thanks for your reply to this thread.  Yes I did have the sliding genioplasty done.  Apparently he took out about 1cm from the middle of my chin.  However it is still puffy all around there.  I sometimes get weird sensations in my lower front teeth at the front.  The chin is still quite numb especially to the right side.  How long does it take for the swelling to finally go down in the chin and the nose?

I am approaching the 6 week mark now and getting happier by the day ;D

Here I am at 6 weeks post FFS and 13.5 months HRT
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fsphotos-b.ak.fbcdn.net%2Fhphotos-ak-ash3%2F46398_10151139300887759_1203195760_n.jpg&hash=3d209f252e5ddf052e48a04bd636d57264a4b391)

Sorry, but I have been preoccupied.  You look fantastic!  It may take the full six months to see the permanent changes to the chin and jawline.  You will see the most result in the first 6 months, so wait for that period then you will most likely see pretty much the result, but it will even get more defined even after six months.  I can tell already that your chin is still little swollen and the lower jawline.  You will def see more changes to these areas.  I am sure you will be very pleased, as it looks like this surgeon really knew what he was doing.  You are going to be one of the very lucky ones who turn out very passable.  I am sure you are already getting looks by men and women as well lol and good feeling I know. Good luck in the future.