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Ahhh I'm so excited!

I settled on Dr. Di Maggio since the forehead was my main concern. So I'm having surgery on December 16th!

I'm having my forehead reconstructed, a rhinoplasty, my hairline reshaped, and an upper lip lift for sure. I haven't decided on the brow lift or temporal fat grafts yet, I am waiting to get my assessment back from VirtualFFS to make that decision.

I'll be there for 18 days in total, so unfortunately I'll be missing Christmas and my flight home lands right at midnight on New Years lol. Oh well, it'll be worth it.

I was sorry to hear that his assistant, Amanda, left because everything I heard about her was amazing. Regardless, whoever I've been dealing with via e-mail (I'm pretty sure it's been Dr. Di Maggio himself) has been fantastic and extremely communicative. I got my quote back within 24 hours and since then all communication has been responded to within an hour at pretty much all hours of the day.

I'm a little bit nervous since this is a much more intense procedure than my voice surgery, but I'm sooo looking forward to it! Plus I feel like if I get through this fine I should have nothing to worry about this summer when I have my SRS.

I'll keep you all updated when I get closer and will definitely post some before/afters :)

Quote from: samantha55522 on October 07, 2013, 10:35:53 PM
Yes...Dr. DiMaggio is the best at forehead surgery.

Just go to FFS support, there are plenty of examples of his natural and fantastic results.

Enjoy your intelligent surgeon selection!!!!!!

Kisses
S.

Thank you! :) Yeah the fact that so many people seem to choose him for his forehead work and that he has a ton of before/afters made it a pretty easy decision.

As for the FFS group, I'm a member but I haven't been able to post yet since I'm new and need my posts approved. It sucks, I have so many questions! But I have seen all of the Di Maggio results posted and they look great.

So I'm less than 4 weeks from my FFS, I'm so excited! I decided on forehead reconstruction, a rhinoplasty, a hairline reshaping, and a minor brow lift.

I had my skull x-rays done today and thought I'd share them here. I've edited the second one to show the approximate shape of the forehead after the reconstruction (the red line). You can see just how protruding my brow is currently (the yellow line.)

(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FfZCwtiz.png&hash=9e27e6dc514f25ff4e32ed6f9b82a3dd2a26e788)

And here's my virtual FFS picture to show what the forehead should look like after reconstruction. This is definitely the most masculine angle of my face (it's why I can't wear my hair up in public) but it's also the one that is most feminized. It's pretty crazy how big of a difference the forehead alone makes.

(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2Fvv521ZK.jpg&hash=bc946bad5e1cfa1fc13977430c5739fb44c62bc7)

The one on the right also has simulated a rhinoplasty and facial hair removal.

Anyway, to say I'm excited is a HUGE understatement and I'm so glad it's finally almost here. I can't wait to spend some time in Buenos Aires, too! Who knew that my transition would take me all over the world?

Quote from: abbyt89 on November 21, 2013, 03:43:45 PM
So I'm less than 4 weeks from my FFS, I'm so excited! I decided on forehead reconstruction, a rhinoplasty, a hairline reshaping, and a minor brow lift.

I think you made the right call about what procedures to get. Especially deciding not to do the lip lift. Your lips are cute and very much in the feminine range, and from talking to many surgeons, it seems that the lip lift scar never heals especially well and you'll have to cover it with makeup forever, so good choice not to get that. I wish you all the best with your surgery, and a fast recovery!

BTW, you mentioned voice surgery. Where did you get that done, and how did it turn out?

If you don't mind me asking, about how much did this cost? Was it reasonable?
Have fun in the Argentine sun, girl.

Quote from: megan2929 on November 25, 2013, 09:07:29 AM
I think you made the right call about what procedures to get. Especially deciding not to do the lip lift. Your lips are cute and very much in the feminine range, and from talking to many surgeons, it seems that the lip lift scar never heals especially well and you'll have to cover it with makeup forever, so good choice not to get that. I wish you all the best with your surgery, and a fast recovery!

BTW, you mentioned voice surgery. Where did you get that done, and how did it turn out?

Thank you, and yeah I took the advice of the VFFS lady who said the distances involved with the chin/lip are ideal already plus the scar can be an issue. I want to get my jaw done too but I think I'll be happy enough with the forehead and nose that I won't feel a need to later on.

And I had voice surgery at Yeson back in August, there are two big threads on it in the voice therapy/surgery subforum. My naturally speaking pitch so far is up by about 60-70hz and my voice is passable so I'm very happy with the results. :)

Quote from: Willow on November 25, 2013, 09:48:00 AM
If you don't mind me asking, about how much did this cost? Was it reasonable?
Have fun in the Argentine sun, girl.

Thank you, I'm looking forward to it!!

It was very reasonable compared to the two main U.S. surgeons who do type 3 reconstructions. The total for forehead + nose (as well as the little stuff like hairline reshaping) was $14,000.

Wow, 2 weeks to go Abby! I'm sure you're full of excitement! Good luck with your FFS, and keep us updated on your progress as you recovery :)

Aye, I went to Di Maggio as well. He did my forehead and nose. He likes to do the whole face like your chin for like a package deal. I was one of the few that didn't need that. But if he suggests it, just do it. You only want to have facial surgery once and life is full of regrets. He likes to sort everything out at once and he is brilliant at it. One piece of advice don't ask him to do anything aggressive with your hairline. He can lower it but that is it.
Amanda right she was ok but she didn't have the time for me. Something put her off for some reason and I get along with everyone so that was a shocker.
What he did with my forehead is a work of art. I had seen some old friends that went to a certain surgeon in Chicago Dr. Z. Wow they looked plastic. It was obvious they had work. I didn't have the heart to tell them back then. But with Di Maggio will give you a truly natural look without any unnecessary procedures. FFS was the best thing I ever did.
I followed yourself and Jenny with your voice surgery. Savage stuff indeed. I have a completely passing voice and never sir'ed. But it is always in the back of my mind some days when my voice is a bit off. Jesus another 10k ffs

Hi Abby,
     Can't wait to see the results once everything is healed. Nice Christmas present to yourself Abby, my very best to you dear!

Thanks guys! Sorry I've been MIA for a while - been quite busy with school and work leading up to my trip to Buenos Aires.

My flight left at 6AM Friday morning (my last final exam was Thursday night) and I'm all settled in to my apartment here. I'm stocked up with food and entertainment since I don't plan on really leaving my apartment for the first 3-4 days.

I'm going to take advantage of my last night before surgery by doing some sight-seeing and watching a tango tonight.

My surgery is at 2PM local time tomorrow...I'll update you guys sometime tomorrow evening if I'm feeling up for it.

And yes Shan, I'm missing Christmas (and New Years) with my friends and family but this little gift to myself is more than worth it. I'm so excited!

Ooh I'm excited for you!  Best of luck with everything!

;D

Quote from: RavenMoon on December 15, 2013, 02:52:55 PM
Ooh I'm excited for you!  Best of luck with everything!

;D

Yes me too!

Hola!

Surgery took a little longer than expected but went very well. Will give full update tomorrow but in the mean time:

(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2F1qhHkzo.jpg&hash=44d88e1e1104c6e8bb0655885bb43d3233d4382c)

you look wonderful,
I am so looking forward to getting mine done and this confirms it even more, congrats abby, rest easy well done.
Jerri

Hi Abby you sweet girl!
               You have a twinkle in your eyes and a smile on your lips and your eyebrows look good, I can't say anything more so get well sweetie!

Yay! You look very happy!  ;D

I know I would be!

Gopd luck with your healing, Abby!

Yay, all done! Congratulations Abby! I can't wait to see the final results once all the bandages are off. Happy healing!

Quote from: abbyt89 on December 16, 2013, 07:13:00 PM
Hola!

Surgery took a little longer than expected but went very well. Will give full update tomorrow but in the mean time:

(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimgur.com%2F1qhHkzo.jpg&hash=a1553885058088d83a0db4f6880e2887c8f0f6ea)

[zooming out] There you are. Wow, looking good!

You look great for the short time! And so happy! Congratulations Abby

Thank you so much everyone!

I'm looking MUCH worse than that picture haha - the swelling and bruising has fully set in and I look like I've been hit by a truck. But I look much much worse than I feel - I'm actually surprised at how little pain I feel, and I've only been taking Ibuprofen since leaving the hospital.

I'm back at my apartment now and I'm all set up for 3-4 days of not being able to leave. I'll update you guys with some pics once the swelling goes down a  bit.

The surgeon left my apartment a little while ago and removed my forehead bandage and the dressings from my nose. He said the incision is healing nicely and he gave me the go ahead to take a shower which was like the best thing ever. I spent probably 30 minutes just soaking my hair and de-tangling it and getting all of the caked-on blood washed out.

I've attached a pic for you guys! There's still a lot of swelling in the forehead but even so you can see just how much he flattened/smoothed it out. I can't wait to see the nose (the cast stays on until Monday) but if the tip is any indication I think he did a great job with it. I'm also really happy with how the hairline turned out - it's not perfectly round but it's MUCH better than before, plus because he didn't lower the hairline in the center you can't see the incision at all since it's an inch or so back in the hair. I think the brows are a little bit high, but he said that part of that is due to the swelling and that it can also take a few months for the brows to settle into their final position. And if that's the only complaint I have when all is said and done then it's hardly the end of the world.

Anyway to say I'm crazy happy with how everything is so far would be a huge understatement. I'll keep you guys updated and will post some more pics as the swelling continues to go down.

(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FAs139mt.jpg&hash=f83e00f119e87e0c31565071a6f470e11a2fa725)

Quote from: abbyt89 on December 19, 2013, 07:53:50 PM


(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FAs139mt.jpg&hash=f83e00f119e87e0c31565071a6f470e11a2fa725)

I'm crazy happy for you too sweetheart, you'll un-swell and look great! Get well and come home safely!

You're looking great, Abby, it looks like your healing is going quickly. Best of all, you look so happy with it!

You look adorable, even with the puffiness and nose cast!  ;D

Your forehead looks wonderful.

That's really great Abby, you look wonderful so far. I think your surgeon did an excellent job!

Thank you everyone!!

Things have been busy here in Buenos Aires and on top of that I accidentally broke my brand new laptop - ugh!

But today my surgeon removed my nose cast and while there is still some swelling I can finally see my face as a whole.

I nearly cried when I saw it for the first time because everything has exceeded my expectations. I am so happy with my results and I am so glad I went with Dr. Di Maggio.

Here are some pics from earlier today:

(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FvfJmcak.jpg&hash=1dd42aa86ec6fd3c519b4660e3f780870221d567)

(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FUvXoagw.jpg&hash=1fa543ab1cb3faedaeb3bff492320a7c6fbba3a1)

(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2Fddfntmw.jpg&hash=8ac127f3ab20168c084a7385511a2499c3a034a0)

You look beautiful and it looks like it healed beautifully! Its very natural as well!
I am glad you are happy!

Good Lord Abby, you're looking really different and so much more feminine than your first side face photos, it's rather astounding!

Thank you!! The greatest thing is I feel like I finally pass okay from all angles and when close up. Before I looked okay but only from like one specific angle because of how masculine my forehead was.

Quote from: Shantel on December 23, 2013, 06:59:37 PM
Good Lord Abby, you're looking really different and so much more feminine than your first side face photos, it's rather astounding!

It's crazy, isn't it? I never realized how powerfully feminizing the forehead could be until I started researching FFS. I am so happy and so fortunate that I was able to get this done. :)

OMG! You look fabulous! Seriously!

All traces of your former self are gone. :)

Your last pic is absolutely stunning. You made a great surgeon selection.  I would not worry about the brows. Even if they don't settle they still look great.

Congrats Abby. To me, you looked very good before and now you look quite fantastic!

From several other people I know who did their surgery with him , I was pretty sure you were in excellent hands with Dr Di Maggio (I also consulted with him a couple of years ago but finally decided to stay closer to home) who I believe to be one of the best in terms of price/quality ratio.

Apart from that, I envy how quickly you young ladies recover from this sort of surgery and confirm that your brows will indeed come down to a more natural height over the weeks ahead.

Wishing you  a very happy Christmas.
Donna

Hellloooooo nurse!!! :D :D :D

You look fantastic Abby!!!

You guys are so sweet the kind words are appreciated. :D

Quote from: Donna E on December 24, 2013, 07:19:01 AM
Congrats Abby. To me, you looked very good before and now you look quite fantastic!

From several other people I know who did their surgery with him , I was pretty sure you were in excellent hands with Dr Di Maggio (I also consulted with him a couple of years ago but finally decided to stay closer to home) who I believe to be one of the best in terms of price/quality ratio.

Apart from that, I envy how quickly you young ladies recover from this sort of surgery and confirm that your brows will indeed come down to a more natural height over the weeks ahead.

Wishing you  a very happy Christmas.
Donna

Thank you Donna I wish you a merry Christmas as well!

My recovery has been pretty quick but I also had the least traumatic FFS procedures done so I shouldn't be too surprised. And yeah I've noticed the brows have already settled down a bit and I'm no longer concerned about them. And hey 20 years down the road I will probably be thankful that they were raised a bit now :)

I really like where your brows are! It gives a very youthful look.  :)

It's really astounding. I think your actual result far surpasses your VFFS prediction by a long shot.

I am so super impressed with the work Di Maggio has done for you. Your face now looks 100% female from every angle.

I am having my brow done (type 1 style, though) and a few other small things performed in exactly two weeks. Seeing these pictures of you brings me all sorts of emotions... mainly excitement... but also hope that I am as happy with my result as you must be :D I'm confident that will be true.

Your result is just so drastically amazing, though. It's hard to believe you once looked like you did in the before photo!

I have been a bit worried about my brows being too high, too. Looking at yours though I think they look great and it brings me peace of mind :)

Quote from: Jennygirl on December 24, 2013, 06:03:26 PM
It's really astounding. I think your actual result far surpasses your VFFS prediction by a long shot.

I am so super impressed with the work Di Maggio has done for you. Your face now looks 100% female from every angle.

I am having my brow done (type 1 style, though) and a few other small things performed in exactly two weeks. Seeing these pictures of you brings me all sorts of emotions... mainly excitement... but also hope that I am as happy with my result as you must be :D I'm confident that will be true.

Your result is just so drastically amazing, though. It's hard to believe you once looked like you did in the before photo!

I have been a bit worried about my brows being too high, too. Looking at yours though I think they look great and it brings me peace of mind :)

I feel the same way about my results compared to the VFFS. Going into it I figured that a result like that would be best case scenario and I didn't want to get my hopes up. I think the forehead prediction was pretty much spot on but I think the nose actually looks better, even if it is a bit longer than in the VFFS photo.

Dr. Di Maggio is known for his foreheads, which is why I chose him, but I think his noses are just as good as his foreheads. If you look at his before/afters on the Yahoo FFS group the noses are consistently good - and they all look very natural because he works with what you have instead of just trying to make the cutest/most stereotypical feminine nose that he can.

Good luck with your surgeries, I am sure you will see fantastic results (you look fantastic already!) and I am happy for you! Keep us updated :)

You look amazing! I have been considering DiMaggio - thanks for sharing your experience. If I can ask, how do you feel about the post-op care you received? Did you have any complications at all?

Again, fabulous results.

Hi Antonia!

The post-op care has been fantastic! I stayed in the hospital overnight and then I hired somebody to stay with me back at my apartment for the first day. It was inexpensive but looking back probably not necessary - I really only hired her because my father was nervous about me recovering alone.

I can't say enough good things about the aftercare!! Since the surgery either Dr. Di Maggio or another surgeon that assisted him during my procedure has visited me at my apartment to change/remove bandages and to make sure everything is healing okay. He also has been in contact with me daily through e-mail and every time I see him he stresses that if I need anything at all or have any questions I can contact him at any time on his cell phone. His new assistant, Claudia, has been fantastic as well. She is constantly in contact with me to make sure I'm doing okay and asking if I need anything.

I haven't had any complications, although my scalp is still numb from the procedure. That's normal though and for most people full sensation returns.

Quote from: abbyt89 on December 25, 2013, 09:39:38 AM

I haven't had any complications, although my scalp is still numb from the procedure. That's normal though and for most people full sensation returns.

Abby,
    I had a necklift not long ago and lovehandles lipo-ed away more recently. Sensation returns but takes awhile for severed nerves to re-knit back together. Did they suggest any light massaging to encourage blood flow and healing?

Abby, if I come out looking as good as you I wouldn't care if I never had feeling in my head again! lol  ;D

Merry Christmas everyone!

Quote from: abbyt89 on December 25, 2013, 06:58:18 AM
Good luck with your surgeries, I am sure you will see fantastic results (you look fantastic already!) and I am happy for you! Keep us updated :)

Awww thank you Abby. Certainly reassuring words that I need to hear right now less than 2 weeks away!!

Also, I guess I'll be the first to say

MOAR PICS! :D Keep us updated, too, fabulous looking lady!

Quote from: abbyt89 on December 25, 2013, 09:39:38 AM
Hi Antonia!

The post-op care has been fantastic! I stayed in the hospital overnight and then I hired somebody to stay with me back at my apartment for the first day. It was inexpensive but looking back probably not necessary - I really only hired her because my father was nervous about me recovering alone.

I can't say enough good things about the aftercare!! Since the surgery either Dr. Di Maggio or another surgeon that assisted him during my procedure has visited me at my apartment to change/remove bandages and to make sure everything is healing okay. He also has been in contact with me daily through e-mail and every time I see him he stresses that if I need anything at all or have any questions I can contact him at any time on his cell phone. His new assistant, Claudia, has been fantastic as well. She is constantly in contact with me to make sure I'm doing okay and asking if I need anything.

I haven't had any complications, although my scalp is still numb from the procedure. That's normal though and for most people full sensation returns.

Thanks again! You do look gorgeous and I think I speak for everyone when I say we would love to keep seeing your photos as you recover. You (and Jenny, and others) are a huge inspiration to a lot of us who feel lost from time to time... even if you girls set such a damn high bar lol!!!

Ask and ye shall receive!

I don't look too much different since a few days ago but I thought I would throw together some before and afters. Sorry they are a bit crude, the lighting is off and my facial hair is fully visible in the befores (I reallllllly can't wait until I'm finished with the removal) but it's the best I can do here at my apartment.

(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FO0FB9BP.jpg&hash=2a94597aff715c968ca2d03886a824fa5549a126)

(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2Fps6hQ7N.jpg&hash=e50bd24c8be2c271947d7179e55cd0a9bf3528aa)

(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2Fod3CSDI.jpg&hash=00be8bdf84791bbab50dd42e05faf45b1adf3539)


The bruising is really only noticeable on the one side of my face now, and although you probably can't tell in pictures that same side of the face is a little bit more swollen in the eye area than the other. But by the time I leave in 5 days (I can't believe I've been here for almost two weeks already!) it should be mostly gone.

That's a photo of you and your brother! ;) 

Oh Abby, you're so beautiful!
I just love what Dr. DiMaggio has done with you!  I'm so glad I'm considering him for mine as well. I'll be happy if I turn out half as good as you do.

EDIT: Just wondering, did he do the type 3 to your forehead?

Quote from: abbyt89 on December 26, 2013, 12:28:38 PM
Ask and ye shall receive!

I don't look too much different since a few days ago but I thought I would throw together some before and afters. Sorry they are a bit crude, the lighting is off and my facial hair is fully visible in the befores (I reallllllly can't wait until I'm finished with the removal) but it's the best I can do here at my apartment.

(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FO0FB9BP.jpg&hash=2a94597aff715c968ca2d03886a824fa5549a126)

(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2Fps6hQ7N.jpg&hash=e50bd24c8be2c271947d7179e55cd0a9bf3528aa)

(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2Fod3CSDI.jpg&hash=00be8bdf84791bbab50dd42e05faf45b1adf3539)


The bruising is really only noticeable on the one side of my face now, and although you probably can't tell in pictures that same side of the face is a little bit more swollen in the eye area than the other. But by the time I leave in 5 days (I can't believe I've been here for almost two weeks already!) it should be mostly gone.

OMG what an amazing result Abby! The difference is just incredible! I was debating whether to have Dr Maggio or Dr Bart do my forehead and Rhinoplasty this year but these results just sealed the deal for me. You've become such a diva  ;) hehe!

That's such a remarkable difference Abby! You're absolutely right, there's no angle I can see male anymore at all. I'm so happy for you!

Thank you so everyone :) I can't express enough how happy I am with everything and I am so glad there is such a great community that I can share this with. Looks like I'll have to finally put up a new profile pic when the swelling/bruising is gone :D

And Willow to answer your question, it was the Type 3 reconstruction that he performed.

Quote from: abbyt89 on December 26, 2013, 06:12:19 PMAnd Willow to answer your question, it was the Type 3 reconstruction that he performed.

It looks absolutely fabulous. I'm glad to know that since I need the same done that I'll be in good hands with DiMaggio if I choose him.

Thanks so much to sharing. You're happy, and your results make those who have chose or are thinking about DiMaggio very happy as well. Please, keep sharing, you look gorgeous, babe!

You look beautiful :). Congratulations!

May I ask you something..? How much did it costs all surgery? and What procedures he did? (don't wanna be rude.. just wanna know for my FFS  :angel: )

hey Abby, i just wanted to say that you look amazing, i love the results. i'm also considering DiMaggio since my main concern is my forehead. how much did you pay? if you don't mind me asking.  and can anyone please tell me how to access the ffs support group?

thanks

Quote from: jenn90210 on March 28, 2014, 06:56:38 AM
hey Abby, i just wanted to say that you look amazing, i love the results. i'm also considering DiMaggio since my main concern is my forehead. how much did you pay? if you don't mind me asking.  and can anyone please tell me how to access the ffs support group?

thanks

Those pics do look really good.) looks very good and feminine on the results. And with no jaw work. How good, I myself am looking at a dr who specialises in forehead work, the ones that catch my eye are dr bart, the guys in Spain , and DiMaggio, sadly it is so hard to find any estimates of prices for the facial team and di maggio it kind of annoys me, does di maggio do online consultations for free? I found out the facial team do Skype consultations so I'm having one with them and I have a date for consultation with Bart I. London since I'm in the UK. My main concern is a good result. But I am taking into account the lengthy flight as well, it would have to be a somewhat reduced price for me to want to book Di Maggio cause Argentina is so far from Britain I know the flight wouldn't be cheap but I haven't fully ruled him out of my short list,  we'll see what happens :)

Quote from: Mindy More on April 25, 2014, 01:03:27 PM
I'm officially booked with him for November.  I've got the plane tickets booked, apartment reserved...so excited.

Will you be posting before and after photos? They are always so encouraging to others!

Hey sweetie, I don't wanna be rude.. ,How much it costs your surgery? (If you dont want to answer me i will understand it)