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The big day is almost here. My surgery date with Dr. McGinn is Tuesday, 11/11/25. I'm really excited and kinda scared.

Quote from: Zoey Addisyn on November 05, 2025, 07:08:45 PMThe big day is almost here. My surgery date with Dr. McGinn is Tuesday, 11/11/25. I'm really excited and kinda scared.

That is exciting. Any surgery is scary, but Dr. McGinn is top-notch. You are in good hands. Try to relax, and it will be over before you know it. Most people sleep through the whole thing.

😆

Sending thoughts and prayers your way. Good luck!

Thanks for the positive thoughts.

Zoey,


I hope all goes very well for you.


Chrissy

Thank you, Chrissy.

Zoey,


How long have you planned for this surgery?  Did you have electrolysis done down there for this procedure?


Chrissy

I received my gender dysphoria diagnosis on Dec 6, 2024, and received my therapy letter. I started seriously planning and looking for a surgeon at the beginning of the year. Started Electrolysis in early March. I've done over 24 hours of electrolysis and am completely clear of hair from "stem to stern." I had previously done a bit of laser hair removal in that area over 10 years ago for aesthetic purposes but nothing major.

I decided on Dr McGinn in late March and after a consultation on 3/23/2025, I booked my surgery on 11/11. Dr. McGinn does not work "in network" with any insurance so I have to pay her fee of 23K in advance. I have a preauthorization from my insurance and worked through everything in advance of my surgery so I should get full reimbursement.

Quote from: Zoey Addisyn on November 05, 2025, 09:11:43 PMher fee of 23K in advance

23k is very reasonable for such a high-quality surgeon. I have seen quotes that are three and four times higher from surgeons with less experience. She has always been top of my list. Second on my list is Dr. Heidi Wittenberg in San Francisco. Both involve travel, so I'm not sure yet on what my options will be.

Please let us know how it goes and your post-op experience. Well, as much as you are comfortable sharing.

If you are like me, you will have a good cry in the elevator on the way down.

I'm very happy for you! I wish you the best of luck! :-)

Quote from: Lori Dee on November 05, 2025, 09:34:37 PM23k is very reasonable for such a high-quality surgeon. I have seen quotes that are three and four times higher from surgeons with less experience. She has always been top of my list. Second on my list is Dr. Heidi Wittenberg in San Francisco. Both involve travel, so I'm not sure yet on what my options will be.

Please let us know how it goes and your post-op experience. Well, as much as you are comfortable sharing.

The 23k is very reasonable. Even better that my insurance should reimburse me. Dr. McGinn is only a 3 1/2 hour drive for me so the travel is manageable. I'll be staying in the area for 10 days post op (after a three night hospital stay) so that is about another $2500 expense. I really feel lucky that Dr McGinn is my surgeon. I am grateful.

Hi Zoey

Congratulations on your surgery date and only 4 days to go.  There is no need to be scared.  If you keep yourself busy you will not have time to think about that monumental day.  I know as I was working right up to my day.  I did have the weekend before I went into hospital.

You are in safe hands and the surgeon you have picked is one of the best in the field.  I know she has been operating at least from 2010.  If I was having surgery in this day and age I would certainly pick Dr McGinn.

For me I jumped on the operating table, figuratively, I was asked if I could get on the table myself even after having an epidural.  I was I guess saying lets get this over and done with.

I wish you all the best on the special day and you have speedy recovery.  You will remember this day for years to come and when you wake up from the surgery for the first or second time remember that moment.

Take care and all the best for the future

Best Wishes Always
Sarah B
Global Moderator
@Zoey Addisyn

Tomorrow I leave for New Hope and the following day is my surgery. I woke up this morning with a song on repeat in my brain and I finally figured out why I needed to hear this differently today. I originally thought the song was about the end of a relationship but I don't think that is it. I think it is about emerging from a chrysalis. This holds so much meaning for me in this moment of letting go of what is familiar, shedding what was and embracing something new. As my fears fade, I am finding joy in the becoming, and I know I'm ready.

https://youtu.be/lqeqcqwpUy0?si=iD82-p8Iu5WBgvy_

Fly (by John Waite)

For so long, you've gone on
Trying to see an end to it all
And I know, your grip is getting loose
You think if you leave
The pain will go away
But you don't know
You need it to get through

'Cause I can tell by the things you say
That your feelings will never change
You'll keep coming back to what you think is real

It's okay to want to be free
It's okay to spread your wings
If you know how to fly
If you know how to feel alive

So for now, you go on
Crawling along for a while
But you're dragging me down
You're holding me back
You're making it end

'Cause I can tell by the things you say
That your feelings will never change
You'll keep coming back to what youthink is real

It's okay to want to be free
It's okay to spread your wings
If you know how to fly
If you know how to feel alive

You can fly
You can fly
You can fly

It's okay to want to be free
It's okay to spread your wings
If you know how to fly
If you know how to feel alive

It's okay to close your eyes
It's okay to fade away
If you don't want to stay
If you don't think you'll survive
'Cause you can fly
You can fly

Zoey!

Enjoy the whole process for it is amazing indeed!🌻 All shall be well 🤗

Onward Brave Sister!

Ashley 💕

Good luck, Zoey!

And thanks for sharing.

Hugs!

i made it through surgery well on Monday. I was discharged from the hospital on Friday. I'm in a local bed and breakfast for follow up appointments with Dr. McGinn on Monday and Thursday and I get to go home next Friday. It feels great to be out of the hospital. So excited for the days to come.

Quote from: Zoey Addisyn on November 14, 2025, 11:55:20 PMi made it through surgery well on Monday. I was discharged from the hospital on Friday. I'm in a local bed and breakfast for follow up appointments with Dr. McGinn on Monday and Thursday and I get to go home next Friday. It feels great to be out of the hospital. So excited for the days to come.

Zoey!

Congrats Sister! 🙏🌻

A💕

Congratulations, Zoey!

Thanks for the update.

Quote from: Zoey Addisyn on November 14, 2025, 11:55:20 PMi made it through surgery well on Monday. I was discharged from the hospital on Friday. I'm in a local bed and breakfast for follow up appointments with Dr. McGinn on Monday and Thursday and I get to go home next Friday. It feels great to be out of the hospital. So excited for the days to come.

I'm so happy for you. Congratulations!

Oh, Zoey, this is wonderful news. Thank you for letting us know. May all go smoothly from here.

Congratulations and great news. Wishing you a good recovery in the coming weeks 😊

Congratulations, Zoey!

Hi Zoey,

Just checking in to see how you are doing. Hope all is well. Come visit when you get a chance.


@Zoey Addisyn

After 10 days of a difficult and painful metamorphosis, I'm on the other side of the hardest part. I feel a sense of peace, an indescribable feeling of euphoric joy just being in my body, that is so unexpected. I am finally whole.

Papillon Center gave me so much. I am grateful beyond words, not just to Dr. McGinn and her wonderful, caring staff but also to those who travelled to New Hope, PA, to be by my side and hold my hand when I needed it most. Now I'm beginning this next chapter with my new wings.

They are so beautiful, and finally, I can fly!

(https://i.imgur.com/qgKa4IB.png)

Congratulations!

Beautiful, Zoey! And so appropriate.

So happy for you. Congratulations.

Hugs!

@Zoey Addisyn
Dear Zoey:
Thank you so very much for keeping me and the rest of your readers and followers
updated with your terrific good news regarding your surgery.

You are now out of the hospital and home, all you have to do now is rest up and
finish your healing and recovery.

Now you can continue on in your life journey, and as you stated, "completely whole."

Please continue to share your story, on the Forum we are all rooting for you.
        ❤️❤️❤️     
HUGS, Danielle

Congratulations. That is a huge life milestone. Wishing you a speedy recovery and good health