Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Just because I can't get enough, it looks like I'm a candidate for more surgery!  :eusa_boohoo:  I have excessive urethra mucosa built up, and need a revision to have it removed!   I'm still awaiting my SRS doc's final word, but it looks like I'll have to have a 45 minute procedure with a local administered to have the urethra entrance/exit cleaned up.

I'm praying that the doc says it's ok to use a local urologist, as it would most likely be covered under OHIP (Canada's medical system) for free.   Otherwise, time to take off my red clothing and head back to Thailand with a cost of about 2 weeks vacation time, and $2500 of hotel/airfare.   

Things to think about when considering the location of your SRS surgeon, for sure! 

*hugggs*,
Melan

eek! I hope it works out for you without having to make that trip!

Because everyone cares so much about this, I'll post another update.  The doc's admin got back to me, and to really jab this in, said the doctor wasn't comfortable even touching my urethral blob until a year has passed.  So here I am, needing a revision, and having to wait 8 months for another surgery, and with the blessing of having to book an expensive flight and take work time off *again*.   And the worst part is I'm damaged goods until then.  Perhaps I can have intercourse, but my victims will have to be blindfolded to not witness the mess in my crotch.

I'm feeling a bit reactionary, but I truly feel at this moment that going to Thailand for this surgery was a mistake.  At the least I could have, should have?, gone to Brassard 5 hours drive up the highway.   Fate led me away from that, and I can't dwell on it, but I can make my point here for those who have considerations that distance doesn't matter in such a surgery.  It does when there are complications.  My only correspondence with my doctor is through an admin that takes 2-3 days to answer emails.  And they usually lead to 2-3 more questions that take another 2-3 days to answer, leaving me on edge.

The last line of my last response from the doc's office is "I'm afraid it is just a case of waiting and having a bit more patience."   Sigh, where is God when you need her?

Just being moaney.  I'm very pleased with my results, minus the quarter-sized round red bloody mass stuck in the middle of my inner-vulva....   :icon_yikes:

Is there any way you could see Dr. Brassard for this? I know he didn't perform the original surgery but he might be able to help? Might be worth it to check out anyway.

Quote from: FairyGirl on May 25, 2010, 06:15:54 PM
Is there any way you could see Dr. Brassard for this? I know he didn't perform the original surgery but he might be able to help? Might be worth it to check out anyway.

Revisions are covered under OHIP unless! The Dr. said you didn't need it.

It has been down to Suporn or Brassard for awhile now and you just gave me another point to consider.

I hope you can get this worked out soon!

Quote from: mija on May 26, 2010, 07:01:51 AM
It has been down to Suporn or Brassard for awhile now and you just gave me another point to consider.

I hope you can get this worked out soon!

If I may step in again, Brassard girls rarely have complaints! If anything its minor cosmetic issues that really are not a big deal.

Quote from: mija on May 26, 2010, 07:01:51 AM

I hope you can get this worked out soon!

Thank you Mija!   Good luck with your decision. I hope my jaded post doesn't influence you too much.  Dr Suporn does do really good work, and I'm quite happy with the results, I just apparently have fallen into the small percentage of 'revision girls'.  And when those revisions are on the other side of the world, it becomes hard to get them accomplished.

Quote from: FairyGirl on May 25, 2010, 06:15:54 PM
Is there any way you could see Dr. Brassard for this? I know he didn't perform the original surgery but he might be able to help? Might be worth it to check out anyway.

Quote from: SaraR on May 25, 2010, 06:36:41 PM
Revisions are covered under OHIP unless! The Dr. said you didn't need it.

Yes, I have an appointment with my regular doc today to see if that's an option, if I can see a urologist here in town, or even get a referral to Brassard in Montreal.  It "should" be covered under OHIP, I can't imagine why it would not be.  If it is, and I can get it repaired before summer's end, I'll be a very happy girl!

Thanks,
Melan

Sorry to hear about your surgery, Melan... I'll keep you in my thoughts!!

As always, thanks so much for sharing. It is certainly helpful to read about what others are going through, both the good and the not-so-good.

Best of luck to you!!  :)

I think I remember hearing that Dr Suporn doesn't do major revision work before a year is up because healing would be very difficult with the dynamic dilation that would still be required daily (or even twice daily if you are under 6 months). I'm not sure where I heard it from, so it may not be official, but it makes sense.

I hope things go well for you, Melan. I think I'm having a similar issue, but I'm not sure. I'll send them some photos after a year is up and see what he thinks. The one thing I worry about with revisions is that in almost every other way my results are amazing. Revisions could jeopardize that and end up with a result worse than before.

I totally understand the stress that you feel. My advice would be to do what I am, stick with it and keep to the schedule set by the clinic, and when the year is up you can reasses things. But it's a tough choice to make, for sure.

*hugs*

Quote from: Melan on May 26, 2010, 08:11:50 AM
Thank you Mija!   Good luck with your decision. I hope my jaded post doesn't influence you too much.  Dr Suporn does do really good work, and I'm quite happy with the results, I just apparently have fallen into the small percentage of 'revision girls'.  And when those revisions are on the other side of the world, it becomes hard to get them accomplished.

Yes, I have an appointment with my regular doc today to see if that's an option, if I can see a urologist here in town, or even get a referral to Brassard in Montreal.  It "should" be covered under OHIP, I can't imagine why it would not be.  If it is, and I can get it repaired before summer's end, I'll be a very happy girl!

Thanks,
Melan

Yea revisions probably go to Brassard im not sure ont hat one i know my Toronto friend she got her revision paid without wait time for the approval of OHIP but! She had to wait 5 months to see Brassard.

P.S. Brassards office is BOOKED solid till after Sept 30th... im still waiting for a cancellation between but im Penciled in for Sept 7th, Krystyn Sept 15th

So my appointment went well with my doc today, my primary care physician is referring me to a specialist.  The idea of Brassard was talked about and is an option, but out of province makes it difficult, I guess.    So I will be referred to a local urologist first, for an assessment.   But I specified that the specialist/urologist must have experience treating SRS post op patients. 

I'm going forward, but merely as a 2nd opinion type situation.  I really need to have this thing looked at (not in a picture to my SRS doc's staff 12000 km away!), to make me feel any kind of sanity at all.    I have a feeling with the speed of the Canadian health care system, that I'll be close to January before anyone would actually be able to act on anything, and I might as well take a vacation again in Thailand and get it fixed by the originating surgeon. 

This sucks, but life moves forward, I count my blessings that I got this far, and that I love my results, minus the blob.   I'll just keep dilating and petting my lovely vulva, whispering soft things to consul it, while putting it back in the box after each dilation.   Semi-patiently waiting for some kind of healing or resolution for a final result.

From the vaggie monologues.. "If your vagina could talk, what would it say?  ... Get this farkin' lump of red massy goo off of me!!!!!"    ::)

Thank you all for the support and replies.   

*huggs*,
Melan

Quote from: Valeriedances on May 26, 2010, 09:03:13 PM
Wow Melan, I'm sorry your going through that. I know complications are no fun. Mine is still healing too. Does it hurt?

Lol, thank goodness no, it doesn't hurt, or I wouldn't have the peace of mind to post in a forum about it.. i'd be lopping off the whole mess with a nail file,  :icon_chainsaw:

I really should shuddup and count my blessings, seriously.  It could be much worse.  My best job to do now is to keep it clean, un-infected, and look happy when I can.   And for the guys I'm putting on hold in the meantime, be really nice to to them, and buy time until I can truly enjoy them, *giggles*.  Ok fine, I'm drinking the pain away at the moment, thus my light attitude. 

Happy Healing Valerie! 

*huggs*,
Melan

No you didn't deter me at all Melan I'm very confident in either doc...it's more a practical issue. I imagined myself in your place and thought....

Quote from: Melan on May 22, 2010, 02:04:11 PM

Things to think about when considering the location of your SRS surgeon, for sure! 

So true

Quote from: Melan on May 26, 2010, 09:56:38 PM

And for the guys I'm putting on hold in the meantime, be really nice to to them, and buy time until I can truly enjoy them, *giggles*.

Oh you know how guys are...they'll do whatever it takes to get what they want even if it means waiting! You could tell them you've decided to be celibate for X amount of months to purify your spirit....or something like that.

;)

Hi Melan,

Don't beat yourself up for choosing a Thai surgeon over Dr. Brassard.  There's so much positive feedback about the various surgeons that I think it makes it tough to choose.  I've read numerous pre & post responses to both srs and ffs.  Many have their choice nailed pre op only to wish they had chosen a different surgeon once they're post op.

I went to Dr. Brassard over Dr. Suporn.  I was 1.5 years post-op and in bed with a man, he caught a closer look than anyone else had regarding my post op results .  He asked me straight up, "What the hell happened to you?"  I had never told him about my past, so I explained.  He told me I better get something done about that.

So here I'm wishing I had gone to Dr. Suporn over Dr. Brassard. 

I'm pretty lucky though as my issue is aesthetics only.

I wish you the best of luck in your revision.

Michelle

Quote from: michelle_h on May 30, 2010, 12:18:51 AM
 

I'm pretty lucky though as my issue is aesthetics only.

What is it that is aesthetically wrong?  What could Dr. Brassard have done better in your situation?

Quote from: Kristyn on May 30, 2010, 07:19:26 AM
What is it that is aesthetically wrong?  What could Dr. Brassard have done better in your situation?

Its common to have minor issues like, your clitoris not being out enough.

also the labia majora not being exactly symmetrical

The best Minora's ive seen were from Dr. Supporn. However, his majora.. is different.

Although Brassard uses the same technique over and over all results can vary./

As an example from a forum member here I seen [Renate] and her results are amazing! She is 1year post op and 2 months but I saw her result at 6 months and you could barely tell.

Hi Kristyn,

The clitoral hood is too fat and protrudes out a fair bit.  The labia minor is very short leaving most of the vaginal cavity exposed.  From what I've seen, Dr. Suporn seems to get definition and length of the labia minor closer to what I would like.  The Dr. Brassard example mentioned above I haven't seen, however there was a Dr. Brassard example from Steph.  That result looked pretty good to me and I would be happy with that, my result isn't like that one.

I went back to Dr. Brassard for a revision consult.  I also had a consult with Dr. Suporn when I went for FFS.  After both consults I felt that Dr. Suporn's assessment of what could be done was more extensive than Dr. Brassard.  Dr. Brassard could fix the asymmetry of the labia minor and that's it.  That really wasn't my main concern.  Done as an outpatient in about 45 mins - 1.5 hours.    Dr. Suporn could thin out and push back the clitoral hooding and thin out and extend the labia minor.  However, he was very hesitant about tackling this revision.  The two surgeons use very different techniques to achieve their results.  Dr. Suporn noted that Dr. Brassard is one of the best surgeons using the penile inversion technique, which results in very little left over for him to use in a revision.  Dr. Suporn quoted me 10K Canadian for the revision which would take approx 3.5 hours and I would need to stay there for at least 2 weeks.  He actually spent a fair bit of time talking to me, outlining what was possible and what wasn't possible and the risk's.  I would prefer not to spend that kind of money, so I'm holding off.  I may check with Dr. Meltzer as well.

I think there's pro's and con's with all surgeons.  Dr. Brassard told me he wouldn't need a skin graft for my surgery, which I thought was fabulous.  Maybe if he had taken one there would be a better aesthetic result, or same if I had gone to Dr. Suporn.   On the flip side, a skin graft may draw unwanted attention to the donor site as I scar easily and the skin usually remains discoloured in my case.  The majority of patients that came back to Dr. Suporn for revisions when I was there had to do with some minor necrosis.... not cool at all.  Too many variables.  A side note, the FFS I had has healed up amazingly.

The care I received and the facilities at both locations was fantastic, not to mention that both surgeons are excellent and we are very lucky to have them.

Michelle

Warning! Conent Sensitive:

Nice post michelle. I love when people get into detail.

Esthetic wise, it is important to have lots of donor material, but brassard will not focus on the esthetics over a good canal.

nor will any other surgeons!

I don't have a long or large penis for material, but i do believe my scrotal sack will be enough  material.

I still seen to many good Brassard results to have second doubts.. as I mentioned above, I know for a fact Support does the best minora work.. but every doctor is the best at something, its up to you if the canal is more important over esthetics.

For me, I cannot be discouraged in either way when it comes down to surgery except for being denied at the last minute.. but i took my blood test early to wave that possibility. To me, its about having no penis + scrotal sack then having a canal and esthetics.

If I were to be flat down there and just has a uretha hole.. id be satisfied.. so anything else should/will be satisfactory.

Hi Michelle, thanks for replying.  I truly sympathize with what you are going through and wish things could have turned out well for you.  No one should have to go through this after spending so much money--actually, no one should have to go through this at all.  As for the insensitive jerk who said that to you?  Give me 30 minutes alone with him in a soundproof room and I can guarantee that there would be one or two things that HE would have to have looked into ;)

I hope you don't mind me asking a few more questions?  If you would like to take this private, you could send your reply in a PM.

Quote from: michelle_h on May 30, 2010, 11:18:45 AM


The clitoral hood is too fat and protrudes out a fair bit.  The labia minor is very short leaving most of the vaginal cavity exposed.

When you say exposed, do you mean that the vaginal canal is open and you can see inside or does it just look as though the labia have been spread?

As with the clitoral hood, did you request the clitoris to be made larger than Dr. Brassard's norm?  This was something he told me he could do during my consult with him and I was hoping to discuss it further with him at the time of surgery.

Quote
I went back to Dr. Brassard for a revision consult.  I also had a consult with Dr. Suporn when I went for FFS.  After both consults I felt that Dr. Suporn's assessment of what could be done was more extensive than Dr. Brassard.  Dr. Brassard could fix the asymmetry of the labia minor and that's it.  That really wasn't my main concern.  Done as an outpatient in about 45 mins - 1.5 hours.

So, what exactly was Dr. Brassard's explanation as to why this occurred?

Quote
He actually spent a fair bit of time talking to me, outlining what was possible and what wasn't possible and the risk's.  I would prefer not to spend that kind of money, so I'm holding off.  I may check with Dr. Meltzer as well.

That is actually quite impressive that he would spend so much time with you detailing the procedure and possible outcomes.

I've heard of a couple Brassard patients who went to Meltzer for revisions, both for excessive skin to be removed.

Quote
I think there's pro's and con's with all surgeons.  Dr. Brassard told me he wouldn't need a skin graft for my surgery, which I thought was fabulous.  Maybe if he had taken one there would be a better aesthetic result, or same if I had gone to Dr. Suporn.   On the flip side, a skin graft may draw unwanted attention to the donor site as I scar easily and the skin usually remains discoloured in my case.

Do you attribute this to not having a graft taken, or do you attribute this to the surgeon, or just the luck of the draw so to speak?  Did you have a lot of donor material to work with?  Did you consent to having a graft taken if necessary as stated in the release?

Also, what type of physical condition are you in?  Are you athletic, average?  Do you have a low, high or average percentage of body fat?  My reason for asking is that I'm pretty small.  Tall, yet small.  I'm currently at a size six with very little body fat.  Now feeling around down there, I sometimes wonder how he is going to construct much of anything as all I feel is bone.  I have plenty of donor material to work with.

Also, just out of curiosity, what month did you have your surgery?  I know, stupid question, but I have my reasons for asking. 

Quote
The majority of patients that came back to Dr. Suporn for revisions when I was there had to do with some minor necrosis.... not cool at all.  Too many variables.  A side note, the FFS I had has healed up amazingly.

Necrosis kind of freaks me out as well.  Were these Brassard patients?

Quote
The care I received and the facilities at both locations was fantastic, not to mention that both surgeons are excellent and we are very lucky to have them.

I have to agree with you there.  I was very impressed with the staff and residence when I went for my consult.

Quote from: Kristyn on May 30, 2010, 04:51:25 PM
When you say exposed, do you mean that the vaginal canal is open and you can see inside or does it just look as though the labia have been spread?

I've seen this too many times then I want to remember, it's where the labia minora "disappear" leaving the vaginal opening as sort of a hole in the crotch (no posterior forchette) surrounded by what's left of the labia majora.

edit: mixed up front and rear, my bad

Quote from: FlanKitty on May 30, 2010, 06:37:55 PM
I've seen this too many times then I want to remember, it's where the labia minora "disappear" leaving the vaginal opening as sort of a hole in the crotch (no anterior forchette) surrounded by what's left of the labia majora.

Brassard showed me a revision that he did where the girl literally had a gaping hole between her legs and you could actually see inside.  Is this the same thing?

Quote from: Kristyn on May 30, 2010, 06:50:05 PM
Brassard showed me a revision that he did where the girl literally had a gaping hole between her legs and you could actually see inside.  Is this the same thing?

probably a more extreme version where the PC muscle is relaxed or damaged to the point where the vaginal opening doesn't stay closed (for lack of better words).

Quote from: FlanKitty on May 30, 2010, 06:59:35 PM
probably a more extreme version where the PC muscle is relaxed or damaged to the point where the vaginal opening doesn't stay closed (for lack of better words).

Why couldn't I/we have just been born with the appropriate parts :(

Here's a good link I found when trying to find that particular image I was talking about--read the part about clitoral sensitivity.  We are way off!

http://www.esybron.org/index.phtml?p=female (http://www.esybron.org/index.phtml?p=female)

yikes now those comments make me scared, I don't want a hole 24/7 open!  Only your ears, and nostrils should be open 24/7 nothing else.

Any surgery involves risks to how your body handles it's varies to each individual. The very nature to cut into a human body to change the shape,position of skin , bones, organs,nerves, veins etc... is by itself not perfect each doctor is both a skilled surgeon and artist whom put those skills , talents to their finest for their patients. I am sorry you are having such a hard time with this. Hopefully you can get the medical care for it and recover to how you want to look ,feel.

Quote from: SaraR on May 30, 2010, 07:46:21 PM
yikes now those comments make me scared

Me Tooo and i was just starting to feel a little at ease after reading Natalie's post

https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,77703.msg539581.html#msg539581 (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,77703.msg539581.html#msg539581)

Quote from: FlanKitty on May 30, 2010, 06:37:55 PM
I've seen this too many times then I want to remember, it's where the labia minora "disappear" leaving the vaginal opening as sort of a hole in the crotch (no anterior forchette) surrounded by what's left of the labia majora.

Dr Suporn does not build in a Fourchette, does Dr Brassard?  Before I had the surgery, I read a couple of posts by post-op women talking about having a revision to add a Fourchette, and I was like how picky are they!  But now that I've had the surgery, I'm wishing I had one, lol.   Without a Forchette It does make the bottom of the vulva look a bit awkward on how the labia lips kind of fade away, rather then rounding out and around the vaginal cavity.  But Dr Suporn doesn't/can't build one in, from what I understand, because of the rigors of dilating and the healing process wouldn't allow it to heal properly.

(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Flh6.ggpht.com%2F_ezSsIEHCzdA%2FSrnj4HXk4VI%2FAAAAAAAAAps%2F19LapjgQjY0%2Fclip_image002_thumb%255B3%255D.jpg&hash=833b9310de601df06e1b55a4f95fd0d1dd8ffffd)
Image with a Fourchette in it.

Quote from: Melan on May 31, 2010, 08:31:54 AM
Dr Suporn does not build in a Fourchette, does Dr Brassard?  Before I had the surgery, I read a couple of posts by post-op women talking about having a revision to add a Fourchette, and I was like how picky are they!  But now that I've had the surgery, I'm wishing I had one, lol.   Without a Forchette It does make the bottom of the vulva look a bit awkward on how the labia lips kind of fade away, rather then rounding out and around the vaginal cavity.  But Dr Suporn doesn't/can't build one in, from what I understand, because of the rigors of dilating and the healing process wouldn't allow it to heal properly.

(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Flh6.ggpht.com%2F_ezSsIEHCzdA%2FSrnj4HXk4VI%2FAAAAAAAAAps%2F19LapjgQjY0%2Fclip_image002_thumb%255B3%255D.jpg&hash=833b9310de601df06e1b55a4f95fd0d1dd8ffffd)
Image with a Fourchette in it.

Dr. Brassard does.  Valerie had a little trouble with hers due to torn stitches

Hi all,

Great diagram Melan, way better than the one I was going to post.  I'm adding two images to illustrate what I'm talking about.  The images are explicit, if I'm not allowed to post then I'm SORRY I don't want to get into trouble.  I know there's young people on this site.  I put them at the very bottom so at least they're not right in your face as people get to my reply.

When I say the vaginal canal is exposed, I don't mean there's just a hole and you can see right down inside the canal like in the early days of srs ie: srs at John Hopkins.
My apologies if I mislead anyone.

As FlanKitty mentioned, the labia minor disappears just above the vaginal canal leaving an opening.  The labia minor should surround this opening just as in the diagram provided by Melan.  Also, you should have to pull to the side or spread the labia minor to reveal the vaginal canal. The 1st photo I'm providing is a Dr. Brassard result I pulled from Anne Lawrence's site and is close enough to my result to illustrate what I'm talking about.

However in my case the hooding around the clitoris is fatter and as it comes down to form the labia minor it's also fatter and not quite that symmetrical.  As you can see the opening of the vaginal canal is completely visible with out having to spread anything. 

The 2nd photo I provided is post labiaplasty by another surgeon, still not perfect but a bit closer to what I was hoping for. 

Now having said that, these are just my preferences and opinions.  I'm not looking for perfection, but maybe I'm too picky so take my comments with a grain of salt.

In my case, I don't think Dr. Brassard did anything wrong at all.  Also, I'm not sure what else he could have done except for the skin graft.  As mentioned in my other post,  a skin graft could bring about other problems.  The surgeon is going to try to give you the best result with the least amount of invasive surgery, so I'm sure there's going to be trade off's.  I know he had absolutely no material left over when he was finished.  What could I have done differently?  Maybe ask the following questions:

1.   With the amount of donor material I have to offer can you show me an outcome that will be very similar to what I can expect?
2.   If I want better definition post op of the labia minor, is there a second procedure I can undertake that you offer?
3.   What difference would there be if a skin graft is used?

Going back to my previous post.  The man I was with became suspicious when he was stimulating me with his finger.  He thought the vulva had too large an opening leading to the vaginal canal.  That prompted him to have a closer look., though the light wasn't great it was enough for him wonder what happened to me.  Then in he wanted to look in even better light which revealed the fine white lines (scars) on the labia majora.  So kind of a domino effect.  The hair never really grew back there, which isn't Dr. Brassards fault.... just the way I recovered.

When I was doing my research for surgery I read about women going back for revisions to improve the appearance after the initial surgery (labiaplasty).  Like Melan I thought these women were just too picky.  I thought my result was good enough and wasn't going to bother seeking out any improvements.  It's a different story once you're post-op.  Something to consider when you're pre-op and thinking I just want this done so I can get on with life.  Also as I'm discovering, if the primary surgeon doesn't provide a labiaplasty option it may not be that easy for another surgeon to do so.

I've repeatedly read two statements: That there's a wide range in appearance of women's genitals which I agree with, however there has to be a limit.  I've also read that many guys don't really know what women's genitals look like.  Based on the guys I know quite well, I'm going to disagree with that.

I also had BA with Dr. Brassard.  Another guy I was with tells me that my breasts must be fake as they look too perfect, he then proceeds to man handle me looking for the incision scars.... I just can't win!  I know Dr. Supporn uses arm pit incisions or at least he did on all the women when I was there for FFS.

Melan: On Dr. Supporn's support club site there's one woman's result of the Forchette construction.

Kristyn:  I never knew Dr. Brassard created the Forchette.

Anyway, to answer your other questions.  I'm 5'11, 135-140lbs and athletic.  I had my surgery in the month of December.  Can I ask why you wanted to know which month?

The patients who returned to Dr. Supporn for revisions due to necrosis were all his patients.  To date I personally haven't heard of any of Dr. Brassard's patients experiencing necrosis.

The asymmetry was so minor, that's why I didn't worry about it.  Dr. Brassard never gave me an explanation as to why it occurs.  A guess would be that there's so much stretching due to swelling.  The whole surgery area was swollen 4 times it's normal size.  Apparently it's not that swollen while they put everything together, but it still amazes me how they manage to get anything that looks half decent in the end.

(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm5.static.flickr.com%2F4066%2F4656981856_8ba6920654.jpg&hash=ce227387ca4b9fad1e9a0ee06e6de4bfe24591ea)

(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm5.static.flickr.com%2F4027%2F4656382833_d6146b20b8.jpg&hash=2ed50f807b6c3683e08703148c7e2ff1ab02bd6a)

Again, if posting the images is a no no, I'm sorry.  I'll assume diagrams are ok?

Quote from: michelle_h on May 31, 2010, 01:15:28 PM

Quote
As FlanKitty mentioned, the labia minor disappears just above the vaginal canal leaving an opening.  The labia minor should surround this opening just as in the diagram provided by Melan.  Also, you should have to pull to the side or spread the labia minor to reveal the vaginal canal. The 1st photo I'm providing is a Dr. Brassard result I pulled from Anne Lawrence's site and is close enough to my result to illustrate what I'm talking about.

I really don't see anything wrong with that image.  As A matter of fact, I saw that image a while back shortly after my consult with Dr. Brassard and thought that I would actually be happy with a similar result.  If I'm correct that image is a result from 2000 and is a little less than a year post op.  I would like to actually see what this particular result looks like today.

Quote
However in my case the hooding around the clitoris is fatter and as it comes down to form the labia minor it's also fatter and not quite that symmetrical.  As you can see the opening of the vaginal canal is completely visible with out having to spread anything. 

I'm guessing that this womans legs are spread which can give the appearance of a wider opening, or am I wrong?

Quote
The 2nd photo I provided is post labiaplasty by another surgeon, still not perfect but a bit closer to what I was hoping for.

I'm not too impressed with the second result as the clitoris looks like some sort of growth.  I believe this is a Dr. Schrang result

Quote
Now having said that, these are just my preferences and opinions.  I'm not looking for perfection, but maybe I'm too picky so take my comments with a grain of salt.

I don't think you are being too picky at all :)

Quote
In my case, I don't think Dr. Brassard did anything wrong at all.  Also, I'm not sure what else he could have done except for the skin graft.  As mentioned in my other post,  a skin graft could bring about other problems.  The surgeon is going to try to give you the best result with the least amount of invasive surgery, so I'm sure there's going to be trade off's.  I know he had absolutely no material left over when he was finished.  What could I have done differently?  Maybe ask the following questions:

1.   With the amount of donor material I have to offer can you show me an outcome that will be very similar to what I can expect?
2.   If I want better definition post op of the labia minor, is there a second procedure I can undertake that you offer?
3.   What difference would there be if a skin graft is used?

These are all very good questions.  The one thing I will express to Dr Brassard is the final aesthetic outcome.  If a skin graft is required than take one--I just don't want to be left with too much skin as I've heard from other patients.  Depth I'd be happy with his standard and functionality is a crap shoot

Quote
Going back to my previous post.  The man I was with became suspicious when he was stimulating me with his finger.  He thought the vulva had too large an opening leading to the vaginal canal.  That prompted him to have a closer look., though the light wasn't great it was enough for him wonder what happened to me.  Then in he wanted to look in even better light which revealed the fine white lines (scars) on the labia majora.  So kind of a domino effect.  The hair never really grew back there, which isn't Dr. Brassards fault.... just the way I recovered.

Have other men reacted similarly? 

Quote
I also had BA with Dr. Brassard.  Another guy I was with tells me that my breasts must be fake as they look too perfect, he then proceeds to man handle me looking for the incision scars.... I just can't win!  I know Dr. Supporn uses arm pit incisions or at least he did on all the women when I was there for FFS.

Honey, I don't think it's you but rather the men you are attracting.  I'm not sure where you are from, but to me they sound much like the insecure little boys who inhabit Toronto, where I live.

Quote
Kristyn:  I never knew Dr. Brassard created the Forchette.

Sorry, I was under the impression that he did.  I believe Valerie has already answered this one.

Quote
Anyway, to answer your other questions.  I'm 5'11, 135-140lbs and athletic.  I had my surgery in the month of December.  Can I ask why you wanted to know which month?

You sound much like me.  I'm wondering if the lack of fat in that general area has much to do with the final aesthetic results.  I was curious as to what month your surgery was performed because I was wondering if it was possibly done during one of their busier times, like July prior to their summer shut down.

Quote
The patients who returned to Dr. Supporn for revisions due to necrosis were all his patients.  To date I personally haven't heard of any of Dr. Brassard's patients experiencing necrosis.

I feel for those that have suffered necrosis, but I'm relieved to hear that you've never heard of any Brassard patients who have.  Necrosis is one of my biggest fears next to fistula.

Thanks Michelle!

Quote from: Valeriedances on May 31, 2010, 06:09:30 PM
The location of my injury is where in pic #1 the scars from each side meet at the bottom. There were stitches there, as I mentioned. So technically that is not a fourchette if the definition is limited to the labia minora. It is a fork however in our case, so it may be an appropriate term.

Ah, yes.  The fork in the vagina ;D

Quote from: SaraR on May 30, 2010, 11:52:58 AMFor me, I cannot be discouraged in either way when it comes down to surgery except for being denied at the last minute.. but i took my blood test early to wave that possibility. To me, its about having no penis + scrotal sack then having a canal and esthetics.

If I were to be flat down there and just has a uretha hole.. id be satisfied.. so anything else should/will be satisfactory.

I'm with you hon, I can't be discouraged either. And now I know I passed all my pre-op tests I'm finally allowing myself to get excited about it actually happening! I wish you all good luck with your surgeries and healing.  :)

Good luck Chloe I passed all my Preop test as of today too, but they don't count for the final surgery since they need to be 6 weeks fresh.

However im glad to know nothing is wrong at the moment.

Quote from: SaraR on May 31, 2010, 06:23:07 PM
Good luck Chloe I passed all my Preop test as of today too, but they don't count for the final surgery since they need to be 6 weeks fresh.

However im glad to know nothing is wrong at the moment.

I thought that as long as the tests were done no earlier that 3 months they were good.

PRE OPERATIVE ANALYSIS: LABORATORY REPORTS :
As this is a major surgical procedure, under general anesthesia, the patient must pass the following tests about
two months before the date of the surgery and the results of these exams must be sent to our office one month
prior to the date set for the surgery. Without these test results, there will be no surgery. PLEASE WAIT TO
HAVE A DATE OF SURGERY BEFORE HAVING YOUR PRE-OPERATIVE TESTS DONE. Tests that were
done more than 3 months prior the surgery date will be considered unusable and will have to be redone.

Brassard does 6 weeks.

mine had to be finished and results in by one month prior to surgery date, the same as what you posted there Jessica  :)

Hi Kristyn,

QuoteIf I'm correct that image is a result from 2000 and is a little less than a year post op.

Unless Anne got the dates wrong, that first image is 2006.  I'm not sure how many months post-op that result would be.  As mentioned before, that's a pretty close match to my result and I'm 3.5 years post op and nothing has changed.

QuoteI'm guessing that this womans legs are spread which can give the appearance of a wider opening, or am I wrong?

In my case, I barely have to spread my legs to have the same appearance.

QuoteI'm not too impressed with the second result as the clitoris looks like some sort of growth.  I believe this is a Dr. Schrang result

I should have been more specific about what I like.  I don't like the clitoris area either, however I like fact that the labia minor appears to enclose the vaginal opening.  You are correct, that result is from Dr. Schrang.

QuoteQuote
Going back to my previous post.  The man I was with became suspicious when he was stimulating me with his finger.  He thought the vulva had too large an opening leading to the vaginal canal.  That prompted him to have a closer look., though the light wasn't great it was enough for him wonder what happened to me.  Then in he wanted to look in even better light which revealed the fine white lines (scars) on the labia majora.  So kind of a domino effect.  The hair never really grew back there, which isn't Dr. Brassards fault.... just the way I recovered.

Have other men reacted similarly? 

After that incident I've been very careful not to let any man see that part of me. If I'm standing it's impossible to tell the difference between me and a natal female.

QuoteYou sound much like me.  I'm wondering if the lack of fat in that general area has much to do with the final aesthetic results.  I was curious as to what month your surgery was performed because I was wondering if it was possibly done during one of their busier times, like July prior to their summer shut down.

Not really sure how body fat will affect the outcome.  Sounds like you have a good question to ask.  Surgery date was Dec 12. I was the last one before the Christmas break.

QuoteI feel for those that have suffered necrosis, but I'm relieved to hear that you've never heard of any Brassard patients who have.  Necrosis is one of my biggest fears next to fistula.

Regarding the women I met I think it sounds worse than it really was.  No one seemed too freaked out.  Dr. Suporn fixed them all up like it was no big deal and off home they went.

One poor lady was there because she had fallen asleep with the dialator inside her.  She caused some significant damage when she removed the dialator.  I felt so bad for her, because she had to save airfare money for a whole year before returning for the repair job.  In the end it all turned out good.

Despite my own criticism of my results, I do believe Dr. Brassard did a fine job on me.

I certainly hope I didn't discourage anyone as that wasn't my intent.  Just wanted to supply some food for thought.

Sara and Chloe, I wish you all the best.  I'm happy and excited for you.  If you're on your way to Montreal, say hi to Chantal for me.  She's a sweet heart!

Michelle

I will be a Brassard graduate, ill say hi for you.

So sorry to hear about this Melan. Hang in there hon. <big nero hug>

Thank you Michelle :) I'm going with Dr. McGinn in Philadelphia whom I've never heard anything bad about. I'm satisfied she'll do a good job as well.

oooh Nero hugs  :)

Quote from: michelle_h on May 31, 2010, 10:47:05 PM


Unless Anne got the dates wrong, that first image is 2006.  I'm not sure how many months post-op that result would be.  As mentioned before, that's a pretty close match to my result and I'm 3.5 years post op and nothing has changed.

Yep, that's from 2006 and is only 7 months post op.  The result I was referring to that I like was the one from Feb 2000.

http://www.annelawrence.com/twr/brassard0200.html (http://www.annelawrence.com/twr/brassard0200.html)

As a matter of fact, I will refer to this image with Brassard when discussing my wants.  I like how the labia minora come all the way down.  If he requires a skin graft to achieve it he has my ok.

Valerie has commented that hers is similar in appearance to yours and the photo you provided and I'm wondering if this is just his current technique, circumstantial, or due to workable material.  I would like to hear from Sara who had her surgery a little while ago and who gave us all a fine account of her experience

SARA WE NEED YOU!  TELL US WHAT YOUR POONEY LOOKS LIKE!

Quote
After that incident I've been very careful not to let any man see that part of me. If I'm standing it's impossible to tell the difference between me and a natal female.

You shouldn't torture yourself like that.  I'm pretty sure you will find an understanding man who will take you as you are.  Although hard to come by, I'm sure there are one or two left. 

Quote
One poor lady was there because she had fallen asleep with the dialator inside her.  She caused some significant damage when she removed the dialator.  I felt so bad for her, because she had to save airfare money for a whole year before returning for the repair job.  In the end it all turned out good.

YIKES!  Poor girl.

Quote
Despite my own criticism of my results, I do believe Dr. Brassard did a fine job on me.

I'm glad you are happy.  It really doesn't look too bad, if it is close to that image shown.  You just have to weed out the insensitive ->-bleeped-<-s your sleeping with.

Quote
I certainly hope I didn't discourage anyone as that wasn't my intent.  Just wanted to supply some food for thought.

Haven't discouraged me, you actually prompted me to ask specific questions and point out some details concerning aeasthetics when I have my pre surgery consult with Dr Brassard.

Quote
Sara and Chloe, I wish you all the best.  I'm happy and excited for you.  If you're on your way to Montreal, say hi to Chantal for me.  She's a sweet heart!

Awwww, how sweet!  But where's my pat on the ass, I'm only a week after sarah.  Doesn't anyone want to wish the evil misfit  >:-) Kristyn a happy slappy nappy surgery :)
[/quote]

I think I'd be totaly happy with a result like this one.

http://www.annelawrence.com/twr/brassard0502.html (http://www.annelawrence.com/twr/brassard0502.html)

This one scares me a little cause of the excess skin. No offence if this is someone on this forum.

http://www.annelawrence.com/twr/brassard0902.html (http://www.annelawrence.com/twr/brassard0902.html)

God i wish it was as simple as picking it out from a catalog.... Oh here I'll take that one!  ;D

Quote from: Jessica.C on June 01, 2010, 04:25:31 PM
I think I'd be happy with a result like this one.

http://www.annelawrence.com/twr/brassard0502.html (http://www.annelawrence.com/twr/brassard0502.html)

I really don't like the appearance of this when it is spread

Quote
This one scares me a little cause of the excess skin. No offence if this is someone on this forum.

http://www.annelawrence.com/twr/brassard0902.html (http://www.annelawrence.com/twr/brassard0902.html)

Yeah, this one looks a little off as well.  Then again, I would like to see her currently to see how it has changed over time.  I've heard of a few who have had gone to Meltzer for revisions due to excess skin.  Another point I will bring up with Brassard--no excess skin, please.

 
To me the comparison between the two photos is like night and day hard to believe that there all form the same surgeon

Quote from: Jessica.C on June 01, 2010, 04:40:06 PM

To me the comparison between the two photos is like night and day hard to believe that there all form the same surgeon

Yeah.  He's obviously not working from a template ;)  I kind of wish that they all looked somewhat similar then we would have a good idea as what to expect.  I just don't want to end up with what looks like a crumpled up rubber glove super glued to my crotch :P

Quote from: Kristyn on June 01, 2010, 04:50:43 PM
Yeah.  He's obviously not working from a template ;)  I kind of wish that they all looked somewhat similar then we would have a good idea as what to expect.  I just don't want to end up with what looks like a crumpled up rubber glove super glued to my crotch :P

Funny yet Terrifying! However it is a well know fact that Dr Brassard is one of the best SRS surgeons in the world. I don't know but after this thread I'm starting to think it wouldn't be a bad idea to make previsions for a revision just in case.

Quote from: Jessica.C on June 01, 2010, 05:00:06 PM
Funny yet Terrifying! However it is a well know fact that Dr Brassard is one of the best SRS surgeons in the world. I don't know but after this thread I'm starting to think it wouldn't be a bad idea to make previsions for a revision just in case.

I agree, he is one of the best, but he is also human too.  I'm pretty confident that I/we will have a successful outcome and that not only depends on the expertise of the surgeon, but on how we take care of ourselves afterward.  Many things can affect the outcome of the surgery after the fact, like infection and how we heal.  I think having 3,000-5,000 for a revision is good to have handy  The one thing that this thread has taught me is how to look at the finer details, like the inner labia.  Up until now I never really thought about it.  All good points to bring up with the doctor pre surgery and perhaps avoiding the need for a revision later on

Quote from: Kristyn on June 01, 2010, 05:18:48 PM
I agree, he is one of the best, but he is also human too.  I'm pretty confident that I/we will have a successful outcome and that not only depends on the expertise of the surgeon, but on how we take care of ourselves afterward.  Many things can affect the outcome of the surgery after the fact, like infection and how we heal.  I think having 3,000-5,000 for a revision is good to have handy  The one thing that this thread has taught me is how to look at the finer details, like the inner labia.  Up until now I never really thought about it.  All good points to bring up with the doctor pre surgery and perhaps avoiding the need for a revision later on

I agree totally. So are you sure it runs around 3 to 5  thousand for a revision. Has Brassard quoted that price?

Quote from: Jessica.C on June 01, 2010, 05:54:14 PM
I agree totally. So are you sure it runs around 3 to 5  thousand for a revision. Has Brassard quoted that price?

I'm just going by what I've heard from others who have had minor stuff done and these patients went to Meltzer.  Brassard might be the same maybe cheaper

Quote from: Valeriedances on June 01, 2010, 08:45:41 PM
It is surprising that there was no option offered for a fuller labia at any time. I would have paid an extra $7-10k for a graft if it would achieve a better look. I definitely would have even paid that and the money for my breasts ($7k) to achieve a complete labia minora, for $15k more than the srs. This leads me to think it just isnt possible with a graft.

I think, once again, that it all boils down to what you have to work with.  When I mentioned having a graft, I meant a graft not so much for the construction of the labia, but for the vagina, leaving most of the donor material to construct the vulva

Quote
Why leave it up to the patient to discover the options when they could make more money on say 50% of customers willing to pay extra?

This should not be an extra cost but rather an option that the patient can choose.  I think we're already paying enough.

Quote
Also, I havent seen marketing or discussion on surgeons sites for fuller labia as an option during the srs. Only labiaplasty as an option at a later date.

I'm not too sure how the second stage of a two stage op works but I'm pretty sure it is to construct the outer labia and not the inner

Quote
Now I've spent the money that could have been used for that on breasts and other things, plus leaving funds for an emergency complication if that comes up. It upsets me because I'm left not understanding my options.

You're right, options should be made much clearer and perhaps in the future they very well may.  But I think it is up to the patient to know going in what they want and discuss the possibility of any desired outcomes/options with the doctor.  The doctor could then keep that in mind while performing the surgery and if sufficient material is there he may comply.  For example, during my consult I asked Dr Brassard whether he follows a standard in terms of clitoral size and apparently he does not.  He can size the clitoris to the patients desire making it larger if that's what the patient wants.  I've never heard of anyone discuss this anywhere.  This is why I'm taking a photo of one of his previous results I like and ask him to try for this.  Why not, if he did it once he could do it again.  I'm also going to take photos showing him what I don't want.  I think many people are afraid to speak up to the surgeon and we shouldn't be.  I don't think asking to try for a possible outcome will upset the surgeon, but demanding a possible outcome just might.

Quote from: Kristyn on June 01, 2010, 09:43:41 PM
I'm not too sure how the second stage of a two stage op works but I'm pretty sure it is to construct the outer labia and not the inner

usually during labiaplasty clitoral hooding and forchette are made, sometimes clitoral location and urethral issues are handled at the same time. (the wiki says minora are made in it but most surgeons make it during first step and refine during second)

Quote from: Valeriedances on June 01, 2010, 09:59:53 PM
Yes, I agree it's the patients responsibility. I do think it is very hard for the patient to know if they will be getting labia minora that surrounds the vagina, as it does for a genetic woman. All we have to go on are a few pics of results that are not well presented, taken candidly by the patient themselves. I wish in hindsight I had asked that question, but then I didnt have my own vagina to look at, as I do now.

I agree about the pictures--more should definitely be available.  I asked at my consult and he told me he did not have any recent photos, but showed me some which he had on his hard drive.  I think regardless of my results I will post, anonymously of course.  I mean, more people should be doing this as it gives those seeking surgery a good idea of what to expect in terms of results.  I think all doctors should have a one year follow up policy in which at that time photos can be taken and collected

Quote
I asked few questions. I didnt really know what to ask and he was the expert. I have to presume that he will do the best he can for me at the time of the surgery. I have a hard time believing that because of a few extra questions answered a patient will get a different result. I'm pretty sure he has a surgical technique, all patients get the same surgery according to his nurses I spoke to.

I guess in theory all patients do get the same surgery--a single stage penile inversion.  I'm just floored at the variety of results I've seen.  Some look perfect(to me)yet others don't look so perfect.

I really didn't know what to ask either until this thread.  It opened up a lot of possibilities

Quote
P.S. Best wishes for a happy slappy nappy surgery  :)

:laugh: THANK YOU!  You are such a sweet lady!

---

Post Merge: June 01, 2010, 10:49:07 PM

---

Quote from: FlanKitty on June 01, 2010, 10:39:17 PM
usually during labiaplasty clitoral hooding and forchette are made, sometimes clitoral location and urethral issues are handled at the same time. (the wiki says minora are made in it but most surgeons make it during first step and refine during second)

Sounds like a two stage would be a better choice

Hi all,

Great discussion going on here!  Wish I found discussion's like this when I was picking a surgeon..... lot's to think about, isn't there?

Kristyn, very sorry I missed you in the well wishes...  of course I'm excited / happy for you and wish you all the best.

QuoteYep, that's from 2006 and is only 7 months post op.  The result I was referring to that I like was the one from Feb 2000.

http://www.annelawrence.com/twr/brassard0200.html (http://www.annelawrence.com/twr/brassard0200.html)

Yes, this one looks pretty good.  If that's what you're hoping for, take the image with you and ask about it.  One thing to keep in mind, unlike ffs where virtual ffs can be created based on an existing photo.  SRS outcomes can be affected by variables that a surgeon can't see from a consult, ie amount of spongy tissue within the donor
material.  Even ffs can't be totally nailed down, or at least that's what I learned from my experience.

The days leading up to srs are crazy... did I pick the correct surgeon, what if this or that happens, what will I do?  Should I take my money back and go with someone else.. but I'll have to wait longer....  What am I talking about.. this is one of the best, On and on it goes.  It's a tough choice.

QuoteIt is surprising that there was no option offered for a fuller labia at any time. I would have paid an extra $7-10k for a graft if it would achieve a better look. I definitely would have even paid that and the money for my breasts ($7k) to achieve a complete labia minora, for $15k more than the srs. This leads me to think it just isnt possible with a graft.

I agree, definitely would have paid more for that option.  I think the surgeons are driven by the client's demands (us).  If we all say we're thrilled with the result then the surgeon will continue to create those types of results.  As more clients ask for better definition in the labia minor or creation of the commissure (term from Dr. Suporns site) for example the surgeons will attempt to improve their results.  I'm sure Dr. Brassard's current results differ from his first ones.  What prompted Dr. Suporn and other Thai surgeons to change techniques from penile inversion to the technique they use today, can't just be strictly their own motivation.

QuoteQuote from: Kristyn on Today at 10:43:41 pm
I think many people are afraid to speak up to the surgeon and we shouldn't be.  I don't think asking to try for a possible outcome will upset the surgeon, but demanding a possible outcome just might.
I asked few questions. I didnt really know what to ask and he was the expert. I have to presume that he will do the best he can for me at the time of the surgery. I have a hard time believing that because of a few extra questions answered a patient will get a different result. I'm pretty sure he has a surgical technique, all patients get the same surgery according to his nurses I spoke to.

I too was like that, asking few questions and presuming the surgeon will do the best for me.  Clarify "best for me".  The surgeon may exceed or fall short of what you consider "best for you", but that's based on your preference and means nothing unless vocalized.   Knowing what questions to ask I think come from discussions like this.

QuoteBut I think it is up to the patient to know going in what they want and discuss the possibility of any desired outcomes/options with the doctor.  The doctor could then keep that in mind while performing the surgery and if sufficient material is there he may comply.  For example, during my consult I asked Dr Brassard whether he follows a standard in terms of clitoral size and apparently he does not.  He can size the clitoris to the patients desire making it larger if that's what the patient wants.  I've never heard of anyone discuss this anywhere.  This is why I'm taking a photo of one of his previous results I like and ask him to try for this.  Why not, if he did it once he could do it again.  I'm also going to take photos showing him what I don't want.  I think many people are afraid to speak up to the surgeon and we shouldn't be.  I don't think asking to try for a possible outcome will upset the surgeon, but demanding a possible outcome just might.

Excellent response!

I see as I'm typing this there's some major responses going on!  I'm not revising this... too tired, I did an hour of "boot camp" exercises tonight.

Michelle

---

Post Merge: June 01, 2010, 10:15:22 PM

---

QuoteMelan, sorry that the thread took a turn into a broader discussion on revisions. You stimulated alot of talk.

Yes, sorry Melan.  Hopefully a revision and not a major one at that will fix everything up for you and you can get on with life.

Thank you for this post. 

Michelle

this has definitely given me some things to ask my doctor before surgery. I'm leaving open the option for a second stage operation later, but only if I really think it necessary. Dr. McGinn discusses this on her website:

QuoteBefore 2000, some surgeons strongly recommended having an initial vaginoplasty followed by a labiaplasty a few months later.  Often times, patients would save money for both vaginoplasty and labiaplasty right from the start. The purpose of labiaplasty is to further define the clitoral hood as well as the labia minora. These flap adjustments were planned for a later date because a period of healing was necessary following the vaginoplasty in order to safely perform the delicate flap surgery.  Staged surgery is a tool often employed by those trained in plastic surgery.  When the popularity of the internet increased, the "recommended" labiaplasty was misinterpreted as "mandatory" by chat room discussions.

After the year 2000, the "one stage" movement began.  This change in demand was marketed by some surgeons who pointed out the obvious financial benefit of one less surgery... and the controversy began.  As this decade unfolded, vaginoplasty techniques became more standardized among surgeons. However, the idea of "one stage or two" erroneously remained a primary emphasis for patients when choosing a surgeon.

So I think the best thing for me to do is just wait and see. Like with HRT, the waiting for the results is the most difficult aspect of this to me, but I do think that having patience will turn out to be my friend in the end lol

one English girl had had 15 revisions by a UK surgeon and still it wasn't right so things do go wrong.

Just had a thought:  UK and US surgeons are all male (I have to include Marcie here - with no malice intended) and have big male hands - are the Thai surgeons generally smaller and have small hands better able to do intricate work 'inside'?

I've had to see various surgeons in the Uk and the white ones including the first one I went to see about doing my SRS had hands like shovels while the little Asian guy who did my orchie had lovely little girlie hands...

Seriously Lilacwoman? What a lot of transphobic and racist crap!
-Dr. Marcie Bowers is a man? What on earth are you doing here if you believe that?!
-Hand size has no more to do with how good a surgeon you are then it has to do with how good a brick layer you are!
Seriously: I am absolutely disgusted by your post.

Wendy

I have it on good authority that most surgeons actually use scalpels and not their bare hands.

Quote from: Wendy1974 on June 08, 2010, 01:11:26 PM
Seriously Lilacwoman? What a lot of transphobic and racist crap!
-Dr. Marcie Bowers is a man? What on earth are you doing here if you believe that?!
-Hand size has no more to do with how good a surgeon you are then it has to do with how good a brick layer you are!
Seriously: I am absolutely disgusted by your post.

Wendy

I second that comment :S

Quote from: michelle_h on June 01, 2010, 10:59:24 PM

---

Post Merge: June 01, 2010, 10:15:22 PM

---

Yes, sorry Melan.  Hopefully a revision and not a major one at that will fix everything up for you and you can get on with life.

Thank you for this post. 

Michelle

This has been such a good discussion, and I feel fairly embarrassed to come back with this, but I think a few good points to append.

Late this last week, I had a consultation with a doc here in Toronto that has seen, in her words, 100's of vulvas from post op SRS patients.  When she was looking at mine, and *cough*, probing the affected areas, she gasped out words that equated to something to the effect that I had really good results.   Really good results.  I moaned, "but what about the big bulbous matter in the middle???", and she said it didn't look much different then any of the 1000's of vulvas of natal females that she looked at.  There are indeed huge variations,   that it was a bit raw, but that it would heal.  And worse case, she said, I could have it revised, at the same time, that I had the HOLLOW AREA ABOVE MY CLITORIS taken care of.   Apparently, I have no idea how to look at a vulva, and know what is right, wrong, or really needs fixing.. I must have flunked that course in junior high school :P .

Lol... oh well, life does move forward, and I'm supremely happy to take my lot.  It could be so much worse.   I hate that I posted this moaney thread.   It could be sooooo much worse, and I am so ever thankful that I am healthy, alive and able to get a second chance at life, and SRS is part of the puzzle helping to provide that second chance.   There are huge complications that can arise from SRS, and I am so ever thankful that I don't appear to be facing those.  I may have to have a revision, but that's chump change in the bigger picture.

*huggs*,
Melan

Hey, don't feel bad, Melan.

It's really hard to be objective evaluating results.
Moreover, many local doctors have little or even no experience of SRS patients.

You can go blind looking at SRS results on the internet and lose perspective of how wide a range of variety there is.