Arrite so first...I kno everybodys biologically different so they get their changes at different rates but im almost 4months on androgel (nov 20) and some of the guys takin shots at 4mo already have like mad facial hair and stuff...I definitely dont, i still have peach fuzz but i guess its getting stubblier...And i jus am thinkin maybe its tru that androgel is slower than shots? My levels are normal
Hysto- should i get it done BEFORE top surgery? I heard it can affect cost and insurance and stuff? I dont kno tho
Top Surgery- have any of you gotten it done out of country and what was the benefit/disadvantage? Im thinking of getting it done in canada bc its cheaper still wit a really good doctor (Im in the US)
I don't think it matters re whether you do top surgery or hysto first. I get the impression most guys do top surgery first as chest dysphoria is usually more of an issue (but there are exceptions and there is no rule-- your transition-- your rules.)
There is an advantage to being on T before top surgery but again there are plenty of guys who don't do this.
For top surgery: Canada might make sense depending on where you live. Not sure it is really cheaper there, I sort of doubt it. But it might just make sense in some way. I believe that at a certain point travel is going to cost so much that whatever gains you might get would be eaten up by travel costs (such as going to Thailand, say).
Keep in mind I haven't done any of this stuff, so I am talking re: what I have read/ heard and so on.
--Jay J
I know a guy; he's on injections(once a week) and it took him around 3 years to actually be able to grow anything decent.
I do think injections work better but we're also all different. This guy, his voice dropped insanely fast, and he got big fast.
It all depends on your genes and stuff. If your levels are normal for a male, you're fine dude.
I'm from Canada and I don't know what surgeon you are talking about. But you have to understand we have fairly high taxes here;
something might seem cheap when in reality it's expensive, make sure you ask for the COMPLETE price. Also you have to calculate travel, hotel, food(etc) And remember taxes. In the Us taxes are what? Around 6%, here they are 16-17% some places are even higher, so EVERYTHING is more expensive; the plane ticket, the hotel, food and don't forget medication. In the end, I highly doubt ANYTHING is cheaper here.
I'm 99% convinced once you tally all the expenses, surgery here is WAY more expensive.
I've been on shots for a year and a half and i can't really grow much more than the teenage boy dirtstache.
I don't think it would affect you insurance to have your hysto before or after top surgery, it just matters if its before or after you change your gender marker.
Well I know two guys who totally transitioned only on topical (cream though). I think some people are not able to absorb it too well. Topical may take longer to work as well. So you should expect it to take a bit longer. OTOH, things like facial hair are influenced by genetic factors. I think someone with mad facial hair at 4 months is a bit unusual. Maybe hair everywhere else is more typical?
BTW, i would not have hysto until your changes are pretty established.
Jayr makes a good point re: Canada and taxes. You might get cheaper surgery but depending on how you figure everythign it may mean that you end up paying a couple grand more. If there is no one locally you want to go to, it might make sense to go somewhere else in the US.
--Jay J
I had my hysto one month after starting T, and 4 months before top surgery. I have never taken shots, only gel. I think my changes are on par with everyone elses, though I think my facial hair pattern is not as great as some other guys (could be genetics).
Whether you get hysto first or not, I would definitely try to be in the best shape you can be prior to top surgery. In hindsight I wish i had waited, only because I should have lost another 30 pounds first and I might have gotten better results. I do have great results, but I think my scar placement would have been better if I had some defined pecs.
Jay
I think genetics play a bigger part in determining speed of changes than the type of T. Some types are slower, certainly, but I don't think it has a huge bearing. I'd say it's more unusual to have any distinctive facial hair after only 4 months to be honest. I've been on shots for juuust over 2 years and I still don't grow much more than a wispy set of teenage boy sideburns ;) So don't worry about it.
I agree with Sneakersjay about working out as much as you can before your surgeries (whichever order you do them in). Having atleast some pec definition will help with scar placement etc.
In terms of changes on T, as others say, it does depend on the person. I know someone who at 1 year on T, had a beard. Yet, Im over 3 years, and grow stubble on my chin, and that is it (no lie, unfortunately. I cant wait for facial hair!). However, my muscle definition increase has been much more noticeable than his, and my voice dropped quicker and lower.
Changes can take a long time. For example, I know a guy who, got very manly looking hair within 2 months on T. Mine didnt. But, over the past few months, my leg hair has increased significantly.
Youll just have to see how things go, but if youre getting frustrated by your changes feeling slow, what I will suggest is, make sure you dont compare yourself to others! Itll drive you crazy. Just focus on the positive changes you notice in yourself :)