Hi, ;D
My name is Kevin - I'm 22 years old and from Norway ... wow, Viking alert! :o (just kidding)
In Norway you need to go through an"evaluation" for about 1 year in order to be diagnosed with transsexualism. It's approximately 1 conversation per month = 12 conversation in total.
One must also fulfill strict criteria, and only 1 of 4 get diagnosed with transsexualism - and is allowed to start on hormone treatment..!
I've been going to these conversations since 9th of July 2012 - and "judgment day" is soon approaching. Can't wait!
In Norway you get testosterone and all the operations for free (it's covered by the state) so, that's a good thing. But still, I'm not that happy with how the results of top-surgery are done here in Norway - as the surgeons are kind a "unfamiliar" with the term "FTM". So I'd like to eventually get surgery in the U.S. (after started on T)
Really want to get the top-surgery done by Dr. Garramone. This based on the positive things I've heard about him, and all the results I've seen.
However, I know that there are several surgeons in the U.S. who are at least as good as Dr. Garramone. So my questions are: Who do you recommend, and how much does it cost from the mentioned surgeon? Also - are you happy with your results?
By the way, my english isn't the best, but hopefully you understand what I mean! ;D
I had my top surgery done by Dr. Paul Steinwald in Lake Forest, Illinois. He uses a technique called the T-anchor or pedicle technique instead of nipple grafts, which helps to retain more sensation in the nipples. My nipples aren't completely sensate, but I can feel touch, pressure, and pain (they react to touch, but not to cold). I don't have erotic sensation anymore :( but that's a risk I was willing to take.
The total cost of the surgery was just over 8000 USD, maybe $8200. I had my consultation in 2011, so that's his 2011 price. He definitely raised the price for 2012; I don't know if he raised it again for 2013.
I am happy with my results. Not thrilled, not ecstatic, but quite happy (I am, however, ecstatic to not have breasts anymore). The contouring isn't completely perfect (I have a slight dent in my left pec), but starting T and building muscle might help with that. My areolas are smaller than I would have preferred; I have larger nipples, so I would have preferred a slightly larger areola than he gave me.
I'd say the main difference between Steinwald and Garramone is the way they approach the nipples. If nipple sensation is worth spending the extra $2000, I'd go to Steinwald. He does speak rather quickly and brusquely, though, so if your English isn't top-notch he may leave you behind a little in conversation. Also, Steinwald does not require you to be on T, or even have a letter from a therapist. So if you want top surgery NOW and can afford it, he might be the way to go.
Also, I don't know how much travel from Norway to the US costs, but since Steinwald is located rather close to a major international airport (Chicago O'Hare), he might be easier and cheaper to get to, so you might want to factor the cost of travel into your decision.
Hope this helps! I know there aren't too many pictures out there of Steinwald's results, but you can find some results here (http://neutrois.me/tag/top-surgery/) and here (http://www.lfplasticsurgery.com/photo-gallery/results.cfm?Category=21), and I can post pictures of me or a link to my blog if you'd like.