Hey Ladies,
So, after arranging times off from work for both me and my bf, and scheduling other future appointments and getting things organised and out of the way, it's finally come to the time to schedule, which I did yday, I will be going to see Dr. Bart on aug the 26th to have the following:
-Forehead Recontouring with hairline lowering and brow lift
-Chin and jaw Recontouring
-Rhinoplasty (Some improvements to a previous rhino, suggested by me, not originally thought necessary by Dr, but he agreed he can make the improvements I'm looking for)
-Lipo under the chin
The surgery is scheduled to last 6 hrs, we have booked flights and rental car already yesterday and I have filled out the administrative form.
Next steps are:
-Anesthesiology form, which I will fill out with the help of my uncle today when I visit him as he is an RN.
-Book Lodging (ambassador suites seem ideal but my bf's parents are offering us their timeshare)
-Preop Tests:+Appointment at the GP for blood tests
+appointment at the Dentist for an Orthopantomogram of the lower jaw
-Complete payment.
-I don't need to book a nurse obviously since I will have my very own big and strong beefcake of a nurse with me for the whole stay.
I wanted to share the necessary things that need to be arranged after we booked my operation, as I believe some girls could use help in case they find it slightly overwhelming or they don't a Significant other to help them.
And of course , the 2 month wait, I'm sure will seem like a lifetime once I've had all the points in the to do list ticked off but for now I'm just excited that this will be happening for me and it is a reality.
Carly x
Yay!! I'm so happy for you, girl! And that's sweet of your boyfriend to be there for you during the entire process. Keep us updated! :)
Yes, do keep us updated Carly. I forgot to pay half the surgery costs two weeks before op so ended up in a mad rush - typical me! If you have any questions about my experience just let me know :)
Thanks ladies for the good wishes, I will be updating you as I get the tests from GP and dentist lower jaw x-ray and my experience with those.
Alena, did you stay in Antwerp at all? I want to book the ambassador suites as recommended on Dr. Bart's 0, it seems the best value for money and appropriate with a kitchenette, I know you only had a trachea reduction so you probably stayed at a hotel if at all, but if you have any suggestions let me know Hun. Are you gonna be getting any more procedures done in the near future yet or are you letting personal things settle first. Hugs
Carly
Hey Carly, I stayed in Antwerp for 3 nights at the Tryp Wyndham which is just a hotel so I can't really help on the apartment/suite front. But let us know what you choose and if its any good for future reference. The other FFS surgery I'd like is forehead re-contouring which I'll consider in more detail after I've been on hormones for a year at least. I have my GP visit tomorrow to see if I can get my hormones on the NHS! My post-op consultation with Dr Bart is in September so I'll ask him about the degree of forehead re-contouring I need and cost, then we'll see what happens ;)
Quote from: alena on June 23, 2014, 07:09:53 AM
Hey Carly, I stayed in Antwerp for 3 nights at the Tryp Wyndham which is just a hotel so I can't really help on the apartment/suite front. But let us know what you choose and if its any good for future reference. The other FFS surgery I'd like is forehead re-contouring which I'll consider in more detail after I've been on hormones for a year at least. I have my GP visit tomorrow to see if I can get my hormones on the NHS! My post-op consultation with Dr Bart is in September so I'll ask him about the degree of forehead re-contouring I need and cost, then we'll see what happens ;)
I booked the ambassador suites (studio apartment)...
You should be able to get on bridging HRT Alena, a basic hormone therapy lightly monitored by your GP, while you are on a waiting list for a GIC Hun, they are allowed to provide the bridging HRT since last October I believe. Ask about it x
When in September are you going for your post op to Dr Bart's Hun?
Hugs
Carly
The ambassador suites is not too far from where we stayed, its in a decent area and fairly central. I really liked Antwerp and would love to go back - maybe for FFS! I might even stay at the same place if your experience there is good.
My post-op is on the 27th Sept in London. I spoke to the NHS GP assigned to me today and they do share-care after three months of hormones. So I'll have to go back to the private clinic tomorrow and get my hormones there for three months and then switch to NHS after that. I could have my first estrogen patch on tomorrow and hopefully a big pair of boobs and curcy hips the following week ;)
I have been wanting to move on to patches Alena, I'm still on oral estrogen... Let me know how you start feeling, I am also an open book on my experience with HRT, I am gonna discuss this moving on from oral as soon as I am at the GIC or next time I go see my GP (there's always something)
Anyway, I wanted to do an update:
Last week was very busy with appointments of all kinds, I have a little sickly cat so Friday was spent at the animal hospital, she's in surgery to have her little eye removed today :( .. She is my baby so I have been crying a lot for her but I am looking forward to her being well and getting her cute blinged out eye patches :) . I keep digressing...
So last week, I went to my GP and requested the blood tests for Dr. Bart, it is plain and easy he just ordered them and I will have them done when the nurse gets back from annual leave in a cpl weeks...
Then I went to dentist and requested the x-ray of the lower jaw, since my very local dentist doesn't have X-ray facilities they referred me to the closest branch within their company, which is basically only slightly further away but still very local, they asked me if it was for a private procedure, I said yes, so the other place called and got me seen right away and it only cost me £25.00, they give you the cd and you either take the cd to dr Bart or decode and email it a few days ahead so that's done.
I filled in the anaesthesia form with my uncle's help as he's an RN a few days before that, some of you may know most of the answers on this one and may need no help some of you might need it like me.
My bf booked the lodging for us last weekend and has been taken care of little things like getting apropriately sized travel luggage etc, he is the master of preparation and organisation so he helps and takes care of a lot that I might forget. We booked the Ambassador suites.
So that's that for now. I will let you gals know how I keep getting along as I'm hoping this is of help to someone...
It does help, thank you for sharing :)
Sorry to hear about your cat Carly, hope she gets better soon!
That's useful info you posted that I can refer to in future. I picked up my e patches today, it also happens to be my girlfriends birthday today, funny how things come together! I felt like slapping one on straight away, but will wait till I have one other thing sorted. Keep us posted on what you do :)
Hi girls!, seems we had some kind of blackout in the forums and it deleted some of the lasts posts, on one of my lasts posts I mention how I have changed my avatar to better show the issues i will be having taken care of with my face, notice the brow bossing and the dimpled Chin, Dr Bart will be tackling both of these issues, it's not a flattering picture but I think it's good that you can see what the problem areas are :)
Hi Carly, I can see the slight brow bossing and why you wish that removed, did Dr Bart say it was a simple case of burring down that area or will there be some reconstruction as well? Also did he give an indication to how much he can lower your hairline? I have a bit of a spam head and may consider that in the future as well :)
Quote from: alena on July 17, 2014, 10:27:44 AM
Hi Carly, I can see the slight brow bossing and why you wish that removed, did Dr Bart say it was a simple case of burring down that area or will there be some reconstruction as well? Also did he give an indication to how much he can lower your hairline? I have a bit of a spam head and may consider that in the future as well :)
Lol spam head?! Lol you're funny, yes, he said it most likely gonna be a type III reconstruction, which I'll be happy about, he said he'll definitely use some bone cement on top to get the forehead shape right also, which I'm glad. I rather get it all done right from the get go.
Are you thinking of maybe having the procedures done all at once when you decide or are you thinking to do it in steps like you did with the trachea shave Alena? I lost a little bit of weight lately and although very minimal I can actually find mine now I lost the weight when I touch my neck. I don't think I can see it tho, but I'm still about another 10/20lbs from my target weight and I'm wondering if it will show up, if that happens, I may just have to go back after this trip and get the trachea shave and maybe my ear lobes done or a lip lift or something (haha ok calm down Carly!), you know what I'll take pics and upload them on here for you gals to maybe either say yey or ney cause maybe I'm a little to excited over it all.
I'm just over a month from my surgery date now, it's actually going faster than I thought cause I've had all kinds going on, I took and passed my driving test and just received my full British licence yday! I'm so proud of myself cause damn that test is hard over here compared to what I did back in Fresno! Anyhow, once I see august on my calendar I think it may feel a little more upon me ... Pics of the simulation from dr Bart etc coming up soon.
C x
And as promised, now that I realized how to do the photo uploads, here is the profile simulation before and after Dr. Bart did for me at the initial consultation in London in May, he made it kind of quick and I believe he hasn't been doing this for long and not for everyone, but I think it helps to show what the problem areas are and what he intends to change, my profile really shows the issues with the bossing and the fatty double chin!
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi32.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fd11%2Fcalicarly1%2Fimagejpg1_zpsb687cd85.jpg&hash=2ad9e89503530d3199dcbf1c61816e084f0d39d2) (http://s32.photobucket.com/user/calicarly1/media/imagejpg1_zpsb687cd85.jpg.html)
Its amazing how subtle changes can make such a difference. Your profile is feminine already and the brow bossing you have isn't major, but if Dr Bart can remove it you'll have a smoother flowing profile. I also think the hairline also makes a difference. Mine is similar to yours in the pic but I hope HRT fills the edges of my temples a bit. If not maybe hairline lowering and some transplants are in order for me. But all that is at least a year away for me, if I do go ahead I'd do it all in one go. I can't believe you're thinking of your ear lobes already!!! They're perfectly fine ;)
Thing is my brow bossing may not look major but the reason for that is that the bridge of my nose meets my forehead further out rather than going in like most people, so it kind of gives the illusion that it isn't too bad, but it is bad, I am having the rhino too so it should all meet nicely once the forehead has been reconstructed, well the earlobe comment was kind of an "in case I have to go back for any extra procedures I may as well just do some other stuff simply cause once you're under it's not as expensive than individual stuff but if I don't need any more procedures I won't, just that I have been dieting and losing weight and I keep wondering if somehow an Adam's apple will appear, which it hasn't, but I don't know like I said maybe I just am paranoid a little and I won't have to have any more.
Quote from: alena on July 18, 2014, 07:36:27 AM
Its amazing how subtle changes can make such a difference. Your profile is feminine already and the brow bossing you have isn't major, but if Dr Bart can remove it you'll have a smoother flowing profile. I also think the hairline also makes a difference. Mine is similar to yours in the pic but I hope HRT fills the edges of my temples a bit. If not maybe hairline lowering and some transplants are in order for me. But all that is at least a year away for me, if I do go ahead I'd do it all in one go. I can't believe you're thinking of your ear lobes already!!! They're perfectly fine ;)
Well, in my case my face really rounded out after HRT, so much so I got that double chin and all so it may well fill in the hollows in your temples. If not I think that's something that is included in forehead work should you end up having more work done :) I think the hairline lowering in the corners should help me greatly... I used to have soft whispy bangs (fringe) for a couple of years to hide the square edges of my hairline and disguise the bossing, now I've been growing them out I feel slightly self conscious about my forehead, but I'm doing it all cause I rather see how I look after surgery before doing all my usual beauty regime in regards to my hair, notice how long my roots are too, I usually have a light golden brown color done with a half head of highlights which I have also delayed for after surgery, I wanna see and take a look at what may fit better in regards to cut and color,
Carly
So happy for you.
I am still doing consultations ,I have one with Dr Bart on the 28 of July.
What was it that made you decide on going with Dr Bart?
Kristine
I really like the results of his before and afters, I think he's an aggressive FFS surgeon, and the consultation was on point for me, if anything the only surprise was that he only thought I needed less procedures than I expected he would say. Which only led me to think, hey! This guy actually won't even suggest more procedures than what he thinks you need, he doesn't see you as a money making machine. He is definitely in demand, I like that the examples of his work include many women of all walks of life and races and with very different bone structures, he actually touched and measured my face dimensions at the consultation, didn't sugar coat what definitely needed doing yet did take his time to tell me how feminine the rest was. Him and his wife make a good team too ( his website is her creation and she is thoroughly and actively helping him out at the consultations) , and I like that, my Man and I are very much a team like that. He's very proud and capable of doing type III forehead reconstruction, and as my forehead is one of my concerns, I wanted a Dr who was capable of tackling the forehead that way and who does it often (not only in a -when it's absolutely necessary only - basis .lastly, I think his prices are competitive also. Just right for me.
Good luck on your consultation Hun, come on back and let us know how that goes for ya! Do you have more consultations coming up? Or are you close to deciding ?
Carly x
Carly,
Is the only preop radiograph required an orthopantanogram? If it is, I'm curious, as there are other full skull views that would be more helpful giving you information about the sinus position. It's unlikely the bone over the frontal sinus is going to be thick enough just for burring down, but on the off chance...
I can understand the orthopantanogram for nerve location given what's on your list.
(In all honesty, I'd be thinking cone beam tomography or CT, but I'm assuming you live in the US and you're paying out of pocket for these things so surgeons minimise the number of films)
I just have a high level of curiosity, so if you don't have info, it's fine.
Reading your posts, you've done your research, made your decisions about what to have done, so no regrets ok? :D
Looking forward to you sharing your results, should be good.
Luna
Quote from: luna nyan on July 22, 2014, 05:32:18 AM
Carly,
Is the only preop radiograph required an orthopantanogram? If it is, I'm curious, as there are other full skull views that would be more helpful giving you information about the sinus position. It's unlikely the bone over the frontal sinus is going to be thick enough just for burring down, but on the off chance...
I can understand the orthopantanogram for nerve location given what's on your list.
(In all honesty, I'd be thinking cone beam tomography or CT, but I'm assuming you live in the US and you're paying out of pocket for these things so surgeons minimise the number of films)
I just have a high level of curiosity, so if you don't have info, it's fine.
Reading your posts, you've done your research, made your decisions about what to have done, so no regrets ok? :D
Looking forward to you sharing your results, should be good.
Luna
Hey Luna!
Yah the Orthopantomogram is mainly for nerve location to minimise risk of nerve damage... And it is the only one for preop along with the blood tests, interesting that u mention that, as I have had X-rays done in the past. I remember one from maybe a year plus ago that was on profile and you could see my sinus, I looked at it some months back when I started learning about FFS,and I remember it wasn't terribly thin as some of the ones you see out there but nonetheless still nowhere near thick enough like to get away with doing a burring, what Dr. Bart does if you have an in person consultation is touch your forehead well and look at it and he had an idea right away that it was gonna be a type III I mean. Most cases if your sinus sticks out a certain amount it really makes no difference how thick the frontal bone of the sinus is, it simply won't be enough... He said, it will be a type III for you.
I'm living in the UK now, and even here I paid for the lower jaw Orthopantomogram out of pocket, the only thing I think I'm getting away without paying for is the blood tests. Of course I have my slight nervy moments when I just pray that it will all be ok and without complications and praying that the surgeon will be aggressive enough.0, but in general I'm pretty confident in Dr Bart's abilities when it comes to foreheads for the very reason you mentioned, I did my research, I think the foreheads he does tend to be very well done , I also found only one or 2 of his before and afters of a person who's bridge of the nose starts out away from the face like mine, and her after is very promising to me the one I am rememberigg as we speak (lol).
And i will def be showing some properly done before and afters so stay tuned, a month down, one more to go !
Carly x
Im so excited for you!!! cant wait to see the results
Thank you Sophia! I will post before and afters. By the way, you look beautiful in your avatar! Yesterday I got the blood test results and that finishes all the preparations, I emailed the tests and X-ray over and I am just awaiting an email back to day they received them. I will be paying for what's left of what has to be payed by transfer either Friday or Monday next week. Pretty much all set!
WOW! On the final stretch! I know how excited you must be and I think you're going to turn out to be shockingly gorgeous :-) All the best girl! Hugs!
Quote from: jgirl76 on July 30, 2014, 10:04:35 PM
WOW! On the final stretch! I know how excited you must be and I think you're going to turn out to be shockingly gorgeous :-) All the best girl! Hugs!
Thank you Jgirl!! Yeah! On the final stretch, I think it will feel more real from tomorrow since it will be aug the 1st, it's been a long road and after FFS there's still GRS to go, but it all feels more and more real and less like a dream as the days go by, I know you know the excitement and feelings of this, and I know you and I have some similar views on a lot of things. Sometimes my bf has asked me, I bet you felt great when you had your BA, and I always say as great a feeling as giving steps like these are, more than great, once it's done I feel " just right", I hope I feel just right when I come out on the other side of my FFS, well, once the results are evident. And well, the shockingly gorgeous part, I hope so! Coming from the most stunning girl on Susan's, it is a promising phrase! ;)
How are you feeling these days about your forehead? You really do look incredible as you are and although as I mentioned before I agree with you if you go ahead with a revision, you really do look a 10 already Hun.
I got a receipt of acknowledgement from Dr. Bart's team that they received the test results and X-ray also. So that's all done.
C x
Quote from: calicarly on July 31, 2014, 07:56:48 AM
How are you feeling these days about your forehead? You really do look incredible as you are and although as I mentioned before I agree with you if you go ahead with a revision, you really do look a 10 already Hun.
I got a receipt of acknowledgement from Dr. Bart's team that they received the test results and X-ray also. So that's all done.
C x
You're such a doll Carly! My forehead is improved overall BUT there is still bossing, which is more apparent on my left side. Not sure why there is a difference, but this is something that Roni also mentioned, that one side appeared more smooth than the other. The incision healing, numbness, redness, swelling, and ITCHING has been the worst part of recovery. My incision is still red/sore in certain areas close to 3 months out. I'm 37 (not ancient, but still older) so it might take me longer to heal compared to those who are 10 years younger.
I still feel a revision to my forehead WILL BE necessary but I'm not sure if I will go to Cardenas... I'm soooooo tempted based on Roni's results however! :) I think he did such a beautiful job on her! I've also noticed some asymmetry in my jaw/chin... I don't think it's that noticeable but it could also use a revision to even it out. Additionally, none of the jaw "flaring" on the corners was touched, so I still have a more angular looking face than I would like. My chin is vastly improved, but my jaw still looks too square, too heavy. I plan to fly to Guadalajara for an in-person follow-up in about 3 months or so.
YES you are going to be SHOCKINGLY gorgeous, I already know. These days leading up are going to be so exciting, in fact it's really the best part! Make it memorable! Splurge on that extra nice dinner in Antwerp or something, do whatever to make this extra special and treat yourself well! You deserve it! I am genuinely excited for you and CAN'T WAIT to hear all about it.
Thanks for the advice Hun, not only do we have my ffs as a reason to go for a nice dinner in Antwerp but it's my bf's bday a cpl days before my op too so, absolutely double reason to have that special dinner while we're there!
The excitement is slowly kicking in, I really am looking forward to this. I also got together with a lovely girl who lives in the area (squircle is her screen name here on Susan's) and we discussed about our FFS, she's seeing Dr Bart only some 10 days after me for her op, just to discuss things in person with someone who really understands. It's exciting times . Only a couple of weeks now , all ready I'll start slowly packing for the trip in a few days now.
Ok I have a question for those of you who have undergone FFS, it's about make up, do I bring it to my trip? How soon can I start wearing make up again after surgery? Should I just bring some concealer for the bruises? Or will I be ok to bring my whole makeup bag ? Would pencil eyeliner be A little too rough after the brow lift, any no nos? Ideas? Advice? Just starting to plan what I'm packing and all that jazz and I'm only traveling with an overhead luggage for the 10 days in Belgium so I have to be smart. Thanks ladies.
Carly x
I hope the surgery goes well Carly. : )
Another Manchester girl here. I've been through several online consultations (including with Dr. Bart van de Ven), and seen Facial Team and Mr. Musgrove in person. I have a face-to-face consultation with Dr. Bart on August 30th. I really like the look of his work as I need aggressive work done to my face to feminise it if I'm to ever have hope of passing.
Quote from: Dash on August 06, 2014, 10:41:51 AM
I hope the surgery goes well Carly. : )
Another Manchester girl here. I've been through several online consultations (including with Dr. Bart van de Ven), and seen Facial Team and Mr. Musgrove in person. I have a face-to-face consultation with Dr. Bart on August 30th. I really like the look of his work as I need aggressive work done to my face to feminise it if I'm to ever have hope of passing.
That's what sold me on him too Hun, constantly aggressive results, I did the drive down from Manchester to London back in may. Remember!, he's not like a character or anything personality wise, but he is concise and focused and that's more reasons for my decision to with him. how did you find the other consultations? I nearly went to Musgrove but Charging that much for a simple consultation put me off then I did see some before and afters and most weren't that great apart from 1 or 2 of them.
Thank you for the good wishes :) I am getting very excited now , if you are having a consultation on the 30th, then I will be recovering in Antwerp! So crossed fingers I will have good news of my results to bring back to you on here also.
Hi Carly, under 3 weeks now, you must be so excited. I can understand how you feel. I took some of your advice, but am not willing to put anything up on this forum at the moment, as I do not want to jinx myself. If you get the time, drop me a line and we can talk a little. Best of luck to you xx
Hey Hun!! Yes the excitement kicks in more each day! I'll send you a PM ! I appreciate the luck wishes ;) x
Quote from: calicarly on August 07, 2014, 02:30:17 AM
That's what sold me on him too Hun, constantly aggressive results, I did the drive down from Manchester to London back in may. Remember!, he's not like a character or anything personality wise, but he is concise and focused and that's more reasons for my decision to with him. how did you find the other consultations? I nearly went to Musgrove but Charging that much for a simple consultation put me off then I did see some before and afters and most weren't that great apart from 1 or 2 of them.
Thank you for the good wishes :) I am getting very excited now , if you are having a consultation on the 30th, then I will be recovering in Antwerp! So crossed fingers I will have good news of my results to bring back to you on here also.
Facial Team were very professional. I was impressed with them (saw Dr. Capitan and Alexandra Hamer of virtualffs.co.uk at Sparkle) though the quote I was offered happened to be higher than both Mr. Musgrove's and Dr. Bart van de Ven's. Mr. Musgrove was very thorough and showed me some before and afters that were quite good, but the consultation charge, like you've previously said, was a lot of money. Out of the quotes that I've received on this half of the pond his is the least expensive though.
Looking forward to hearing your feedback on your surgery. May it go well. x
Hey Carly
Cool - I found your FFS thread! The day grows closer!! I shall be watching your progress.
Tomorrow marks 2 weeks and 2 days since my FFS. I'm astonished at how quickly it has healed. I owe my mother a few selfies each Saturday so I'll update them on my FFS thread.
Hugs and a fantastic weekend to you!
Julia
Quote from: Julia-Madrid on August 08, 2014, 06:52:27 PM
Hey Carly
Cool - I found your FFS thread! The day grows closer!! I shall be watching your progress.
Tomorrow marks 2 weeks and 2 days since my FFS. I'm astonished at how quickly it has healed. I owe my mother a few selfies each Saturday so I'll update them on my FFS thread.
Hugs and a fantastic weekend to you!
Julia
Hi Julia!
Yes here I am ;) wow I can't believe how fast the days have gone since your surgery, looking forward to all done up pix of ya :)
I just noticed your ticker that says you've been on HRT for 4 months, so expect more changes yet to come in the next year ! You will look great Hun.
Carly x
Quote from: calicarly on July 17, 2014, 04:57:42 PM
And as promised, now that I realized how to do the photo uploads, here is the profile simulation before and after Dr. Bart did for me at the initial consultation in London in May, he made it kind of quick and I believe he hasn't been doing this for long and not for everyone, but I think it helps to show what the problem areas are and what he intends to change, my profile really shows the issues with the bossing and the fatty double chin!
Oh, how much we tend to exaggerate our little deficiencies Carly!!! No doubt you shall look great afterwards, but hey, you already look excellent. We are all a bit nuts I think ;D
I posted a few more photos on my FFS page. Be interesting to know what you think.
Hugs from Madrid!
Julia
Hey Julia!
I found your post so funny!, yes in a way we are all a little nuts, but that is always a good thing, and it couldn't be more true how we all exaggerate our deficiencies but hey after all we're just trying to make the best version of ourselves come forward and when it comes to transition, I think it's good to give it our best shot! I love the pics of you done up Hun, they really showcase that forehead, facial team did a great job, and you do look even younger as a side effect from the brow lift too!!
Bring: 1: Sunscreen (helps with scarring, especially at the hairline)
2: Concealer/Base
I wouldn't do eyeliner or shadows, everything is gonna be sort of tight, and a little swollen. Lip balm would be a good idea though; maybe Brow gel.
Thanks Sophia!
I will bring just basics mainly then. I hadn't really thought about sunscreen for some reason. But you're right, getting unprotected sunlight on scars is not good, thanks for that tip.
As it gets closer to the surgery date I keep preparing and among the important and obvious there is also some small things...
Since a lot of people make mention of the lengthy amount of time it takes for swelling to go away from the chin and jaw area, I thought I would mention about some stuff I learned from when I had my BA about a year and a half ago to help the healing process along when having surgery:
+Arnica Montana. This was recommended to me by the clinic nurse when I had my BA, it's mainly for the bruising from surgery and I must admit I had little bruising thanks to the arnica and what little I had healed up and went away pretty quickly.
+Bromelain. Back when I had my BA, I drank lots of pineapple juice, which is where bromelain comes from, but as much as I love pineapple juice it did get a little sickening in the end so this time I just went ahead and got the supplement. It helps mostly with the swelling.
+Multivitamin. I take that once a day regardless but since I am gonna have surgery I had to check that the one I'm taking is low on vitamin E, cause vitamin E in high doses for a long period of time can promote bleeding (this is one of the reasons you girls have to be well informed before taking any supplements and consult your Dr.)
+Vitamin C. I like the effervescent kind. It helps to keep infections at bay the first days after surgery too.
Chances are if you already eat healthy and exercise this is only a small boost to help you along with recovery and as I mentioned above please be careful and consult your Dr before taking supplements to aid with surgery recovery, having in mind any medication you take and any other health conditions so please be careful ladies x
Carly x :)
I love pineapple juice and have been drinking loads this summer! I received an message from Dr Barts secretary the other day to book my post-op consultation in September - they are quite organised! I hope all your prep goes well Carly, keep us updated on how everything goes! :)
Quote from: alena on August 12, 2014, 03:31:49 PM
I love pineapple juice and have been drinking loads this summer! I received an message from Dr Barts secretary the other day to book my post-op consultation in September - they are quite organised! I hope all your prep goes well Carly, keep us updated on how everything goes! :)
Hey Alena!!
Hadn't read you for a while! So what is the verdict on your trachea shave overall? Happy? How long has it already been since you had it done if you're already going for your post op next month?
Well, all is looking good over here and just gotta start packing next week, we head for Belgium a week from this Saturday. Got everything ready to go. Will keep you updated. Will be having the neighbour feed and take care of our 2 kitties while we're gone, that reminds me, I better ask him tomorrow .
Little Thought of the Day I'm looking forward to this. It's pretty surreal, when I found out about FFS, I didn't know such a thing was possible and then when it dawned on me, I thought..." I can't make an expense like that on surgery"... And now, here i am, ready, knowing this is a much better investment than many other things that cost a similar amount and more. Someone in the forum said to me something that really put it into perspective for me -a new car will soon get old, but your face will stay with you for the rest of your life- Simple. Powerful phrase. Enough to have stayed with me since.
Bed time for me now...
Carly x
Hiya Carly
It grows closer!! Truly, it's one of the best investments you can make, no doubt about it.
As we disussed on my thread, I believe you are maximising your future outcomes. When people see you, they'll just see a girl, and concentrate on the real subject at hand. I imagine the worst case, where I'm at a job interview, and FFS pretty much guarantees that you'll look right. If you dress right and sound right as well, you eliminate any "soft" concerns that the interviewer may subconsciously feel, and allow them to focus on the stuff of importance.
By way of an example (although not of FFS), I know a transwoman here in Madrid who is an expert in the telecoms sector. She looks like a girl, but madre mía, when she talks it's 100% male in pitch and intonation, and very deep. She's been battling to find work, partly because she is in her 50s (so sad!) but probably because the interviewers can't reconcile all the parts of how she presents.
Enough ramblings for today. One recommendation for ya: EAT A LOT, NOW. Depending on how much mouth-work you're doing, you are not going to feel so keen on too much food, and purées are soooo boring.
Hugs
J
Hi Carly,
I've just been busy with work and other things, I still check in daily even if I don't have time to post somthing. It's been three months since my trachea shave. It's a lot better than it used to be but there's still a bit that's noticable. I was chatting to Gia on another forum post and we had a similar outcome. It looked great after the op but when the swelling went away completely there was still a bit noticable. My neck is quite scrawny and I've been hitting the gym quite hard for the past few months so I guess that doesn't help. I'll speak to Dr Bart at my next meeting to see if a revision is possible/necessay if my neck doesn't fatten up due to HRT by then! Have you moved onto patches yet? I find that they stick well but leave a little rash due to the adhesive.
One tip for Antwerp - watch out for the bikes! Most of the pavements are split in two with pedestrians on one side and bikes on the other! Takes a bit of getting used to ;)
Quote from: calicarly on August 13, 2014, 05:58:18 PM
Hey Alena!!
Hadn't read you for a while! So what is the verdict on your trachea shave overall? Happy? How long has it already been since you had it done if you're already going for your post op next month?
Well, all is looking good over here and just gotta start packing next week, we head for Belgium a week from this Saturday. Got everything ready to go. Will keep you updated. Will be having the neighbour feed and take care of our 2 kitties while we're gone, that reminds me, I better ask him tomorrow .
Little Thought of the Day
I'm looking forward to this. It's pretty surreal, when I found out about FFS, I didn't know such a thing was possible and then when it dawned on me, I thought..." I can't make an expense like that on surgery"... And now, here i am, ready, knowing this is a much better investment than many other things that cost a similar amount and more. Someone in the forum said to me something that really put it into perspective for me -a new car will soon get old, but your face will stay with you for the rest of your life- Simple. Powerful phrase. Enough to have stayed with me since.
Bed time for me now...
Carly x
Quote from: Julia-Madrid on August 14, 2014, 03:15:51 AM
Hiya Carly
It grows closer!! Truly, it's one of the best investments you can make, no doubt about it.
As we disussed on my thread, I believe you are maximising your future outcomes. When people see you, they'll just see a girl, and concentrate on the real subject at hand. I imagine the worst case, where I'm at a job interview, and FFS pretty much guarantees that you'll look right. If you dress right and sound right as well, you eliminate any "soft" concerns that the interviewer may subconsciously feel, and allow them to focus on the stuff of importance.
By way of an example (although not of FFS), I know a transwoman here in Madrid who is an expert in the telecoms sector. She looks like a girl, but madre mía, when she talks it's 100% male in pitch and intonation, and very deep. She's been battling to find work, partly because she is in her 50s (so sad!) but probably because the interviewers can't reconcile all the parts of how she presents.
Enough ramblings for today. One recommendation for ya: EAT A LOT, NOW. Depending on how much mouth-work you're doing, you are not going to feel so keen on too much food, and purées are soooo boring.
Hugs
J
Hi Julia,
I totally agree with you on that. I think that's the importance of FFS, being unmistakably female, for relieving gender dysphoria but also, so we can really get on with issues at hand without having to worry about how good you look that day.
I couldn't help myself to giggle when you said madre Mia!, I love things like that in Spanish (hoping for a little trip there sometime not too far in the future. Eso espero!)... Yes. Thing is femininity is a package of visual,sounds, and behaviour, if any of them fails miserably then sadly it just gives away the issue and.although it shouldn't be a problem, life is the way it is.
Thanks for the tip on the food. I shall enjoy my favourite meals this next week along with the healthy ones I've been enjoying!
Quote from: alena on August 14, 2014, 03:19:58 PM
Hi Carly,
I've just been busy with work and other things, I still check in daily even if I don't have time to post somthing. It's been three months since my trachea shave. It's a lot better than it used to be but there's still a bit that's noticable. I was chatting to Gia on another forum post and we had a similar outcome. It looked great after the op but when the swelling went away completely there was still a bit noticable. My neck is quite scrawny and I've been hitting the gym quite hard for the past few months so I guess that doesn't help. I'll speak to Dr Bart at my next meeting to see if a revision is possible/necessay if my neck doesn't fatten up due to HRT by then! Have you moved onto patches yet? I find that they stick well but leave a little rash due to the adhesive.
One tip for Antwerp - watch out for the bikes! Most of the pavements are split in two with pedestrians on one side and bikes on the other! Takes a bit of getting used to ;)
You do have to have in mind wether there is any fatty tissue around the neck too, genetic female tracheas are also somewhat visible when they are very slim... It may just be a matter of gaining a few pounds at this point. Even if you continue exercising well, you will realise with HRT there is slightly more adipose tissue fat deposit.
I did get on patches, been on them some 3 weeks or so. Got on them right near the time we mentioned them, I'm feeling well on them. I'm not getting the rash a lot of people get with them but I may still try the gel at some point in the future just for comparison, but they do seem to work well for me so far.
Thank you for letting me know about the sidewalk and bikes on it. I think somewhere I read about a lady who almost got hit by a bike after her FFS for standing on the wrong side so I will have that in mind .
anticipation would be a good word for what I'm feeling today.
Quote from: calicarly on August 15, 2014, 03:59:11 PM
I couldn't help myself to giggle when you said madre Mia!, I love things like that in Spanish (hoping for a little trip there sometime not too far in the future. Eso espero!)... Yes. Thing is femininity is a package of visual,sounds, and behaviour, if any of them fails miserably then sadly it just gives away the issue and.although it shouldn't be a problem, life is the way it is.
Thanks for the tip on the food. I shall enjoy my favourite meals this next week along with the healthy ones I've been enjoying!
Hey Carly
Ya sabes que tienes una amiga en Madrid - cuando quieras :D
On the food front, it's 3 weeks since I was remodelled and my chin and lower jaw are recovering very slowly. It looks good but
madre mia it is darn uncomfortable to talk much, and hard foods are still out, or have to be eaten very slowly and very little. It's not easy to find good personal experiences of this part on the web, but it does seem to come with a slow recovery.
More later.
Hugs
Julia
I'm really excited for you too Carly and I hope it all goes super well for you!
I do hope the HRT fattens me up over the coming months as I'm a bit skinny all over! I'm glad you're liking the patches, I like them too but the rash I get comes when I remove it and can be a bit annoying for a few hours. I may decide to switch to gel at my next doc appointment in six weeks ;)
Quote from: calicarly on August 15, 2014, 04:25:31 PM
You do have to have in mind wether there is any fatty tissue around the neck too, genetic female tracheas are also somewhat visible when they are very slim... It may just be a matter of gaining a few pounds at this point. Even if you continue exercising well, you will realise with HRT there is slightly more adipose tissue fat deposit.
I did get on patches, been on them some 3 weeks or so. Got on them right near the time we mentioned them, I'm feeling well on them. I'm not getting the rash a lot of people get with them but I may still try the gel at some point in the future just for comparison, but they do seem to work well for me so far.
Thank you for letting me know about the sidewalk and bikes on it. I think somewhere I read about a lady who almost got hit by a bike after her FFS for standing on the wrong side so I will have that in mind .
anticipation would be a good word for what I'm feeling today.
Quote from: Dash on August 08, 2014, 06:25:17 PM
Facial Team were very professional. I was impressed with them (saw Dr. Capitan and Alexandra Hamer of virtualffs.co.uk at Sparkle) though the quote I was offered happened to be higher than both Mr. Musgrove's and Dr. Bart van de Ven's. Mr. Musgrove was very thorough and showed me some before and afters that were quite good, but the consultation charge, like you've previously said, was a lot of money. Out of the quotes that I've received on this half of the pond his is the least expensive though.
Looking forward to hearing your feedback on your surgery. May it go well. x
Hey Dash! Your little trip to London for a consultation with Dr Bart is getting close as is my op, let us know how it goes Hun, I don't mind if you hijack my thread being as you are a Manchester girl and having a consultation with Dr Bart which is where I'm going...
Quote from: Julia-Madrid on August 15, 2014, 05:11:56 PM
Hey Carly
Ya sabes que tienes una amiga en Madrid - cuando quieras :D
On the food front, it's 3 weeks since I was remodelled and my chin and lower jaw are recovering very slowly. It looks good but madre mia it is darn uncomfortable to talk much, and hard foods are still out, or have to be eaten very slowly and very little. It's not easy to find good personal experiences of this part on the web, but it does seem to come with a slow recovery.
More later.
Hugs
Julia
Julia!Gracias querida! Eres una chica muy linda y creo que si voy a Madrid, me gustaria mucho verte.
See, that's what I keep reading from everyone, jaw and chin can actually take months to fully heal when other procedures can heal rather quickly. Hence the post about the supplements, I started taking the bromelain today (the one that helps with swelling) and the arnica only 3 days before my op. I guess I'll be having a big pizza all for myself on 2 for Tuesday offer if I won't get to eat things like that for a few weeks ;D. I'm sure my bf won't mind that haha, he's the one always convincing me to pig out with him. I am such a chatter box. I can hardly imagine not being able to talk a lot, but I did get my wisdom teeth pulled out some months back and ended up with a complication called dry socket on top of a tough oral surgery, it took at least a month and a half for the crazy nerve pain on the sockets to go away, yes! I had to be on codeine and other pain meds constantly for a month and a half! So if nothing else I have some experience with not being able to eat what I want and with a long recovery period. Hopefully the supplements help some!
Quote from: alena on August 16, 2014, 05:54:58 AM
I'm really excited for you too Carly and I hope it all goes super well for you!
I do hope the HRT fattens me up over the coming months as I'm a bit skinny all over! I'm glad you're liking the patches, I like them too but the rash I get comes when I remove it and can be a bit annoying for a few hours. I may decide to switch to gel at my next doc appointment in six weeks ;)
Thank you Alena!
. I am really excited. It's a week from today we fly out to Antwerp so I am as excited and as full of anticipation as it gets. But at the same time I got a lot to do leaving things as ready as I can back at home for while we are away and for when we get back.
I saw my uncle (more like an adoptive dad) yday and he said -oh Carly !! I don't know if I'll be able to handle looking at you all bandaged up and bruised when you get back! You are so beautiful and I hope it will all be ok- he really cares so much. I think he'll see how good this will be for me once it's all done and healed. Isaid it will be ok as I'll have gone through the worst few days of healing while in Belgium, but who knows really, I probably will get to see him only once more before we head to Belgium...
I say a little prayer I'm so grateful for my bf and my uncle and the family and friends I have right now, grateful for the ability of being able to get these procedures done, it took organising and work to get to this point, I'm also grateful to be able to share with other wonderful ladies here on the forum what will be of my experience. I ask the universe to please make this an experience filled with positives, positive results and a great outcome altogether ... I know it will be so. Amen. X x Xoxo
Carly
Carli,
I wish you luck and hope that everything goes well and also a speedy recovery. I also want to go dr.bart for some minor changes.
Quote from: beren on August 16, 2014, 02:33:44 PM
Carli,
I wish you luck and hope that everything goes well and also a speedy recovery. I also want to go dr.bart for some minor changes.
I appreciate the good wishes darling! More now that my surgery is getting closer and closer :) . Have you had a consultation with him already? I am of the opinion that an in person consultation is better. Particularly if you live in a country where he does consultations regularly. If not, there is always the online consultations. I never had an online one done though so I don't know for sure. Maybe they are just as good. What is it you want doing?
hugs!!!
Xoxo
Carly
PIZZA....!!!!! Yes, girl!
One of my fetish foods, wood-fired oven and a nice yeasty chewy dough. Go and enjoy and know that these are all good calories pre-FFS.
More later....
Xxxx
Julia
Amen to that Carly, I'll be wishing you all the best along the way :)
Quote from: calicarly on August 16, 2014, 12:57:08 PM
I say a little prayer
I'm so grateful for my bf and my uncle and the family and friends I have right now, grateful for the ability of being able to get these procedures done, it took organising and work to get to this point, I'm also grateful to be able to share with other wonderful ladies here on the forum what will be of my experience. I ask the universe to please make this an experience filled with positives, positive results and a great outcome altogether ... I know it will be so. Amen. X x
Xoxo
Carly
How you doin lovely ladies?!
It's Sunday and I do a lot of extra cleaning around the house today , but before I get on with that I thought I would come around and say hi.
We were checking on what things are allowed in the carry on overhead luggage. I kept wondering about tweezers because Dr Bart asked me to not tweeze my eyebrows and just let them grow so he can make an accurate decision on the placement of the brow lift. Like I told a new friend of mine yday... I look like one of the muppets characters!! One of the more uncivilised ones at that too!!! Lol think of animal/Cookie Monster/ or the one that lives in the garbage! But after checking online, Rob said tweezers are fine, yet turns out no liquids in containers over 100ml can be taken. smaller ones are ok, so long they are in a clear bag sealed ( they are special little bags). We ordered some online. This wouldn't be a problem if you actually check in luggage but we really don't think it's necessary. I won't be able to bring my de tangling /leave in spray cause the container is bigger than allowed for liquids though.
I'll take care of the packing properly from tomorrow...
I'm also seeing a friend tomorrow. I have never had any friends in the community. It simply didn't happen.until recently, that my whole FFS journey started, with a girl who's also from Manchester and is going to Dr Bart, and is also going through the NHS transitioning process, so with all that in common and also the fact that she is super nice; I met her and we've been able to chit chat about all things FFS and give each other some support. I'll be seeing her tomorrow for some pizza before the trip to Belgium. Her FFS is only a couple of weeks after mine! At the end of the day I like to see it as two average women with a journey in common. Almost like a classmate you make friends with!
Anyway!! The dear Dyson vacuum cleaner is calling my name !! So I will come by the forum to say hi again later tonight xoxo
Hey Carly, have a safe trip and all the best for your surgery.
Btw your new avatar pic is simply stunning
Sheila
Quote from: shedevilcanada on August 17, 2014, 07:42:38 AM
Hey Carly, have a safe trip and all the best for your surgery.
Btw your new avatar pic is simply stunning
Sheila
Thank you Sheila darling.
Oh and thanks for the compliment on my pic :) I keep trying to use pics that showcase the problems that I need fixing with FFS. In this one you can see the chin and jaw (notice the cleft/dimpled chin and the dimensions ) . Last one I was trying to show the brow bossing problems more cause, interestingly enough I often have to almost convince people that I need this work doing ,so yeah there.
Ok lotsa stuff to do ! Will check in later girls x
I agree, you're looking very pretty indeed Carly! You can also get empty travel containers from Boots that meet the 100 ml limit. My girlfriend uses them for lotions and oils when we go on short breaks!
Quote from: shedevilcanada on August 17, 2014, 07:42:38 AM
Hey Carly, have a safe trip and all the best for your surgery.
Btw your new avatar pic is simply stunning
Sheila
Oh!!! I didn't know that Alena!! thank you for that tip, that way I can take some leave in conditioner with me. I'll stop by boots tomorrow.
Go to a big boots, one that does travel stuff http://www.boots.com/en/Go-Travel-Airplane-Travel-Cabin-Bottles_1180100/ (http://www.boots.com/en/Go-Travel-Airplane-Travel-Cabin-Bottles_1180100/) or a Superdrug where they have travel bottles ;)
Good luck with your surgery I am excited for you.
I have decided to go with Dr Bart as well.I met with him and his wife in Seattle last month and was very impressed.
He didn't want to sell what I didn't need.Thank you all for your input and info.
Kristine
Quote from: calicarly on August 16, 2014, 05:28:37 PM
I appreciate the good wishes darling! More now that my surgery is getting closer and closer :) . Have you had a consultation with him already? I am of the opinion that an in person consultation is better. Particularly if you live in a country where he does consultations regularly. If not, there is always the online consultations. I never had an online one done though so I don't know for sure. Maybe they are just as good. What is it you want doing?
hugs!!!
Xoxo
Carly
Im so sorry carli, I've forgotton to answer you back:((
The things i wanted to get done were my temples(they got so holow since i lost weight) and a lip lift cause my teeth don't show when i open my mouth://
Hi Carly,
I assume you discovered the delights of Antwerp ove the weekend and are now guess you'll be coubtibng down the hours today. Anyway, wishing a very successful surgery in the excellent hands of Dr Van de Ven.
Hugs
Donna
Hi darlings, I am in Antwerp now and yes, although it was only a short flight from Manchester, it definitely is a different world. There is a synagogue near where we're staying, we could hear chanting coming from it on Saturday and there is a lot of what I believe are Jewish orthodox? Around here, very interesting stuff indeed! I am a little nervous now even though I pride myself in rarely being nervous!
I ended up getting the travel bottle at boots thanks to Alena for that tip, and I think I have everything necessary with me.
We flew to Charleroi which is on the French speaking side of the country and drove up north to Antwerp which is in the Dutch side, everything is in Dutch here and the people do seem to speak English at varying degrees. I'm meeting with Dr Bart for the preop tomorrow afternoon. Let's hope it all goes well and as planned I may check in with you gals one last time before surgery hopefully. I can not believe the time is here! My Rob seems a little lost in thought and keeping to himself, I think he's more nervous for me than I am for myself.
Oh by the way, the studio apartment we're staying at seems perfectly suitable, it is spacious enough, with all the basics, and the shower bathroom which is separate from the toilet room, is perfect and big and has a seat in the shower so it seems just right for us particularly for the price. I'm up late with my thoughts and thought I would come by and say hi.
Surgery itself is only a day away!
Carly xoxo
Have a successful surgery Carly, you will look amazing
xo
Hiya Carly
Here are some huge hugs and wishes from me for your FFS tomorrow. You're gonna look great.
So,girl, now it's your turn to post scary pictures turning into gorgeous pictures!
Mwah Mwah
Julia
Hi Carly!
Glad you got to Antwerp safely. I hope everything goes well with your surgery :) xxx
Good luck and speedy recovery :)
Pre-op
My last check in here with y'all before my surgery in the morning.
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi32.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fd11%2Fcalicarly1%2Fimagejpg1_zpsd2d45d56.jpg&hash=c50d99585cc996f4ed43a80c39def1db65bd08f2) (http://s32.photobucket.com/user/calicarly1/media/imagejpg1_zpsd2d45d56.jpg.html)
The preop went great, Dr Bart was very thorough and prepared, it helped me get out of that nervousness state and brought me back to the excitement place I had been in for so long. The clinic (Piccard clinic) is very modern, it also has a sense of privacy from outside that is rather appropriate.
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi32.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fd11%2Fcalicarly1%2Fimagejpg2_zps4e387d4b.jpg&hash=cc9b1072728947d01381ba2a094614fbd3c8de65) (http://s32.photobucket.com/user/calicarly1/media/imagejpg2_zps4e387d4b.jpg.html)
Dr Bart wrote a lot down, he is very organised and also prepared me on what I need to know about the meds, ice-packs, bandages, what to expect before and after surgery etc. Also gave me a shot while at the preop that helps prevent blood clots. Surgery is at 10am Belgium time (9am UK, 1 am US-west coast).
He listened to me and it was a back and forth discussion of ideas, considering most surgeons aren't very willing to listen, it really made me feel great.
Oh and something interesting about the preop was he also asked me if I was willing to be on a Dutch TV show that is being made about Dr. Bart and his work, not about the surgery part of thigs but if I would like to be on it once healed to talk about the experience in general and it's effects. I agreed. He said -you'll have to do a lot of talking- I said -I never run out of thigs to say!. Should be an interesting project to be a part of.
Thank you so much Melissa, Alena, Julia, Sheila, Donna, Beren, matriarch and everyone who's taken a minute to send me good wishes . I appreciate them immensely!
Xo
Carly
Congrats Carly, I am very happy for you. I am from the U.S. and I just love Bart's work, I know he's been on T.V. before, but I hope his prices do not shoot up after he's done making this T.V. show. You are gorgeous, so you will have great results!
Quote from: Alessandra29 on August 25, 2014, 04:46:19 PM
You are gorgeous, so you will have great results!
I agree with this. Good luck!
Those pics bring back so many memories! That was the same chair that I almost passed out in - I'm not good at doing blood and stitches ;)
Good luck!;D
Good luck Carly. And wish you the best results!
Good luck Carly! I'm so excited for you!
hi Carly, you are probably all taped up like a mummy, hope everything went well yesterday, thinking of you, please let us know how it went, wishing u a speedy and succesful recovery xox
Hey Carly. I've been away for a bit. Good luck with your surgery, hun. May everything go well. x
Recovering
Well Ladies. Rob just brought me back to the apartment, it was a tough night last night at Piccard Clinic.. Didn't get much sleep but I'm feeling slightly better already... Just lots of rest for me. I have 2 black eyes, I can tell dr Bart didn't hold back and he was nice and agressive ... Some pics soon x
Carly x
Quote from: calicarly on August 27, 2014, 10:44:10 AM
Recovering
Well Ladies. Rob just brought me back to the apartment, it was a tough night last night at Piccard Clinic.. Didn't get much sleep but I'm feeling slightly better already... Just lots of rest for me. I have 2 black eyes, I can tell dr Bart didn't hold back and he was nice and agressive ... Some pics soon x
Carly x
Hey Carly, so glad to hear everything went well, the first night is always the toughest
get lots of rest , cant wait to see the new you
xo
Recovery
And a quick piccy of recovering little me with black eyes and all!!!
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi32.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fd11%2Fcalicarly1%2Fimage_zps5b459efd.jpg&hash=e0562fdd105e6fb3dd012431b69b2fcae4c2d0d9) (http://s32.photobucket.com/user/calicarly1/media/image_zps5b459efd.jpg.html)
I've been taking the arnica and bromelain and applying the arnica cream dr bart gave me and it all seems to be acting fast as a few hours after that pic the bruising is progressing from black eyes and starting to look yellow on the edges which is good ...
Notice the fuzzy eyebrows, dr bart told me to just grow them out before surgery to know exactly where to place them , I am really looking forward to staring to shape them and tweeze them again cause right now I look like animal from the muppets!!! Lol
Thank u ladies for checking up on me and my progress, my forehead looks very nice and flat already for what I can see but I will post pics of all that soon
Hugs to all x x
Carly
Glad to see your doing OK, hope you heal quick!
Hey Carly
You're looking great, girl. Keep taking the meds, and for heaven's sake don't skimp on the painkillers - I needed them every 8 hours for the first week. Arnica is nice, but ibuprofen is vital..!!!!!
And rest - plenty of rest - at least a siesta every 3-4 hours!
Some of my friends still think I was nuts, but you know, it's grrrrreat to go out now, and everyone just sees a girl.
Un abrazo enorme from Madrid.
PS: I've just returned from a business trip to Ireland, so getting through passport control came with quite some trepidation each time. And the first three times they didn't even look at me. Then last night as I was returning through Spanish passport control the border guard did a double take. A quadrule take, more like! ;D He had huge trouble reconciling the uuuugly aggressive dude with the girl he had in front of him. He called a colleague and they peered at my papers for a while. I offered to show them my ears; those haven't changed. Then I pulled out my papers from the gender clinic and explained in more detail. So it's just as well that I'm going to get my UK passport changed in London next week! And you know what - it felt BRILLIANT, because these border guards see thousands of people, and yesterday with me, they only saw a girl. Yeah!!!
Hey Carly,
Wishing you a speedy recovery, get plenty of rest :)
Quote from: calicarly on August 27, 2014, 09:12:06 PM
Recovery
And a quick piccy of recovering little me with black eyes and all!!!
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi32.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fd11%2Fcalicarly1%2Fimage_zps5b459efd.jpg&hash=e0562fdd105e6fb3dd012431b69b2fcae4c2d0d9) (http://s32.photobucket.com/user/calicarly1/media/image_zps5b459efd.jpg.html)
I've been taking the arnica and bromelain and applying the arnica cream dr bart gave me and it all seems to be acting fast as a few hours after that pic the bruising is progressing from black eyes and starting to look yellow on the edges which is good ...
Notice the fuzzy eyebrows, dr bart told me to just grow them out before surgery to know exactly where to place them , I am really looking forward to staring to shape them and tweeze them again cause right now I look like animal from the muppets!!! Lol
Thank u ladies for checking up on me and my progress, my forehead looks very nice and flat already for what I can see but I will post pics of all that soon
Hugs to all x x
Carly
Wow Carly I can see the results will look amazing, so happy for you, if I could have succesful results like all of you, I would be extatic
have a speedy recovery xo
I can't wait to see the final results. I'm currently saving for my FFS and will probably be visiting Dr Bart :)
Update
Thank you rocker girl , I'm doing my best! :) little by little . 2nd day, we're getting a hold of the routine with ice packs, pain killers, my vitamins, etc. I slept a lot more the 2nd night and that in itself makes me feel much better . Drinking lots of juice and had a soup for dinner last night, and actually managed to eat some scrambled eggs for breakfast today. Yoghurt for snacks also . Can't wait to see more progress so i can see the results of surgery. Just having patience and trying to get as much rest as possible now that I can finally rest.
Julia, you are absolutely right about the painkillers, once the need for them kicks in I really can't scrimp on them or the discomfort and pain increase a lot. But so long we keep on top of them on time I seem to be just fine. I received an email from you a few days before I left from belgium sorry I haven't answered I have been so busy and in and out of consciousness but will do soon :) . Your story about going through passport control is so interesting. I bet you couldn't believe what was happening!
It looks very promising so far, nothing lots of rest and some time and healing won't soon reveal. One more day of healing... Let's hope tomorrow gets even easier than today. Anna, dr Bart was my choice after extensive research. So I do think highly of him. Sheila, hopefully in your case third time's a charm.
Carly
Xoxo
Hiya Carly
Keep rockin' girl...!! Leave my email until you're better... It's an odd one, but I'll explain more when you're ready, offline of course ;-)
BTW, ladies, I got approximate pricing today from an eminent SRS surgeon in Spain. BRACE YOURSELVES:
SRS: €24,000 (that's $31,600 folks - for a gold-plated vagina! At this price, it must also have diamonds !!)
BA: €12,000 (for $15,800 you get bigger breasts "made in Spain" - filled with Sangria, obviously!!)
And all this from a surgeon who prefers not to have any information published about his work....
Guess where I'm NOT going....
Juliaaaaaaaaah
Quote from: Julia-Madrid on August 28, 2014, 04:21:23 PM
Hiya Carly
Keep rockin' girl...!! Leave my email until you're better... It's an odd one, but I'll explain more when you're ready, offline of course ;-)
BTW, ladies, I got approximate pricing today from an eminent SRS surgeon in Spain. BRACE YOURSELVES:
SRS: €24,000 (that's $31,600 folks - for a gold-plated vagina! At this price, it must also have diamonds !!)
BA: €12,000 (for $15,800 you get bigger breasts "made in Spain" - filled with Sangria, obviously!!)
And all this from a surgeon who prefers not to have any information published about his work....
Guess where I'm NOT going....
Juliaaaaaaaaah
OMG and I thought there couldn't be anyone more expensive than British surgeons!!! That's like double the going price for both those procedures!
Quote from: calicarly on August 28, 2014, 04:34:42 PM
OMG and I thought there couldn't be anyone more expensive than British surgeons!!! That's like double the going price for both those procedures!
Hiya Carly - yes, I kept deadpan when he told me, but I was frankly astonished. :o
I'm not usually a cynic, but here's my take: from the very small amount of info you can glean from girls who have had SRS in Spain, the results aren't so good. And most of them go via the public health system. These prices are designed to dissuade anyone from doing the procedure privately, possibly to avoid subsequent claims.
So, I think I need to get my bags packed for Thailand.... :D
Quote from: Julia-Madrid on August 28, 2014, 04:21:23 PM
Guess where I'm NOT going....
Juliaaaaaaaaah
My dear
do not try French butchers too ...
;)
Glad to read that you're recovering nicely, Carly. Hopefully it's getting easier day by day pain-wise.
Rest well. : )
Nice to see you out the other side Carly and already very much back on your feet. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised how quickly you will put the whole episode behind you. Given both your excellent starting point (I was a real challlenge for Dr VdV, not you.. :) !) and Dr VdV's skills you should be in a very happy place a few weeks from now.
Hugs and my very best wishes for a speedy and trouble free recovery.
Donna
Quote from: Julia-Madrid on August 28, 2014, 04:21:23 PM
Hiya Carly
Keep rockin' girl...!! Leave my email until you're better... It's an odd one, but I'll explain more when you're ready, offline of course ;-)
BTW, ladies, I got approximate pricing today from an eminent SRS surgeon in Spain. BRACE YOURSELVES:
SRS: €24,000 (that's $31,600 folks - for a gold-plated vagina! At this price, it must also have diamonds !!)
BA: €12,000 (for $15,800 you get bigger breasts "made in Spain" - filled with Sangria, obviously!!)
And all this from a surgeon who prefers not to have any information published about his work....
Guess where I'm NOT going....
Juliaaaaaaaaah
Julia
10750€ (including a 750€ supplement for a skin graft) for both procedures with Dr Chettawut here in Thailand and so far, absolutely nothing significant to complain about. My breasts in particular are already turning out exactly as I wanted both in terms of size and softness as I'm very deligent about the exercices that they recommend. A lot more time required to draw any conclusions about the GRS except to say that it has been 100% trouble free so far.
Hugs
Donna
Quote from: Dash on August 29, 2014, 07:05:09 PM
Glad to read that you're recovering nicely, Carly. Hopefully it's getting easier day by day pain-wise.
Rest well. : )
Dash!, it is getting easier and easier definitiely! But still having to keep on top of the painkillers! The strap around the chin and head and the one on the nose make pressure that adds to the pain a little bit.
Like Donna says, I'm looking forward to 2 weeks from now when it's all coming together for me but 4th day down and things still healing along well :) each day seems to have me feeling better and brighter. I'm not sure I mentioned my first post op yday, but that went great, Dr Bart also was very pleased and happy with how it's all coming along and said that apparently the TV show is almost a done deal now, so I reassured him that I'm ok with that as previously said. As someone said, hopefully he won't be raising his prices after that.
He added some new US dates for consultations in LA and NY, I facetimed with my twin (yes, identical in every way, trans and al!) in Long Beach to let her know that He's gonna be there, she wants to go for a consultation now too (of course!) we talked in length about FFS cause she didn't really know what I was having surgery for (she has a super busy schedule working in the fashion industry, so I don't like to overwhelm her with my stuff either) anyhow. I spent a good hour on FaceTime with her and her husband and she seemed happy for me but I think a little thrown off that I hadn't been more specific about what the surgery was... I really enjoyed catching up.
Belgium has turned out to be an interesting place... Here's some of the images I've captured...
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi32.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fd11%2Fcalicarly1%2Fimagejpg1_zpsa6792e12.jpg&hash=989b4ec07e13564035521f4336502da35e4ef8f5) (http://s32.photobucket.com/user/calicarly1/media/imagejpg1_zpsa6792e12.jpg.html)
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi32.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fd11%2Fcalicarly1%2Fimagejpg1_zpsb822e65a.jpg&hash=28aa8bc541b112760fda80542c31eaaca325853c) (http://s32.photobucket.com/user/calicarly1/media/imagejpg1_zpsb822e65a.jpg.html)
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi32.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fd11%2Fcalicarly1%2Fimagejpg3_zps637f497a.jpg&hash=3b979f945a60f703653c9eb6241ab7da81e7a861) (http://s32.photobucket.com/user/calicarly1/media/imagejpg3_zps637f497a.jpg.html)
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi32.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fd11%2Fcalicarly1%2Fimagejpg5_zpsfa25ea0a.jpg&hash=0254f599289503825197d46fd09d46974ee373d2) (http://s32.photobucket.com/user/calicarly1/media/imagejpg5_zpsfa25ea0a.jpg.html)
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi32.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fd11%2Fcalicarly1%2Fimagejpg6_zpsaab2584a.jpg&hash=c35408c7fdb47c8f6ea46f2d9d7ffdeb1733fc79) (http://s32.photobucket.com/user/calicarly1/media/imagejpg6_zpsaab2584a.jpg.html)
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi32.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fd11%2Fcalicarly1%2Fimagejpg4_zps35cd982b.jpg&hash=f0196fc5b07f8feb872f5bb5902b76bdbd1a4887) (http://s32.photobucket.com/user/calicarly1/media/imagejpg4_zps35cd982b.jpg.html)
And the waiting area at
Piccard Clinic where the magic happens! (Starring Rob's foot lol)
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi32.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fd11%2Fcalicarly1%2Fimagejpg1_zpsa933a0d8.jpg&hash=0112914a144d90f9771ca8ceee2385c27740217f) (http://s32.photobucket.com/user/calicarly1/media/imagejpg1_zpsa933a0d8.jpg.html)
Like said, Dr Bart and myself are happy with my recovery so far . Day 4 hasn't been too eventful otherwise, just happy to feel better each day. He said there is a lot of swelling in some areas, I'm happy about the nose reduction though, I am surprised at the size difference already.
Quote from: Donna E on August 30, 2014, 12:25:51 AM
Nice to see you out the other side Carly and already very much back on your feet. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised how quickly you will put the whole episode behind you. Given both your excellent starting point (I was a real challlenge for Dr VdV, not you.. :) !) and Dr VdV's skills you should be in a very happy place a few weeks from now.
Hugs and my very best wishes for a speedy and trouble free recovery.
Donna
I agree Donna , I feel like I will be very very happy with the results, so happy that your GRS and BA both are healing without any trouble...
I am feeling grateful to have my Bobby with me, I didn't really know how much or how little help I would need while here but I knew I would need some. Thank God I have a caring and dedicated man that is taking care of me through this. Please ladies, those of you who are travelling and are having more than one FFS procedure please try and bring company with you if possible, you will be glad you did.
Carly x x
Hey Carly, I'm assuming you were strongly in ironic mode when you said that Belgium is turning out to be an interesting place...if I'm wrong, apologies - it was the sangría talking :D
Oh, the chin-strap! Since mine came with 6 straps I called it my sextopus. It seriously made swallowing difficult, and I don't know whether you've had a few endotines implanted in in your forehead as part of any brow lift, but those straps are really annoying if you've got 'em.
Photos----photos---- we want photos! :D
Hugs
J/A
PS: let the record show that I am lightly envious that you have a kind boyfriend on the scene to look after you ;)
Hi Carly,
I have lurked for a while following your FFS adventure. You seem to be bouncing back very well. Congrats.
Thanks so much for sharing with us all. Your journey (along with Julia's and Roni's recently) have helped me keep a bit grounded as frankly I am getting a bit nervous about mine! Unfortunately, I will be doing mine alone (most of my trans voyage has been that way) but that is just the way it is.
Anyway, I really appreciate your posts as it is a huge help.
Love
Emma
Oh Carly, you poor baby! I always cringe at the FFS photos but I know you're going to look even more beautimous then pre-op where you looked really pretty to begin with. Hope the recovery is speedy and the swelling subsides quickly for you dear. Can't wait to see how you look when you're ready. Way to go girl! :eusa_clap:
Hi Carly, hang in there you are already looking great! Having been through a FFS surgery myself recently I can really say that it does get better. A wise friend told me this " You will not remember the pain and you will not remember what you looked like" and I am just beginning to think they are right!
Congrats on taking this big step :)
Hi Carly!! Just jumped on here to see how you were doing after surgery and it looks like all is well! Can't wait to see with the bandages off! Glad you're alright and healing well. Hugs and kisses from Seattle XOXO. Take care and rest up :)
Jonnie
Quote from: EmmaD on August 30, 2014, 05:58:55 PM
Thanks so much for sharing with us all. Your journey (along with Julia's and Roni's recently) have helped me keep a bit grounded as frankly I am getting a bit nervous about mine! Unfortunately, I will be doing mine alone (most of my trans voyage has been that way) but that is just the way it is.
Dear Emma, you show immense strength to be doing this on your own, but you will have us nearby, truly you will. The best practical advice I can give you is to lightly fatten yourself up beforehand, since eating, or the desire to prepare food, will both probably be hard. Prepare thin soups or purées in advance; buy milkshakes and protein drinks, and REST a lot.
We'll be with you!
xxx
Julia
Day 6Girls, a few days have gone by, and although I do feel a lot better and the bruising and swelling is definitely progressing. I still don't look good enough to justify a piccy just yet. It looks like I might still have bruising by Wednesday on the flight back.i think it shows that although there is girls like Julia who can heal faster, I am one that seems to be just little bits better everyday but at a slow pase. So, something to have in mind. I do think the bromelain and arnica have helped though! But the recovery process from FFS is not a walk in the park. Particularly when there are pressure bandages involved!
Quote from: EmmaD on August 30, 2014, 05:58:55 PM
Hi Carly,
I have lurked for a while following your FFS adventure. You seem to be bouncing back very well. Congrats.
Thanks so much for sharing with us all. Your journey (along with Julia's and Roni's recently) have helped me keep a bit grounded as frankly I am getting a bit nervous about mine! Unfortunately, I will be doing mine alone (most of my trans voyage has been that way) but that is just the way it is.
Anyway, I really appreciate your posts as it is a huge help.
Love
Emma
Hi Emma! I do think you are brave for going ahead and doing it all on your own, but i am I've of the people that also think better alone than in the wrong company. It makes me feel so good and warm just to know my posts may help anyone with preparations and expectations. That is the reason I am sharing my FFS journey here... And like Julia said, you always have us! I saw your ticker and it says your FFS is coming up 2 months from now, I can see why you must be starting to get nervous and excited. Julia is kinda right about try gain some weight as funny as that sounds lol x
Quote from: Erica_Y on August 30, 2014, 10:10:10 PM
Hi Carly, hang in there you are already looking great! Having been through a FFS surgery myself recently I can really say that it does get better. A wise friend told me this " You will not remember the pain and you will not remember what you looked like" and I am just beginning to think they are right!
Congrats on taking this big step :)
Thank you Erica! I will hang by that phrase for some days here definitely!! I read another one of your posts in a different thread about being emotionally/mentally prepared for FFS and it's recovery and I could not agree with you more. You obviously have valuable comments and I appreciate that, and your pic avatar looks great !
Jgirl!!! I hope you keep saying hi Hun, you're another person with valuable feedback in the forum!! So glad to have a post from you :) I am doing my best to just relax and let the healing process do it's thing!
So just about to have some breakfast here and after passing by Dr Bart's for some more painkillers we might go for a little drive here ... We'll see what we feel up to ...
Ttyl ladies xo
Carly
Quote from: calicarly on August 30, 2014, 04:07:02 PM
Dash!, it is getting easier and easier definitiely! But still having to keep on top of the painkillers! The strap around the chin and head and the one on the nose make pressure that adds to the pain a little bit.
Like Donna says, I'm looking forward to 2 weeks from now when it's all coming together for me but 4th day down and things still healing along well :) each day seems to have me feeling better and brighter. I'm not sure I mentioned my first post op yday, but that went great, Dr Bart also was very pleased and happy with how it's all coming along and said that apparently the TV show is almost a done deal now, so I reassured him that I'm ok with that as previously said. As someone said, hopefully he won't be raising his prices after that.
Glad that there aren't hiccups on the recovery front, Carly. I think you'll be an awesome candidate to promote his skills on the televison show. Braver than me about it though, I'd be so anxious. ; )
Quote from: calicarly on September 01, 2014, 04:49:33 AMIt makes me feel so good and warm just to know my posts may help anyone with preparations and expectations. That is the reason I am sharing my FFS journey here... And like Julia said, you always have us! I saw your ticker and it says your FFS is coming up 2 months from now, I can see why you must be starting to get nervous and excited. Julia is kinda right about try gain some weight as funny as that sounds lol x
Your posts have definitely helped me. I've just booked an appointment for the end of october to get FFS with Dr. Van de Ven (the surgical alterations that I'm getting are almost the same as your's). So yeah, your posts have been in an invaluable resource while I'm mentally and practically preparing myself for the trip to Antwerp. I'm glad that you're not sugar coating what the recovery period takes out of you, because some people say they breeze through it. I guess the milage varies from person to person.
Anyway, hope everything continues to improve and that you're feeling well enough to go for that drive and see more of Antwerp. : )
If you don't mind, I may have a some questions to ask you via PM in a few days time?
Final Postop Day 8
Today was a busy day, we had to pack up and leave the studio apartment, go for the final postop with Dr Bart and fly home.
The postop went smoothly. The staples on the scalp incision came off (ouch), the stents in my nostrils came out (double ouch !) and so did the stitches that needed to come off (ouchie!). Dr Bart is very pleased with the progression of my nose, so he suggested that I can now forget about the pressure pad on it and leave it off which is great news!, I am still bruised enough so that I wore my big wasp sunglasses at the airport and the flight. I am completely worm out from the day but also happy to be home sweet home. Our kittens greeted us happily and have been extra loving.
I'm still on painkillers but the overall discomfort is settling down much more after the stitches, staples and particularly the stents having been removed... Eyeballs still have some blood on outer corners so still some of the zombie look there lingering and the bruising from the chin lipo is still very marked. Yesterday and today are the first days I feel some short lived bursts of energy followed by being exhausted. But I hadn't felt energetic at all for a whole week. I'm being able to eat soft solids with care no problem now.
I am very happy with Dr Bart. He provided extra painkillers when I needed them, he was thorough at all the check ups, he had a laugh with me and my bf all while being focused, I just can't complain.
I am looking forward to tonight's sleep witn my nose free of stents and pressure as I had been having to breath through my mouth at night the past week which really messed around with my sleep and gave me a dry mouth. With the pressure bandage pulling my jaw closed I had to use a straw to be able to keep airway flow some nights, y'all can imagine!
I took some pics today to show you gals, i still look like I was attacked or something, I may upload them in the morning. And the swelling on my jawline is so much you can't yet see the work, my bf keeps saying that I have this really different look when he looks at me in profile or 3/4 and that he can at times see what's slowly starting to reveal itself.
Carly x
Bless your sweet heart honey, don't rush anything for our sakes, post when you're truly ready and feeling good about it. Glad all went well, your BF sounds like a real gem!
Pictures, pictures!! Even if the butterfly's wings are still looking a bit squiffy....
:D
Besos!
Day 11
Dash! That's great news about booking your surgery with Dr Bart. He will do his best for you as he has done for me I am sure.
Here is a piccy of my progress so far. I went out yday to court to support someone dear to me. And that's where I was at when I took the pic.
Lots of progress! Only some more to go in the bruising department and then the bloody eyeballs then it's all about the chin and jaw swelling. Only one more week of the pressure bandage and I will be taking some pics with makeup on and everything :)
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi32.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fd11%2Fcalicarly1%2Fimagejpg2_zps4abd2865.jpg&hash=a60d1ab7d3a69d4d1f818c0d0b8b0ba7b12070d6) (http://s32.photobucket.com/user/calicarly1/media/imagejpg2_zps4abd2865.jpg.html)
Mwah x
Carly
PS. There you go Julia!! I was adding the pic as your post appeared lol. Hugs darlin'
Hi Carly,
That's good progress you're making. The forehead area already looks smoother. I hope it keeps getting better!
Carly, you're doing splendidly. Behind the bruising I can see that you're going to look spectacular.
Xxx
J
wow Carly, great recovery, love the results so far, when all the swelling go down you will look stunning
keep those pics coming :-)
Quote from: calicarly on September 06, 2014, 04:41:13 AM
Day 11
Dash! That's great news about booking your surgery with Dr Bart. He will do his best for you as he has done for me I am sure.
Here is a piccy of my progress so far. I went out yday to court to support someone dear to me. And that's where I was at when I took the pic.
Lots of progress! Only some more to go in the bruising department and then the bloody eyeballs then it's all about the chin and jaw swelling. Only one more week of the pressure bandage and I will be taking some pics with makeup on and everything :)
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi32.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fd11%2Fcalicarly1%2Fimagejpg2_zps4abd2865.jpg&hash=a60d1ab7d3a69d4d1f818c0d0b8b0ba7b12070d6) (http://s32.photobucket.com/user/calicarly1/media/imagejpg2_zps4abd2865.jpg.html)
Thanks for the kind words, Carly. I can't wait as I really do feel this operation (I'm getting almost the exact same as you) has the potential to improve my confidence and well being hugely when it comes to living my life day to day.
You're healing nicely and I can already see really good improvements are coming through. : )
Jealous of your braiding though. I'm rubbish at it. : P
I hope you ladies are right :) we'll see what keeps developing and revealing...
I do hope Ffs yields the results you want and more Dash. Don't forget to update us here on the site if you can here and there when it all happens :). Have you started booking your stay and flights there and back?
So are you having forehead, jaw/chin, nose Hun?
Feeling much better and can eat a lot of soft solids now, I am regaining much more control of my lower lip and some more sensation, bruising on the eyes still on the way out slowly, I think I can feel the endotines under the scalp sometimes cause I get some real sharp pains here and there on certain few points. Having a lot less painkillers now, saw my uncle tonight finally and he says to me... So, is that lip gonna come back to normal so you don't look like you've had a stroke or what? (In a funny tone) I busted out laughing !! Gotta love him. It does make weird shapes the more I regain sensation there. Keep getting pins and needles on the chin and lower lip more everyday. Nose looking good to me even tho it is very swollen I am loving the profile already, chin's re shaping is very noticeable now, jaw too swollen still. Chin lipo looks good too but still lotsa bruising there. Still wearing head band and I do think it's beneficial. Stitches in my mouth pretty healed up now, that's one part that healed up very fast. I am so eager for my results ! But I think I will see a lot more of the new face within the next week. The swelling on the jaw is going down more significantly now each day.
Still get tired easily I was doing some cleaning while alone at home and I think it got too energetic and I could really feel that, it made me nauseous and I felt seriously out of breath. I seriously am glad for all the girls who can get up and out of Bed one week later looking great with almost all their healing behind them but I'm thinking it's good that I can share my slow healing process for those girls who might have it like me and I'm sure it can cheer up the ones who have it faster and easier than me. 2 weeks since surgery tomorrow! And still bruised. There was a girl in the same apartment building where I stayed in Antwerp and she also had some huge bruising on her chest for some reason, but her bruising was progressing much faster than mine.
Right now I just keep watching my usual daytime TV wedding shows and Wendy Williams and things like that and I've been using my neck pillow a lot, I'm glad I still had it, I've been using it to sleep at night too.
Sure I don't look great right now with how slow my healing has been, but to me it's not about being the prettiest girl either, it's just about finally ridding myself of the poisoning effects T had on my face during my teenage years, And even like this I'm feeling a kind of relief already when I look in the mirror. It's a relief with an added feel of excitement right behind it.
Let's keep on keepin' on...
Carly xoxo
Dear Carly
You had a lot done and need to try take it easy. But if you're able to do a bit of house cleaning I think you're doing pretty well.
Aaaargh, the darn endotines! It's now six weeks since my FFS and one of the endotines still hurts, but mainly at night for some bizzare reason. And your lips will get better, although it's annoying not to have the feedback when eating. I took to positioning my iPhone on the table at the correct angle, to be able to start the camera app and check whether I had food on my face. See the narcissistic lady who looks like a hamster constantly checking herself out, oh well... :D
I flew to London last week to try get my female passport. An absolute disaster! Between Passport Office documentation, and what in hindsight was total and utter disinformation when I called their helpdesk to get clarity and arrange the appointment ("Yes, you'll need a psychologist's letter"), and then a full day and two trips to the PO in London, first being told "yes" and then being told "no, not quite", it was a miserable day. You nearly saw Julia bawling her little eyes out in Victoria station. Truly, although superficially it appears sound, the PO's handling of us is abysmal, and it need not be so - they just need clear written guidelines both externally and interally. I'm psyching myself up for Round Two! >:-)
Besos
Julia
Quote from: calicarly on September 08, 2014, 06:16:36 PM
I hope you ladies are right :) we'll see what keeps developing and revealing...
I do hope Ffs yields the results you want and more Dash. Don't forget to update us here on the site if you can here and there when it all happens :). Have you started booking your stay and flights there and back?
So are you having forehead, jaw/chin, nose Hun?
Forehead/brow lift, jaw/chin, nose, lipofiling of the upper lip and fat excision underneath the chin. So yeah, pretty much the same, : )
Currently sorting out bloodwork and an x-ray whilst waiting for my passport to arrive. As soon as it does, flights and accommodation will be sorted. It's all starting to feel much more real than it did a few weeks ago. : )
Quote from: calicarly on September 08, 2014, 06:16:36 PMFeeling much better and can eat a lot of soft solids now, I am regaining much more control of my lower lip and some more sensation, bruising on the eyes still on the way out slowly, I think I can feel the endotines under the scalp sometimes cause I get some real sharp pains here and there on certain few points. Having a lot less painkillers now, saw my uncle tonight finally and he says to me... So, is that lip gonna come back to normal so you don't look like you've had a stroke or what? (In a funny tone) I busted out laughing !! Gotta love him. It does make weird shapes the more I regain sensation there. Keep getting pins and needles on the chin and lower lip more everyday. Nose looking good to me even tho it is very swollen I am loving the profile already, chin's re shaping is very noticeable now, jaw too swollen still. Chin lipo looks good too but still lotsa bruising there. Still wearing head band and I do think it's beneficial. Stitches in my mouth pretty healed up now, that's one part that healed up very fast. I am so eager for my results ! But I think I will see a lot more of the new face within the next week. The swelling on the jaw is going down more significantly now each day.
Still get tired easily I was doing some cleaning while alone at home and I think it got too energetic and I could really feel that, it made me nauseous and I felt seriously out of breath. I seriously am glad for all the girls who can get up and out of Bed one week later looking great with almost all their healing behind them but I'm thinking it's good that I can share my slow healing process for those girls who might have it like me and I'm sure it can cheer up the ones who have it faster and easier than me. 2 weeks since surgery tomorrow! And still bruised. There was a girl in the same apartment building where I stayed in Antwerp and she also had some huge bruising on her chest for some reason, but her bruising was progressing much faster than mine.
Right now I just keep watching my usual daytime TV wedding shows and Wendy Williams and things like that and I've been using my neck pillow a lot, I'm glad I still had it, I've been using it to sleep at night too.
Sure I don't look great right now with how slow my healing has been, but to me it's not about being the prettiest girl either, it's just about finally ridding myself of the poisoning effects T had on my face during my teenage years, And even like this I'm feeling a kind of relief already when I look in the mirror. It's a relief with an added feel of excitement right behind it.
Absolutely. A large part of it for me is about self-correction and doing as much as possible to roll back some of the more detrimental effects of the all-cursed T. >:-)
As your injuries start to clear up and heal, you must be able to be seeing more of the new (or how you believe you should have looked in the first place), you. It's good that you've got family and your partner there that you can have a joke with about it all because I'd imagine healing on one's own would be a wearying experience (so glad I have my mum and brother). Not looking forward how to learn to sleep on my back though as I've always done it on my front.
Anyways, hopefully the diminishment of your bruises speeds up and you gain your old energy back. It must be nice to see light at the end of the tunnel in getting back into the regular swing of things. x
Quote from: Dash on September 10, 2014, 10:08:13 PM
Forehead/brow lift, jaw/chin, nose, lipofiling of the upper lip and fat excision underneath the chin. So yeah, pretty much the same, : )
Currently sorting out bloodwork and an x-ray whilst waiting for my passport to arrive. As soon as it does, flights and accommodation will be sorted. It's all starting to feel much more real than it did a few weeks ago. : )
Absolutely. A large part of it for me is about self-correction and doing as much as possible to roll back some of the more detrimental effects of the all-cursed T. >:-)
As your injuries start to clear up and heal, you must be able to be seeing more of the new (or how you believe you should have looked in the first place), you. It's good that you've got family and your partner there that you can have a joke with about it all because I'd imagine healing on one's own would be a wearying experience (so glad I have my mum and brother). Not looking forward how to learn to sleep on my back though as I've always done it on my front.
Anyways, hopefully the diminishment of your bruises speeds up and you gain your old energy back. It must be nice to see light at the end of the tunnel in getting back into the regular swing of things. x
Wow Dash,
Basically the same procedures! apart from the upper lip lipo filling you are having... He took out quite a bit of fat from under my chin you know! I'm very happy with that!
Went online and found out about the bloody eyeballs, it can happen to some people when there is a mixture of blood thinners (which dr Bart gave me a shot of, the day before surgery) and from the trauma from the work near the eyes (nose and possibly from the work on the orbital rims). It's finally healing, it can take up to 4 weeks to heal on many people so if it's gone anytime before that, I'll be happy. But at this point I might as well wait till the head band is off for good next Tuesday to show you ladies my first after pics. I am getting really excited for my results! Still get in pain when I wake up in the mornings and after dinner (from chewing) my Dr (GP) gave me some low strength cocodamol to keep me going while that keeps happening (he is a wonderful GP) he also looked at my forehead incision out of curiosity and he said it looks like an extremely well done job, which is great to hear from him!
Quote from: Julia-Madrid on September 09, 2014, 01:46:51 AM
Dear Carly
You had a lot done and need to try take it easy. But if you're able to do a bit of house cleaning I think you're doing pretty well.
Aaaargh, the darn endotines! It's now six weeks since my FFS and one of the endotines still hurts, but mainly at night for some bizzare reason. And your lips will get better, although it's annoying not to have the feedback when eating. I took to positioning my iPhone on the table at the correct angle, to be able to start the camera app and check whether I had food on my face. See the narcissistic lady who looks like a hamster constantly checking herself out, oh well... :D
I flew to London last week to try get my female passport. An absolute disaster! Between Passport Office documentation, and what in hindsight was total and utter disinformation when I called their helpdesk to get clarity and arrange the appointment ("Yes, you'll need a psychologist's letter"), and then a full day and two trips to the PO in London, first being told "yes" and then being told "no, not quite", it was a miserable day. You nearly saw Julia bawling her little eyes out in Victoria station. Truly, although superficially it appears sound, the PO's handling of us is abysmal, and it need not be so - they just need clear written guidelines both externally and interally. I'm psyching myself up for Round Two! >:-)
Besos
Julia
Julia,
That's a bummer! I don't understand why they would give you a hard time, although I'm sure as soon as you bring them proof of your transition in Spain (that letter they asked and whatever else protocol they follow in Spain) they won't be able to say no then.
Let us know what they say on your next trip there to fix it, I hope it will all go smoothly next time. I am cheering you from here. My stuff was taken care of a while back but I think it was handled in a very individual manner due to the fact that it got all taken care of at the same time as my residency papers In Britain. I am cheering you from here girl!
Hugs lovelies
Carly x x
Quote from: calicarly on September 12, 2014, 02:59:10 PM
Julia,
That's a bummer! I don't understand why they would give you a hard time, although I'm sure as soon as you bring them proof of your transition in Spain (that letter they asked and whatever else protocol they follow in Spain) they won't be able to say no then.
Let us know what they say on your next trip there to fix it, I hope it will all go smoothly next time. I am cheering you from here. My stuff was taken care of a while back but I think it was handled in a very individual manner due to the fact that it got all taken care of at the same time as my residency papers In Britain. I am cheering you from here girl!
Hi Carly
Actually, it's quite complicated. Formal legal recognition of a gender change in Spain requires you to have been on hormones for 2 years, or until you turn up with your lower bits in their new configuration. But the UK passport office in theory only requests "a letter from your doctor or medical consultant confirming that your change of gender is likely to be permanent", and it appears that psychologists don't count! I mean, what is a "medical consultant" exactly? This is bizarre, considering that the WPATH guidelines specifically state two letters from separate psychologists prior to GRS, so if anyone knows our stability and intent it's our psychologist. Oh, and the one-day passport change doesn't exist for gender changes - that needs a full week, but nobody tells you this!
Anyhow, we knew that we would find hurdles in our paths; mine are just complicated by living in Spain, but I shall get there, as our in house GP has now agreed to provide me such letters :D
Sorry to hear that you still have bloody eyes; they are rather exotic and might allow you to be an extra in some Doctor Who episode - a Transylvanian transgender vampire or something! >:-). I have read about this and I am sure it will clear up soon (the vampirism I mean). Until then it's dark glasses in the supermarket, so I guess it's liveable if not quite the effect you want. Countdown to getting the headband off, and of course you know the mantra - photos, photos, we want photos!
Yours with gradually reducing hamster jowls, squeak!
A/J
Hi ladies!
I had a meeting with Dr Bart las week in Antwerp, and really enjoyed that first contact.. he is a kind person, open to listen the particular story of each individual, I felt he is simply human.. About the work to be done on me, he estimated that forehead rework essentially will consist in shaving the eyebrow bones and shifting the brows up ... this is good news of course compared to the scary type III reconstruction... also my hairline will drop down one centimeter, he said, another good thing..
Then, my nose too needs work, and he will refine and narrow the main line and make the wings closer and lower by adding some cartilage from my ears at their bottom... crazy techniques...
The cheeks will be filled with my own fat, he checked I had some to provide....:-))
Finally, he estimated nothing has to be done on my jaw and chin, good news too...
The clinic is brand new and staff are so kind... all this is excellent to me, I thought once to go for MDM, but now I believe I will give up on that side, and go for Dr Bart... I live in north east of France, it it 4 hours of train to get to Antwerp...
My schedule will be likely by mid March,2015..I will open a post then ....
Cheers
Marie
Quote from: marie on September 17, 2014, 03:41:59 AM
Hi ladies!
I had a meeting with Dr Bart las week in Antwerp, and really enjoyed that first contact.. he is a kind person, open to listen the particular story of each individual, I felt he is simply human.. About the work to be done on me, he estimated that forehead rework essentially will consist in shaving the eyebrow bones and shifting the brows up ... this is good news of course compared to the scary type III reconstruction... also my hairline will drop down one centimeter, he said, another good thing..
Then, my nose too needs work, and he will refine and narrow the main line and make the wings closer and lower by adding some cartilage from my ears at their bottom... crazy techniques...
The cheeks will be filled with my own fat, he checked I had some to provide....:-))
Finally, he estimated nothing has to be done on my jaw and chin, good news too...
The clinic is brand new and staff are so kind... all this is excellent to me, I thought once to go for MDM, but now I believe I will give up on that side, and go for Dr Bart... I live in north east of France, it it 4 hours of train to get to Antwerp...
My schedule will be likely by mid March,2015..I will open a post then ....
Cheers
Marie
Bonjour Marie
J'habite également le nord-est de la France et suis une ancienne patiente, très satisfaite, de Dr VdV. Si tu as des questions et étant donné l'ampleur de ma propre chirurgie qui a inclus quasiment toutes les procédures envisageables sauf la réduction de la pomme d'Adam, n'hésite pas à m'envoyer un PM (message personnel)
Bises
Donna
Quote from: Donna E on September 17, 2014, 03:52:45 AM
... n'hésite pas à m'envoyer un PM (message personnel)...
Done ! ;)
I am booked in for a few things with Dr. B in Jan :-D
Hello lovelies!
Sorry I haven't been around a whole lot I did a lot of running around this week and had to get back to the office mid week also, I am extremely excited now I have been playing with some make up a couple of times but I am just waiting maybe 2 or 3 more days to take pics cause my eyes need clearing up a tiny bit more. The bruising on the skin has finally cleared up now completely and the pain in my jaw and chin is still somewhat present so I am still taking the prescription low dose pain killers my Dr gave me (mainly in the mornings) the headband that compresses the chin is off since this last Wednesday too.
Quote from: kira21 ♡♡♡ on September 17, 2014, 06:33:56 AM
I am booked in for a few things with Dr. B in Jan :-D
Hi Kira!
That's awesome Hun! I think I saw a thread of yours here in the forums. You'll find Dr Bart is a really caring Doctor and he cares for his patients so I'm sure you will be in good hands! What are you having done ? ...
Quote from: marie on September 17, 2014, 03:41:59 AM
Hi ladies!
I had a meeting with Dr Bart las week in Antwerp, and really enjoyed that first contact.. he is a kind person, open to listen the particular story of each individual, I felt he is simply human.. About the work to be done on me, he estimated that forehead rework essentially will consist in shaving the eyebrow bones and shifting the brows up ... this is good news of course compared to the scary type III reconstruction... also my hairline will drop down one centimeter, he said, another good thing..
Then, my nose too needs work, and he will refine and narrow the main line and make the wings closer and lower by adding some cartilage from my ears at their bottom... crazy techniques...
The cheeks will be filled with my own fat, he checked I had some to provide....:-))
Finally, he estimated nothing has to be done on my jaw and chin, good news too...
The clinic is brand new and staff are so kind... all this is excellent to me, I thought once to go for MDM, but now I believe I will give up on that side, and go for Dr Bart... I live in north east of France, it it 4 hours of train to get to Antwerp...
My schedule will be likely by mid March,2015..I will open a post then ....
Cheers
Marie
Marie,
That's really good news that you could get away without work on your chin and jaw, I'm sure that will mean a lot lower cost for your procedures!! Please share with us what happens! All the best!
Quote from: Julia-Madrid on September 13, 2014, 05:25:34 AM
Hi Carly
Actually, it's quite complicated. Formal legal recognition of a gender change in Spain requires you to have been on hormones for 2 years, or until you turn up with your lower bits in their new configuration. But the UK passport office in theory only requests "a letter from your doctor or medical consultant confirming that your change of gender is likely to be permanent", and it appears that psychologists don't count! I mean, what is a "medical consultant" exactly? This is bizarre, considering that the WPATH guidelines specifically state two letters from separate psychologists prior to GRS, so if anyone knows our stability and intent it's our psychologist. Oh, and the one-day passport change doesn't exist for gender changes - that needs a full week, but nobody tells you this!
Anyhow, we knew that we would find hurdles in our paths; mine are just complicated by living in Spain, but I shall get there, as our in house GP has now agreed to provide me such letters :D
Sorry to hear that you still have bloody eyes; they are rather exotic and might allow you to be an extra in some Doctor Who episode - a Transylvanian transgender vampire or something! >:-). I have read about this and I am sure it will clear up soon (the vampirism I mean). Until then it's dark glasses in the supermarket, so I guess it's liveable if not quite the effect you want. Countdown to getting the headband off, and of course you know the mantra - photos, photos, we want photos!
Yours with gradually reducing hamster jowls, squeak!
A/J
Haha!! Julia, I love how you describe the jaw swelling. Hamster jowls is definitely what it looks like. They are reducing tho so that's good! So does that mean you may be able to get away with a letter from your Dr saying your gender change is likely permanent? I hope so!
Carly x
Hi Carly,
I was just wondering how you were doing today. I received my reminder to see Dr Bart (next Saturday) this morning and you sprang to mind. I hope all is going well with your recovery. It's amazing how time flies sometimes, you've had your FFS and I've been on hormones for over two months!
Quote from: calicarly on September 20, 2014, 01:41:19 PM
Hi Kira!
That's awesome Hun! I think I saw a thread of yours here in the forums. You'll find Dr Bart is a really caring Doctor and he cares for his patients so I'm sure you will be in good hands! What are you having done ? ...
I am having jaw, chin, nose and trach. :-) I am so looking forward to it! :-)
Not really sure if I will be going it alone at the moment, but however it happens, its happening :-)
Hi all!
I saw Dr Bart yesterday for my post-op consultation. After taking photos we discussed my trachea shave and how it's still a bit noticeable. I was offered a revision, provided the scan says I can have more shaved off. He did notice that I've lost weight and he showed me a pic of myself taken before my op and you could tell I've slimmed down quite a bit. I also asked for a quote for forehead contouring and hairline lowering and was told that I just need a shave of the brow bossing - hope he's right! I think I'll do all this next year.
How's your recovery going Carly? It must be close to a month since your op. Hope it all goes well for you Kira, if you have any questions just ask :)
Hi honeys!
After having issues with compatibility between one of my iPads and phone and photobucket for some reason I am able to upload pics again.
Here is a before and after profile pic, no make up. It was taken right after I got back from Belgium so, this was around 10 days or so after surgey. You can see a lot of bruising and swelling there but also how nice the forehead is and shows the results of the rhinoplasty too.
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi32.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fd11%2Fcalicarly1%2Fimagejpg1_zpsc069b7fc.jpg&hash=69f5f6cf495342abc8929fa4944ffa0242aa176f) (http://s32.photobucket.com/user/calicarly1/media/imagejpg1_zpsc069b7fc.jpg.html)
It's important to note that unlike most of the people who have posted threads of their ffs lately, I had chin and jaw work done, so I have had a long road to recovery in that department. Particularly with the swelling. I had nerve damage from the chin/jaw work too, to my left side. I have Bell's palsy (temporary paralysis) and yes, people can tell, and it is noticeable, particularly when I speak. It looks like my left side of my lip/face is a little "melted" and my lip pulls down when I talk and I have a lisp. I am not that worried though, as it is getting better, but I thought it would be important to mention for those of you who worry about it. It can and does happen and you will need to figure out what you have to do in regards to work colleagues, etc. Depending on your individual situation, As the healing time will lengthen even more. And if you get scared easily, well I'm sure in my place many would be terrified. So please have this in mind and weight your options and wether you are willing to go through something like this. Bell's palsy can last from a few weeks up to a year or two. Depending on your individual case.
And here is a picture from 4-5 days ago, with my hair up and no makeup apart from some eyeliner . You can see more of the hairline incision. And how the swelling is looking with the chin, you can tell the skin is a little "hangy" but that also has been slowly getting better, the eyes finally clearing up there, only small spots of bruising to the sclera left. It has pretty much cleared up now.
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi32.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fd11%2Fcalicarly1%2Fimagejpg1_zps50af24e4.jpg&hash=f60b3b39b55911b35371f07a4090dd89eb9fae3a) (http://s32.photobucket.com/user/calicarly1/media/imagejpg1_zps50af24e4.jpg.html)
I will be coming back with some pics of me with makeup and hair done.
Hugs ladies ;) xoxo
Quote from: calicarly on September 29, 2014, 07:25:58 AM
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi32.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fd11%2Fcalicarly1%2Fimagejpg1_zps50af24e4.jpg&hash=f60b3b39b55911b35371f07a4090dd89eb9fae3a) (http://s32.photobucket.com/user/calicarly1/media/imagejpg1_zps50af24e4.jpg.html)
I will be coming back with some pics of me with makeup and hair done.
Hugs ladies ;) xoxo
Carly,
You look like a very natural cis beauty to me, no makeup tells the real story and you get an A+, love your looks sweetie!
You look so pretty without make-up! Your forehead is so smooth now, definitely a good job Carly!
Quote from: Shantel on September 29, 2014, 08:11:00 AM
Carly,
You look like a very natural cis beauty to me, no makeup tells the real story and you get an A+, love your looks sweetie!
Thank you Shantel you're a darling :) can't wait for more of the swelling to go down.
Quote from: alena on September 29, 2014, 02:57:48 PM
You look so pretty without make-up! Your forehead is so smooth now, definitely a good job Carly!
I am very pleased so far Alena! And as you can see the hairline looks really good now too, so I can definitely recommend Dr Bart for it all if you're thinking of having it done next year. Good news that he's willing to do a revision of your trachea shave too if possible.
How have you been feeling since you started HRT Alena? It's been some months now right? The changes must be starting to become somewhat noticeable.
I do love my forehead so much I keep tying my hair up, which before I only felt comfortable with when I had bangs /fringe so I could still detract from my forehead while I had my hair up. My really long hair used to be my go to feature in a lot of cases. Now I'm happy to just put it all up too, also since I had all that bruising to the eyes I spent almost the whole month barely having worn make up and since ffs of course I feel like I can go anywhere bare faced and feel comfortable with it. Even when a lot of things are still healing.
Hugs sweetie x
Quote from: calicarly on September 29, 2014, 03:16:53 PM
I am very pleased so far Alena! And as you can see the hairline looks really good now too, so I can definitely recommend Dr Bart for it all if you're thinking of having it done next year. Good news that he's willing to do a revision of your trachea shave too if possible.
How have you been feeling since you started HRT Alena? It's been some months now right? The changes must be starting to become somewhat noticeable.
I do love my forehead so much I keep tying my hair up, which before I only felt comfortable with when I had bangs /fringe so I could still detract from my forehead while I had my hair up. My really long hair used to be my go to feature in a lot of cases. Now I'm happy to just put it all up too, also since I had all that bruising to the eyes I spent almost the whole month barely having worn make up and since ffs of course I feel like I can go anywhere bare faced and feel comfortable with it. Even when a lot of things are still healing.
Hugs sweetie x
You look great with your hair up, and it shows off your nicely shaped eyebrows too! Dr Bart said he could lower my hairline by about 1cm when he does the forehead work as well, but all that won't happen until I've been on the hormones for a bit longer. I've been on them for almost three months. I had my blood work done on Friday and my T levels has halved and I'm officially estrogen dominant now :) Mentally I feel good, almost like I did before the dysphoria hit me. Physically the changes include - softer skin, breast buds (my girlfriend accidentally elbowed me today and it hurt like hell!) and more vellous hairs sprouting up. My e dose has also been upped by 50% so I'll see where that takes me over the coming months - exciting times ahead! x
you are a natural beauty Carly, love the results
Quote from: shedevilcanada on September 29, 2014, 08:50:03 PM
you are a natural beauty Carly, love the results
Thank you Sheila. :)
Hiya Carly
You are looking extremely good, so I do hope that you are pleased!!! Your points above are absolutely correct - FFS is no walk in the park, and some of it is extremely harsh surgery with a slow recovery time, and it's for exactly this reason that girls should be very careful about choosing a good surgeon and being patient with the results.
Since you've already noted that the lisp is improving, this is no doubt due to immediate post-operative trauma, and I'm certain that you'll recovery that part quickly. I'm gradually getting back my bottom lip mobility, but I do occasionally let out a whistle on the sibilants. Only we notice these things!
Hugs
Julia
Quote from: Julia-Madrid on October 01, 2014, 03:45:16 PM
Hiya Carly
You are looking extremely good, so I do hope that you are pleased!!! Your points above are absolutely correct - FFS is no walk in the park, and some of it is extremely harsh surgery with a slow recovery time, and it's for exactly this reason that girls should be very careful about choosing a good surgeon and being patient with the results.
Since you've already noted that the lisp is improving, this is no doubt due to immediate post-operative trauma, and I'm certain that you'll recovery that part quickly. I'm gradually getting back my bottom lip mobility, but I do occasionally let out a whistle on the sibilants. Only we notice these things!
Hugs
Julia
Hi Julia!
Yes, actually I can't believe what a big difference even the last week has made to the issue with the lip, I'm actually expecting it to be 90% better within the next couple of months max so that's good news, people that don't know me well or see me for the first time actually aren't noticing anything anymore so I think I've also gotten used to disguise it well, that and it's actually going away. I am very pleased! And despite everything I am very very happy I went through with it all.
You look really good! I am looking forward to my surgery. Seems like ages, but I am sure it will go very quickly!
Carly you look beautiful! Congratulations on the great results!
his forehead work is amazing. you look great hun! congrats :)
Hi Carly,
Thanks lots of taking the time to document your journey. I;m pleased to see the forehead improvement in your side profile. No doubt you'll fabulous after you've recovered.
Did Dr. Bart suggest prednisone cortosoids for swelling reduction targeting your swollen or compressed nerve? I read this could be useful for Bell's Palsy when administered with 3 days of onset?
I had a consultation with him last week and may have similar work to yours.
Kind regards, Soph.
Quote from: kira21 ♡♡♡ on October 03, 2014, 06:24:18 AM
You look really good! I am looking forward to my surgery. Seems like ages, but I am sure it will go very quickly!
It will go quickly, at very first some anxiety of wanting to get it done now kicks in but, enjoy it, don't allow nerves to ruin this, it's a positive step and so long you keep your already positive attitude, you will be just fine :) .
Quote from: Orchid on October 03, 2014, 02:25:59 PM
I have paid attention to your progress since the birth of the thread, but I never said anything! Creepiness aside, I am so happy and inspired by you! I didn't know much about the healing process, so I really do appreciate you showing us the step by step progression, because it gives me something to go from when I have my ffs.
Your jaw is so feminine and pretty! Your whole face really, but these changes positively amplified your beauty. Congrats on all of the sweet progress, jaw-dropper!
No creepiness at all, I wanted to share my experience so other girls could have a guide of sorts (even though we are all different) through FFS. Why? Because so many focus so much on being stealth etc, and it has to be documented. To make it easier for others coming after us. Thank you for the compliments honey
Quote from: Isabel2006 on October 04, 2014, 12:15:12 AM
Carly you look beautiful! Congratulations on the great results!
Quote from: jenn90210 on October 05, 2014, 07:05:29 PM
his forehead work is amazing. you look great hun! congrats :)
Thank you darlings!
Quote from: alicel on October 07, 2014, 07:13:17 AM
Hi Carly,
Thanks lots of taking the time to document your journey. I;m pleased to see the forehead improvement in your side profile. No doubt you'll fabulous after you've recovered.
Did Dr. Bart suggest prednisone cortosoids for swelling reduction targeting your swollen or compressed nerve? I read this could be useful for Bell's Palsy when administered with 3 days of onset?
I had a consultation with him last week and may have similar work to yours.
Kind regards, Soph.
Hi Sopth,
I must admit, I didn't realize that I had this problem until everything was healing and I realized that the palsy was there. By then it was probably too late for prednisone and I soon realized at that time that the issue was getting better quick, it is now healing quicker that I thought it would anyway, a month or 2 max and this won't even be an issue anymore :) .
And to Dash,
Hun yes Ambassador suites is close to a supermarket called Delhaize and close to the metro system etc. But once you have had your op you will have to go to your post op controls in a taxi cab if possible, although you really won't care either way at that point lol. I am glad I stayed there and I will likely book them again when I go for my post op. Not sure yet though, if it's only one night We might stay at a hotel but any more than that and I will prob stay at ambassador suites.
By the way Dash , the doubke chin work was very successful, I think you will be pleased with that one too.
Hugs x
WOW! You look incredible .I am feeling confident I have made the rite choose.
Thank you for sharing your journey .
Kristine
Quote from: calicarly on September 29, 2014, 07:25:58 AMIt's important to note that unlike most of the people who have posted threads of their ffs lately, I had chin and jaw work done, so I have had a long road to recovery in that department. Particularly with the swelling. I had nerve damage from the chin/jaw work too, to my left side. I have Bell's palsy (temporary paralysis) and yes, people can tell, and it is noticeable, particularly when I speak. It looks like my left side of my lip/face is a little "melted" and my lip pulls down when I talk and I have a lisp. I am not that worried though, as it is getting better, but I thought it would be important to mention for those of you who worry about it. It can and does happen and you will need to figure out what you have to do in regards to work colleagues, etc. Depending on your individual situation, As the healing time will lengthen even more. And if you get scared easily, well I'm sure in my place many would be terrified. So please have this in mind and weight your options and wether you are willing to go through something like this. Bell's palsy can last from a few weeks up to a year or two. Depending on your individual case.
That's exactly what I'm experiencing now Carly. So glad I have the above post for reference, because I have been panicking a bit. My lower lip is really swollen, pulled back and almost entirely concealed by my upper lip, and there's zero sensation in the lower lip or chin.
I'm trying to remain positive and tell myself I only had surgery two days ago, but yeah, it is scary.
Dash I didint feel my lip and chin also, its been 5 months and both are nuch better now, the feeling is 90% back so dont worry it might take a while but it will come back sooner or later
congrats on ur surgery, you look
great have a speedy recovery
Quote from: shedevilcanada on October 31, 2014, 10:28:18 PM
Dash I didint feel my lip and chin also, its been 5 months and both are nuch better now, the feeling is 90% back so dont worry it might take a while but it will come back sooner or later
congrats on ur surgery, you look
great have a speedy recovery
I'm glad that your sensation has nearly all but returned to you, shedevilcanada. Thanks for the reassuring words - much, much appreciated. x
Hey Y'All
I had chin narrowing and sliding genioplasty, and my chin and central part of my bottom lip were numb for around 3 months. Sensation is now gradually returning, so in a few more months hopefully I will be back to "normal" :D
Xxx
J
I had a rather radical neck lift surgery three years ago by a gifted plastic surgeon. The underside of my chin all the way to the neck felt dead for a year and a half, most of the feeling has returned except in just one square inch under the tip of my chin which has some muted feeling indicating that it's coming back. A lot of nerves get severed during surgeries, but the body has an amazing way of healing itself and eventually those nerve ends reconnect.
That's a relief, ladies. I'm sorry that it took so long to come back for you both, but i'm glad it has. It serves me no use worrying about it at this moment in time so I'm going to remain positive.
Hello lovely ladies,
After a really busy period of time, I finally had my post op appointment with Dr Bart in Belgium, and there's some before and afters to share, What can I say? I am happy.
Sorry for leaving so long without commenting but I really wanted to get some good healing behind me and have been mad busy! it's now 5 months and I still feel like I see small amounts of settling here and there.
Hugs!
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi32.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fd11%2Fcalicarly1%2Fimage.jpg2_zpsb4dhsklc.jpg&hash=fdea0bd3286a7cb99234fabe84e696fdaf053c0e) (http://s32.photobucket.com/user/calicarly1/media/image.jpg2_zpsb4dhsklc.jpg.html)
Wow Carly beautiful results , subtle but looks natural and younger and even more feminine
congrats
Dr. Bart did an amazing job
Quote from: shedevilcanada on February 01, 2015, 09:56:27 AM
Wow Carly beautiful results , subtle but looks natural and younger and even more feminine
congrats
I keep getting that, when before people used to guess I was older than my age, now it's the opposite.
Quote from: Sophiabutterfly09 on February 01, 2015, 11:50:34 AM
Dr. Bart did an amazing job
I agree :)
Congrats Carly! Glad you happy with the results, did you ever do that TV interview for him?
Thanks Alena!!!
No, my twin sister didn't like the idea of being presented as the "before" which I think it's respectable a decision really. :) she's still meeting Dr Bart in March when he's traveling to L.A. For consultations, she wants him to do her FFS as she wants to keep the twin look as much as possible that right now has somewhat been lost .
How are things for you? I remember you being on patches last and you'd had a trachea shave and had just been to see Bart for the post op.?
Hugs x
Hi Carly,
Dr Bart does get around these days! I've moved from patches to gels recently. The patches were good but it was quite irritable when I removed them and I struggled to find a rash free area to put them on after six months. Gels are good but a bit messier and I have to apply them every evening and wait for it to dry. As for further FFS I'm going to wait another 6 months to see what the HRT does, but will prob go for type 1 forehead procedure and the hairline lowering that I got costed at my last visit :)
Quote from: alena on February 03, 2015, 12:32:17 PM
Hi Carly,
Dr Bart does get around these days! I've moved from patches to gels recently. The patches were good but it was quite irritable when I removed them and I struggled to find a rash free area to put them on after six months. Gels are good but a bit messier and I have to apply them every evening and wait for it to dry. As for further FFS I'm going to wait another 6 months to see what the HRT does, but will prob go for type 1 forehead procedure and the hairline lowering that I got costed at my last visit :)
Well, interestingly enough I ended up developing the rash/allergy to the glue in the patches also, I am on a combination of gel and oral these days that's working pretty well for me, I'm doing it rit before I brush my teeth and put on my night face cream and it dries out fairly quickly while I do that. When are you thinking of getting your forehead done?? Oh btw I finally have been going to the GIC, I will be getting accepted into the pathway next appointment. That was a long wait!!
Hugs xx
How is the lower lip and chin? Is feeling back?
I went for my surgery and have the same, so it seems very common. I have had no feeling or motion in it for the last 5 weeks, I think it's been.
It's funny how everybody mention this sensation loss in the chin/lip/jaw area. I was completely accepting and ready for it. And then nothing, no sensation loss there at all. That's great, but I could literally feel every single stitch in my mouth with every bite I made. I did only had minor chin/jaw work done though. And yet NOBODY mentioned that cheek implants hurts like f****** hell! Seriously all the other work together didn't hurt half as bad as cheek implants. And I didn't even had big or medium size implants, just a small tiny implants, only for frontal projection. And I even had that strange really really hard swelling (where you dont know if its swelling or bone or misplaced implant or what...) on one side of the face.
calicarly you look seriously beautiful on this new avatar photo.
Quote from: calicarly on February 09, 2015, 04:37:56 PM
Well, interestingly enough I ended up developing the rash/allergy to the glue in the patches also, I am on a combination of gel and oral these days that's working pretty well for me, I'm doing it rit before I brush my teeth and put on my night face cream and it dries out fairly quickly while I do that. When are you thinking of getting your forehead done?? Oh btw I finally have been going to the GIC, I will be getting accepted into the pathway next appointment. That was a long wait!!
Hugs xx
You're looking great in your new avatar! Great minds think alike - I put my gel on before I brush my teeth/get ready for bed. I use two sachets at present, so I slap some on an inside thigh and another on my midriff. I will probably get my forehead done in 6-9 months time - I'll see what the hormones do in that time. Congrats on the GIC, I hear they can take ages for some, I found this document quite informative about GICs in England http://uktrans.info/attachments/article/341/PatientPopulationSept14.pdf (http://uktrans.info/attachments/article/341/PatientPopulationSept14.pdf). Does that mean they will handle your HRT and monitoring from now on?
Quote from: kira21 ♡♡♡ on February 12, 2015, 02:52:43 PM
How is the lower lip and chin? Is feeling back?
I went for my surgery and have the same, so it seems very common. I have had no feeling or motion in it for the last 5 weeks, I think it's been.
Kira,
As you know I had a bad, baaaad case of palsy to the area, I can happily confirm that the whole area has improved greatly, I would say my lp and chin was almost back to normal from 2.5 months on, i have no issues now apart from some slight numbness and when I drink some really cold soda type thing I feel like the outside of my chin is wet. So give it a few more weeks you will start to see a lot of improvement hun xx keep us posted
Quote from: mmmmm on February 12, 2015, 03:37:58 PM
It's funny how everybody mention this sensation loss in the chin/lip/jaw area. I was completely accepting and ready for it. And then nothing, no sensation loss there at all. That's great, but I could literally feel every single stitch in my mouth with every bite I made. I did only had minor chin/jaw work done though. And yet NOBODY mentioned that cheek implants hurts like f****** hell! Seriously all the other work together didn't hurt half as bad as cheek implants. And I didn't even had big or medium size implants, just a small tiny implants, only for frontal projection. And I even had that strange really really hard swelling (where you dont know if its swelling or bone or misplaced implant or what...) on one side of the face.
calicarly you look seriously beautiful on this new avatar photo.
Hi hun, good thing you got no problems wi the lip and chin , I didn't know that about the cheek implants (I didn't have them done) but it's good you're sharing that info cause someone else might read it and actually be prepared for it :) thank you for the compliment hun :)
Quote from: alena on February 12, 2015, 03:57:29 PM
You're looking great in your new avatar! Great minds think alike - I put my gel on before I brush my teeth/get ready for bed. I use two sachets at present, so I slap some on an inside thigh and another on my midriff. I will probably get my forehead done in 6-9 months time - I'll see what the hormones do in that time. Congrats on the GIC, I hear they can take ages for some, I found this document quite informative about GICs in England http://uktrans.info/attachments/article/341/PatientPopulationSept14.pdf (http://uktrans.info/attachments/article/341/PatientPopulationSept14.pdf). Does that mean they will handle your HRT and monitoring from now on?
Yes Alena, always good to see what the hormones might do and get you on the right mindset too to get on with all these things, I read the document you posted, vey informative!! Thank you. Yes the GIC will take over the HRT and monitoring for a period of time, once they get you on a regimen that works for you they send all that info back to your GP For them to take back over with the best regimen possible. I'm excited, but at the same time I'm hoping the NHS tackles the backlog for GRS surgery.
I'll post some regular selfies and pics of me while out and about cause that's more natural thannthe ones I posed for DR Bart.
Quote from: calicarly on February 12, 2015, 05:21:19 PM
.... i have no issues now apart from some slight numbness and when I drink some really cold soda type thing I feel like the outside of my chin is wet...
How interesting Carly - I have a very similar feeling - it's like the nerves are a little scrambled and what's happening on the inside feels like it's going on outside! Most weird... ::)
Yes! , I also used to get a slight itchy feelig that even if I scratched my chin still was there like a tingling. But I haven't really had it the past month or so...
I like this before and after that my bf made for me, like Dr Bart's, the before shows me looking a little unkept with no make up and all, but it is nice to see the full on no make up before and with make up after.
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi32.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fd11%2Fcalicarly1%2Fimage.jpg1_zpsyjhlcijn.jpg&hash=3ec6fde879145a9845bc0d0b52ed7bb7a6ff0029)
And here's a collage of me from different stages of healing at different points along the 5+ months since FFS :) the middle pic is me before my brazilian butt lift procedure I just had done at the end of January to enhance my curves (lipo to mid section, fat transfer to hips and ass) I might share some pics of that later on if anyone has any interest, it's been 3 weeks and I still can't sit down lol but I am ever so close to getting back to the normal routine... Phew! Anyhow!
Lotsa hugs!!
Carly xx
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi32.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fd11%2Fcalicarly1%2Fimage.jpg1_zpspwugmasj.jpg&hash=31cbb5ab4fc2e0c5930ee5f22d76b6a77e0143a1) (http://s32.photobucket.com/user/calicarly1/media/image.jpg1_zpspwugmasj.jpg.html)
Carly
wow Carly you look so beautiful, the first pic on the left is stunning , please do share pics of your fat transfer , Im thinking of doing it too. Who did yours?
Looking beautiful Carly! The FFS was a success. I've always wondered if fat transfers are permanant or do dissipate over time?
Quote from: calicarly on February 19, 2015, 05:11:21 PM
And here's a collage of me from different stages of healing at different points along the 5+ months since FFS :) the middle pic is me before my brazilian butt lift procedure I just had done at the end of January to enhance my curves (lipo to mid section, fat transfer to hips and ass) I might share some pics of that later on if anyone has any interest, it's been 3 weeks and I still can't sit down lol but I am ever so close to getting back to the normal routine... Phew! Anyhow!
Lotsa hugs!!
Carly xx
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi32.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fd11%2Fcalicarly1%2Fimage.jpg1_zpspwugmasj.jpg&hash=31cbb5ab4fc2e0c5930ee5f22d76b6a77e0143a1) (http://s32.photobucket.com/user/calicarly1/media/image.jpg1_zpspwugmasj.jpg.html)
Carly
I love your results Carly! Prety you! Your collage made me wonder what the first six months post-op are like in terms of changes in your face. Am I asking too much if ask you to summarize each month? Do you look like what you thought you would look like when you were 1 month post-op? Is the top/left pic the oldest one? Are you wearing more make-up on that one? Sorry to ask, but I wonder why that pic looks different (more so than the other pics compared to each other I think).
Speaking about pics makes me think about 'angles'. I'm not sure if you had an 'angle-problem' before FFS (I guess you know what I mean) and I wonder if FFS took care of that completely?
Good for you that you did the brazilian butt lift! Please tell us all about it! Where did you have it done and how much did it cost? Not being able to sit down for 3 weeks.. oh well.. for me that sounds like SRS and been there done that LOL. We do what we gotta do, don't we? Glad you're close to getting back to the normal routine though!
X
Quote from: shedevilcanada on February 19, 2015, 07:59:53 PM
wow Carly you look so beautiful, the first pic on the left is stunning , please do share pics of your fat transfer , Im thinking of doing it too. Who did yours?
Quote from: alena on February 20, 2015, 06:37:28 AM
Looking beautiful Carly! The FFS was a success. I've always wondered if fat transfers are permanant or do dissipate over time?
Hi girlies!
Thank you much-ly darlings.
What happens with the fat after transfer varies from person to person, but there are some generalised rules that apply to most people.
At least some 50% of the transferred fat will survive to be permanent, that number increases up to around 80% if you have a really experienced Dr, you take care of yourself well postoperatively by not putting pressure on the area and taking things easy for a good 3 weeks, and some good luck thrown in there. Anything above 50% of transferred fat survival and you will see a good difference and have your money's worth anyway, combined with the lipo which really has given me a very nice and small mid section, it just makes the results that much more noticeable by comparison. Maybe I'll start a new thread altogether on the subject. I asked my bf to help me make some before and after collages to share. I guess I would have to start it in the general mtf topics area though cause this is the FFS section. I had the procedure done in Belgium, I had to go see Dr Bart for my post op. So I consulted with a surgeon while I was there, who was surprised at how much nice ready to harvest fat I had (lmao) and he assured me I could see nice results from It. I did originally enquire about hip implants as well, as this was my main area of concern (I already had a big butt, I mainly wanted some added to my hips). After being explained all the possible side effects vs benefits, I decided to give the BBL (Brazilian Butt Lift) a try first. Things are going very, very good at 3 1/2 weeks on. Swelling has now subsided and I should have lost some volume from the transfer but all and all I would say I still have most of it! Yay!
3 months on, whatever you see is yours permanently. I was gonna continue but Jeez there's so much info. Let me look into starting a new thread ladies! Cause this may be seen as hijacking my own thread with a different subject lol :)
Carly.
Thanks Carly, that's very interesting, I better start piling on the pounds - now where's that chocolate bar ;)
Quote from: Yasmeen on February 20, 2015, 05:44:54 PM
I love your results Carly! Prety you! Your collage made me wonder what the first six months post-op are like in terms of changes in your face. Am I asking too much if ask you to summarize each month? Do you look like what you thought you would look like when you were 1 month post-op? Is the top/left pic the oldest one? Are you wearing more make-up on that one? Sorry to ask, but I wonder why that pic looks different (more so than the other pics compared to each other I think).
Speaking about pics makes me think about 'angles'. I'm not sure if you had an 'angle-problem' before FFS (I guess you know what I mean) and I wonder if FFS took care of that completely?
Good for you that you did the brazilian butt lift! Please tell us all about it! Where did you have it done and how much did it cost? Not being able to sit down for 3 weeks.. oh well.. for me that sounds like SRS and been there done that LOL. We do what we gotta do, don't we? Glad you're close to getting back to the normal routine though!
X
Yasmeen,
Here goes!
Month 1. felt like forever waiting for my eyeballs bruising to clear up. I realised there was slurring speech problems etc etc, people constantly asked what happened to me even though I only went out to do things that are necessary. I also bit my lip constantly by mistake.
Month 2. Things started settling a lot but the brusising to the sclera of the eye was slowly shrinking and so I was avoiding going out too much apart from the necessary until all this cleared up .swelling really makes progress at this stage. Family were asking if my lip and speech problem would go away. But eu also started mentioning how nice I looked, people close to you will notice how much of a difference FFS has made for you. My bf commented on how different I looked whenever looking at me on profile while watching TV, he said if I didn't know what you had done or why its like you look younger or something.
Month 3. Finally all bruising had completely cleared out at this point. I started enjoying the benefits of FFS and socialising a little more again. It's good still taking it easy if you can. Although I always loved makeup, I had a new found love for it at this point. Problems with speech etc seemed to go away for the most part at the 3rd month. A friend said. Wow your new dark hair (at the time) seems to bring your eyes out... Lol it wasn't the dark hair.
Month 4things truly have settled the most by now, particularly with chin and jaw. Some people who you don't see often will say you look "well" but they don't seem to be able to point out why you do. Some might say there's something kind of different about you also :) . some clothing choices you love but think were too risky or over the top or maybe too boring seem all a lot more wearable. I don't need to wear something with cleavage to feel very feminine, or makeup. All for obvious reasons! Even boring pj's are ok. No need to try too hard or stay in the safe zone while on a night out.
5 months+ : part of me feels like I can still see small amounts of settling to areas of my face. I am very used to my face now since FFS and hardly remember how things were before unless I look at pics. I think at this point you know wether you are happy or not with your results. From the past 5 months of experience I feel like I can expect more and more settling in the months to come. I do feel prettier the more the facial tissues settle and I have find that I am doing my make up slightly differently. My face is soo rounded and I do have big cheeks. Before FFS I didn't wear bronzer much as I felt it hardened my face. Now. I use it to give my big squirrel cheeks some definition and give my face more of a sophisticated grown up look so don't be surprised if you make changes to your makeup routine. Same like wih clothing, you can be more understated than usual and still feel feminine enough, or going OTT and not feeling like you're gonna get the wrong kind of attention for it.
I do think I had angle problems before FFS. I always felt like I looked good and acceptable with bangs/fringe, once I booked my FFS and I let them grow out I really could see my forehead didn't look right without em.my profile was always an issue. I didn't like pics taken of me like that. I don't worry about that nowadays. I do think my left side is slightly. Better than the right but that just seems down to I dont know what! Lol I am now thinking weather a more modern or layered haircut would look good rather than my long blunt cut hair. Not sure yet.
Yes the brazilian butt lift is a butt kicker (pun intended) for recovery. I am going to start to sit down in the next few days, but it will be a gradual back to normal process. I know my knees, elbows and even neck will really thank me once normal routine is back! I would say that considering all the swelling I had and all I must still have 90% of the transferred fat, the waist line/ abdomen keep going down more and more as things settle too so we'll see how things finish up!
Any questions you might have about the FFS i am happy to answer YASMEEN, before mine, I found a lot of helpful ideas and guidance through this site and I told myself I would post my experience In hopes it might help others with readiness and expectations, etc.!
Hugs!
Quote from: alena on February 21, 2015, 09:06:57 AM
Thanks Carly, that's very interesting, I better start piling on the pounds - now where's that chocolate bar ;)
Ha ha! Yes! they played a big part in the bootay.. What is nice about about BBL is that it's still all you, it's your own fat just moved around!
Quote from: calicarly on February 21, 2015, 12:18:17 PM
Yasmeen,
Here goes!
Month 1. felt like forever waiting for my eyeballs bruising to clear up. I realised there was slurring speech problems etc etc, people constantly asked what happened to me even though I only went out to do things that are necessary. I also bit my lip constantly by mistake.
Month 2. Things started settling a lot but the brusising to the sclera of the eye was slowly shrinking and so I was avoiding going out too much apart from the necessary until all this cleared up .swelling really makes progress at this stage. Family were asking if my lip and speech problem would go away. But eu also started mentioning how nice I looked, people close to you will notice how much of a difference FFS has made for you. My bf commented on how different I looked whenever looking at me on profile while watching TV, he said if I didn't know what you had done or why its like you look younger or something.
Month 3. Finally all bruising had completely cleared out at this point. I started enjoying the benefits of FFS and socialising a little more again. It's good still taking it easy if you can. Although I always loved makeup, I had a new found love for it at this point. Problems with speech etc seemed to go away for the most part at the 3rd month. A friend said. Wow your new dark hair (at the time) seems to bring your eyes out... Lol it wasn't the dark hair.
Month 4things truly have settled the most by now, particularly with chin and jaw. Some people who you don't see often will say you look "well" but they don't seem to be able to point out why you do. Some might say there's something kind of different about you also :) . some clothing choices you love but think were too risky or over the top or maybe too boring seem all a lot more wearable. I don't need to wear something with cleavage to feel very feminine, or makeup. All for obvious reasons! Even boring pj's are ok. No need to try too hard or stay in the safe zone while on a night out.
5 months+ : part of me feels like I can still see small amounts of settling to areas of my face. I am very used to my face now since FFS and hardly remember how things were before unless I look at pics. I think at this point you know wether you are happy or not with your results. From the past 5 months of experience I feel like I can expect more and more settling in the months to come. I do feel prettier the more the facial tissues settle and I have find that I am doing my make up slightly differently. My face is soo rounded and I do have big cheeks. Before FFS I didn't wear bronzer much as I felt it hardened my face. Now. I use it to give my big squirrel cheeks some definition and give my face more of a sophisticated grown up look so don't be surprised if you make changes to your makeup routine. Same like wih clothing, you can be more understated than usual and still feel feminine enough, or going OTT and not feeling like you're gonna get the wrong kind of attention for it.
I do think I had angle problems before FFS. I always felt like I looked good and acceptable with bangs/fringe, once I booked my FFS and I let them grow out I really could see my forehead didn't look right without em.my profile was always an issue. I didn't like pics taken of me like that. I don't worry about that nowadays. I do think my left side is slightly. Better than the right but that just seems down to I dont know what! Lol I am now thinking weather a more modern or layered haircut would look good rather than my long blunt cut hair. Not sure yet.
Yes the brazilian butt lift is a butt kicker (pun intended) for recovery. I am going to start to sit down in the next few days, but it will be a gradual back to normal process. I know my knees, elbows and even neck will really thank me once normal routine is back! I would say that considering all the swelling I had and all I must still have 90% of the transferred fat, the waist line/ abdomen keep going down more and more as things settle too so we'll see how things finish up!
Any questions you might have about the FFS i am happy to answer YASMEEN, before mine, I found a lot of helpful ideas and guidance through this site and I told myself I would post my experience In hopes it might help others with readiness and expectations, etc.!
Hugs!
Thanks so much for sharing Carly! If people asked what happened to you what did you tell them?
Did you colour your hair dark for a reason? Dark looks very good on you, but so does blonde. You're very lucky!
'People who you don't see often will say you look "well" but they don't seem to be able to point out why you do'. How weird is that! I guess it makes sense though.
I never thought about changes to make-up routine but after reading what you wrote it makes a lot of sense!
Sounds like you have less worries now that you had FFS and recovered from it so that's great! I'm so happy for you.
How's sitting Carly?? You poor thing went from one recovery into another! Most people would probable ask how you could do that to yourself, but given the fact that I TOTALLY get that, I'm not going to. Who's the surgeon you had the Brazilian Butt Lift with? I'm considering that surgery too and to have it in Antwerp would just be PERFECT. Did you start a seperate thread about the BBL? I wouldn't mind seeing some pics :)
Take care x
Was it dr Oelbrandt by any chance Carly?
Hi carly,
Thanks for the great thread. Manchester girl here too :)
I have my FFS with Dr Bart 3 weeks today. I'm having forehead, hairline, orbital rims, nose, corners of chin and jaw done.
How did you find the mental aspect of your recovery? What advice would have liked to have known before you had the surgery? Have you any regrets about Dr Bart himself?
I stumbled across this link: http://www.realself.com/review/antwerp-belgium-cheek-augmentation-horrible-experience-cheek-implants-dr-bart
and am now slightly worried :/
I had FFS with Dr Bart about 2 1/2 years ago, here are some pictures since they're far better than what you'd find of me on Dr Bart's site: http://imgur.com/a/Gytar
I consider myself one of his happier customers, at this point, though I got quite depressed while recovering, but that was more to do with work things and general tiredness from recovery resulting in a bad state.
Personally I think he's good and haven't seen that side of him that the realself page describes - cheek implants go wrong a Lot though and they are painful to heal up from so that's probably not helping things.
I'm going to him again for rhinoplasty and also a revision on my forehead in 6 weeks - he's been fairly good about that I think, he wasn't so interested when I brought it up at the 4 month consultation but I went to another consultation with him a month ago and he was a lot more positive about sorting it out so not sure what to think there, what he said at the consultation all pretty much fit what I was after this time.
He was nicer to me now that I'm presenting female and since I was scared going out in girl mode prior to ffs, he wasn't quite sure what to think of me while I was presenting androgynously back then, but still professional.
I've only had one 3 hour surgery (forehead & lip lift) so what I was coping with (face all swollen and tired with mild pain) will be quite different from what you'll be recovering from so I can't really comment on that too much :)
I know a girl that had surgery with Dr Bart last year, she had forehead, rhinoplasty and lip lift and had a really rough time recovering on her own in a hotel room, apparently the nurse you can hire isn't that helpful if you need much more than checking on to make sure you're alive once a day. She was really badly affected by the general anesthetic though so that might be an exception.
If you're going alone (I am), make sure to prepare food - and since you're getting jaw surgery it would need to be soft food. The swelling and bruising can be pretty bad to start with so get enough food to last a few days.
Have some decent concealer ready, I had really bad bruising around my eyes that lasted for weeks, long after the swelling went down.
Quote from: voodle on April 16, 2015, 05:47:30 PM
He was nicer to me now that I'm presenting female and since I was scared going out in girl mode prior to ffs, he wasn't quite sure what to think of me while I was presenting androgynously back then, but still professional.
seems that a lot of surgeons are indifferent in your request for FFS when u dont present yourself as female. I had that problem with many surgeons when they see u dress as a boy or androgeneous. Its sad that they judge you and dont take you seriously. The $$$$ are the same.
Quote from: f_Anna_tastic on April 16, 2015, 01:23:37 PM
Hi carly,
Thanks for the great thread. Manchester girl here too :)
I have my FFS with Dr Bart 3 weeks today. I'm having forehead, hairline, orbital rims, nose, corners of chin and jaw done.
How did you find the mental aspect of your recovery? What advice would have liked to have known before you had the surgery? Have you any regrets about Dr Bart himself?
I stumbled across this link: http://www.realself.com/review/antwerp-belgium-cheek-augmentation-horrible-experience-cheek-implants-dr-bart
and am now slightly worried :/
I had surgery with him six months ago, and to be entirely honest, I was very disappointed with the final result and it sent me into a deep depression. I still get misgendered just as often as I did before the surgery, except now I have a top lip with severe overbite and a nose that I breathe worse through as added bonuses.
I did a review of his work in another thread and in retrospect I feel I was being kind to him. I was supposed to have a browlift, which looking back through old photos seems no different and I swear my jaw wasn't operated on at all (which I was charged for).
Quote from: Yasmeen on March 19, 2015, 07:05:07 AM
Was it dr Oelbrandt by any chance Carly?
Hi YASMEEN, it was Dr Doornaert in Ghent, sorry for the late reply.
Quote from: f_Anna_tastic on April 16, 2015, 01:23:37 PM
Hi carly,
Thanks for the great thread. Manchester girl here too :)
I have my FFS with Dr Bart 3 weeks today. I'm having forehead, hairline, orbital rims, nose, corners of chin and jaw done.
How did you find the mental aspect of your recovery? What advice would have liked to have known before you had the surgery? Have you any regrets about Dr Bart himself?
I stumbled across this link: http://www.realself.com/review/antwerp-belgium-cheek-augmentation-horrible-experience-cheek-implants-dr-bart
and am now slightly worried :/
Well,
I can speak from personal experience, I am happier now with my face than I was before surgery, bad results or results that aren't up to expectations do happen, but I would consider that common sense and something that I would say it's to be accepted as part of a process. I I am not aware of him having any more or less success rate than other FFS Drs, all I know is my experience.
If I was to be picky I would say I "might" think about my nose doing again or maybe a small improvement to the forehead as well, but to be honest I am happier now than I was before surgery. I think the pics speak for themselves.
Quote from: Dash on April 21, 2015, 06:06:24 PM
I had surgery with him six months ago, and to be entirely honest, I was very disappointed with the final result and it sent me into a deep depression. I still get misgendered just as often as I did before the surgery, except now I have a top lip with severe overbite and a nose that I breathe worse through as added bonuses.
I did a review of his work in another thread and in retrospect I feel I was being kind to him. I was supposed to have a browlift, which looking back through old photos seems no different and I swear my jaw wasn't operated on at all (which I was charged for).
Sad to hear things aren't looking up for you Dash :( I might need a facelift a few years down the line too btw as the tissue around my chin is def somewhat loose. I just think that I did get much of an improvement in my case even with these small imperfections... Is there something else giving you away for the mis gendering? Like a really deep voice? Xx
Quote from: voodle on April 16, 2015, 05:47:30 PM
I had FFS with Dr Bart about 2 1/2 years ago, here are some pictures since they're far better than what you'd find of me on Dr Bart's site: http://imgur.com/a/Gytar
I consider myself one of his happier customers, at this point, though I got quite depressed while recovering, but that was more to do with work things and general tiredness from recovery resulting in a bad state.
Personally I think he's good and haven't seen that side of him that the realself page describes - cheek implants go wrong a Lot though and they are painful to heal up from so that's probably not helping things.
I'm going to him again for rhinoplasty and also a revision on my forehead in 6 weeks - he's been fairly good about that I think, he wasn't so interested when I brought it up at the 4 month consultation but I went to another consultation with him a month ago and he was a lot more positive about sorting it out so not sure what to think there, what he said at the consultation all pretty much fit what I was after this time.
He was nicer to me now that I'm presenting female and since I was scared going out in girl mode prior to ffs, he wasn't quite sure what to think of me while I was presenting androgynously back then, but still professional.
I've only had one 3 hour surgery (forehead & lip lift) so what I was coping with (face all swollen and tired with mild pain) will be quite different from what you'll be recovering from so I can't really comment on that too much :)
I know a girl that had surgery with Dr Bart last year, she had forehead, rhinoplasty and lip lift and had a really rough time recovering on her own in a hotel room, apparently the nurse you can hire isn't that helpful if you need much more than checking on to make sure you're alive once a day. She was really badly affected by the general anesthetic though so that might be an exception.
If you're going alone (I am), make sure to prepare food - and since you're getting jaw surgery it would need to be soft food. The swelling and bruising can be pretty bad to start with so get enough food to last a few days.
Have some decent concealer ready, I had really bad bruising around my eyes that lasted for weeks, long after the swelling went down.
Hi Hun, I've seen your pics before and always thought you look like a nice person just by them, if that makes any sense. :) I myself might end up with having a small revision or 2, I could tell Dr Bart wanted to see me for the 1 year post op. He was like... I wanna see you again to see how things look then, I think he himself might wanna improve a couple of little things. Wishing you the best for this, the Piccard clinic is really nice, and he is now back there as an owner, so it should be a nice experience.
Quote from: f_Anna_tastic on April 16, 2015, 01:23:37 PM
Hi carly,
Thanks for the great thread. Manchester girl here too :)
I have my FFS with Dr Bart 3 weeks today. I'm having forehead, hairline, orbital rims, nose, corners of chin and jaw done.
How did you find the mental aspect of your recovery? What advice would have liked to have known before you had the surgery? Have you any regrets about Dr Bart himself?
I stumbled across this link: http://www.realself.com/review/antwerp-belgium-cheek-augmentation-horrible-experience-cheek-implants-dr-bart
and am now slightly worried :/
Hi Darling!
This might sound like a weird comment but a lovely and pretty girl who no longer hangs around Susans warned me of one thing no one else ever mentioned to me and it was 100% true, with chin, jaw, and nose work, there will be a lot of blood that will have gotten swallowed and will be the only thing in your tummy, that, anaesthetic, and pain killers all together will make you feel sick for a while after surgery and you will probably end up throwing up what looks like BLACK bloody, barf, if it does happen, don't get scared or worry!
Mentally, yeah, I was drained for the first few weeks, emotional, and felt like I would never look normal again, but I just kept reminding myself it was all part of a process. Those feelings also were mainly due to healing, your body affects your mind. And maybe seeing yourself looking different does have an impact on its own.
Like voodle,, I consider myself one of the happier patients. I never overshot my expectations and have also been very patient. I do genuinely feel like once I go to my 1 year post op, Dr Bart and I will decide wether any small revisions are needed. It's now been 8 months. And most of the settling is done. Just don't be impatient, I know it's almost a strange thing to ask, but try to enjoy the positive changes more than nitpicking at what might be wrong or it can all spiral down into something that shouldn't be so. Let time do its thing. wishing you the best for your surgery, please keep us updated and don't be afraid of hijacking my thread. Any more questions feel free to ask Hun. Hugs xx
haha the pictures that Dr Bart has of me on his site are dreadful, and since I'm still on his site in a sense I'm keen to replace those pictures with new ones. I wish I was as pretty as you but that's probably not going to happen regardless of surgery so I can see why Dr Bart is interested in you :) I do hope that he will care more than last time but we'll see in a few weeks.
I'm quite looking forward to the new - on-site accomodation having stayed in some random flat in ghent before, that will save on the stressful travel for the first check up and since it has air-con, will hopefully be much nicer to stay in. I'm not entirely sure whether the cheap single rooms have a desk or not but n/m if iit doesn't i'm preparing for either.
Also that message on facebook about that patient :( so sad, I hope that doesn't happen any more often but that's the risk of general anesthesia and major surgery unfortunately, I'm glad it was posted on there before anyone could make any claims on there and I think it's the right thing for him to do.
Quick question for Amy, Carly, and Dash....
Do you feel as though you were on an assembly line when being operated by doctor Bart, I know its becoming more common for plastic surgeons to do multiple surgeries per day, but what are your conclusions about this.
As well to Amy and Carly do you believe agreeing to being on Dr. Bart's site help to motivate him into giving a better result.
Dash, if you're concerned about your jaw, do an x-Ray and compare it to the previous.(Get a revision if need be)
As for the review on realself, the person in question is a real wack job, they had a blog up showing photographs, and they did not look horribly bad post op. As well, I recognized their face from someone here on Susan's who posted a photograph in which they detailed how they wanted a face very similar to that of a celebrity's.(Never a good idea when getting plastic surgery)
QuoteThis might sound like a weird comment but a lovely and pretty girl who no longer hangs around Susans warned me of one thing no one else ever mentioned to me and it was 100% true, with chin, jaw, and nose work, there will be a lot of blood that will have gotten swallowed and will be the only thing in your tummy, that, anaesthetic, and pain killers all together will make you feel sick for a while after surgery and you will probably end up throwing up what looks like BLACK bloody, barf, if it does happen, don't get scared or worry!
I can personally attest to this, I had nasal and throat surgery as a child and I remember bafring up something that looked like coffee and coffee grounds, not pretty at all.
Quote from: Alessandra29 on May 01, 2015, 11:22:33 AM
As well to Amy and Carly do you believe agreeing to being on Dr. Bart's site help to motivate him into giving a better result.
This is normally being discussed at the 4 month post op consultation I think, so no it doesn't help to motivate him into giving a better result. I don't know what happens if you decide to discuss it before your surgery, but I'm pretty sure that Dr Bart always tries to get the best result, wether pictures will be on his website or not.
Beautiful results! such a natural beauty
Hiya calicarly,
Can I ask where you got your Brazillian but lift done. I want some fat transfer done, but I am having trouble finding someone who will do it for me.
Thanks,
Kira
Quote from: f_Anna_tastic on April 16, 2015, 01:23:37 PM
Hi carly,
Thanks for the great thread. Manchester girl here too :)
I have my FFS with Dr Bart 3 weeks today.
Hey I hope it went OK! I am meant to be seeing him on the 16th, I would love to hear everything about how it goes for you!
Quote from: Ever on May 06, 2015, 11:52:53 PM
Beautiful results! such a natural beauty
Thank you Ever! :)
Quote from: kira21 ♡♡♡ on May 07, 2015, 03:20:37 AM
Hiya calicarly,
Can I ask where you got your Brazillian but lift done. I want some fat transfer done, but I am having trouble finding someone who will do it for me.
Thanks,
Kira
Sure Kira!,
It was Dr. Doornaert in Belgium. apart from him the only one that sounds like worth a shot is Dr Aslani in Spain. You might wanna research both, i'm well over 3 months post op now, and 3 months is the time line point in which whatever look you have and whatever fat has survived, is permanent, and I am pretty happy with the results from Doornaert. My BF loves my new shape and he says he doesn't know what it is about it that drives him completely crazy. I just love the look under jeans and clothes. If you do try to consult with them Doornaert usually asks for pics so he can make an assessment of the fat present. Aslani does Skype consultations. Like I said. I'm happy with what Doornaert did, but I'm giving you 2 names so you ca. Have a choice since you say you're having a hard time finding someone who will do it.
Just remember that it's all dependent on how much extra fat for transfer there is available. I have been a little overweight for quite a few years now which did mean good results with HRT but part of me was a little self conscious about it, but not now that it's all in the perfect places. I had good projection so my main thing was the reshaping of the side silhouette (flanks, lipo'd, transfer to hips) .
hope that helps Kira. Hugs!! x
Quote from: kira21 ♡♡♡ on May 07, 2015, 03:20:37 AM
Hiya calicarly,
Can I ask where you got your Brazillian but lift done. I want some fat transfer done, but I am having trouble finding someone who will do it for me.
Thanks,
Kira
This is what my shape is like now.
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi32.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fd11%2Fcalicarly1%2Fimage.jpg1_zps2hhwl7kc.jpg&hash=9e322b9b87f0503fa2b12cd72135aea724b3c03e) (http://s32.photobucket.com/user/calicarly1/media/image.jpg1_zps2hhwl7kc.jpg.html)
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi32.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fd11%2Fcalicarly1%2Fimage.jpg4_zpsi4idsqp0.jpg&hash=38d125c8068101966c109f584e44fe8a986e17ed) (http://s32.photobucket.com/user/calicarly1/media/image.jpg4_zpsi4idsqp0.jpg.html)
When I grow up, I want my bum and boobs to look like yours Carly ;)
Quote from: Alessandra29 on May 01, 2015, 11:22:33 AM
Quick question for Amy, Carly, and Dash....
Do you feel as though you were on an assembly line when being operated by doctor Bart, I know its becoming more common for plastic surgeons to do multiple surgeries per day, but what are your conclusions about this.
As well to Amy and Carly do you believe agreeing to being on Dr. Bart's site help to motivate him into giving a better result.
Dash, if you're concerned about your jaw, do an x-Ray and compare it to the previous.(Get a revision if need be)
As for the review on realself, the person in question is a real wack job, they had a blog up showing photographs, and they did not look horribly bad post op. As well, I recognized their face from someone here on Susan's who posted a photograph in which they detailed how they wanted a face very similar to that of a celebrity's.(Never a good idea when getting plastic surgery)
No, although I did see girls come and go at Dr Bart's, it didn't feel like being on an assembly line, honestly once I was in his office he payed the amount of attention that seemed apropriate. After all it is a business also right? All things considered seemed a fair treatment. Everyone is given the choice of being on his site, maybe he only uses better examples. Not sure. But I got the sense he aims to do a good job with everyone.
I hope Amy's revision goes well, I very much would like to hear how that goes, there's small little tweaks that I will probably need here and there, so I myself will likely be going for a small revision, but I'm going to my 1 year 4 month post op next January and I will discuss it with him at that point. Im in no rush right now. Let me know how you get on Amy!! Best of luck Hun!!! Many hugs!!
Quote from: alena on May 08, 2015, 08:55:05 PM
When I grow up, I want my bum and boobs to look like yours Carly ;)
Ha ha!! Thank you Alena! Getting back aches at times but i keep telling myself, this is what you wanted Carly!!
Hugs your way!
Thanks Carly :-)
You've made some really wonderful progress
Quote from: kira21 ♡♡♡ on May 12, 2015, 04:53:42 AM
Thanks Carly :-)
You're welcome Kira!
Let me know how it goes if and when you contact Dr. Doornaert!! You can always tell him I mentioned him to you if you want to.
Although he is based at his own clinic, he tends to do the BBL at a main hospital in Ghent, St Elizabeth's I think it was called. I spent one night there, he says that a high volume fat transfer needs to be done there for extra safety reasons and peace of mind in case of any rare complications, the room was a big, modern, one patient room and my BF was allowed to stay with me. Let me know if you wanna know about it more in detail, I can share my experience in regard to recovery...
Quote from: Ever on May 14, 2015, 06:42:50 AM
You've made some really wonderful progress
Thank you Ever!!! You're a darling
Quote from: calicarly on May 09, 2015, 12:06:00 PM
No, although I did see girls come and go at Dr Bart's, it didn't feel like being on an assembly line, honestly once I was in his office he payed the amount of attention that seemed apropriate. After all it is a business also right? All things considered seemed a fair treatment. Everyone is given the choice of being on his site, maybe he only uses better examples. Not sure. But I got the sense he aims to do a good job with everyone.
I hope Amy's revision goes well, I very much would like to hear how that goes, there's small little tweaks that I will probably need here and there, so I myself will likely be going for a small revision, but I'm going to my 1 year 4 month post op next January and I will discuss it with him at that point. Im in no rush right now. Let me know how you get on Amy!! Best of luck Hun!!! Many hugs!!
Aww I didn't see this, sorry! Thank you :D, - honestly I think he's better than he was 3 years ago and the facilities are so much better. I've been settling into the guest house today and I've got the surgery tomorrow around midday - the guest house in the clinic is really quite nice :D All new fittings, the TV isn't sorted yet but apparently that's nearly done and the wifi is a bit weird I think but the bed I'm in is nice (room 3, ikea malm bed!) Resting up here will be so much easier than it was in that too-hot third-floor studio flat in ghent. I only have to travel one floor between surgery and the room I'm staying in.
It looks like there's only one other girl staying in the apartments at the moment (for Tuesday surgery, there might be more on Wednesday checking in for the Thursday surgery) so it'll be a bit quiet but that's probably a good thing.
He was really quite specific with what we'll be doing and I think that the feedback from me was considered more, though the difference there is also likely to be because it's rhinoplasty rather than forehead reshaping & lip lift, which are still very complex surgeries, but there's less variation with what can be done there.