I won't go into great detail/personal details but here it is in short:
Consultation date: September 15th, 2014
I read a lot of pros/cons about her on the Internet, and I felt nervous going to meet her; mostly because I was worried our personalities would clash, but it turns out that we mesh together very well. I would characterize her as professional, blunt, sarcastic and logical.
She was really nice and we shared a few laughs. The consultation lasted way longer than I ever expected. My appointment was at 2:00 PM and we didn't leave until 4:45 PM. Most of that time was spent with Dr. McGinn.
It took about 20 minutes to fill out the initial paperwork. Shortly after I completed the paperwork I was brought into the exam room. One of her physician's assistants, Heather, proceeded to ask me a ton of questions about additional medical information, social history, transition history, support, and sexual history. Most of the info that isn't exactly medically related is to get a baseline of who you are now and to determine your support network post-op. This probably took about 30 minutes.
Dr. McGinn came in shortly afterwards, like minutes, and after the hellos were out of the way we discussed the trach shave I want done. Next, we talked about the GRS procedure. For the most part, she likes to talk first and get her stuff out of the way and then you can ask questions afterwards.
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I didn't have a lot of questions to ask her but here is what I did ask (she answered my other questions about risk and recovery during her presentation so to speak):
Q: Hair removal, I know what your site says but what is your personal opinion about it and did you have hair removal done before your GRS?
A: Dr. McGinn highly recommends it; at least on the penile shaft and at the base of the shaft. While she can scrape/cauterize hair follicles on the scrotum, she cannot do so on the penile shaft or base because unlike the scrotum, the penile shaft is not detached from your body and she can't scrape/cauterize live skin.
The scrotum can be done because it ends up being completely detached from your body. Regarding her personal experience, she had electrolysis done before her GRS (laser was not an option back then). She doesn't have a preference for either electrolysis or laser hair removal though, as long as you have a hair/skin type that is compatible with laser hair removal.
Q: Do you ever "try out" new techniques on a patient without their consent?
A: In short no, but sometimes slight changes during the procedure are required based on the individual because every patient poses a unique challenge. Slight changes include maybe an extra stitch or extra little cuts to make the appearance more pleasing. As far as like say stitching pigskin to your body without your knowledge, that is not done at all.
Q: I have done a lot of research on you and it seems that there is a decent amount of people who would deem you basically a bitch (she actually finished that sentence for me lol). Why do you think these sorts of statements are made?
A: She basically said that she doesn't put up with bull->-bleeped-<- and she can tell if someone is not telling the truth or making excuses. For instance, if a potential patient lies to their primary physician about things (you have to get a physical done prior to GRS) and you get say a clean bill of health, but then show up at her door looking to proceed, well, she's been doing this a long time and can tell certain things about a patient too.
For instance, she has a BMI requirement for surgery and a patient says they did everything they could but didn't loose the weight, she'll call them out on it. What I gathered from her examples was that if you don't listen to what she asks you to do and/or you lie to her, you're going to have problems between you and Dr. McGinn. Follow her directions and everything will be fine.
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She said that I had some really good questions, old school questions but good ones. I guess I am kind of old school anyway when it comes to transition. Something else I thought was really nice was that not once did any of Dr. McGinn's staff or herself pressure me into choosing her as my GRS surgeon. She further went on to state that I would get a great result from Bowers, Meltzer, or Brassard.
Her differing technique than the others involves wrapping the urethra around the clitoris to keep it moist and a different type of suture to keep the bottom part of the vagina conforming to that diamond shape (e.g. more pointed than rounded). She also noted that her experience in performing other types of surgeries such as ftm bottom surgeries or ffs surgeries sometimes leads to inspiration or problem solving of challenges she encounters performing GRS.
All in all, both Rachael and I really liked her and most importantly we both felt extremely comfortable in her presence. My anxiety about speaking to her (because of other's experiences saying she's a bitch and mean) quickly subsided after she started talking to me about the trach shave. My GRS date has been set and it is May 6th, 2015 :)
Thank you so much for this write up! Since I'm currently doing research to figure out which surgeon I should go with, this helps!
I went to McGinn and had a great result. I'd say she is far from a bitch. Not even close in my book. Blunt, direct, and upfront yes... bitch... nope. I've dealt with plenty in my life so I can easily spot them. She doesn't put up with BS and is not a hand-holder. Yes, she has a strict BMI guideline... so if that's a deal breaker for you, look elsewhere. There are no surprises with her, what you see is what you get, and my SRS went exactly like she had explained it to me. Read her instructions and follow them. Actually my recovery went much quicker. I was up and walking around by myself the day after leaving the hospital. I think most of the negative online reviews are from a handful of wing-nuts she's had to deal with and that's par for the course. She's a great surgeon and cares about her patients.
You're in good hands.
I had my consultation and the people in her office seem very warm and friendly, D Mcginn was very straightforward and blunt. I don't ask any questions and barely spoke much but that's due to my social anxiety. Everything that I heard and saw shows me that she takes great personal interest and care in her patients. She kept stressing to follow all her instructions and that it really should go fine. I booked my surgery today for April 7th and I'm very happy to be going to such a great doctor!
I found her to be a sweetheart when she did my BA in 05
Thank you for all the details. My friend Jenn loves Dr. McGinn, They have been very nice to me. After electrolysis on my upper lip I sure hope electrolysis down there is no more painful. I'm a long ways off before my GRS however that would be such a nice day for me. I'm doing all I can to improve myself & prepare for surgery. I just hope that I can have a reasonable depth vagina since my body parts are small & she will not have much to work with. I consider myself a hetrosexual woman & I'm only sexually attracted to hetrosexual men so depth is very important to me. Again thanks for the post & detail on her practice.
Quote from: Lady_Oracle on October 07, 2014, 04:24:23 AM
Thank you so much for this write up! Since I'm currently doing research to figure out which surgeon I should go with, this helps!
You are welcome :) I figured another experience couldn't hurt since I didn't find a whole lot about her online.
Quote from: JennX on October 07, 2014, 08:03:43 PM
I went to McGinn and had a great result. I'd say she is far from a bitch. Not even close in my book. Blunt, direct, and upfront yes... bitch... nope. I've dealt with plenty in my life so I can easily spot them. She doesn't put up with BS and is not a hand-holder. Yes, she has a strict BMI guideline... so if that's a deal breaker for you, look elsewhere. There are no surprises with her, what you see is what you get, and my SRS went exactly like she had explained it to me. Read her instructions and follow them. Actually my recovery went much quicker. I was up and walking around by myself the day after leaving the hospital. I think most of the negative online reviews are from a handful of wing-nuts she's had to deal with and that's par for the course. She's a great surgeon and cares about her patients.
You're in good hands.
Hey, ya I read your write up of your experience with Dr. McGinn prior to my consultation. It was one of the few good and positive reviews of her. I didn't plan to "shop" for a surgeon so unless she really turned me off during the consultation.
Quote from: Riley Skye on October 07, 2014, 09:26:58 PM
I had my consultation and the people in her office seem very warm and friendly, D Mcginn was very straightforward and blunt. I don't ask any questions and barely spoke much but that's due to my social anxiety. Everything that I heard and saw shows me that she takes great personal interest and care in her patients. She kept stressing to follow all her instructions and that it really should go fine. I booked my surgery today for April 7th and I'm very happy to be going to such a great doctor!
Congrats on April 7th! :) She made me feel very comfortable and confident in that she takes great care in her patients. When I called back 2 weeks later to schedule my surgery date, the woman on the phone remembered me by my voice :)
Quote from: FrancisAnn on October 08, 2014, 06:29:46 AM
Thank you for all the details. My friend Jenn loves Dr. McGinn, They have been very nice to me. After electrolysis on my upper lip I sure hope electrolysis down there is no more painful. I'm a long ways off before my GRS however that would be such a nice day for me. I'm doing all I can to improve myself & prepare for surgery. I just hope that I can have a reasonable depth vagina since my body parts are small & she will not have much to work with. I consider myself a hetrosexual woman & I'm only sexually attracted to hetrosexual men so depth is very important to me. Again thanks for the post & detail on her practice.
GRS has been a long time coming for myself too. I started transitioning 10 years ago and been living full-time (hate saying that, wish there was a better term) for the past 8 years. I haven't had electrolysis on my upper lip yet (had laser instead) but I have had it done on my genitals with the use of a 20% topical Lidocaine numbing cream and it really is tolerable (and I am a real electrolysis wimp).
Eringurrl, My electrolysis lady spoke direct with Dr. McGinn a few years ago. She was doing final electro work for a young "girl" to get her ready for surgery. It's a small world I guess. If you have never had electro work on your upper lip count yourself as very lucky. It really hurts no matter the numbing cream. Good luck to you moving forward with a more complete life. I'm trying however a little behind (like 20-30 years) with my life plan. Hugs to you GF.
Quote from: FrancisAnn on October 08, 2014, 03:24:51 PM
Eringurrl, My electrolysis lady spoke direct with Dr. McGinn a few years ago. She was doing final electro work for a young "girl" to get her ready for surgery. It's a small world I guess. If you have never had electro work on your upper lip count yourself as very lucky. It really hurts no matter the numbing cream. Good luck to you moving forward with a more complete life. I'm trying however a little behind (like 20-30 years) with my life plan. Hugs to you GF.
Thank you Francis Ann :) The upper lip is soon to come though :(
Eringurrl, You are welcome GF & my best to you. I sure wish I were closer to visiting Dr. McGinn.
Upper lip area. It's gonna hurt no doubt but just do it! Every hair has to be eliminated to feel good every morning. I'm off to see my electro lady tomorrow morning for what seems like my 100th visit.
Hugs.
I forgot to add... it was 7 months before I had my consultation after I submitted the intake forms. I forgot to ask if they were that backed up with consultation appointments or not. When I did my intake, I was asked when I had planned on having the surgery and I replied with 1st quarter of 2015 (they said that was doable) so I'm not sure if that had something to do with when my consultation was scheduled or not.
Quote from: eringurrl on October 08, 2014, 11:34:38 AM
GRS has been a long time coming for myself too. I started transitioning 10 years ago and been living full-time (hate saying that, wish there was a better term) for the past 8 years. I haven't had electrolysis on my upper lip yet (had laser instead) but I have had it done on my genitals with the use of a 20% topical Lidocaine numbing cream and it really is tolerable (and I am a real electrolysis wimp).
Where did you find a 20% numbing cream? I don't think I could take genital electro without something to help.
Re: the upper lip: it hurts. A lot. I was in tears halfway through the second time I had it done. Next week is upper lip week but with EMLA this time.
Quote from: Wynternight on November 06, 2014, 12:30:28 PM
Where did you find a 20% numbing cream? I don't think I could take genital electro without something to help.
Re: the upper lip: it hurts. A lot. I was in tears halfway through the second time I had it done. Next week is upper lip week but with EMLA this time.
It's a prescription, the bottle says: "BENZO/LIDO/TETRA/PHENYL 20%/6%/4%/0.01% GEL"
The bottle doesn't have a brand name or generic name on it. Basically, it's a 20% Benzocaine product. I let it set on my skin for 30-45 minutes prior to electrolysis.
I gotta wonder what McGinn, Bowers, Meltzer are doing different than say Brassard or Rumer or Thai surgeons than dont require genital electro???
Im still doing my research but I gotta say genital electro or laser sound more unpleasant to me than going under and having the actual surgery and recovering :-\ :'( :embarrassed:
Quote from: Eva on November 26, 2014, 10:57:15 AM
I gotta wonder what McGinn, Bowers, Meltzer are doing different than say Brassard or Rumer or Thai surgeons than dont require genital electro???
Im still doing my research but I gotta say genital electro or laser sound more unpleasant to me than going under and having the actual surgery and recovering :-\ :'( :embarrassed:
I didn't ask Dr. McGinn this directly but from my consultation, her response was this:
Because she doesn't completely detach the penile shaft from your body during surgery, she cannot cauterize/scrape/etc... the hair follicles (of living skin). However, she does detach the scrotal skin from your body and thus can remove the hair. It's basically the difference (in medical terms) between a skin "flap" and a "graft".
So my guess would be that other surgeons who do not require hair removal may just completely detach all skin from your body that will be used in the construction of the neo-vagina. I don't know Brassard, Rumer or Suporn's surgical techniques in detail. Again, this is just my guess.
Brassard says he doesn't detach the "penile skin tube"... but that he can scrape the hair follicles nonetheless.
I have no idea why his technique is apparently effective and McGinn's would not be, but that's what the official operating report on me said happened, so.
Jenna, I wasn't handed an operating report. Can I still request one?
Quote from: Jenna Marie on November 26, 2014, 11:53:25 AM
Brassard says he doesn't detach the "penile skin tube"... but that he can scrape the hair follicles nonetheless.
I have no idea why his technique is apparently effective and McGinn's would not be, but that's what the official operating report on me said happened, so.
My impression (since we discussed this but I didn't ask specifically about other surgeons and hair removal) from Dr. McGinn wasn't that the hair removal would be in-effective but more like the process would be damaging to the skin flap.
Nicolette : I would assume so. I wasn't handed one either. :) My GP *really* wanted it, so I requested it via email; took a couple of tries, but they did send it. (Fair warning, it was dictated and therefore written in French, and my GP's office had to arrange for the translation.) Good luck!
Erin : Fair enough, maybe "effective" isn't the right word. Basically, I'm not sure why Brassard can treat a skin flap and McGinn says she cannot, since I in turn didn't ask *him* about other surgeon's methods either. But apparently he can and did...