OK after consulting with almost every Dr I can think of it came down to two for me Dr Dussen or Facial Team both recommended the same procedures and we pretty much the same price. Both I feel extremely happy with, I know when I was half way through my consult with the FT I was almost certain that they were the ones for me, very professional. I saw Dr Dussen after FT.
However what sealed it was timing.
I have been full time everywhere except at work for some time, I have been on hormones for some years. I hadn't transititioned at work as I felt and still feel it would be really difficult as I teach. However things came to a head this year when I had a bit of a breakdown at work and I have been of sick for some time. I have now come clean with the school and they have been really supportive. My transition is to be announced at school on the 13th just prior to the summer holidays. I have been advised to leave the house for a little while in case of press intrusion.
As luck would have in FT have been able to give me a date of 15th July and so I have sent my deposit and am now booking flights etc. Sadly jenny's place is fully booked so I will have to find an alternate.
Excited and a bit apprehensive.
Quote from: SorchaC on June 16, 2015, 08:29:08 PM
Glad it went well, Have you decided what you're going to have done or are you still consulting further?
Good Luck
Hugs
Sorcha ;D
Forehead type III
Jaw
Chin sliding genioplasty
Lip lift
Tracheal shave
No face lifts etc this time will leave everything to settle to see if that is needed.
Hiya! I'm booked in with FT myself for the first of July. Hope things go well for you! :-)
- Rachel
Hey Rachel, Jennifer,
Congrats to both of you on booking your appointments with the Facial Team. I had a question on booking alternate accommodations other than Jenny's Nest. Her quote is a bit high for me - just wondering if staying with Jenny's nest is like a must-have?
Also, it will really help if you could help me understand some of the challenges associated with staying somewhere else.
Luv - Sneha
Hi,
It depends on your exact situation. If you are there outside of the busier holiday season, or are booking far in advance, then you should be find an apartment for less. I was able to get a nice two-bedroom apartment for less. However, the support offered by Jenny will be invaluable if you are travelling on your own. In my case, I am travelling with a friend who has already had FFS and so knows what help I am going to need.
It also depends on exactly what procedures you are going to have. A rhinoplasty, for instance, would be expected to lead to heavy swelling around the eyes, which would not be so severe with just brow work. This swelling can make it very difficult to see. But reading others stories, different people have a different recovery experiences.
- Rachel
Quote from: ssneha23 on June 17, 2015, 02:02:14 PM
Hey Rachel, Jennifer,
Congrats to both of you on booking your appointments with the Facial Team. I had a question on booking alternate accommodations other than Jenny's Nest. Her quote is a bit high for me - just wondering if staying with Jenny's nest is like a must-have?
Also, it will really help if you could help me understand some of the challenges associated with staying somewhere else.
Luv - Sneha
I will leave that for others to answer as I have not had the experience of either, I would have prefered all other things being equal to be at Jenny's for the support esp as I am going on my own but she is not available and I have no choice.
Just getting everything prepared. A week today I will be there, excited and nervous!
Has anyone made a list of essentials to take with you?
Chara
Hi Chara,
Safe journey to Spain and will be thinking of you next Monday.
xx
TY,
This time next week will probably be thinking "What the F*** have I done!" and "Ouch" ;)
Good luck! I have just returned to the UK and was very impressed by the team in Spain. If you're anything like me you'll keep giggling when you see your emerging face in the mirror...
Rachel
Some more information, particularly for Sneha;
I was travelling with a friend, who could go shopping for me. If you are on your own then you need to make sure you are either very close to the local amenities, or buy a lot in advance. The hospital itself is in an "urbanisation" and there is not much nearby, the taxis to and from the hospital provided by Facial Team mean you can stay further away.
Rachel
Congratulations and best wishes :)
;D ;D
You will be fine ... :)
Quote from: Chara on July 08, 2015, 08:09:46 PM
TY,
This time next week will probably be thinking "What the F*** have I done!" and "Ouch" ;)
Quote from: Rachel_JP on July 10, 2015, 02:24:49 PM
Some more information, particularly for Sneha;
I was travelling with a friend, who could go shopping for me. If you are on your own then you need to make sure you are either very close to the local amenities, or buy a lot in advance. The hospital itself is in an "urbanisation" and there is not much nearby, the taxis to and from the hospital provided by Facial Team mean you can stay further away.
Rachel
I had a few criteria in choosing an apartment.
Air Con, Nice Bathroom/shower, Double Bed, Internet access, decent TV and supermarket close by. The apartment I chose has a supermarket about 100m away.
I am taking my tablet with a HDMI adapter so that I can watch Sky in the room (installed IP spoofing so it looks like I am in the UK), Media player with lots of films/podcasts/tv Series. Mobile and Kindle. Smoothie maker and hand blender. Baby Shampoo, Antiseptic cream and sunblock.
I am flying out early Monday morning, surgery Wednesday. I will try to get some stuff in for when I get back from the hospital on Friday.
Anything else I should take?
Take a parasol - or a dark compact umbrella - it's more practical than a hat for when you go outside. Something like Senokot to make you go and something to make you stop. I think everything else I took was standard travel stuff.
Flying out in a couple of hours.
Wish me luck
Chara
Luck and good fortune; no worries you picked a terrific surgeon. Keep us posted, ok?
Settled into my apartment, been out shopping and got some supplies in for after the surgery.
Had final consult with Dr Simon this afternoon and I will now have lip lift as well. They have been really helpful, friendly and professional all day whether consulting or having CT scans x rays and blood test. Laura makes me laugh a lot which is good too, took us longer than usual to have pics taken as I could not keep a straight face.
Very tired now but also relaxed about tomorrow.
I will let you know how I get on as soon as I can.
Chara
Best of luck with the surgery and hope the recovery goes well! Looking forward to updates! I really cant wait for my FFS with FT in December!!
Good luck Chara
You are in good hands. I will be seeing them myself in January of next year!
All done, recovering in hospital. Very disturbed first night very little sleep. Only sore aches really no major pain.
Will keep you informed.
Well done Chara ... 8)
Sent you message via Tamara ... :)
Quote from: Chara on July 16, 2015, 06:52:38 AM
All done, recovering in hospital. Very disturbed first night very little sleep. Only sore aches really no major pain.
Will keep you informed.
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1148.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo570%2FChara_seed%2FMobile%2520Uploads%2F20150718_022837_zpsfxa5myno.jpg&hash=2ac43e8bbae3d2a35541c1ac32f2c56f6a7c0451) (http://s1148.photobucket.com/user/Chara_seed/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150718_022837_zpsfxa5myno.jpg.html)
Pretty impressed with Forehead no idea about rest yet as not really seen any of it!
This is two days after surgery.
Looking good kiddo.
A few more days and you will be looking better still ... :)
Am I being a wimp or is it normal to get tired really easily a week after the surgery?
I'm sure it's normal. You look great forehead looks perfect!
Quote from: Chara on July 21, 2015, 05:30:46 AM
Am I being a wimp or is it normal to get tired really easily a week after the surgery?
Hi Chara,
That's quite normal. Congratulations with your surgery. Happy healing.
All the best,
Jannicke
QuoteAm I being a wimp or is it normal to get tired really easily a week after the surgery?
It's very normal. I'm 20 days post and I still have to plan things like shopping very carefully.
- Rachel
Yep, fatigue is normal after any kind of general anesthesia. Pay attention to your body and take as much rest as you need. Drink butt-tons of water and keep the blood pressure low. That will keep the swelling on its way out!
You look great! Keep hanging in there!
Absolutely.
You should be out in Marbella clubbing till dawn .... ;) ;)
I jest, of course ... ;D
Quote from: Chara on July 21, 2015, 05:30:46 AM
Am I being a wimp or is it normal to get tired really easily a week after the surgery?
Just had the second lymph node draining massage, that feels sssoooo good. Very relaxed now.
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi747.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fxx115%2Fridleyrumpus%2F20150721_201841.jpg&hash=f5ec23d53df3907d43f2166bc25ed845ddabce4b)
This is an inappropriate remark .. >:(
Quote from: jhulyglow on July 21, 2015, 01:21:16 PM
FT é para mudanças bem sútis. Quem já for bonita ou feminina dá uma melhorada. Mas, não fazem grandes transformações/mudanças.
Looking good Chara .... :)
Quote from: Chara on July 21, 2015, 01:29:38 PM
Just had the second lymph node draining massage, that feels sssoooo good. Very relaxed now.
You look great. Congratulations on your successful surgery
Sent from my LG-H220 using Tapatalk
Thank you, getting better day by day. Swelling going down. It is like very slowly unwrapping a (hopefully) beautiful present.
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi747.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fxx115%2Fridleyrumpus%2F20150722_162010.jpg&hash=70066e1329ba7ed044fb9ade2877b0b7ccbc9f67)
wow you look great. i can't wait for my surgery in January with FT!
Now back at home.
The flight back seems to have set me back recovery wise, I could feel the low pressure affecting the scalp and nose. I seem to be more swollen today (day after flight) than for the last few days and much more tired too.
Anyone else had anything like the affect from coming home.
Now just trying to relax with mask on, ice pack and rubbish on the TV.
Hi Chara,
Welcome back to Blighty.
All quite normal after a flight.
Just chill and let the healing take place.
I trust that you have people at home to care for you !!
How was the apartment?
Hugs
Paula xx
Hi Paula,
Thanks for the reassurance, am going to relax and let the healing take its course. At least I have 5 weeks before I am back at work, though I will be returning to the classroom as Chara rather than the hairy brute so would prefer to be able to make it through the day before collapsing and not look like the Michelin (wo) man.
Quote from: Chara on July 21, 2015, 05:30:46 AM
Am I being a wimp or is it normal to get tired really easily a week after the surgery?
Hi Chara
I'm pretty sure it is a normal situation due to anesthesics... I was really emptied of my energy for almost a week to after surgery day, I went to bed at 6.00 or 7.00PM those days... you will recover of it, don't worry...
For all of you with a gruesome side. Here are my before and after CT images following FFS with the FT. After is on the left.
I have circled the main points of interest.
1) Position of Endotines.
2) Brow bossing and orbital ridge. I am amazed at the difference here.
3) Chin reshaped and moved forward.
4) Jaw reshaped.
You cannot see the rhino (well a little bit) or the trachia shave
I have other images from other angles if you are interested.
Personaly I am amazed by what they have done :)
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi747.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fxx115%2Fridleyrumpus%2FLeft%2520Profile%2520comp%2520anom.jpg&hash=6c2e1e68513ac756d69b64f99ffc08c32a55a849)
You look so gorgeous like this, darling !!! :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
That is the most stunning skull I have seen in a long time ... ;)
Wow I agree, really interesting to see :) looks good.
I think the work on the forehead is amazing.
I think the entire work is impressive. Great results
Wow, that is so freakin cool! Thanks for sharing the CT scan. That is some amazing proof of result!
In for a penny....
Thought I would add the rest for you to see.
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi747.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fxx115%2Fridleyrumpus%2FAnon%2520front%2520composit.jpg&hash=8edfb6fcd65d0a95b50c3bec81ce697e10bff024)
Up
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi747.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fxx115%2Fridleyrumpus%2FAnon%2520front%2520up%2520composit.jpg&hash=f62a5184eb3c901c3486ed9dbbb3e03c62fb9b29)
Note the differences in the width/height of the jaw/chin, and how much less square everything is. They also adjusted the sloping chin as shown by the lines I put on the images.
I am still very swollen so it is difficult to see the results of the bone work shown here. I know it is early days @ just over two weeks but was hoping to be able to see more of the changes by now. Perhaps I just heal slowly.
When I have any "normal" pics that wont at least scare the kids too much, I will post.
Besides the visible work done on the brow bone bossing, they also burred some bone away above that it seems? "on the main skull" I didn't know surgeons would do that. The results are amazing can't wait to have those x-rays done myself :)
Hi!
I had similar surgery with Dr Z. You are going to be so happy with the results. It takes a while to heal though....
Hugs
Jen
Quote from: JaniceNL on July 31, 2015, 01:36:10 PM
Besides the visible work done on the brow bone bossing, they also burred some bone away above that it seems? "on the main skull" I didn't know surgeons would do that. The results are amazing can't wait to have those x-rays done myself :)
Yes I noticed that, it is noticeable in the profile scan that the "ridge" above the forehead has gone in the after scan giving a smooth transition from the crown of my head to the forehead. You can see the burring on the scans if you look carefully. The "in operation" pics show the work done well but I will refrain from posting those!
Please tell me it gets better!
It is now 19 days since my op and although a lot of the swelling has gone down, or at least I think it has, I think I look awful. Not as swollen but I look nothing like a feminised "me" just some strange looking person. I know 19 days isnt that long but is this normal?
I cannot see the results of my jaw or chin work and I have large bags under my eyes that were not there before, or no where near as big before. The sores in my mouth especially the one for my chin feels very prominent still.
Strangely I have felt pain when swallowing for the last week when I didn't have it before, though to be fair the pain is when I have my head up straight which when recovering for the first week or so I did little of.
I am beginning to worry now that at this rate when I go to work in September I will still be this very odd looking person.
PLEASE tell me it gets better, I am sure it will but I am just a bit despondent at the moment.
Hiya!
OK, a lot of stuff there - I've been going through the same as I was only 2 weeks before you. I've been hit really hard by post-op depression as working from home isn't as great as I thought and I had a lot of trouble seeing myself. Please trust me it *will* get better - over the next couple of weeks you'll suddenly start to see it.
I had new bruises and swelling appear - as late as last week - AIUI this is partly "falling bruises" - fluid being moved by gravity to locations where you noticed it - and partly to do with all manner of details of posture, how I sleep etc.
My jaw and chin still look like I've had electro. The one place I can really see the difference is at the rear where the mandibular angle reduction was performed.
The swallowing thing might be circumstantial - I didn't have any issues with that after a few days.
Rachel
Oh, and something I did that *really* helped - I started wearing make-up again last week. Putting the same m/u on, with a bit more now that I have more open eyes, suddenly helped me see the change, and in a positive light.
Rachel
You might have a look here:
https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,193238.msg1722916.html#msg1722916
good nutrition might help... a few good smoothies etc...
just ask your doc before...
wish you a good and speedy recovery....
hugs
Yes trying to eat well.
I am beginning to see glimpses of "me" in my reflection which is encouraging whereas before my chin, Jaw and nose made me look distinctly odd. Now although I am still swollen in those areas the most at least I can start to see a face that vaguely looks like a feminised me starting to appear.
Still so very tired at the slightest exertion though, I could sleep for days and it seems like I often do. At least 16 hours yesterday!
Well I'd say sleep is a good sign... its a sign for healing... the body needs rest and heals....
hugs
Now be kind I wasn't feeling to great, been a bit despondent and let my appearance "go" a little ie hair is awful and no makeup. Still very swollen esp chin and Jaw. Also get very very tired easily, I had just woken up here after being asleep for most of the afternoon following some housework. Actually I think I will go to see my GP as have started to have dizzy spells again/on verge of fainting. I had it before earlier this year from low blood pressure, though having mild anemia cannot help with the fainting
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi747.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fxx115%2Fridleyrumpus%2FMobile%2520Uploads%2F20150814_142655.jpg&hash=e02a7ad99702f0ca0e5a4aa932c7463a0216fb78)
Quote from: Chara on August 15, 2015, 07:32:14 PM
Now be kind I wasn't feeling to great, been a bit despondent and let my appearance "go" a little ie hair is awful and no makeup. Still very swollen esp chin and Jaw. Also get very very tired easily, I had just woken up here after being asleep for most of the afternoon following some housework. Actually I think I will go to see my GP as have started to have dizzy spells again/on verge of fainting. I had it before earlier this year from low blood pressure, though having mild anemia cannot help with the fainting
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi747.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fxx115%2Fridleyrumpus%2FMobile%2520Uploads%2F20150814_142655.jpg&hash=e02a7ad99702f0ca0e5a4aa932c7463a0216fb78)
Chara you look great, very natural with no makeup etc.
Hi Chara,
I agree with Michelle.
You are looking very good just one month post-op ... :)
Far better than I was, the first time around in 2004.
Facial Team's results are so natural.
Yep, go and see your GP and sort out the fainting spells, that's very important.
Hugs
Paula xx
Quote from: michelle82 on August 16, 2015, 07:14:55 AM
Chara you look great, very natural with no makeup etc.
OK two months update.
Be kind image is with no makeup and in the bath!
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi747.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fxx115%2Fridleyrumpus%2FMobile%2520Uploads%2F20150915_003326.jpg&hash=7d0bd15f7c46485f76d06387633a556ca28a2e37)
So Beautiful! :)
Looking great Chara ... :)
Quote from: Chara on September 14, 2015, 06:46:58 PM
OK two months update.
Be kind image is with no makeup and in the bath!
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi747.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fxx115%2Fridleyrumpus%2FMobile%2520Uploads%2F20150915_003326.jpg&hash=7d0bd15f7c46485f76d06387633a556ca28a2e37)
Yeah. I think you look fantastic and already at only a little over a month look totally cis.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I am still exhausted at the end of my working day, last night I came home fell asleep till 9pm and was back asleep by 10pm.
Could this still be caused by the surgery after this length of time ie 11 weeks?
Quote from: Chara on October 02, 2015, 11:28:07 AM
I am still exhausted at the end of my working day, last night I came home fell asleep till 9pm and was back asleep by 10pm.
Could this still be caused by the surgery after this length of time ie 11 weeks?
yeah, the surgery definitely takes a lot out of you. I had surgery 3 weeks ago, and I feel like I have a lot more energy now, but I'm not doing much; however there are times when all of a sudden I just get super tired and want to go to sleep, and at night I fall right to sleep when I get in bed and close my eyes. Just be patient, you'll get through it, and soon will be back to where you were before surgery. Best wishes. :)
How are the rates of Facial Team? I once requested a quote but they refused giving one without a skype consult and giving quite a lot of personal information. I wanted jaw and chin remodeling, lip-lift, forehead type3 finishing with a hairline and brow lift. Any idea?
Not the cheapeast and not the most expensive either.
Why not have a Skype consult?
It could be, it was invasive major surgery. How long did the Drs. say it would take for all the swelling to subside?
Quote from: Chara on October 02, 2015, 11:28:07 AM
I am still exhausted at the end of my working day, last night I came home fell asleep till 9pm and was back asleep by 10pm.
Could this still be caused by the surgery after this length of time ie 11 weeks?
Hi there,
You're looking great! Regarding recovery - I'm not back to where I was beforehand yet either. My Endo. has dismissed my last bloods (only taken in Sept) as being untrustworthy due to the anesthetic - this really made me realise just *how* much it takes out of you.
Rachel