Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Community Conversation => Female to male transsexual talk (FTM) => Transsexual talk => FTM Top Surgery => Topic started by: Elvis the Pelvis on August 25, 2015, 01:48:13 AM

Title: RED FLAG words from potential surgeon?
Post by: Elvis the Pelvis on August 25, 2015, 01:48:13 AM
Hi guys. Basically what I'm looking for are a few words that a surgeon may say that could give you the "no" feeling when it comes to your consult for top surgery. Works might include "I don't know" , "we're hoping it turns out"...etc.
Was there anything a surgeon did or say to turn you off of his practices?

I'm going for my consult with Dr.Murray in Winnipeg this morning! Yay!!  >:(
Title: Re: RED FLAG words from potential surgeon?
Post by: Bimmer Guy on August 25, 2015, 08:33:26 AM
Quote from: Elvis the Pelvis on August 25, 2015, 01:48:13 AM
Hi guys. Basically what I'm looking for are a few words that a surgeon may say that could give you the "no" feeling when it comes to your consult for top surgery. Works might include "I don't know" , "we're hoping it turns out"...etc.
Was there anything a surgeon did or say to turn you off of his practices?

I'm going for my consult with Dr.Murray in Winnipeg this morning! Yay!!  >:(

Question: "How many top surgeries have you done?"
Answer: "Less than 20".

The above didn't happen (I went to Garramone who does 20+ a week).  But, I personally wouldn't go to a surgeon that didn't have a lot of experience doing this unless I had no other option.

I know some guys do and it works out fine, but it often doesn't.  It isn't just a "super breast reduction".
Title: Re: RED FLAG words from potential surgeon?
Post by: Elvis the Pelvis on August 26, 2015, 01:39:21 AM
Thanks for the reply Bimmer Guy :)
Title: Re: RED FLAG words from potential surgeon?
Post by: FTMax on August 26, 2015, 09:13:02 AM
In addition to Bimmer Guy's response (which I agree with 100%):

What procedures do you perform?
- I'd feel much better about a surgeon who is confident with multiple techniques. To me, it demonstrates that they care about aesthetics and are aware of concerns that we have. Not a deal breaker.

What do you think would be the best option for my body type?
- You should be going into the consult with an idea of which procedure is the best fit for you. If they give you an answer different from what you're expecting, I'd be very concerned, especially if you're a very clear cut case.

What percentage of your patients request a revision, and what is typically the reason for the request?
- I'd want this to be as low as possible. It would tell you if the request is due to complications with healing or because of poor craftsmanship. I'd be more understanding if it's primarily complications with healing, but I'd still want the overall percentage to be low.

If they aren't well known in the community, make sure you ask about their experience specific to transmen. Make sure they gender you correctly. Make sure they use your preferred name even if you haven't legally changed it. Make sure you get a good vibe from them and their staff - DO try to interact with the staff a bit and get a feel for them, as they are usually going to be your first point of contact throughout the process.
Title: Re: RED FLAG words from potential surgeon?
Post by: billystuart92 on September 10, 2015, 08:24:51 AM
Sort of wish I'd seen this thread before my surgery. I was lucky and I think my doctor did a great job, but when consulting her I had no idea what kind of questions to ask!
These would have saved me a lot of anxiety


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Title: Re: RED FLAG words from potential surgeon?
Post by: Aazhie on October 05, 2015, 02:45:11 AM
I agree with FTMax! The gender pronouns is a must! Otherwise experience with this kind of surgery in many forms is great.
As someone who works with A LOT of surgeons... I think it may be physically impossible for some of them to say Maybe, We'll See or express any doubt in their abilities.  I swear.  Surgeon confidence/arrogance is about 1000% higher than the average human, but to be honest, if a surgeon was not calm and confident I wouldn't be likely to trust their abilities either.  They ought to know more than you on the subject and be sure to research. I didn't grill Satterwite that hard mostly because I had already researched him a lot  and felt very confident in his resume.