Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Community Conversation => Transitioning => Facial feminization surgery => Topic started by: Mika N. on January 01, 2009, 06:44:35 AM

Title: Immigration and FFS
Post by: Mika N. on January 01, 2009, 06:44:35 AM
Hi ladies,

To those that undergone FFS in another country, did you have any problems being let back into your home country after the surgery?  I live in the U.S. and was thinking obout going to Mexico or Thialand for my FFS, but I'm afraid they won't let me back in since my face will probably not really match the picture on my ID.  I have no clue how to work this.  Can any one clue me in on how this is done?  Thank you.

Mika
Title: Re: Immigration and FFS
Post by: Buffy on January 01, 2009, 09:12:06 AM
Hi Mika,

I had no trouble after I travelled to Thailand in 2000 for my FFS. I came back with a surgeons letter stating I had facial surgery and was not even asked for it.

Remember that many people travel abroad for cosmetic surgery anyway. I went with my friend (a GG) when she had her face lift in 2008 and she came back wearing a support bandage and dark glasses for the bruising.

Major changes are not evident after FFS for many months as it takes time for swelling, bruising to go down. My jaw took over 10 months to heal.

However, I have just renewed my passport (which is a UK one) and now have a biometric passport, which includes face dimensions as the UK is introducing facial recognition software at passport control as part of standard passport checks (as an anti terrorism measure).

I dont think you will have any issues, just get a surgeons letter stating you had surgery.

Rebecca
Title: Re: Immigration and FFS
Post by: Mika N. on January 02, 2009, 04:51:47 PM
Rebecca,

Thank you for clearing that up for me.  I can't wait for the day I go in for ffs.  Pretty much the financial reason is what is holding me back right now. 

The tightened security at airports is what has me concerned.  Your input has given me some comfort.

Mika
Title: Re: Immigration and FFS
Post by: Jenny Jackson on January 24, 2009, 07:21:37 PM
I travelled back from the US to the UK 2 weeks after surgery and had no problems whatsoever at UK immigration. I had a letter from Dr Spiegel but never needed to show it.
Title: Re: Immigration and FFS
Post by: Shelina on May 23, 2009, 12:03:10 PM
Now this is an interesting and funny question but generally the surgeons give you a paper/certificate indicating you have undergone surgery.