Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Community Conversation => Transsexual talk => Female to male transsexual talk (FTM) => Topic started by: punkflash54 on February 23, 2010, 09:34:24 PM

Title: Chest surgery without a letter from a therpist?
Post by: punkflash54 on February 23, 2010, 09:34:24 PM
Is it possible? i went to therapy for awhile and my therapist was telling me it would take 18 months of therapy or longer to get a letter from her for chest surgery plus she said i would need a letter from a psychiatrist. i have a really hard time with being diagnosed with gender identity disorder because i dont like people labeling me with a psychiatric condition. it doesnt seem fair because anyone else who wants plastic surgery or any type of surgery they can get it as long as the doctor deems that it wont negatively affect their health...
Title: Re: Chest surgery without a letter from a therpist?
Post by: Osiris on February 23, 2010, 09:41:57 PM
Most surgeons like to stick to the SOC(Standards of Care) which requires that you have a letter from your therapist.
Title: Re: Chest surgery without a letter from a therpist?
Post by: Arch on February 23, 2010, 10:19:13 PM
Rumors only, but I've heard that Brownstein doesn't always require a letter, and I've heard that Meltzer doesn't require a letter if you've already changed your gender marker on your drivers license.

And I've never heard of a surgeon who requires two letters for top surgery. This is not to say that it never happens, but I've sure never heard of it. Are you sure your therapist knows what she is doing?

If I were you, I would consider a new therapist. And definitely start sending out e-mails to any surgeons you are considering. Apart from the letter(s), how close are you (emotionally, physically, financially) to getting top surgery?
Title: Re: Chest surgery without a letter from a therpist?
Post by: Flan on February 23, 2010, 10:25:37 PM
there are a couple surgeons who will do top surgery minus letter, but 1 letter is the norm.