When should one consider FFS?

In my opinion I need FFS, if for no other reason than for when I look into the mirror.

Though I feel unfortunately certain that I will never pass with the exact facial structure I currently possess. I am, however, not sure how long after HRT has started that one can get a general idea of what their face will eventually look like. This makes it difficult to estimate exactly what needs to be done.

*ponders*

This leads me to the question of when one should consider FFS?

Commentary welcome

I didnt know that HRT changed the shape of the face. I thought it made the skin softer (it has for me) and in some cases the beard a little lighter.


FFS does wonders, i would think having it as soon as possible would be good, the high cost for a top surgeon causes delay for many.

No change in bone structure of course (unless very young as I understand it) rather fat redistribution; in my case I expect to have a bit of heft put into my face which is a good thing. (fat redistribution such like).

As I understand it anyway, which of course does not mean I'm right.

Hi 4years,

I suppose considering when to have FFS is a matter of your personal goals and individualized transition time-line set by you and your therapist. From the information I've picked up off the web, I was told to focus first on the areas in which you feel need the *most* improvement (for some, this may be voice or skin). As you've stated in your original post:

Quote from: 4years on June 04, 2005, 11:32:18 PMThough I feel unfortunately certain that I will never pass with the exact facial structure I currently possess.

By this alone, I'd assume you see this as a priority.

Clearly, in addition to the links here at Susan's, (and if you haven't already), I suggest you check out www.donnarose.com and www.tsroadmap.com and www.counselsuite.com, all of which give excellent advice on FFS and setting transition priorities.

I was told that we should wait at least a year after starting hormones to better determine the see what subtle but signifigant changes the hormones have made then do FFS if it is still needed.  I also think I will need FFS ASAP.  Also I was advised to start electrolysis immediatly because takes the longestand can cost as much or more that SRS and greatly affects the softness and radiance of the skin adding to the desired glow we all want.

   

 "This leads me to the question of when one should consider FFS?"

When you can afford it without detracting from primary goals.  Hrt won't make that much difference to basic facial look.  Some, but most of what happens is different outlooks, and presentation to the world, the eyes, the mouth and the way the muscles in the face work.  If you wait for the full physical effect of HRT, you could be a couple of years and the bone structure would still be the same.  Anytime if you feel you need it.  It really comes down to money.  If that is not a concern, have at, but if you have to delay or otherwise put off more important aspects of transition, you might concider deeply.

TG

Valuable advice, thank you one and all.

Before I knew a tenth of what I know now relating, my plan was electrolysis (asap) and FFS before the RLT. As it currently stands that still seems the best plan of attack.

 From what I have learned I have made this my plan.   Hair removal after 3 months on HRT, I got that from three different hair removal tech's at three different companys.  After 6 to 8 months get a consultation with a FFS surgeon or two. The reason, I understand in waiting 6 months is for the fat movement due to HTR to make its effects known.

The main  controlling factor M o n e y and health.

Hugss Mishell


[edit](4years) Fixed forum format error, this post should look like Mishell intended now.[/edit]

ok well that answers my question too  thanks girls

Wow, this helps allot.  *Ive been told I dont need FFS" but I want it for my own peace of mind.

If your picture is anything to go by Lynn, I have to agree, you don't need FFS.  But then the peace of ming is also important.

Hi

I had FFS prior to SRS and I"m totally satisfied with the results!
Although I agree that it is a good idea to be on HRT for 1 year prior
to FFS to see what changes if any need to be made.

LeslieGirl

I think opposite of lesigirl. I had FFS asap so i could then have the HRT fill in all over the face. I did the same with BAS and HRT did then fill in all around the 270cc implants. This looks more natural. I have seen many who waited and they looked like they had FFS and BAS. My case mine look very natural since the HRT filled in all over my body after surgery. Anyway the choice is yours.. byeeeeeeeeee

Never.

Thundra,

Don't suppose you'd care to elaborate on that answer would you?

Cassie

OK.  FFS.  Facial Feminization Surgery.

The entire idear is completely misogynist and is predicated on a narrow male view, of what looks female, and what looks male.

It is an institutionalized thought process that is harmful to all woman, but especially young woman, much as the unrealistic expectations that are heaped on them to conform to a narrow male view of how much a woman should weigh. Or how many curves she is allowed to have/not have to be considered attractive or to fit into heterosexual society.

Unfortunately, what I have seen in this community especially, is a gleeful willingness to surrender all individual identity to the driving force that is the patriarchy. People here, rather than challenge the assumptions of the het. majority, rush to embrace those same tired standards of male-prescribed beauty that woman have been struggling to overcome for decades, is not the last millenia.

Before anyone even considers any kind of facial modification, they ought to really LOOK around them at other women.  ALL women, of ALL ages, ALL skin tones, and ALL ethnic backgrounds.  If you do so with an open mind, and no pre-prescribed notions of what is beautiful, and what is not, you will quickly come to the conclusion that no two woman look alike, let alone look like what the infamous DR O. does to people's faces.

I leave you with this thought that I and countless other women live by:  There are no ugly women, there are only stupid men.

Apologies to any liberated men w/in earshot, because that volley is NOT addressed at you.  It is addressed at people that act/behave in such a manner that their actions create unrealistic burdens on other people thru expectations of beauty, or otherwise.

Thus did Thundra speak.

"Can I rain on your parade today?"

Those are valid thoughts Thundra, thank you for sharing them.

However I see things in a different light.

I rush to embrace my own sense of beauty, not someone else's. Not some prescribed notion of what is beautiful, but what I, myself, consider beautiful. I'd go for full therianthropic/anthropomorphic if the option existed, but it doesn't. I tolerate my face as I tolerate my genitals. Neither belong on what I consider proper.

To be clear I am very well aware that beauty is subjective.

Ok, Thundra,

Now tell us what you really think.

Like Kimberly said, valid thoughts and good food for thought for anyone considering FFS. Thank you for elaborating. For my part I'm pretty happy with my face as is and don't see myself changing it. I look a lot like my sister and my bone structure fits the female profile.

I do think many of us however are concerned with fitting the female norm which is more defined from an anthropological standpoint than any stereotype. Female bone structure is very different from male and even in women who look very masculine the basic bone structure still fits this standard in facial features.

Some of us may want to look like some super model vision of ourselves, few who do will actually achieve such a result. But, I don't think most of the women here are demonstrating "a gleeful willingness to surrender all individual identity to the driving force that is the patriarchy" as you say.

Anyway I do appreciate your honest opinion on the matter and I'm sure many will find it very useful in their decision making process.

Good Journey,

Cassie

If I were younger, rich, vain and worried I would probably consider it.  I am none of the four.

I see in the mirror a women who has wrinkles, radiation burns just an older woman.  My voice sux due to the surgery to remove my lymph nodes plus 7 weeks of radiation cooked my vocal cords, saliva glands and taste buds.    You know what?  I can go to places that I am not known, meet women that have no knowlege of my past and my looks & voice have nothing to do with acceptance.

If FFS is what a person needs for themselves go for it.  If it is done for absolutley any other reason then maybe priorities need to be looked at.

Leigh Dearest,

Duck!