Hi all,
Well as one who tries to plan ahead I am shopping around for Voice Feminization Surgery. At my age most likely voice training will not be effective. So I found this place in New York that looks pretty promising. (See below link) What I am wondering is has anyone here had this procedure done at this place and how do you feel the results turned out?

Mind you this is about a minimum of a year or two years out for me but it pays to look around and see what is available. Also I am open to suggestions as to good surgeons that perform this procedure.

LINK: http://professionalvoice.org/feminization.aspx

I don't know of anyone who has specifically gone with them, but it is very similar to Yeson Voice Clinic in S. Korea- the only difference being how they actually suture the vocal cords together. The linked procedure involves a laser to fuse part of the vibrating membranes, while Yeson utilizes two permanent sutures after removal of some of the tissue near the commissure. The desired effect is exactly the same... shorter vocal cords. The post surgical picture is almost identical.

The key is minimizing the amount of trauma to the vocal cords and getting trauma-free fusing, and I think in this case Yeson wins it. Lasers are accurate, but with the linked procedure the flesh literally has to be melted away before it is healed over into a band of scar tissue... Seems a lot more harsh. The biggest problem for me though was that they don't have much in terms of public patient experiences.

I would really be interested to hear the difference between the two methods of fusing. I am sure that one ends up more favorably than the other

For me, I am incredibly happy with Yeson's work. I think VFS will end up being the most life changing surgery in my transition.

Thanks Jenny, as I said this is a ways off, but that is very informative information. I have to admit I would be a little concerned about the journey to S. Korea. I have only left the states once in my life and lets just say it wasn't a very pleasant experience. Never the less it is something to consider for sure. That is why I am trying to get as much information as possible so I have my ducks in a row, so to speak... Pardon the pun...

Quote from: Veronica M on April 07, 2014, 08:16:52 AM
Thanks Jenny, as I said this is a ways off, but that is very informative information. I have to admit I would be a little concerned about the journey to S. Korea. I have only left the states once in my life and lets just say it wasn't a very pleasant experience. Never the less it is something to consider for sure. That is why I am trying to get as much information as possible so I have my ducks in a row, so to speak... Pardon the pun...

If you can hold out I wouldn't at all be surprised if Dr. Kim's exact method comes to the states soon. Lots of doctors are hearing about him right now, and it can only be for the better if they start doing things his way.

Quote from: Veronica M on April 07, 2014, 03:09:23 AMAt my age most likely voice training will not be effective.

Bull hockey.  ANYONE who puts enough time and effort into it can develop a good voice.  The problem is many people can't surmount the psychological hurdles involved.  The physical aspects of voice are very doable, it's the psychological ones that basically everyone under-estimates.

I hope you realize that even with surgery you will need voice therapy.  So why not nix the surgery, save a bunch of money and do it yourself?

But don't take my word for it, ask Dr Jamie Koufman, a nationally known throat surgeon in New York City.

http://www.voiceinstituteofnewyork.com/

She advises against surgery for us because the procedures out there aren't reliable and more often than not fail.  Oh, one more small detail; Dr Koufman has transitioned herself.

I'll also add that voice feminisation surgery is a bit of a misnomer. Feminisation is only a very tiny bit of it. The surgery doesn't make you automatically select more female vocabulary, give you female resonance and speech characteristics. You still have to put in the effort to feminise your voice, otherwise you will probably end up with a voice that still sounds male, but younger. However, those who have put in the effort and had VFS sound great to my ears!

Quote from: Jennygirl on April 08, 2014, 03:06:36 AM
If you can hold out I wouldn't at all be surprised if Dr. Kim's exact method comes to the states soon. Lots of doctors are hearing about him right now, and it can only be for the better if they start doing things his way.

Thanks Jenny, and yes this isn't going to happen tomorrow, so this is more a research project for the moment. I have always found it good to be well informed before jumping into things. This is the most important thing I have done with my life so I am not rushing into anything.

Quote from: Beyond on April 08, 2014, 04:36:33 AM
Bull hockey.  ANYONE who puts enough time and effort into it can develop a good voice.  The problem is many people can't surmount the psychological hurdles involved.  The physical aspects of voice are very doable, it's the psychological ones that basically everyone under-estimates.

I hope you realize that even with surgery you will need voice therapy.  So why not nix the surgery, save a bunch of money and do it yourself?

But don't take my word for it, ask Dr Jamie Koufman, a nationally known throat surgeon in New York City.

http://www.voiceinstituteofnewyork.com/

She advises against surgery for us because the procedures out there aren't reliable and more often than not fail.  Oh, one more small detail; Dr Koufman has transitioned herself.

Straight and to the point... I love it! It has always worked best if someone hit me in the face with a brick than dilly dattle around the point... LOL   Time and effort I have, and I am game to try and work at anything. Being retired for the time being, time is something I have for sure. And yes, I would prefer not using surgeries in this process for sure. The thing I am concerned with is one, I have a deep voice, and two I have smoked a fair percentage of my life so that doesn't help either. (Nasty habit) However, Like I said, I'm willy to try and work at anything. Thanks for the information.

Quote from: Nicolette on April 08, 2014, 06:04:31 AM
I'll also add that voice feminisation surgery is a bit of a misnomer. Feminisation is only a very tiny bit of it. The surgery doesn't make you automatically select more female vocabulary, give you female resonance and speech characteristics. You still have to put in the effort to feminise your voice, otherwise you will probably end up with a voice that still sounds male, but younger. However, those who have put in the effort and had VFS sound great to my ears!

Very good point Nicolette...