Quote from: the bore worms on June 13, 2014, 01:32:43 AM
Finally have a chance to update my situation.  Pretty close to making a decision, but still not 100%.   A little background info:

I'm 42 and have been on hormones for just over a year.  I don't think I have any hugely masculine facial features, although I've always had a pretty high hairline and there's been a bit more temporal recession over time.  Here is a shot of me, right now, taken by the light of my iMac.  Note - that is NOT my real hair, although across the front that is about where my natural hairline lies.  Also - cheers!



My main priorities going in have been nose and forehead/hairline.  Beyond that cheek implants would be nice, although I think this is getting a little more into chasing beauty as opposed to something that would help me pass, so to speak.  Oh and getting breast augmentation at the same time.

I've consulted with three surgeons in Beverly Hills, and each had their pros and cons:

1. Leif Rogers.  My electrologist (Dana Elise, she is wonderful) works out of his office on some days, so I've crossed paths with him a few times.  He's a younger guy with a great demeanor - easy confidence.  He explained things very carefully and I got the sense that he knew what he was doing, although he didn't really offer up any pictures of his previous work, which would have helped.  He is the only one of these three that does the breast aug himself, which I have mixed feelings about.  On the one hand, I'll bet he would do a great job; on the other I like the idea of someone who really specializes in faces doing my nose and forehead.  The most expensive option, by far (see below).

2. Toby Mayer.  I touched on this above, but I was little turned off by him at first.  He is an older guy  and I didn't feel that I related to him as well.  Also, his pitch was a little heavy on descriptions of his revisions of other surgeons' failures.  While this is a fine skill, no doubt, this sort of braggadocio does little for me.  He also recommended a couple of procedures that I didn't really think that I needed (lip lift, pre-jowl implant), although to be fair if I was in his position I would probably do the same.  It's not like I have to do them, and he did present them as the lowest priority.  He definitely has the most extensive FFS track record of those that I consulted with.  The least expensive option.

3. Stephen Pincus.  I liked him a lot.  If the above two were the extremes on a scale, he would be somewhere in the middle.  Younger and more relatable than Dr. Mayer, yet older and (ostensibly) more experienced than Dr. Rogers.  Middle of the road on cost, as well.

My plan is to go for the following procedures:

- rhinoplasty
- brow lift/hairline advancement/orbital bony contour
- cheek implants
- breast augmentation

For this combo, prices are as follows (give or take, I'm sure):

- Mayer $29K
- Pincus $31K
- Rogers $36.5K

I'm currently leaning toward Mayer based both on cost and track record (including this thread - thanks Haley and Jenny!).  If Pincus was a little less, I might go with him but honestly would rather put that $2K toward something else.  It's not like there's not more surgery in my future, right?

Either way, going in around 7/31 - will post back with more info and probably some pics although I'm not as bold as some in that regard.  Hope this thread helps someone else somewhere make their decision somewhere down the line...

Don't go with Mayer, my opinion.  I went with him for hairline, nose, brow bossing, and to make a long story short, I'm lined up with DiMaggio in November for full FFS and revisions to these areas.  If you want to know more, PM me.

Hmm looks like I can't PM you, unless I'm somehow missing where to do it?  Feel free to PM me more info, or for my email.

It takes at least 15 posts to be able to send or reply to a PM, but you can receive them at any post count.

I think Mayer does excellent noses, chins, cheeks, eyes, and hairlines. From my own experience, his ability to close a suture is bar none fantastic.

If you need extensive work done to your brow bone, though, I agree with Mindy. You should look at surgeons who do Type III reconstruction in that case. Mayer can only do a Type I shave. I think I was right on the edge. Some days I look and still see quite a bit of brow, but most days I am very happy. However I have completely forgotten about scars and nobody would ever guess that I had my nose done. He is a magician with noses, and he knows it well (almost to a fault - I've heard him refer to himself as god ). That cracked me up though. And I do like that he is very proud of his work and knowledge of facial aesthetics.

Also one of the main reason I chose Dr. Mayer was because I wanted subtle changes and was trying to avoid the aggressive approach (a la Dr. O) at all costs.

Quote from: Jennygirl on June 16, 2014, 08:22:37 AM
It takes at least 15 posts to be able to send or reply to a PM, but you can receive them at any post count.

I had a feeling this was the case - thanks for clarification.

My own impression is that my brow is not much of a problem and this has been the opinion of multiple others (professional and otherwise).  I'm sure Dr. O (or whoever) might be able to execute some wizardry that would give an even better outcome, but I don't know that it's worth it, especially when someone like Mayer is in my backyard, obviating the need for travel and allowing me to recuperate with friends.  I'm getting a second consult with him next week will go from there.  Based on the comments and experiences of others, I think I must have caught him on a bad day (either mine or his), and again, there are just too many reports of satisfied patients to ignore.

One more question - has anyone had breast augmentation done by Dr. Mayer's associate, Dr. Hovsepian?  I'm really trying to limit the number of procedures and this seems like the way to do it.  I have very little natural breast growth, but otherwise I think it should be a relatively straightforward procedure - my chest isn't particularly broad or muscular.  I'm meeting with him when meet with Dr. Mayer again next week, so hopefully that will shed some light on things either way.

Quote from: the bore worms on June 16, 2014, 11:31:11 AM
I had a feeling this was the case - thanks for clarification.

My own impression is that my brow is not much of a problem and this has been the opinion of multiple others (professional and otherwise).  I'm sure Dr. O (or whoever) might be able to execute some wizardry that would give an even better outcome, but I don't know that it's worth it, especially when someone like Mayer is in my backyard, obviating the need for travel and allowing me to recuperate with friends.  I'm getting a second consult with him next week will go from there.  Based on the comments and experiences of others, I think I must have caught him on a bad day (either mine or his), and again, there are just too many reports of satisfied patients to ignore.

One more question - has anyone had breast augmentation done by Dr. Mayer's associate, Dr. Hovsepian?  I'm really trying to limit the number of procedures and this seems like the way to do it.  I have very little natural breast growth, but otherwise I think it should be a relatively straightforward procedure - my chest isn't particularly broad or muscular.  I'm meeting with him when meet with Dr. Mayer again next week, so hopefully that will shed some light on things either way.

I messaged you.
It's a personal decision as far as your recover requirements and how far you'd like to go for surgery, of course.  I need my family around me for this and fortunately they are traveling with me to BA, as well as a friend, but that's my situation.  If at all possible, don't let the travel aspect hold you back from the best doctor for you.  Just wanted to express that.

Had my consult with Dr. Mayer today! Again Jenny you inspired me (your posts pointed me to Dr. O'Dea for hormones) XD So thank u!! Your looking so pretty in all your pics you're a big inspiration to me! 🙂

I don't get the negativity for Mayer, him and his staff were really sweet and kind to me the whole way through.  His prices are very good considering he's a Beverly Hills surgeon. Yes, his nose jobs are expensive, but after looking at several surgeons I do have to say he does do the best and most natural looking noses I've ever seen. No weird looking scoops or upturned 'piggie' noses.  I decided to go with him because of the way he hides the scar at the hairline.  Idk I just value looking as natural as possible, and that's what he looks like he can do.

He was very good to me, he basically puts things into 3 categories: Things you definately need, things that are optional, and things he won't touch even if you ask him too.  At least he did this with me. To me it shows he's at least not interested in taking all the money he can from you by being honest when you don't need something done.  And he basically echoed everything family & friends have told me (just get brow & nose done, leave everything else alone), so seems legit.  Doesn't seem like he does very dramatic forehead/brow work, you'd probably have to go to Dr. O for that one, though I hear really good stuff for Dr. Metzler in Arizona... though for him it's a 6 month wait for a consultation O.o

YMMV I suppose? There's negative feedback for every plastic surgeon out there I suppose.

Won't really be able to go to Dr. O for long if at all. He retires I think fall of this year.

Glad to hear your consult went well, Kristina! Just remember to be realistic about your expectations for brow work. The Type I shave is a really minimal change- as long as that is right for you, then I would say Mayer is the best bet! I do agree, I haven't found any other surgeon that can feminize a nose with such natural results so well. Nobody would guess I had any work done, and the people I have told can't even believe it. Its a non-issue 🙂

Jenny, thank you for sharing your experience with us. So far, all of the correspondence with Dr. Mayer's office has been wonderful. I haven't experienced any negativity so far. In the creative and artistic professions like I am in, the most confident in their abilities can come off as a little 'boastful.'  Dr. Mayer seems to fit the mold, and that is okay with me. My family is also not too far away from his office, so it makes it a much easier decision to make.

So I've narrowed it down to either Dr. Spiegel, who is a 7 hr drive from where I live, or Dr. Mayer, a cross country flight, but I can stay with my family. I guess it really comes down to who does better noses and brows? Who provides the most aesthetically pleasing results? I am also not looking for an aggressive surgeon.

Well tomorrow is my pre operative consult with Dr Mayer before surgery Tuesday morning.  I'm excited yet really nervous at the same time.  Wish me luck!  And thank you to Jenny for starting this thread and detailing her experience.  Actually, watching everyone's experience has been really helpful!

Quote from: Khalysta on June 22, 2014, 06:07:58 PM
Well tomorrow is my pre operative consult with Dr Mayer before surgery Tuesday morning.  I'm excited yet really nervous at the same time.  Wish me luck!  And thank you to Jenny for starting this thread and detailing her experience.  Actually, watching everyone's experience has been really helpful!

Wishing you all the best!! You are in real good hands. 🙂

You are all so welcome 🙂 It makes me feel great that the accounts of my experience has been helpful to you. That's the whole idea and hearing it first hand is the best possible validation

Best wishes for you, Khalysta! I will go ahead and second Riya's comment, you're in very very good hands!

Quote from: Khalysta on June 22, 2014, 06:07:58 PM
Well tomorrow is my pre operative consult with Dr Mayer before surgery Tuesday morning.  I'm excited yet really nervous at the same time.  Wish me luck!  And thank you to Jenny for starting this thread and detailing her experience.  Actually, watching everyone's experience has been really helpful!

Have a safe and successful surgery Khalysta

Quote from: inspire on June 22, 2014, 10:44:45 PM
Wishing you all the best!! You are in real good hands.

I just wanted to say that I got to see Riya's results in person a couple weeks ago, and she looked just as amazing as in her pictures.   🙂 Mayer is awesome.

Lucky! I wanna see Riya in person

Quote from: Jennygirl on June 23, 2014, 04:26:40 AM
You are all so welcome 🙂 It makes me feel great that the accounts of my experience has been helpful to you. That's the whole idea and hearing it first hand is the best possible validation

Honestly, this thread (along with all the other positive comments about Dr. Mayer on the internet) would be my primary reason for choosing him - there's really no arguing with something like that.

I had my followup consultation with him today.  It was considerably better but I'm still a little torn.  It's basically his (amazing) track record vs. (somewhat) better rapport with others.  It's frustrating because I'm generally very rational and objectively speaking, he is the best choice.  It should be a no-brainer but I'm not letting myself make it that.

I have a deposit down for surgery on 7/30 so I need to get on making up my mind soon regardless.  =)

Side note - I met with Dr. Hovsepian regarding breasts and he was excellent.  He's obviously worked with a lot of transgendered patients and had a lot of before-and-afters that looked very well done.  Nice guy.

Quote from: ErinS on June 23, 2014, 09:10:02 PM
I just wanted to say that I got to see Riya's results in person a couple weeks ago, and she looked just as amazing as in her pictures.   🙂 Mayer is awesome.

Hey Erin you are just too sweet:). Thanks ! It was nice running into u unexpectedly:)

Quote from: Jennygirl on June 23, 2014, 09:15:22 PM
Lucky! I wanna see Riya in person

Yessss girl I can't wait to see u too. Let's plan something soon;)

I got home yesterday but wanted to give a quick update.  Everything went really well.  It's been virtually pain free for me.  Some mild numbness and swelling but overall I haven't had to rely on the pain meds.  My forehead looks like Jenny's early post op photos.  The nurse Francis ( who is totally awesome ) said it looked like I had more orbital now with the swelling but it would go down.  My eyes are very swollen but they said thats normal.  I'm glad I have glasses to hold me over since I usually wear contacts.

My other procedures were a trachea shave and chin reduction.  I was told they didnt even put in sutures for these since my skin closed up so well.  I hope that is a good thing   I also got a lip lift and fat augmentation.  The lips are a little swollen obviously but the stitching is well hidden.  My lower face is also starting to get back to normal already at least movement wise.  I can tell the chin reduction is going to be really nice once the swelling subsides a bit more.

I stayed at Serenity tuesday night / wednesday morning.  That place is great.  A nurse named Nancy was just phenomenal and their smoothies are the best.  If you go to doctor mayer you should stay at this place post operation for sure.  They keep the cold compresses and ice packs going regularly.  It was just nice to not have to worry about care. 

Wednesday morning I saw Francis for a quick checkup and she went over all the instructions.  She is a very patient lady and very helpful with things.  After I was done with that I drove back to San Diego.  Obviously, it is still early but overall I am very happy so far.  I was expecting way worse in terms of pain and stuff.  Everything is really going smoothly though so hopefully the swelling follows suit!

Congratulations Khalysta,

           I think all you gals are so brave, it's going to pay off big time!