It's been a while since I posted around here. Haven't dealt with too many trans issues I felt necessitated seeking out advice from other transwomen, but this is a topic I have no idea where to start.

So I'm about 5 and 1/2 months on hrt. Seen drastic changes the past two months and because of dieting (I'm down to about a size 2) my face and frame are looking VERY feminine. I'm not dressing full time yet, but still trying to build a closet to make that possible.

Anyway, I know the surgeries I'm aiming for first are a tracheal shave and eventually breast implants (this'll probably happen in over a year). So my question to others is: Where do I start? Where do I find a doctor for this kind of procedure? Is it best to attend a conference/event and see who is attending? If so, which ones are best to attend?

I'm saving money and working towards these things, but just lost on where to start. Some advice on a general direction would be much appreciated!

I would suggest doing a search on this site, and also checking out tsroadmap.com

Starting here is definitely a good idea.  If you provide more info, such as where you live, people here might be able to help you short-circuit your search and point you directly to known professionals in your area. 

There is no need to attend conferences.  Both here and on the internet you will rapidly find skilled professionals to perform a trach shave, and you can always ask for opinions here on your shortlisted surgeons.  Breast augmentation is probably easier, but it's always good to check whether they have some experience of transgender patients.

One thing I will say is that you absolutely must choose someone with experience: the bargain-basement breasts and whatnot will probably not give you the result you're looking for.

Good luck
Julia

If you do attend any trans related conferences, you can often speak with many of the top FFS and SRS surgeons around, seeing what each advises you of for your specific situation.

Conferences are nice in that regard because you can see half a dozen surgeons in a few days, getting opinions from each. However, you can still get good feedback by researching online, contacting doctors directly, etc. Both ways work. Conferences can just make it easier sometimes.

I live in Cincinnati, but I'm willing to travel (preferably not too far from the midwest). My only concern with the conferences was possible cost of travel that I could otherwise put towards surgery. Anyway, does anyone know any good doctors that perform tracheal shaves? Also, has anyone ever dealt with complications from such surgery?

Trachea shave can be done by any experienced ENT doctor in your area. It can also be performed by most surgeons who do FFS. An issue for doing it with ENT doctor is the incision is mostly made right above the adams apple, which leaves you with a visable scar, on the area which constantly moves while you talk. Most capable FFS surgeons do the incision higher, under the chin, which makes it practically invisible, (and they probably also have better skills for closure of incision, than the average ENT doctor.). Risks are quite serious, if this procedure is done by someone who is not capable and experienced of doing it (for example, you would convince your local famous plastic surgeon to do it...). Other than that it's a risk free simple procedure which can be done under the local anesthesia.