Hello, I've finally registered on this site after hours of going through forums and reading different experiences you've all had with different doctors. It's helped me to make a decision on a surgeon I really want to go with. I'm not sure how this whole thing will come across, but please believe that I do have the best intentions. <3
I feel the need to tell my story, because it's different than what a lot of you are going through, but I think we have similar struggles.
I was born female to a french and italian household. As far back as I can remember- I was uncomfortable with my facial features. First it was my nose, but as I developed further, I realized that there were many things about my face that I was uncomfortable with.
I look VERY much like my father. In fact, it's almost like the worst features from my family tree were taken and put into me (at least, I feel that way) I have my italian grandfathers very strong square chin, my grandmothers harsh browline, my dads full nose tip with my mothers bump. And a lot of asymmetryn and general unevenness. I have been asked before if I am in a male to female transition- which is very hard for me. **edit** I did find out recently that my body has been producing too much testosterone- which I assume- due to medical issues I've had- has been going on since I hit puberty, I am now on hormone therapy. I do think that the testosterone affected the way my facial features developed- but that's speculation as this point
I decided about 7 years ago that I defintly wanted to get surgery. In recent years- I realized that just a nose job wouldn't do- I wanted to still look like myself but not so much- that's a hard concept. ugh
I decided that doing my chin+ fat removal, orbital rim shave with eyebrow lift, and rhinoplasty would make me happier- and that several nicely done refinements would be better than one huge giant change.
Through this site- I found and consulted with Zukowski- I'm not thinking that I'll go with him, as he's a little more aggressive than I need.
But I've found- who I hope and think is the man for the job- Toby Mayer in LA. I have a consult april 22nd!
I just wanted to say thank you all. Thank you for having the strength and courage to be you, I have the utmost respect and admiration for you ladies <3
I feel that in many ways, I can relate to the appearance related issues many of you go through. I feel the same (or at least how I assume, it must feel). For me, I've never felt that I see myself when looking in a mirror. And that is the most terrible feeling. It's caused me a lot of distress, and I feel very alone- because there aren't people around me who understand what that's like. I don't feel like I have anyone to talk to- and for the longest time- I didn't think I'd ever be able to change these things about myself. You have all helped me in more ways than you can imagine- by just being who you are. So thank you all so much, from the bottom of my heart. I don't feel as alone when I read through your stories. And it helps me have the courage I need to face another day. (I know how dramatic this sounds- and I really hope you all don't think I'm an ->-bleeped-<-, because I know how much more difficult it is for all of you, FFS is just one factor- I really hope this doesn't come off as whiny!)
My love
-kittenmouse <3