So, this is my first post so forgive me if it's a clunky. Small intro, I'm in my early, early twenties, been on HRT patches for a year and a half (slowly coming up on 2 years!).

I've been looking around for surgeons, I've yet to do any consultation and I feel far out of my depth. I've considered Dr. Vartan Mardirossian since he's close by and form what I've heard, he's fairly cheaper than most. However, that makes me a bit cautious, especially after looking at his before/after photos. A few of the pictures had patients wearing make-up.
Dr. Spiegel is the ultimate go to around the boards... if you have money.
Dr. Harrison Lee I'm not sure how to feel about him. His results seem very good, but he also seems to be in the same vein as Spiegel in that he'll be a pretty penny.

It's not hard to see that my biggest issue is financing the operation. Realistically, I can't imagine a day that I will ever be able to afford the price tag. Do any of y'all have suggestions or tips for affording this stuff? Saving up is difficult due to my paycheck and bills. Tipjars/fundraisers seem... beyond my grasp, I don't have a captivating backstory or anything. I don't know the state of my credit, but it's likely... nonexistent due to lack of having a credit card. I'm paying off a car, and I have a few student loans. So i don't know.

Hi Allitra 🙋‍♀️ Welcome to Susan's Place!  I'm Jessica.
I haven't had to price out any procedures myself, but there are several members that may be able to share their knowledge.
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Thank you very much, will do.

Also the Argentinean doctors (Dr Rossi and Dr MDM) are both very good and skilled and offer FFS at much cheaper price. Perhaps an avenue to explore

The price of FFS is high, no question about it, and health insurance doesn't usually cover the cost.  Attempting to minimize the cost by going to one of the lesser known surgeons is risky.  Personally, I would only go to a reputable, experienced surgeon with a good track record.  The last thing you want is to end up with a botched surgery result.

The first step is to obtain an objective evaluation of your face.  Alexandra Hammer in the UK will provide an assessment and do a virtual FFS to show you what results you could expect.  You may be able to significantly improve your ability to pass as a female with just one or two procedures.  Although it will be more expensive in the long run, pay as you go staging of your FSS can make financing easier.  It also gives you an opportunity to assess the skill of a particular surgeon before committing to him or her for follow on work. 

Even if you elect to do just one procedure, for example, forehead reconstruction, finding the upfront cash is not easy.  People have managed to do so through financing programs (United Medical Credit), borrowing from relatives, crowd funding, taking a second job, or setting up an aggressive saving plan. 

Generally, you'll find prices are lower outside the U.S., often substantially lower.  But the savings will be offset by higher travel costs.  There are risks going abroad, as well.  I would suggest going to one of the trans conferences that are held around the country where you can arrange to consult with various FFS surgeons.  The Southern Comfort Conference in Ft. Lauderdale, FL in September usually attracts a number of FFS surgeons with whom you can schedule face-to-face consultations.  I hope this information is of some help to you.

I live in the US and had FFS in Spain 11 days ago.  Very, very happy with the initial results and aftercare provided.

I don't recommend separate procedures unless absolutely necessary.  Additional sessions of anesthesia are best to avoid if possible, which is one reason I'm having some of my other procedures combined (labiaplasty and breast augmentation for example).  And the financial factor - each trip requires paying additional anesthesia and hospital/surgery fees, regardless of fees for the surgeon.

Hi Allitra,

I can only echo what the others have told you. Do not pick a surgeon solely on price, and get two to three in-person consultations, if possible. You should be evaluating the surgeon as much he or she is evaluating you.

The results on Dr. Mardirossian's website seem to be mostly type 1 or type 2 forehead contouring.  If you have a pronounced brow ridge, this may not be sufficient. If you are not familiar with these terms, you might want to get a copy of Dr. Ousterhout's book, "Facial Feminization Surgery". I bought a copy on Amazon, and I believe it's still in print.  The basics are summarized on Dr. Deschamps-Braly's website, if you can't find the book.

I consulted with three FFS surgeons: Dr. Harrison Lee, Dr. Eric Bensimon, in Montreal, and Dr. Mark Zukowski, in Chicago.  Ultimately I went with Dr. Zukowski. I only needed type 1 forehead contouring, and he is quite good at that.  His prices are more reasonable than Lee or Spiegel.

Dr. Lee quoted me about $58K for a range of procedures, while Dr. Z charged me about $35K for even more extensive work. However, I do not believe he does type 3 forehead reconstruction; he seems philosophically opposed to opening up the sinus cavity. He has been doing FFS for over 20 years, though, and has a great eye for aesthetics. His front office is very good at responding to questions and helping you with forms and logistics pre- and post-surgery.  Dr. Bensimon was very nice, and suggested a more conservative approach, which came to about US $20K.

Hope that helps.

With kindness,

Terri

It's expensive, and the job I had when I first started transitioning did not pay enough for me to be able to save for it, so I got a part time job, and then decided to go back to school, so that I could do something that would allow me to earn more money. If we want something bad enough, we find a way to get it.

Hello Allitra -

I would take the advice given in previous responses and get some consultations - in person if possible. I actually attended a WPATH conference in LA where I was fortunate enough to get in-person consultations with Dr. Simon (Facial Team - Spain) and Dr. DiMaggio (MDM Surgery - Argentina). In addition, I had 2 visits with Dr. Zukowski (in Chicagoland).

As I needed a Type 3 forehead reconstruction, Dr. Z was out (although he had been my first choice due to his great reputation for soft tissue work and proximity to home). Facial Team was booked 8 months months out at the time of my consultation, so a longer wait. Dr. DiMaggio, requires a 1-month stay in Buenos Aires, which I couldn't manage because of work commitments. Finally, based on recommendations from others on this forum, I decided to check out Dr. Rossi (another Buenos Aires-based surgeon) who replaced Dr. DiMaggio at the T-Change practice. My consultation with Dr. Rossi was via Skype. Also, Dr. Rossi, like DiMaggio, had a reputation for aggressive work - which I felt I needed.

Regarding quotes, Drs. Rossi and DiMaggio were about half of Dr. Z, and maybe 25% less than Facial Team. There are more risks when you go abroad, as it may be tougher to get any legal remedies, should something bad happen. There are also travel and living costs which eat into the savings over, say, using a US-based surgeon. However many non-US surgeons are still American Board Certifed, so you may have some leverage if there is a problem. Plus most good surgeons stand behind their work, and so often cover revisions (but not the travel and hospital costs).

I, myself, used frequent flyer miles to get a free ticket to Buenos Aires which otherwise would have cost $1800. If you know someone with lots of miles, perhaps they could help you with a ticket. Also I paid $50/night for a nice apartment, so over my 14 day stay was $700, plus maybe $250 for meals (mostly cooked for myself).

Here is the link to a review of my FFS experience with Dr. Rossi on RealSelf (including before & after pics). https://www.realself.com/review/argentina-great-experience-dr-rossi

Hope all of this is helpful.

-Taylor

Hello Allitra,

I live in Florida and I know several local girls who have gone to Dr Mardiossian for FFS, including myself. He did his residency in Boston, studying under Dr. Spiegel and his results are similar. His results tend to look natural as opposed to many of the girls who have FFS else where who tend to look more glamorous, like a fashion model. Every girl I know who has had surgery with him is very happy with the results and they all speak highly of his work. Since he is close to you, a consult is definitely worth the trip.

I had several procedures with Dr. M (as we call him here is south Florida) including a type III brow reshaping, orbital rim reshaping, rhinoplasty, upper and lower blephoplasty, upper lip shortening and a face lift. Dr. M recommended cheek implants, but for personal reasons, I did not get that procedure done. You can see the results from my avatar.

Also, last month, I had Dr. M do some hair transplants on my temples. They are still growing out, so I will not be posting any pictures for a while yet.

I'm going to respectfully disagree with Kendra.   I got a number of things done as needed.  I passed when I first came out in my 30s, but in early 40s I felt that changed and got two low cost procedures that made a big impact, soft tissue nose work and a rounded chin implant.  About eeight years later I went to Dr. Z for lower face work.  Had a lower eye lid job with a local dr who is very good.  Back to Z this summer for facelift and forehead.   It's not the optimal way to do things, but sometimes just a few things can push you over the top and be relatively affordable. 

Totally fine to have a different viewpoint of course - everyone's requirements can vary.  I just think if it's possible to reduce hours of anesthesia by combining procedures that is something to consider.  The main thing is define goals within reach, and it may be possible to do more later. 

Quote from: Clara Kay on June 01, 2018, 08:39:53 PM
.  The Southern Comfort Conference in Ft. Lauderdale, FL in September usually attracts a number of FFS surgeons with whom you can schedule face-to-face consultations. 

Hi, I just emailed them through their website to find out if any surgeons will be there this year. I really hope so because I'm planning ffs for 2019.

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If you are in the US I wouldn't choose Spiegel, he's too conservative. In my opinion the best in US is Kyle Keojampa, he uses the latest technology and his results are very good. I have a consultation with him for mt FFS revision and I'm much more sure now about going 2.with him than with my first surgeon. Don't choose only by money, you cqn always can split procedures and do different parts at different times. Wish you luck girl, you are so young have all the time to do everything without hurries

Hi,

I second Keojampa. I had consultantion with most surgeons in the US and two in Argentina. 
He should be on your list to aleast have a consultantion with.
Best of luck.

I wanna meet Dr. Keojampa and Dr. Deschamps-Braly when I visit California. Are there any others over there? Does anyone know the consultation wait time for both?

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