Hi Everyone!!

First post here so go easy on me
I am currently about 6 months in on my HRT (23y/o MtF) and my last appointment with my doctor had some interesting news! My doctor told me that as soon as July this year, which i'll be at 10 months HRT, i could start looking for a surgeon for my bottom surgery. He recommended me to Dr. Nicholas Kim at the U of MN. I tried doing some google searching to find any reviews or results from him and i couldn't find anything. When i was in my doctor's office i asked him if he was confident in Dr. Kim's work because i wasn't familiar with the name and he told me he wouldn't send me to anyone that he had any doubt in. So, i was wondering if anyone here has any experience with Dr. Kim? It would be really nice for me to have a surgeon so close to home, but this also isn't something i want to skimp on. You only get one shot at it so to speak. If any Minnesota friends want to let me know what they did too, that would be so helpful! Any help would be so nice!

Thanks!

Hello Umblah, welome to Susan's!

Yeah I'll go easy on ya.    And first, congratulations on a half year with your HRT prescription!  Time flies when you're having fun - my HRT experience has been awesome.  I am MtF from the Seattle area.

I have not heard of Dr. Nicholas Kim from Minnesota. 

For GCS, it's quite possible a surgeon may have their own requirements but I don't think there is a standard waiting period for HRT.  WPATH requirements (followed by US insurance companies) require one year Real Life Experience (living in gender role) before GCS.  I had my in-person surgical evaluation 3 months after starting HRT, with GCS surgery 6 months after starting HRT.  The surgeon was mainly interested in checking overall health and genital hair removal.  Hair has a random growth pattern and may require 6 - 12 months of electrolysis in the surgical site area (or laser, although I consider laser less permanent for many people).  Some surgeons do not require hair removal and scrape hair follicles by spending additional time during surgery.  I wanted to minimize the risk of hair growing back and do everything possible to reduce time under anesthesia, so I went the electrolysis route.  Depending on which surgeon you use, hair removal may require time and planning. 

The other timing issue depends on which surgeon you choose.  The best-known GCS surgeons in the US currently have a waiting list typically two to three years.  There are exceptions - I went to a surgeon who had worked along side one of the top names for a couple years.  I was able to get in fairly fast but her waiting list has already grown since then. 

Having just had this surgery less than two months ago (mine went great, no complications) I completely agree with your statement this isn't something to skimp on, you only have one shot at it. 

Since this was your first post I'll include information to help with navigation and provide site guidelines. 

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Umblah, when you get a chance it would be great if you can introduce yourself in the Introductions Forum.

I'm glad to see you here, and best wishes on your GCS decision. 

Kendra

Hi Umblah,

I know this is different scenarios, but I just had my top surgery consult with Dr. Kim this week. He's a super friendly guy who has a sense of humor, making the whole experience really welcoming. Meeting him and his staff had been nothing but positive and kind. I have a handful of friends who have gotten their top surgery from him and found it a really good place to go. I just wanted to let you know of my experience.

-Daym

Sent from my moto g(6) play using Tapatalk

Hi Umblah,

I am also interested in using Dr. Kim for bottom surgery. Did you go with him? Have you had a consultation?  I'd love to know how it went.

Sara

I had my bottom surgery with Dr. Kim January 10th, 2019. My care has been top notch and I can highly recommend him! I am happy to answer any questions you might have too.

I found this site looking for just this answer.

It was only late last year or earlier this year that I'd even found out that GCS/SRS/GRS was available in-state now.  When I used to go to the UofM's gender center, they made it clear that they did NOT provide surgeries, but this was many moons ago.

Does one need to go through their therapy program, or can I see my own psych and still get surgery at the U?

Long, long ago I was scheduled with Dr. Suporn in Thailand, but I had moral issues with how that surgery would be paid for so dropped my appointment.  I'd since given up on the very prospect of surgery until my mom dropped a bomb on me and suggested that there may be a way, after all.

I guess I should start my own thread to ask this, other than Doctor Kim, who would people recommend?

And I'm afraid to ask this, but what are the average costs to have MtF bottom surgery done now (esp. Dr. Kim)?

You can have your own therapist to write your letter. You will need 2, so hopefully you can get yours to recommend another therapist to write the second.

As for the cost, Minnesota requires all in state business to have the surgery covered by their insurance, so the cost will depend on what your policy says. As of right now, it is looking like mine will cost me less than $1100!

Quote from: Tribble on March 12, 2019, 10:15:28 PM
I found this site looking for just this answer.

It was only late last year or earlier this year that I'd even found out that GCS/SRS/GRS was available in-state now.  When I used to go to the UofM's gender center, they made it clear that they did NOT provide surgeries, but this was many moons ago.

Does one need to go through their therapy program, or can I see my own psych and still get surgery at the U?

Long, long ago I was scheduled with Dr. Suporn in Thailand, but I had moral issues with how that surgery would be paid for so dropped my appointment.  I'd since given up on the very prospect of surgery until my mom dropped a bomb on me and suggested that there may be a way, after all.

I guess I should start my own thread to ask this, other than Doctor Kim, who would people recommend?

And I'm afraid to ask this, but what are the average costs to have MtF bottom surgery done now (esp. Dr. Kim)?

Thank you!

I did receive your PM, but I cannot reply to it yet.  Just thought I'd let you know.

Now it looks like I will be ending up with Dr. Kim as a bottom surgery patient, he seems to be one of the few surgeons accepting my health insurance plan.  And that would bring me back into the same hospital I started out with my surgical training at.  I almost have the feeling the circle is closing now, Minnesota (the Cities) will have me back for a while!  I worked there for 36 years, and I turned my back to the Cities, and now they seem to be welcoming me back!

Welcome back when you get here!

Quote from: Tribble on March 22, 2019, 01:37:01 PM
Welcome back when you get here!

Well, actually, I am back every summer, when it is to hot down here.  My son lives in Hastings, and i bother him and his spouse with my presence 

Good your son is the area.  How long is the wait time with Dr. Kim, does he do the type of srs you want?

Quote from: Dietlind on March 22, 2019, 02:05:48 PM
Well, actually, I am back every summer, when it is to hot down here.  My son lives in Hastings, and i bother him and his spouse with my presence 

I'm right up 61.  Hastings is a nice little town.  Looked at houses there when we bought ours.

It's good you'll have a place to stay (I'm assuming he's offered, right?)!

Quote from: Tribble on March 22, 2019, 03:23:06 PM


I'm right up 61.  Hastings is a nice little town.  Looked at houses there when we bought ours.

It's good you'll have a place to stay (I'm assuming he's offered, right?)!

He does not know yet!  I have a little difficulties with his spouse, and wonder if I better stay in my Class A motorhome!

Quote from: mm on March 22, 2019, 02:47:07 PM
Good your son is the area.  How long is the wait time with Dr. Kim, does he do the type of srs you want?

i just wrote an email to them to make sure they confirm that they accept my insurance!

Quote from: daymsgaym on November 01, 2018, 03:28:30 PM
Hi Umblah,

I know this is different scenarios, but I just had my top surgery consult with Dr. Kim this week. He's a super friendly guy who has a sense of humor, making the whole experience really welcoming. Meeting him and his staff had been nothing but positive and kind. I have a handful of friends who have gotten their top surgery from him and found it a really good place to go. I just wanted to let you know of my experience.

-Daym

Sent from my moto g(6) play using Tapatalk

@daymsgaym
Dear Daym
     I am so very glad that you have become a member here and that you found the Susan's Place Forums.
     
    As you continue to post on the forums you will be able to exchange thoughts and comments with others that are experiencing many of the same things that you are.   I expect that you will be getting many members offering their thoughts and suggestions as you continue to post here. 

   
     For sure this is the right place for you to be to find out what others may have to say that may have been in your circumstances and with your questions and concerns.
    There are a lot of members here that will be able to identify with your situation and as you continue to feel free to share with all of us.

    I also want to warmly WELCOME you to Susan's Place. 
You will find this a safe and friendly place to share with others and to read about others similar trials, tribulations, and successes.

    As you are certainly aware you can share with others and involve yourself with some give and take with other like-minded members.  When frustrated or if you have successes you can share it here if you wish and receive support from others and offer support to others. ....
     ***There is a very good chance that you might find that you will make some new like-minded friends here. 

    Please come in and continue to be involved at your own pace.
   
    I have attached important and informative LINKS that will help you to navigate around the Forums and will allow you to enjoy the features here.     
Please look closely at the LINKS in RED, answers are there to many questions that new members ask.

Again, Welcome to Susan's Place.
Danielle

Here are some links to the site rules and stuff that all new members should be familiar with:
 

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@daymsgaym
Oh, and another thing Daym...
If you can, please plan to write a brief introduction
in the Introductions Forum so that other members will be aware of your arrival... therefore you will be able to share your thoughts with more members here.
     
Thank you again for joining Susan's Place and being involved in the Forums here.
Best wishes to you,
Danielle
NOTE: Now after all of this Greeting Stuff I will let everyone have this thread back so that the exchange of conversation can continue.
Other members here will certainly be along to give you their comments and suggestions that you may be seeking

Quote from: Yuusui on March 08, 2019, 11:09:43 AM
I had my bottom surgery with Dr. Kim January 10th, 2019. My care has been top notch and I can highly recommend him! I am happy to answer any questions you might have too.

I live in the Minneapolis area and am considering Dr. Nicholas Kim for bottom surgery. I was looking into the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, but reading reviews, I've heard they fall a little short on aesthetics. How was your overall experience with Dr. Kim and his team? How did the procedure go and were you satisfied with the functionality and aesthetics of it? Appearance, depth, ability to orgasm, need for any revisions, etc?

Quote from: Yuusui on March 14, 2019, 08:21:44 AM
You can have your own therapist to write your letter. You will need 2, so hopefully you can get yours to recommend another therapist to write the second.

As for the cost, Minnesota requires all in state business to have the surgery covered by their insurance, so the cost will depend on what your policy says. As of right now, it is looking like mine will cost me less than $1100!

If I may ask, did you go through Minnesota Blue Cross Blue Shield? That is what I have!

I just found out that Dr. Kim and the UoM is accepting Humana Medicare advantage.  And so does the Mayo Clinic.

I am in contact with both institutions and will be able to provide more details later

Quote from: Linde on March 22, 2019, 02:05:48 PM
Well, actually, I am back every summer, when it is to hot down here.  My son lives in Hastings, and i bother him and his spouse with my presence 

I was just in Hastings with my sweetie to visit his family (we live in Oregon.)  I really loved it, but I don't think I could handle the winters. It was a beautiful town though.