Trying to choose between Dr. Bradley Nesemeier at OSU Wexner in Columbus, Dr. Ali Totonchi at MetroHealth and Dr. Cyrus Rabbani at University Hospitals, both in Cleveland. Does anyone have experience with any of them? I've been hard pressed to find enough information or a real endorsement to confidently make a decision between them.

I have insurance sorted and consultations scheduled with each of them

Hello Maple,

I'm Lori Dee. Welcome to Susan's Place!

Thank you for joining our forum as our newest member. Allow me to provide you with some basic information. I can't help you with your specific questions, but someone with answers may come along and be able to help.

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Until then if you have any questions about the Susan's Place site and the Forums, please feel free to contact me at  LoriDee605@outlook.com

Once again, Welcome to Susan's Place!

~ Lori Dee
Forum Staff

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@Sarah B
@Northern Star Girl

Hello Maple

My name is Sarah B and I would also like to formally, Welcome you to Susan's Place!

I see that other members of Susan's have also welcomed you as well.

You are in a strong position, having consultations scheduled with all three surgeons. When choosing between surgeons for female feminization surgery (FFS), it is important to consider a combination of professional expertise, patient experiences, and personal comfort level with the surgeons. Here's some advice you might find useful:

• Prepare Questions for Consultations.  Ask each surgeon's experience with female feminization surgery (FFS), review before and after photos and inquire about risks, recovery, and the procedures they recommend.
• Assess Comfort and Communication.  During consultations, evaluate how well the surgeon listens, communicates and addresses concerns. Comfort with the surgeon is crucial.
• Surgeon Specialization in FFS.  Determine how frequently each surgeon performs gender affirming surgeries to ensure they have the necessary experience.
• Insurance Considerations.  Check if insurance offers flexibility for out of network surgeons with more FFS experience if the current options feel insufficient.

Once you feel comfortable here, it would be appreciated if you add a little bit more about yourself in the other forums and threads.  I would appreciate it very much as, I'm always interested in learning something new about new members

In addition members of Susan's will more than likely will discuss problems or issues that are similar to yours as most have experienced these issues as well.

Take care and all the best for the future.

Once again, Welcome to Susan's Place!

Best Wishes Always
Sarah B
Global Moderator
@Lori Dee
@Northern Star Girl
@Maple02345

Hi Maple,

Sorry I can't help with your question, but welcome to Susan's.  I hope you find what you need.

Warm Regards,

Paulie.

Quote from: Maple02345 on October 17, 2024, 10:02:56 PMTrying to choose between Dr. Bradley Nesemeier at OSU Wexner in Columbus, Dr. Ali Totonchi at MetroHealth and Dr. Cyrus Rabbani at University Hospitals, both in Cleveland. Does anyone have experience with any of them? I've been hard pressed to find enough information or a real endorsement to confidently make a decision between them.

I have insurance sorted and consultations scheduled with each of them

Nesemeier is leaving soon for Rush Affirm in Chicago, but how did it go with the other two?

Hello rinsiht,

I'm Lori Dee. Welcome to Susan's Place!

Thank you for joining the forum and contributing to the discussions.

We strive to make this a safe place to find information and share your thoughts and comments. Our members come from all over the world and have many experiences. No matter who you are, you are always welcome at Susan's Place.

We want to get to know you. Once you feel comfortable here, please feel free to stop by the Introductions Forum, introduce yourself and tell us something about you.

Clicking the HOME button will take you to a page where you can see the various sub-forums. Feel free to comment and share your experiences.

Please keep in mind when posting that this is an ALL-AGES PUBLIC Forum and the internet never forgets. Do not post anything that you do not want to be made public.

I will add some links here that are important for new members. Pay special attention to the links in RED. When you reach 15 posts, you can send and reply to private messages and add an avatar to your profile.

Until then if you have any questions about the Susan's Place site and the Forums, please feel free to contact me at  LoriDee605@outlook.com

Once again, Welcome to Susan's Place!

~ Lori Dee
Forum Staff

---

Things that you should read

• Site Terms of Service & Rules to Live By
• Standard Terms & Definitions
• Post Ranks (including when you can upload an avatar)
• News posting & quoting guidelines
• Photo, avatars, & signature images
• Site Policies and stuff to remember
• Cautionary Note
• Membership Agreement

---

@rinsiht
@Sarah B
@Northern Star Girl

Hi Rinsiht

My name is Sarah and I would also like to formally, Welcome you to Susan's Place!

I see that other members of Susan's have also welcomed you as well.

I has been over 4 months since Maple posted her first and only post.  I do not know if she will return and post a comment about how she went with the other two surgeons.

I suggest that you read my post in regards to this issue.  To help you, if you are seeking FFS

Once you feel comfortable here, it would be appreciated if you add a little bit more about yourself in the other forums and threads.  I would appreciate it very much as, I'm always interested in learning something new about new members

In addition members of Susan's will more than likely will discuss problems or issues that are similar to yours as most have experienced these issues as well.

Take care and all the best for the future.

Once again, Welcome to Susan's Place!

Best Wishes Always
Sarah B
Global Moderator
@Devlyn  @Jessica_Rose  @Mariah  @Northern Star Girl  @Lori Dee
@rinsiht

For the benefit of anyone finding this thread - I managed to get surgery with Dr. Nesemeier before they moved to Rush. Very happy with my results, excellent surgeon.

I also had consultations with both Dr. Rabbani and Totonchi. Rabbani was a strong second and I would've gone with him if it hadn't worked out with Nesemeier. In my consult with Totonchi I found it difficult to ensure we were on the same page about what I wanted and what he could do. Regardless, it was clear he was an extremely experienced surgeon.

Quote from: Maple02345 on October 19, 2025, 05:12:17 PMFor the benefit of anyone finding this thread - I managed to get surgery with Dr. Nesemeier before they moved to Rush. Very happy with my results, excellent surgeon.

I also had consultations with both Dr. Rabbani and Totonchi. Rabbani was a strong second and I would've gone with him if it hadn't worked out with Nesemeier. In my consult with Totonchi I found it difficult to ensure we were on the same page about what I wanted and what he could do. Regardless, it was clear he was an extremely experienced surgeon.

Thank you for the update!

This will be useful information for any of our members seeking services in your area.

There are several surgeons and medical centers in Ohio that publicly offer facial feminization surgery (FFS) as part of their gender-affirming care programs. Below is a summary of the main options, followed by detailed information on MetroHealth, which has one of the more comprehensive programs in the state.

🟣 Columbus – Ohio State University (OSU Wexner Medical Center)

OSU includes facial gender-affirming procedures through its Comprehensive Gender Services Program. Facial plastic surgery is directed by: Dr. Leslie Kim, MD, MPH. OSU Gender-Affirming Care – Facial Surgery 🔗 [Link: wexnermedical.osu.edu/plastic-​surgery/gender-​affirming-​care/]

🟣 Cleveland – University Hospitals (UH)

Surgeon: Dr. Cyrus Rabbani, MD – fellowship-trained in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, with transgender facial surgery listed among clinical services. University Hospitals – Transgender Facial Surgery 🔗 [Link: uhhospitals.org/services/ear-​nose-​and-​throat-​services/conditions-​and-​treatments/facial-​plastic-​and-​reconstructive-​surgery/transgender-​facial-​surgery/] Dr. Cyrus Rabbani – Physician Profile 🔗 [Link: uhhospitals.org/doctors/Rabbani-​Cyrus-​130621/]

🟣 Cleveland – Cleveland Clinic

Cleveland Clinic offers facial feminization through its gender-affirming surgery program as part of multidisciplinary care. Cleveland Clinic – Gender Affirming Facial Surgery 🔗 [Link: my.clevelandclinic.org/departments/plastic-​surgery/treatments-​services/gender-​affirming-​services/]

🟣 Cleveland – MetroHealth (Pride Network & Plastic Surgery)

MetroHealth is a major provider of gender-affirming surgery in Ohio and publicly lists facial feminization surgery among its available options. Procedures include forehead contouring, rhinoplasty, chin and jaw contouring, cheek augmentation, lip lift, scalp advancement, and tracheal shave.
Patient notes typically include:

• Hormone therapy may be required for insurance purposes
• Some procedures require mental health support documentation
• Primary care referrals may be needed for insurance coverage
• No-smoking policies apply pre-surgery for safety

Scheduling line for gender-affirming surgery: 216-957-4905

MetroHealth program links: MetroHealth – Gender Affirmation Surgery (Facial Feminization section) 🔗 [Link: metrohealth.org/en/medical-​services/lgbtq-​medicine/transgender-​non-​binary-​care/gender-​affirmation-​surgery/] MetroHealth – Plastic Surgery Department 🔗 [Link: metrohealth.org/en/medical-​services/plastic-​surgery/]
Surgeons associated with FFS at MetroHealth include:

• Dr. Ali Totonchi, MD – MetroHealth Profile 🔗 [Link: metrohealth.org/en/providers/ali-​totonchi-​108456/]
• Dr. Ali Totonchi – Facial Feminization (Private Practice) 🔗 [Link: drtotonchi.com/facial-​feminization-​surgery/]
• Dr. Bram Kaufman, MD – MetroHealth Profile 🔗 [Link: metrohealth.org/en/providers/bram-​kaufman-​042945/]
• Dr. David Rowe, MD – MetroHealth Profile 🔗 [Link: metrohealth.org/en/providers/david-​rowe-​171909/]
• Dr. Kyle Chepla, MD – MetroHealth Profile 🔗 [Link: metrohealth.org/en/providers/kyle-​chepla-​125492/]

Additional Note – Dr. Bradley (Ryan) Nesemeier

This surgeon previously performed FFS at Ohio State University and is now practicing at Rush University in Chicago. Dr. Nesemeier – Rush University Profile 🔗 [Link: rushu.rush.edu/faculty/ryan-​nesemeier-​md/]

🟣 Summary

Ohio has several hospital-based options for facial feminization surgery, primarily located in Columbus and Cleveland. MetroHealth offers one of the more detailed public-facing programs with insurance information and a defined patient pathway, making it a strong option for those seeking in-state care.
If you would like help comparing these surgeons or preparing questions for consultations, I can provide that too.