Hey ladies and gents,

I'll be turning 22 here soon and finally ready to make an appointment for hormone therapy. I live in the Carolina's so it's tough finding a place to have any of this done or actually fine someone who has the resources.

Hormones: I've heard really good things about Dr. Marlowe in Charlotte, NC, even though it's fairly expensive. Being a college student, I wish there were cheaper options, anyone have any input on that? I want to be safe and legit about it, but find a good deal at the same time. Dr. Marlowe is the ONLY docotor I even know of that's close enough to me. I live near the NC and SC borders.

Chest surgery: I've heard very good things about Dr. Garramone in Florida. I know I will have to travel a good ways for this surgery, not a big deal. But I want the best, little scarring, and good chest shape, good nipples, etc. Anyone have any input on that? And also what did any of you who have had chest reconstruction already, what were the costs and what did you use to help prevent scarring?

Thanks to everyone to has some input. Like I said, I'm just getting started here in the next week and I want to make sure that I have all my options available that are possible. Hope everyone is having a good new year!

Just wanted to say, you look like one of my hall-mates in your display picture and he's a bio-male.
I think hormones will work wonderfully for you and I wish you the best of luck.
You certainly pass better than I did pre-HRT.
xD

Thanks a lot buddy. I can't wait to get started on the hormones, it's been a long time coming.

I've decided today that when ever I do get top surgery, I will get it with him.  Have you seen his online book of a few examples of his work?  They are really good and seem to have the best results and he actually has a Youtube channel so you can see some of his work.

Get on transbucket and you can see tons of examples of his work.

Malachite: I agree... from the mediocre research I've done on chest sugeons, he does seem to be the best I've seen.

Andy: Thanks bud, I'll def. have to take a look at that.

I second Andy's transbucket suggestion. Very useful site.

There's a surgeon in the suburbs of Chicago that I'd like to go to. He's apparently transphobic, disrespectful, and really just not a nice guy, but I think his work looks really good.

Anyway, sorry I don't really have any advice. I will point out that if you are having trouble accessing hormones, you can try bringing a copy of the wpath standards to a general practice physician and asking if they'd be willing to manage your case. When presented with instructions, a lot of doctors will try things they've never done before. It's worth a shot.

Quote from: Felix on January 03, 2012, 09:45:54 PM
I second Andy's transbucket suggestion. Very useful site.

There's a surgeon in the suburbs of Chicago that I'd like to go to. He's apparently transphobic, disrespectful, and really just not a nice guy, but I think his work looks really good.

Why would a guy who is transphobic perform a surgery that helps them?
I don't quite understand this, unless he is just transphobic against MTFs.

Quote from: JasonRX on January 03, 2012, 11:14:25 PM
Why would a guy who is transphobic perform a surgery that helps them?
I don't quite understand this, unless he is just transphobic against MTFs.

Money, perhaps?

Quote from: Felix on January 04, 2012, 12:01:54 AM
Money, perhaps?

I've heard of doctors who are transphobic, so they refuse to do these surgeries.
The doctor also could get money doing a bunch of other surgeries, so I dunno.
Strange world we live in, I guess.
>_<

Not unheard of, Jason.  The chief psychiatrist here in Adelaide who is part of the Gender Dysphoria Unit for South Australia has FTM-phobia but loves MTFs.  Apparently he makes an effort to be as verbally and emotionally abusive as possible to FTMs as well as sabotage anyone's efforts to get a second opinion.  So I've been told by every single person I've met or spoken to who has seen him. Hence why I refuse to be involved with him.

Quote from: JasonRX on January 04, 2012, 12:03:56 AM
I've heard of doctors who are transphobic, so they refuse to do these surgeries.
The doctor also could get money doing a bunch of other surgeries, so I dunno.
Strange world we live in, I guess.
>_<

It is a strange world. The guy I was talking about is Paul Steinwald, if you're curious.

People are afraid of what they don't understand or what they have to fear.