Hi, I’m the total mess known as Emma, and I’m currently a little overwhelmed with things.
So, long story short:
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I started HRT January 2023
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I desperately need bottom surgery as soon as possible
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I’m worried that I should have been doing electrolysis instead of laser
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I’m worried about wait lists for surgery
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I’m worried about the costs of surgery
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I need to find a surgeon
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I’m interested in evacuating to a safe state on the west coast
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I feel overwhelmed with everything that I need to do
There’s so much going on for me right now, and I’m seeking input from everyone here with something to say about any of my struggles.
Thanks ❤️
This is subjective but I did no laser or electrolysis before my bottom surgery. My surgeon did electro as part of the operation and I have had no problems over a year out with hair.
As for how to find one, it depends on: how you’re paying, if you have insurance coverage, how far you’re willing to travel, what your cost limits are, what surgical technique interests you, and what you think about each individual surgeon. Read lots of reviews and email the surgical clinics you’re interested in. Ask for costs and information booklets, they have them in abundance I assure you.
For me I didn’t pick my surgeon, I just went with the only option I could have covered. And I am very happy with my results. Your insurance company, if you’re insured, can give you information about what procedures and what surgeons are covered. There are options for essentially making your insurance cover it, but that’s longer than I can go into in this short comment. You also will need two recommendation letters from WPATH certified clinicians, good place to start on getting the surgery is getting those. They also can help with getting some of the costs covered.
Long and short of it, do your research. Read up on forums where trans women talk about their experiences with certain surgeons. Investigate coverage options. And consider your individual needs and finances most of all. Once you’re past the initial stage and into the full planning stage, you’ll have lots of other work to do. For now I’d focus on making some more concrete plans.
Wow, I had no idea this was even possible. I’m learning quite a lot recently.
I think you’ve already seen my messages about that in one of the Matrix chat rooms. If not, I can elaborate here or there.
I usually pay for things using cash that I withdraw from my checking/savings.
I currently have Medicare coverage.
If I need to flee the country, I’ll do it.
I’m willing to empty my savings and, if necessary, sell access to my body. I need the surgery.
What I think I really need is to actually talk to one or more surgeons in-person so that I can know what to expect, and as I said before, I really don’t wanna be on a waiting list for more than a year. That and the cost are the main reasons I’m considering evacuating to the west coast.
I’m hoping that I can get letters from my GP (who prescribes my HRT) and my Psychiatrist (who knows I’m only interested in the letter), and I figure that the letters do not expire and can be taken out of state if I evacuate. Is this correct?
Thank you for all of the help to start me off in my research. ❤️
On the “how far you’re willing to travel” front, the reality is it’s much harder and more expensive to get the surgery in the US. One of the consequences of this is that most US surgeons aren’t 100% specialised on SRS so they may not have the level of experience of someone elsewhere.
You didn’t request specific surgeon references, but my partner used Dr. Chettawut Tulayphanich and has never regretted the choice. There’s a level of competence that only comes with repeated practice, and if there’s a US surgeon with over 3,000 of these surgeries behind them I’d be beyond shocked.