Surgery
A trans person is never required to have surgery. Each individual’s journey is their own. There isn’t just one surgery a trans person can have, there are unlimited options. There is no such thing as “the surgery.” Bottom surgery is an option for trans people, but again NOT required. I never want bottom surgery. The surgeries I have had are breast augmentation, trachea shave, genioplasty, and Body Feminization Surgery (BBL).
Most surgeons require people to have been on hormones/ lived in their gender identity for a year or two. Your therapist (and sometimes a therapist with a PhD as well) will have to write a letter explaining that you have gender dysphoria, that surgery is medically necessary, and that you understand the risks and benefits of surgery. Do your research! This is a serious decision; make sure you're comfortable with the surgeon you pick.
Some insurances will cover surgery, but many surgeons don't accept insurance.
Recommendation Letter
(TW: needles, estrogen shot in video. This was originally a live stream) After being on hormones for 5 years I have decided to start my journey to gender affirming surgery! Today I had my first appointment with a new therapist to get a recommendation letter for surgery. I also scheduled a consultation with a surgeon!
Consultation
On Monday June 20th I had my surgery consultation for breast augmentation and facial feminization surgery. I felt so comfortable and I really enjoyed meeting Dr. Ley at the Meltzer Clinic. Afterward, I went to the scheduler and found out my insurance won’t cover anything like I had originally thought. Since my consultation, I’ve looked into and contacted many insurance options in Arizona, with no luck. So I’m currently brainstorming ways to fundraise for surgery. I’ve applied to grants and scholarships in the past with no luck. Since Monday I’ve also been dealing with serious dysphoria. I am determined to figure this out. I am resilient. I will have surgery. I will figure out how to afford it. I think I’m going to focus on trying to afford breast augmentation first since it’s a quarter of the total cost.
Top Surgery/ Breast Augmentation
I’m having breast augmentation on September 1st!!! Thank you every so much for all of your love, support, shares, and donations! This seriously means the world to me. I am beyond excited! I can’t believe this is real and happening in just a few weeks!
Here is my entire breast augmentation surgery journey from start to finish! I saw Dr. Ellie Zara Ley in Scottsdale AZ on September 1st, 2020. I have 360 CC smooth, round, medium profile, gummy bear silicone breast implants under the muscle. Thank you again everyone for your love, support, donations, and shares! I’m feeling so much gender euphoria lately.
Facial Feminization Surgery (FFS)
Tracheal Shave
I’m having my trachea shave on November 4th! My Madam’s apple has brought me a lot of dysphoria in my life. Many people try to point it out to ‘prove’ I could never be a woman. The truth is I am no more or less woman with or without it. Many cisgender women have a prominent Adam’s apple also. Surgery is expensive and not for everyone, but I’m incredibly grateful and so excited to have this gender affirming surgery soon!
Here’s my entire trachea shave surgery journey! It’s now been 2 weeks since my trachea shave, and I’m feeling about fully healed! My voice is still not as strong as normal, but it’s healing quickly and I love the appearance of my neck. I’m incredibly thankful I was able to have a second gender affirming surgery this year. I also want to stress that an ‘Adam’s apple’ is simply cartilage protecting the vocal cords and everyone has it. Mine was larger, which made it protrude out of my neck. This caused me dysphoria, so I had it shaved down. You are beautiful and valid as you are. This is my journey.
Genioplasty
I’m having my genioplasty (feminization of the chin) surgery on March 29th, 2021! I’m nervous and so excited to have my first facial feminization surgery. Thank you for all of your love and support! Reminder that surgery is not mandatory nor makes me any more valid. It’s not for everyone and it’s not easy to access or afford. This is just my journey.
I’m so thankful to be almost 2 months post op from my genioplasty, the feminization of my chin. I saw Dr. Ellie Zara Ley at the Meltzer Clinic again. The team is always incredible. This was the most challenging surgery recovery I’ve had, but it’s been completely worth it. I love my new chin so much.
I’m so excited to be one year post op from my genioplasty. I couldn’t be happier!
Body Feminization Surgery aka BBL
On May 5th 2023 I had body feminization surgery aka BBL with Dr. Christine Dowbak. I had 360° lipo on my torso and lip on my upper arms and inner thigh then transferred to my hips and buttocks. It was the most challenging recovery of my life, but more than worth it. I could be be more euphoric! If you want the ins, the outs, the good, the bad, the ugly, the funny, and the pretty, watch the full video!
Bottom Surgery
Surgery is a very personal decision. Many trans people do not wish to disclose what they have in-between their legs. I used to only tell medical professionals, my family, and my potential partner(s).
I Never Want Bottom Surgery
Remember it’s never polite to ask what’s in between someone’s legs. Sometimes I bring it up. Doesn’t mean I’m always comfortable talking about it. There’s no shame in having bottom surgery. I’ve had many surgeries to affirm myself. I fully support people who want/have surgery. I just don’t ever want it Your trans body is beautiful and perfect. Body acceptance is a journey with ups and downs. You deserve to be comfy in your body.