HOW I PICKED MY SURGEON
Throughout the past
year, I met many transmen, and one thing I noticed about those meetings
was that rarely did two guys agree on the same surgeon.
I first want to state
that this page is not intended to be an endorsement for any surgeon, nor
is it intended to steer anyone away from a surgeon. This page is merely
to show how I went through the process of picking a surgeon.
The criteria I
used. (They are listed in order of importance)
1. experience and reputation
2. type of procedures he/she is able to perform
3. gut feeling
4. costs
5. aftercare
My initial list of surgeons. (In alphabetical order)
1. Brownstein
2. Economides
3. Fischer
4. Menard
5. Raphael
THE SEARCH BEGINS!
I. From my research online, I felt confident that all my
early choices were qualified to perform my top surgery. I also felt that
each had a good reputation. So in my opinion, all the surgeons on this
initial list satisfied my first criteria, though, I would say that Brownstein
clearly had the lead. His work looks particularly good to me.
II. I then attempted to decide which procedure I would like
to have done. I thought I'd rather have a keyhole procedure done than a
double incision. While I feel the shape of the chest and nipple placement
looks much better when the double incision with nipple grafts is done,
I absolutely did not like the scars that were left afterward. While looking
through the photos of other transmen, I didn't find the scars acceptable
even on those who thought their scars very light and thin. If need be,
I'd rather give up perfect contour for less scarring.
Next, I wrote to each surgeon, and for those who responded, I found
all did a keyhole or lipo procedures. However, there seemed to be some
surgeons that perform keyhole/lipo more than others. Effectively, however,
all surgeons except Raphael (who did not write back to me) seemed equal
under my first two criteria.
III. Next, I evaluated each using my gut feeling. This may
be very subjective, but I'm allowed to be since it's my chest going under
his or her knife.
Brownstein wrote to me personally. He answered all my questions
with great detail. I truly believe he respects the FTM community, and
cares for us a great deal. Major points were won by him during our correspondence.
The staff of Fischer, Menard, and Economides wrote to me as well,
and answered nearly all my questions and requests.
Menard's staff sent a well organized packet to me via email which
outlined everything quite clearly. This was good since I feared a possible
language barrier between me and the French Canadian staff.
I was able to correspond with Fischer's nurse, and was satisfied
with the information I received from her.
Economides' staff was very pleasant, however, they would not send
any photographs of his work for my evaluation. I was told that I could
only see photographs in person.
Raphael never contacted me, despite two attempts.
Another factor I used to determine my gut feeling about a surgeon
was their placement of FTM materials of their website. This is perhaps
a nit-picking thing to judge a surgeon on, but I don't want to give a
doctor my money if he or she is willing to 'hide' the fact he or she does
this type of surgery. Brownstein, Menard, and Economides all make reference
to FTM and MTF surgeries on their websites. (Note however, Economides
website is not functional). Fischer's website made no reference
to gender reassignment surgeries.
So after round 3, I put Brownstein and Menard on the top of my list.
Economides was dropped because I couldn't see photos without flying to
Memphis, and Fischer was scratched off my list because I became wary that
she doesn't put her FTM/MTF procedures on her website for possible fear of
offending the 'normal' patients. And Raphael was removed from my list because
I was never able to correspond with him.
IV. If I were just using the cost of surgery as the only
factor in deciding on a surgeon, then Menard wins hands down. Menard's
surgery costs are half that of Brownstein's.
However, there are other conditions I factored in as well. Brownstein
does not charge for revisions - Menard does. Since revisions are quite
likely at some point, I feel that both Brownstein's and Menard's costs
are ultimately similar.
Other things had to considered. For example, if revision is likely,
is it better to pay for it all at one time as Brownstein basically requires,
or to pay for it in two 'installments' as I would with Menard (initial
surgery + revision)?
Also, what differences would I likely see in travel and lodging
expenses between going to San Fran and the Clinic in Montreal.
All and all, I would rather pay $8000 (if necessary) for surgery
in two separate installments. And there is always the chance I won't need
a revision. If that is the case, I could save nearly $4000 going with
Menard. Also, lodging is included in Menard's price. This clearly shifted
the advantage to Menard.
V. In my opinion, no other facility offers the amount of
aftercare that Menard's clinic does. Every American surgeon I've heard
of treats this surgery as a out patient procedure. After a patient leaves
the surgeon's office (the same day as surgery), he likely spends a few
days in a hotel where hopefully he has a partner, family member, or friend
take care of him. This is not the case with Menard.
After surgery with Menard, I can stay in the facility overnight,
and then the following days in a residence care facility. All of this is
important to me, since I haven't found anyone willing to go with me during
surgery. This amount of aftercare is important for my peace of mind. Advantage
again was given to Menard.
So as of December 10, 2001, Menard is my choice, and I've begun
the process of submitting all the paperwork needed to set a surgery date.
My surgery experience
Updated December 10, 2001
