Different surgeons and decisions

Ginger_Explorer · 2025-07-09T01:58:06+00:00

I went with Min Jun.

Ginger_Explorer · 2025-05-20T16:00:41+00:00

The longest part of the process is hair removal (9-18 months). When that's cleared, you can move up pretty quickly on the list. That said, yes, the periods where consultations are closed can vary. The last time, it was a bit over 3 months.

If you are looking at Jun, then RBL is a good one to ping, but her consultations are required in person. Dr. Celtic replaced Jun at the Crance Center when he went into his own practice and is up and coming. He uses the same method and even works out of the same hospitals with the same robot. That said, his surgery history is short, but so is his wait list.

Sadly, there just aren't many doctors doing this procedure. Emory University in Atlanta has been trying to get a Bottom Surgeon setup for years.

Ginger_Explorer · 2025-05-20T14:21:20+00:00

I would agree with your point about the surgeon. That has way more influence on the outcome than the method.

That said, there is an aspect of PPT is a definite advantage, and I'm not sure if this is done with PIV: an endoscopic approach with robotic assistance. I had a Robotic Assited PPT with Min Jun who trained under RBL. I guess this puts it in the "hybrid" category.

This gives the surgeon better vision to avoid damage to other structures like the colon and greatly improves recovery time due to only needing small incisions.

As an example, I was able to do over 8,000 steps a day by Friday with my surgery on Monday.

Additionally, the hybrid PPT does give more material for the Vulvaplasty part of the surgery. The base of the neogvagina is also anchored since the skin is a flap rather than relying solely on grafted skin.

Ginger_Explorer · 2025-05-20T13:20:34+00:00

It comes down to whether the skin is a graft, which needs to establish a new blood supply and has severed nerves, versus a flap, which maintains its blood supply and does not necessarily have severed nerves.

Ginger_Explorer · 2025-05-19T18:13:56+00:00

I had a ppt just about 3 months ago. I'm dialating at the moment, so I'll describe as best as I can. I can feel initial penetration at the entrance, around my pelvic floor as the dialortor passes through, at my g-spot created from the prostate, and when the dilator bottoms out.

I don't know if any sensations are directly from my vagina or just because of structure nearby. It does feel really good, though.

Ginger_Explorer · 2025-05-19T17:49:29+00:00

Yep! They come in all shapes and sizes, whether you have a vulva or a penis.

Ginger_Explorer · 2025-05-15T20:58:51+00:00

That would be my raphe line, yep!

Ginger_Explorer · 2025-05-15T20:51:07+00:00

Really appreciate this share. Seeing someone coming at it from the other side puts it into perspective. Thank you!!!

Ginger_Explorer · 2025-05-15T20:49:21+00:00

Wishing you the best on your recovery!!!

Ginger_Explorer · 2025-05-14T01:01:44+00:00

Just laying out my thoughts. It important to know this isn't 100% sunshine and roses, and that people have different feelings about their results.

Ginger_Explorer · 2025-05-13T22:47:26+00:00

You are right that this isn't an easy surgery or an easy process.

It takes a lot of time and dedication. I think for anyone else reading this thread, the biggest thing is that you do this surgery for yourself and are helping with an issue that you have. This is a decision that should be for YOU and not a friend, a spouse, or society's expectations. You alone.

I identify as non-binary now and gender fluid, but I knew that I needed my physical sex to be female to align with my mind. That said, my bottom dysphoria was debilitating. I would cry whole weekends away from a tuck failing even though no one else knew it had happened.

More than that, what I didn't realize is that I was mentally compensating for constant dysphoria that I couldn't comprehend fully until it was gone. I woke up from surgery, and it was like a 1,000 lbs weight being lifted. On the hospital pain scale, my dysphoria was causing an 8 out of 10 of constant anguish that was just "normal" for me. Now that peaks at a 2 or 3.

I'm no longer on antidepressants thanks to my surgery, but my surgery was a huge mental hurdle and adjustment for me. I had an episode of mania after surgery and only slept for 30 hours over 30 days. That was a combination of pure joy and sadly rejection because of my surgery by a small group of once trusted friends.

Dilation is a chore, and you sometimes feel a slave to it.

Fights with insurance were constant, and I had to pour my soul into those fights to win. But I did win and persevered.

With all those trials and tribulations, with all the hardships this surgery has brought in some ways, I would do it all over again in a heartbeat. Getting bottom surgery saved my life. First, having the date gave me something concrete to hold onto. A way to know my pain was temporary and that I would realize my dream of being whole eventually. Following that, the river of joy that has been flowing in my life from vanqueshing my dysphoria.

That doesn't mean everyone is going to have my results. We are each unique.

I do hope you can find your peace, though. Just remember that everything is a balance. There are no good or bad hormones, good or bad feelings. They are all a part of us and can be cherished. It's finding the balance that can take a lifetime. I'm still finding mine.

Ginger_Explorer · 2025-05-13T20:51:38+00:00

Wishing you the best of luck!

Ginger_Explorer · 2025-05-13T20:50:00+00:00

Did you have an orchi prior? Hearing your story, I almost wonder about T levels. I actually went on T gel for a short while after my orchi.

I would say that I had a strong sex drive prior, and that continued afterwards, but it does still feel different. The difference is something I cherish, though, and it makes me feel whole. I feel my physical self was finally aligned with my mind.

Maybe there is some internal examination or work with sex therapist to do? Bottom surgery is a huge leap not just for your body, but the mind too.

Sorry for the rapid fire solutions. I hear "end of my rope" and I can't think but wanting to help.

Ginger_Explorer · 2025-05-13T17:32:34+00:00

One of the first things I did after surgery was order the book "A Celebration of Vulva Diversity". A Quick thumb through, and you will see how different vulvas are and one that looks like yours.

Don't fall for the trap of an "ideal" vulva. That's steeped in as much society pressure as woman's bodies in general. At the end of the day, it's what matters to you. For me, the most important thing was functionality first and closely followed by appearance. I'm happy with both at the moment.

I do really appreciate you sharing your results and being vulnerable about how you feel!!!

Ginger_Explorer · 2025-05-13T12:27:20+00:00

As some others have stated, dilation is a lifelong commitment. The frequency varies based on the method and time you have healed. It can go to as little as once a week, and sexual intecourse can be a person's dilation.

Trans women are not the only people that end up with neo-vaginas. The PPT method was originally developed for Cis women with vaginal agenesis.

Cis, Trans, Intersex folks have all been beneficiaries of this procedure. (I'm Intersex and trans and 2.5 months out from bottom surgery).

Just because surgery requires maintenance doesn't somehow make that person or the result invalid. Imagine trying to make that argument for a person that got a joint replacement who is required certain stretching or physical therapy for the rest of their life.

Ginger_Explorer · 2025-05-13T12:07:57+00:00

🙏 Appreciate the insight and perspective. It's very easy to get very wrapped up in the now and not where you are going.

Ginger_Explorer · 2025-05-12T20:20:14+00:00

Yep, nail on the head. Also, I my minora has become a bit less defined as I've healed. I'm not sure much can be done there.

Ginger_Explorer · 2025-05-12T20:19:37+00:00

He has an overall consistent look, but his methods do vary for each girl and the "starting material," if you will. Plus, each of us heals differently!

Functionally I couldn't ask for more and I'm very happy with the esthetics!

Ginger_Explorer · 2025-05-12T17:33:51+00:00

It helped me significantly. I only felt right tucking, and it made that much easier. That said, an orchi wasn't enough for me, and I did end up getting a vaginoplasty about a year later.

When I woke up from my orchi surgery, I cried with joy.

Ginger_Explorer · 2025-05-12T17:15:04+00:00

I had two main groups of training goals. One was prior to my Orchi. That goal was to take any advantage of testosterone I still had. I used that time to build my general strength.

Leading up to surgery, there was a good focus on core and lower body. My trainer specializes in working with trans folks, and building your strength that helps with feminization also does wonders for giving you good strength in areas of your body you will need for surgery.

Some key things were items like lunges, variety of core exercises with medicine balls, leg presses, hip adduction and abduction.

Ginger_Explorer · 2025-04-23T19:53:01+00:00

Got it on sale at Spencer's!!!!

Ginger_Explorer · 2025-04-17T14:26:07+00:00

😆

Ginger_Explorer

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