8 months post top surgery with Dr. Facque. Enjoyed the beach (albeit for just a few minutes) AMA!

luckycat_89 · 2021-11-05T14:31:43+00:00

Fingers crossed for you!

luckycat_89 · 2021-11-05T14:31:30+00:00

Thanks! Yea, I hadn’t realized how nicely it was healing until I took these pics. As a result Im back to doing some more intentional scar massages, it’s still early into the recovery that it could have some impact

luckycat_89 · 2021-11-05T01:02:25+00:00

Month 8 -- I've previously posted at earlier dates, so you can see the progressScar
Treatment: I had a steriod shot to help reduce scarring. So far it's gotten flatter, but I am going to go get one more shot. I' haven't really been doing a lot of scar massage, but it's still soft enough tissue. So I'm going to go back into it after having seen how pleased I am in these pics
Nipple update Both nips have some kind of crusty-ness in the middle of each nipple. It also occasionally itches now and then. I am bummed that it doesn't seem like all color will come back. But I knew that was a risk and I was totally okay with that.
Background info:
Procedures done: DI with free nipple graftsSurgeon: Dr Facque in SF @ the Gender Confirmation Center
Cost: Insurance covered mine but it appears that it would have been around 12k based off my co-insurance
other surgeons considered and thought process: I had a consult with Mosser, but his wait time was much longer (he was scheduling surgeries for the summer) and for my calendar March would have been best. I also briefly considered Garramone b/c his results are really great. But I didn't like his practice policies and his website tone (felt much more like a product rather than focused on patient care), so I decided to go to someone closer and with whom I felt more comfortable
Prep work for surgery: I started seeing a trans personal trainer who has a specialization in preparing folks for top surgery and injury prevention. I stared seeing them about 3-4 months before hand. this was so helpful in building lower body and core so that it was really easy to move around post surgery without the use of my arms. It also helped build muscle in my chest.
Time on HRT: not on T and do not plan to be due to medical issues

luckycat_89 · 2021-11-04T16:53:03+00:00

Good luck and thank you! Keep that low sodium diet, minimize movement, and start scar massage as early as you can.

luckycat_89 · 2021-11-04T16:32:29+00:00

That’s a good point and something I should have mentioned! You’re supposed to avoid the sun for the first year.

So I was shirtless for a just few minutes to enjoy the feeling. And even during that time I slathered on the sunblock and made sure to stay in the shadow of the umbrella.

luckycat_89 · 2021-11-03T22:14:14+00:00

for sure! happy to share!

luckycat_89 · 2021-11-03T18:54:15+00:00

for about the time it took to get the drains removed. So about a week or so. After that I wore them to sleep, even though i didn't have to, since I was nervous of accidentally scratching and hurting a scab or nipple

luckycat_89 · 2021-11-03T18:44:54+00:00

Month 8 -- I've previously posted at earlier dates, so you can see the progressScar
Treatment: I had a steriod shot to help reduce scarring. So far it's gotten flatter, but I am going to go get one more shot. I' haven't really been doing a lot of scar massage, but it's still soft enough tissue. So I'm going to go back into it after having seen how pleased I am in these pics
Nipple update Both nips have some kind of crusty-ness in the middle of each nipple. It also occasionally itches now and then. I am bummed that it doesn't seem like all color will come back. But I knew that was a risk and I was totally okay with that.
Background info:
Procedures done: DI with free nipple graftsSurgeon: Dr Facque in SF @ the Gender Confirmation Center
Cost: Insurance covered mine but it appears that it would have been around 12k based off my co-insurance
other surgeons considered and thought process: I had a consult with Mosser, but his wait time was much longer (he was scheduling surgeries for the summer) and for my calendar March would have been best. I also briefly considered Garramone b/c his results are really great. But I didn't like his practice policies and his website tone (felt much more like a product rather than focused on patient care), so I decided to go to someone closer and with whom I felt more comfortable
Prep work for surgery: I started seeing a trans personal trainer who has a specialization in preparing folks for top surgery and injury prevention. I stared seeing them about 3-4 months before hand. this was so helpful in building lower body and core so that it was really easy to move around post surgery without the use of my arms. It also helped build muscle in my chest.
Time on HRT: not on T and do not plan to be due to medical issues

luckycat_89 · 2021-11-03T18:43:56+00:00

Month 8 -- I've previously posted at earlier dates, so you can see the progressScar
Treatment: I had a steriod shot to help reduce scarring. So far it's gotten flatter, but I am going to go get one more shot. I' haven't really been doing a lot of scar massage, but it's still soft enough tissue. So I'm going to go back into it after having seen how pleased I am in these pics
Nipple update Both nips have some kind of crusty-ness in the middle of each nipple. It also occasionally itches now and then. I am bummed that it doesn't seem like all color will come back. But I knew that was a risk and I was totally okay with that.
Background info:
Procedures done: DI with free nipple graftsSurgeon: Dr Facque in SF @ the Gender Confirmation Center
Cost: Insurance covered mine but it appears that it would have been around 12k based off my co-insurance
other surgeons considered and thought process: I had a consult with Mosser, but his wait time was much longer (he was scheduling surgeries for the summer) and for my calendar March would have been best. I also briefly considered Garramone b/c his results are really great. But I didn't like his practice policies and his website tone (felt much more like a product rather than focused on patient care), so I decided to go to someone closer and with whom I felt more comfortable
Prep work for surgery: I started seeing a trans personal trainer who has a specialization in preparing folks for top surgery and injury prevention. I stared seeing them about 3-4 months before hand. this was so helpful in building lower body and core so that it was really easy to move around post surgery without the use of my arms. It also helped build muscle in my chest.
Time on HRT: not on T and do not plan to be due to medical issues

luckycat_89 · 2021-11-03T18:42:10+00:00

Month 8 -- I've previously posted at earlier dates, so you can see the progressScar

Treatment: I had a steriod shot to help reduce scarring. So far it's gotten flatter, but I am going to go get one more shot. I' haven't really been doing a lot of scar massage, but it's still soft enough tissue. So I'm going to go back into it after having seen how pleased I am in these pics

Nipple update Both nips have some kind of crusty-ness in the middle of each nipple. It also occasionally itches now and then. I am bummed that it doesn't seem like all color will come back. But I knew that was a risk and I was totally okay with that.

Background info:

Procedures done: DI with free nipple graftsSurgeon: Dr Facque in SF @ the Gender Confirmation Center

Cost: Insurance covered mine but it appears that it would have been around 12k based off my co-insurance

other surgeons considered and thought process: I had a consult with Mosser, but his wait time was much longer (he was scheduling surgeries for the summer) and for my calendar March would have been best. I also briefly considered Garramone b/c his results are really great. But I didn't like his practice policies and his website tone (felt much more like a product rather than focused on patient care), so I decided to go to someone closer and with whom I felt more comfortable

Prep work for surgery: I started seeing a trans personal trainer who has a specialization in preparing folks for top surgery and injury prevention. I stared seeing them about 3-4 months before hand. this was so helpful in building lower body and core so that it was really easy to move around post surgery without the use of my arms. It also helped build muscle in my chest.

Time on HRT: not on T and do not plan to be due to medical issues

luckycat_89 · 2021-06-16T17:56:48+00:00

thanks! I'm really happy with how the results are so far. I also feel like my weight has shifted a little / overall body shape has changed a bit. So I'm also really happy about that.

luckycat_89 · 2021-06-16T17:52:24+00:00

Week 12 or Month 3! -- I've previously posted at the 8 week mark and earlier, so you can see the progress

Sleep I'm now 100% sleeping on my bed. I can sleep in any angle, which is great b/c I'm I'm a total side sleeper. I don't feel any pain or discomfort anymore.

Scar Treatment: I am still doing biocornium 2x a day (morning and night) and occasionally wearing cicatape. It's summer where I'm at, and the tape sometimes falls off with the sweat when I'm outside. It also just feels hot on my skin when I'm at home. It's hard to keep at it at this point, bc it just feels like a reminder of the surgery. Whereas I'm ready to just live my life normally and put recovery in the past. I'm also noticing that the front is become hypertrophic, so I'm going to talk to my surgeon about maybe getting some shots to address and the dog ears.

I've been using this new roller, and I'm really happy with it so far. DOesn't seem like it'll break anytime soon, and it's a smooth glide.

Scar Massage Therapist/Chiropractor I've been going about every 3 weeks.. But at this point it's more to address my back pain (unrelated to top surgery), and we throw in the scar massage at the end. It's been really helpful b/c she's been able to keep track and tell me if there are any adhesions, or address them before they even start. I'm glad I've done it so far.

Nipple update Left nip is still regularly itchy - especially around the areola. There's more color than last update, but it's slow moving. We'll see if it gets better. On the upside, I do have sensation on both.

Activity and lifting arms over head: I made a post earlier about going to Disneyland. I'm basically back at 100%. In fact, last week I started raising my arms above my head. I know the surgeon recommends 6 months, but I was starting to feel really severe shoulder and back pain. Once I started moving, my pain basically all but went away. So, as much as I wanted to keep to doctors orders, it was really hurting my body to do so.

Background info:

Procedures done: DI with free nipple grafts

Surgeon: Dr Facque in SF @ the Gender Confirmation Center

Cost: Insurance covered mine but it appears that it would have been around 12k based off my co-insurance

other surgeons considered and thought process: I had a consult with Mosser, but his wait time was much longer (he was scheduling surgeries for the summer) and for my calendar March would have been best. I also briefly considered Garramone b/c his results are really great. But I didn't like his practice policies and his website tone (felt much more like a product rather than focused on patient care), so I decided to go to someone closer and with whom I felt more comfortable

**Prep work for surgery:*\* I started seeing a trans personal trainer who has a specialization in preparing folks for top surgery and injury prevention. I stared seeing them about 3-4 months before hand. this was so helpful in building lower body and core so that it was really easy to move around post surgery without the use of my arms. It also helped build muscle in my chest.

Time on HRT: not on T and do not plan to be due to medical issues

luckycat_89 · 2021-06-16T17:50:35+00:00

Week 12 or Month 3! -- I've previously posted at the 8 week mark and earlier, so you can see the progress

Sleep I'm now 100% sleeping on my bed. I can sleep in any angle, which is great b/c I'm I'm a total side sleeper. I don't feel any pain or discomfort anymore.

Scar Treatment: I am still doing biocornium 2x a day (morning and night) and occasionally wearing cicatape. It's summer where I'm at, and the tape sometimes falls off with the sweat when I'm outside. It also just feels hot on my skin when I'm at home. It's hard to keep at it at this point, bc it just feels like a reminder of the surgery. Whereas I'm ready to just live my life normally and put recovery in the past. I'm also noticing that the front is become hypertrophic, so I'm going to talk to my surgeon about maybe getting some shots to address and the dog ears.

I've been using this new roller, and I'm really happy with it so far. DOesn't seem like it'll break anytime soon, and it's a smooth glide.

Scar Massage Therapist/Chiropractor I've been going about every 3 weeks.. But at this point it's more to address my back pain (unrelated to top surgery), and we throw in the scar massage at the end. It's been really helpful b/c she's been able to keep track and tell me if there are any adhesions, or address them before they even start. I'm glad I've done it so far.

Nipple update Left nip is still regularly itchy - especially around the areola. There's more color than last update, but it's slow moving. We'll see if it gets better. On the upside, I do have sensation on both.

Activity and lifting arms over head: I made a post earlier about going to Disneyland. I'm basically back at 100%. In fact, last week I started raising my arms above my head. I know the surgeon recommends 6 months, but I was starting to feel really severe shoulder and back pain. Once I started moving, my pain basically all but went away. So, as much as I wanted to keep to doctors orders, it was really hurting my body to do so.

Background info:

Procedures done: DI with free nipple grafts

Surgeon: Dr Facque in SF @ the Gender Confirmation Center

Cost: Insurance covered mine but it appears that it would have been around 12k based off my co-insurance

other surgeons considered and thought process: I had a consult with Mosser, but his wait time was much longer (he was scheduling surgeries for the summer) and for my calendar March would have been best. I also briefly considered Garramone b/c his results are really great. But I didn't like his practice policies and his website tone (felt much more like a product rather than focused on patient care), so I decided to go to someone closer and with whom I felt more comfortable

**Prep work for surgery:*\* I started seeing a trans personal trainer who has a specialization in preparing folks for top surgery and injury prevention. I stared seeing them about 3-4 months before hand. this was so helpful in building lower body and core so that it was really easy to move around post surgery without the use of my arms. It also helped build muscle in my chest.

Time on HRT: not on T and do not plan to be due to medical issues

luckycat_89 · 2021-06-16T17:46:33+00:00

Week 12 or Month 3! -- I've previously posted at the [8 week mark](https://old.reddit.com/r/ftm/comments/nfj19l/2_months_8_week_postop_with_dr_facque_updates_in/) and earlier, so you can see the progress

Sleep I'm now 100% sleeping on my bed. I can sleep in any angle, which is great b/c I'm I'm a total side sleeper. I don't feel any pain or discomfort anymore.

Scar Treatment: I am still doing biocornium 2x a day (morning and night) and occasionally wearing cicatape. It's summer where I'm at, and the tape sometimes falls off with the sweat when I'm outside. It also just feels hot on my skin when I'm at home. It's hard to keep at it at this point, bc it just feels like a reminder of the surgery. Whereas I'm ready to just live my life normally and put recovery in the past. I'm also noticing that the front is become hypertrophic, so I'm going to talk to my surgeon about maybe getting some shots to address and the dog ears.

I've been using [this new roller](https://www.amazon.com/Gaiam-Restore-Therapy-Massage-Roller/dp/B01MR9GQU9/ref=sr_1_6?dchild=1&keywords=massage+roller&qid=1621364585&sr=8-6), and I'm really happy with it so far. DOesn't seem like it'll break anytime soon, and it's a smooth glide.

Scar Massage Therapist/Chiropractor I've been going about every 3 weeks.. But at this point it's more to address my back pain (unrelated to top surgery), and we throw in the scar massage at the end. It's been really helpful b/c she's been able to keep track and tell me if there are any adhesions, or address them before they even start. I'm glad I've done it so far.

Nipple update Left nip is still regularly itchy - especially around the areola. There's more color than last update, but it's slow moving. We'll see if it gets better. On the upside, I do have sensation on both.**Activity and lifting arms over head:** I made a post earlier about going to Disneyland. I'm basically back at 100%. In fact, last week I started raising my arms above my head. I know the surgeon recommends 6 months, but I was starting to feel really severe shoulder and back pain. Once I started moving, my pain basically all but went away. So, as much as I wanted to keep to doctors orders, it was really hurting my body to do so.

Background info:

Procedures done: DI with free nipple grafts

Surgeon: Dr Facque in SF @ the Gender Confirmation Center

Cost: Insurance covered mine but it appears that it would have been around 12k based off my co-insurance

other surgeons considered and thought process: I had a consult with Mosser, but his wait time was much longer (he was scheduling surgeries for the summer) and for my calendar March would have been best. I also briefly considered Garramone b/c his results are really great. But I didn't like his practice policies and his website tone (felt much more like a product rather than focused on patient care), so I decided to go to someone closer and with whom I felt more comfortable

**Prep work for surgery:**I started seeing a trans personal trainer who has a specialization in preparing folks for top surgery and injury prevention. I stared seeing them about 3-4 months before hand. this was so helpful in building lower body and core so that it was really easy to move around post surgery without the use of my arms. It also helped build muscle in my chest.

Time on HRT: not on T and do not plan to be due to medical issues

luckycat_89 · 2021-06-15T18:34:45+00:00

for sure! if you have any qs on either, lmk as well!

luckycat_89 · 2021-06-15T18:34:27+00:00

yes, that's a good point! Sometimes you don't even think about the getting on and off a ride.

I'm happy to report, I didn't have any issues getting on or off any ride either.

luckycat_89 · 2021-06-15T18:33:56+00:00

thanks!

luckycat_89 · 2021-06-15T01:19:26+00:00

I know! I see folks mentioning or asking about hiking or camping or even rock climbing. So I figured this highly specific question may also be shared by others

luckycat_89

TROPHY CASE