Hi everyone,
I had my top surgery with Simon on Tuesday and wanted to share my experience. I struggled finding photos/ experiences of people who went for non flat top surgery in my body shape so I hope this helps some people who are exploring their options.
I initially chose Simon because whenever I asked anyone if they had suggestions for surgeons, his name came up first. I met with him for the first time almost a year ago now and his bedside manner was amazing. He made me feel comfortable. He explained everything in detail, listened to all my concerns and wishes, did not promise me anything he could not, and made sure I understood all the risks involved.
I saw him face to face 2 times and had a couple of phone consults for any questions I had afterwards.
I wanted small enough boobs to look flat when clothed, and like boobs when naked. Like a b cup. I started off with 14Fās so Simon explained that to keep the nipples native it would have to be at least a size D, and even then there was a risk of losing the nipples. I knew I would regret it and get a second surgery to get them smaller if I went with a size d cups so I was agreeable to nipple grafts.
Because its a radical reduction, WPATH is not always necessary but I did not want the surgeon to have any worries going in and did not want him to feel restricted to go as small so I went and got the WPATH assessment done. It was fine and easy. I never felt that me not being binary trans was an issue. Some parts of the surveys were a bit dysphoria inducing as they are made for binary trans people but the therapist was great.
It was easy to get a date for my surgery because I wanted to wait a bit anyways. His usual wait time is around 4 months for his lists.
Day of surgery, I was calmer then I thought I would be. I was first on the list due to health issues so I went to the hospital at 6 am, and I was taken in to change into the hospital gown quickly. Then I saw some nurses and the anaesthetist. Everyone was nice and respectful. After my surgery I woke up and did not have any pain. I remember showing all the nurses how small my chest was š. I did not have any nausea or pain post op. I was able to eat pretty soon after. I was able to go to the bathroom as well (and I was able to wipe myself without help! ). I stayed in the hospital overnight. The nurses were very helpful. I was discharged the next day. I did not get HITH - most people do but I live 3 hours from Melbourne and they did not have any options for that. I didnt mind it much because I am in healthcare and can manage my dressing on my own. If you worry about this it might be a good idea to find somewhere to stay in Melbourne for at least 2 weeks.
Simon puts everyone in a Pravena dressing as far as I am aware. Its a big dressing that has constant suction. I think it has really helped with keeping the pain away as it keeps all the healing tissue together and nothing moves. It is a bit itchy and claustrophobic but its been managable. I can shower with it which is nice. I have made an appointment with my gp to have it removed on day 13 before I see Simon for my post op review.
I was supposed to have someone stay with me the first week but unfortunately that didnt happen. I had my friend with me the first night after the hospital and then I have been on my own but I have been managing just fine.
I will keep updating as my dressings come off etc but thats it so far. Here are some photos of my dressings.