FFS for patients "being trapped in the wrong body" -patients with gender dysphoria courageously pursue a better self from the inside out

I am Emma. I had FFS performed by Dr. Hsieh more than 2.5 months ago. First I would like to say that I am very satisfied with the outcome. It was far better than expected.

Since childhood, I've felt like I am a girl trapped in a boy's body. This may sound trite but represent exactly my situation. I am luck to have the support from my family. When I was unable to make up my mind, my mom asked me, "Do you want stop in the middle of nowhere and being no one?"

No, I hate to give up. I always try to do my best and achieve something. I studied hard to get good marks when I was a student. After graduation, I worked hard to earn good salary and get promotion. With great efforts, eventually I had undergone sex reassignment surgery (SRS) six years ago.

But there is still something missing.

I knew what was missing was a matching aesthetic appearance. I didn't see myself pretty as I had facial asymmetry and malocclusion; even I got some bad nicknames because of it during childhood. I really wanted to be a real woman from inside out.

I read the article about FFS on Dr. Hsieh's webpage. Depends on individual patient's condition, FFS may contain different surgical procedures. Few surgeons in Taiwan put it as a subject of interest. Dr. Hsieh's webpage showed he has in-depth understanding about FSS, which convinced me to make up my mind to finish the last puzzle of gender transformation.

As shown in the photo, I used to have left-right facial asymmetry, a protruding upper jaw, a flat forehead, prominent brow ridges, and sunken areas between eyebrows. Seeing the photos for the first time, I was astonished at the big difference before and after surgery. In fact shortly after surgery I deleted almost all old photos in my cell phone, computer and cloud drive. Because I promised Dr. Hsieh to write the surgical diary, I dug out the photos from the memory card no longer in use.

During the consultation, Dr. Hsieh recommended I have orthognathic surgery, cheek augmentation with implants and 3 in 1 forehead reshaping surgery. Before I thought forehead is not an important feminine facial feature and anyway it can be covered with fringe. Then I knew that forehead reshaping procedure is the vital finishing touch of FFS as forehead is the key indicator of gender and therefore I had the three surgical procedures done at once.

On the day of surgery, I only remembered I had intravenous drip and then I woke up to find the surgery had finished. I just realized the anesthetics were in the intravenous drip.

I woke up and found myself in the recovery room. I couldn't sleep well that night and felt time went slowly. That was the most uncomfortable period during the recovery. In the morning on the 2nd day, the nurse showed me the specific care after surgery. After removing the drainage tube, I was discharged and went directly back home.

The surgery was performed one week before the Chinese New Year. I was prepared not able to enjoy the New Year's Eve dinner with my family, because I could only get the mouth slightly open and was restricted to liquid diet on the first few days. I like to remind those who will go through the surgery that it is very important to pay attention to the daily calorie intake while restricted to liquid diet. Nutritionally balanced dietary supplement (e.g. Ensure® drink) should be taken to keep adequate physical strength. I didn't follow doctor's instruction and only took only my favorite apple and banana flavored milk. Obviously I didn't get enough energy from food that I got dizzy and even fainted once after taking shower. Luckily I wasn't injured. Therefore please do pay attention to the daily dietary intake.

The after surgery care includes applying cold packs to reduce swelling during the first 3 days and afterwards changing to warm pack. The recovery and healing process was much faster than I expected. Dr. Hsieh told I could have sold food during the revisit on the day before the Chinese New Year's Eve. So I joined the family reunion dinner on Chines New Year's Eve. I was eating slowly but felt so much content. It was my best New Year's Eve dinner ever.

 

I went back to work after the Chinese New Year holiday and I was worried how the colleagues thought of me. Fortunately I got all positive comments that I became prettier. I was a little embarrassed about the complements as it was the first time in my life being praised for beauty.

Three weeks after surgery
I never thought I could show my forehead.

Apart from surgical skills, I believe the success of cosmetic surgery depends also highly on the aesthetic competence of the surgeon. Dr. Hsieh possesses the both, and he has extensive experience in FFS and deep understanding of facial aesthetics between the genders.

As mentioned, the surgery outcome was far better than expected. Initially I aimed only at getting rid of the masculine features. The surgery improved not only my appearance but also my confidence. At first I was embarrassed to get praised for my improved appearance and would try to change the topic immediately. Gradually I learned to response calmly with words of thanks. I have built better relationships with people and smiled more. In addition I decided to resume the study to enhance my inner beauty.

Last but not least, I suggest those who have the same or similar situation never give up, think over before make over, and be courageous to pursue dreams. Whether times are good or bad, neither being conceited nor belittling youself. Think carefully about what you really want and what you actually can do. Enrich yourself form inside out helps to earn the respect from others.

Emma was shy and had low self-confidence before surgery.

We are sincerely delighted that Emma is now better dressed up, regains her confidence and loves herself more.

Thank Emma very much for her time and efforts on taking the portrait photographs. Emma had overcome her nerves on camera to deliver such beautiful photos.

Thank you too for daring to dream and take actions to become a better person.