Any Schechter patients here? - Printable Version

Any Schechter patients here? - Printable Version

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RE: Any Schechter patients here? - notyouraveragejoe - 01-28-2015

(01-27-2015, 10:10 PM)aaron Wrote:
(01-27-2015, 10:24 AM)aaron Wrote:
(01-27-2015, 09:16 AM)notyouraveragejoe Wrote:
(01-26-2015, 05:32 PM)aaron Wrote: Which donor site are you using I'd you don't mind my curiosity? I had thigh or ALT.

I'm using forearm. Now I'm trying to figure out of I need electrolysis or not as the outline they sent for the urethral graft shows an area I don't appear to have any hair.

(01-26-2015, 09:46 AM)freshonez_88 Wrote: Hey I have a top /hysto consult with schecter on February 28 I wish time went by faster lol I'm following a guy on YouTube who. Has had everything with him and hill be having bottom with him March this year. I believe he is in my area too so I'm hearing great things about schecter. The ppl at his office seem very cool and schecter himself is great seems like too. They are really prompt with communication. I like that a lot. I'm just watching others guys experiences with him in forums and YouTube so I know what to expect. Thanks

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

What is the guy on YouTube's name?

Even if it doesn't appear to have hair still get the electrolysis done. There's always hair and when the flap is shaved during surgery sometimes it stimulates not seen hair to be more visible. I did electrolysis on the entire donor area but there is still more that needs to be done. I'll be having more sessions to remove the remaining hair but for now I just simply shave it.

Good to know! I will keep the appointment. Thanks!

Also, how much does electrolysis cost? I would like to do the whole graft prior to surgery, if possible. My arms are not that hairy, but it seems as if it would be less awkward having hair removal to my arm than to my penis.
[/quote]

Electrolysis prices range depending on state and techniques. They should charge you by the hour I've seen as low as 75/hr where I am. I had about 26 hours total most my sessions were no less than 2 hours long( however my insurance paid for all sessions pre op and I'm trying to get them to cover post op too). The electrologist I use says realistically I would need to continue sessions for about a year as hair grows in 13 weeks cycles so it may seem gone and boom some more hair sprouts out. It's awkward but it is what it is I've gotten comfortable with who I use and she's not shy about it I'm far from her only penis hair removal guy and that's Trans and cis we aren't the only ones with hair on the penis. It's an actual condition that cismales encounter alot more than anyone talks about.

RE: Any Schechter patients here? - aaron - 01-28-2015

(01-26-2015, 05:32 PM)aaron Wrote: Which donor site are you using I'd you don't mind my curiosity? I had thigh or ALT.

I'm using forearm. Now I'm trying to figure out of I need electrolysis or not as the outline they sent for the urethral graft shows an area I don't appear to have any hair.

(01-26-2015, 09:46 AM)freshonez_88 Wrote: Hey I have a top /hysto consult with schecter on February 28 I wish time went by faster lol I'm following a guy on YouTube who. Has had everything with him and hill be having bottom with him March this year. I believe he is in my area too so I'm hearing great things about schecter. The ppl at his office seem very cool and schecter himself is great seems like too. They are really prompt with communication. I like that a lot. I'm just watching others guys experiences with him in forums and YouTube so I know what to expect. Thanks

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

What is the guy on YouTube's name?
[/quote]
If you want any info on hys
to or top surgery, feel free to ask. I had top with Garramone about 3 years ago and laparoscopic hysto with a gyno about 2 years ago

I'm using forearm. Now I'm trying to figure out of I need electrolysis or not as the outline they sent for the urethral graft shows an area I don't appear to have any hair.

(01-26-2015, 09:46 AM)freshonez_88 Wrote: Hey I have a top /hysto consult with schecter on February 28 I wish time went by faster lol I'm following a guy on YouTube who. Has had everything with him and hill be having bottom with him March this year. I believe he is in my area too so I'm hearing great things about schecter. The ppl at his office seem very cool and schecter himself is great seems like too. They are really prompt with communication. I like that a lot. I'm just watching others guys experiences with him in forums and YouTube so I know what to expect. Thanks

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

What is the guy on YouTube's name?
[/quote]

Even if it doesn't appear to have hair still get the electrolysis done. There's always hair and when the flap is shaved during surgery sometimes it stimulates not seen hair to be more visible. I did electrolysis on the entire donor area but there is still more that needs to be done. I'll be having more sessions to remove the remaining hair but for now I just simply shave it.
[/quote]

Good to know! I will keep the appointment. Thanks!
[/quote]

Also, how much does electrolysis cost? I would like to do the whole graft prior to surgery, if possible. My arms are not that hairy, but it seems as if it would be less awkward having hair removal to my arm than to my penis.
[/quote]

Electrolysis prices range depending on state and techniques. They should charge you by the hour I've seen as low as 75/hr where I am. I had about 26 hours total most my sessions were no less than 2 hours long( however my insurance paid for all sessions pre op and I'm trying to get them to cover post op too). The electrologist I use says realistically I would need to continue sessions for about a year as hair grows in 13 weeks cycles so it may seem gone and boom some more hair sprouts out. It's awkward but it is what it is I've gotten comfortable with who I use and she's not shy about it I'm far from her only penis hair removal guy and that's Trans and cis we aren't the only ones with hair on the penis. It's an actual condition that cismales encounter alot more than anyone talks about.
[/quote]

Also excellent info! I had no idea electrolysis was so extensive and time consuming. Are you extra hairy or about average (if that isn't too personal). Also, how is sensation for you after ALT? Can you orgasm? Did you experience complications?

RE: Any Schechter patients here? - notyouraveragejoe - 01-30-2015

(01-28-2015, 09:39 PM)aaron Wrote:
(01-26-2015, 05:32 PM)aaron Wrote: Which donor site are you using I'd you don't mind my curiosity? I had thigh or ALT.

I'm using forearm. Now I'm trying to figure out of I need electrolysis or not as the outline they sent for the urethral graft shows an area I don't appear to have any hair.

(01-26-2015, 09:46 AM)freshonez_88 Wrote: Hey I have a top /hysto consult with schecter on February 28 I wish time went by faster lol I'm following a guy on YouTube who. Has had everything with him and hill be having bottom with him March this year. I believe he is in my area too so I'm hearing great things about schecter. The ppl at his office seem very cool and schecter himself is great seems like too. They are really prompt with communication. I like that a lot. I'm just watching others guys experiences with him in forums and YouTube so I know what to expect. Thanks

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

What is the guy on YouTube's name?

If you want any info on hys
to or top surgery, feel free to ask. I had top with Garramone about 3 years ago and laparoscopic hysto with a gyno about 2 years ago

I'm using forearm. Now I'm trying to figure out of I need electrolysis or not as the outline they sent for the urethral graft shows an area I don't appear to have any hair.

(01-26-2015, 09:46 AM)freshonez_88 Wrote: Hey I have a top /hysto consult with schecter on February 28 I wish time went by faster lol I'm following a guy on YouTube who. Has had everything with him and hill be having bottom with him March this year. I believe he is in my area too so I'm hearing great things about schecter. The ppl at his office seem very cool and schecter himself is great seems like too. They are really prompt with communication. I like that a lot. I'm just watching others guys experiences with him in forums and YouTube so I know what to expect. Thanks

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I actually was only a few hours post op and the right side of my shaft had a hint of feeling. Now almost 5 months out there are spots on my penis that are too sensitive to even brush my hand over it. I can't feel hot and cold just yet but I think it's starting to come in. Orgasms have gotten so much better, a mixture of everything being anatomically correct and me being extremely comfortable now makes it a very easy and thoughtless task to cum now. Each time I do notice more and more sensation in different spots it's totally amazing how things just find their way and recommend. Only complications per say that I had was a little fatty tissue death which was fixed immediately by removing the dead tissue and closing the urethra eating it item about an inch under the tip like a patient with hypospadias. I lost no size just reshaped the head which I like it better now. Oh and I had 2 fistulas but easily closed those on my own without any surgery within 3 weeks. Currently at this point I'm pretty good to go nothing much going on besides waiting on my next stages where he will reroute my urethra an inch forward to the tip. Then he has to resuture my scrotum as a small piece came apart while I healed. And I'll be getting my glansplasty and some sculpting. Then a few months later I get my testicles back and erectile device if I want it by then.

RE: Any Schechter patients here? - transition - 02-24-2015

(01-20-2015, 12:32 AM)aaron Wrote: I have my consultation with Dr Schechter in Chicago coming up next month. Has anyone had phalloplasty (or meta) with this surgeon? I'm just looking for ideas as to what kind of results I can expect, his specific technique, bedside manor, sensation, etc. I can include more specific questions later. As of now, I intend o get RFF with urethral lengthening. I look forward to hearing from you.

IM HAVING MY CONSULT TMRW. I WILL BE RETURNING WITH INFO FOR YOU. ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS? I WILL ASK ON YOUR BEHALF.

RE: Any Schechter patients here? - aaron - 02-25-2015

I also have my consult with Schechter on the 25th! What time is yours? Mine is at 3. Maybe we could meet? Let me know if you want to, and I will give you my number.
Aaron

RE: Any Schechter patients here? - aaron - 02-26-2015

I would like to add my feedback to this thread, having just left Schechter's s office for my consult for RFF phalloplasty.
Schechter tirelessly answered every tedious question I posed about the procedure, the mechanics and technicalities, complication potential, etc. He is very intelligent and confident in his and his team's abilities to perform this procedure. He did strongly advocate for RFF as opposed to other techniques, both for sensitivity and aesthetics. He backed his opinion with photographic results of the procedures, and I agreed with his opinion that, aesthetically, RFF results (from his surgical technique, specifically of course) appeared more natural".
He quoted complications of stricture and fistula at 40 percent, with 25 percent of those requiring additional surgery. Flap failure he said, was 1 percent. He refuses to operate on a smoker until at least 6 weeks after your quit date, and he prescribes urine tests from your doctor to prove that you have quit twice, the last test being 10 days prior to surgery.
He informed me that an optional procedure utilizing synthetic skin placed over the open arm donor site can be utilized to reduce scarring. 2 weeks after the synthetic skin is placed, the patient goes in for a surface layer be harvested from the thigh and laid on top of the RFF site.
He utilizes Doppler on the new penis while hospitalized to monitor circulation. Supra pubic catheter is used until tests indicate it is ok to void from new urethra.
This surgeon is genuine, sensitive to trans issues and aware of dysphoria. I truly believe in him and will be going through with surgery as soon as I am cleared as a non smoker for 6 plus weeks.
I left his office crying tears of joy. I felt my experience should be known.
Aaron
Sent from my LG G2, an AT&T 4G LTE smartphone

RE: Any Schechter patients here? - notyouraveragejoe - 02-26-2015

(02-26-2015, 10:05 AM)aaron Wrote: I would like to add my feedback to this thread, having just left Schechter's s office for my consult for RFF phalloplasty.
Schechter tirelessly answered every tedious question I posed about the procedure, the mechanics and technicalities, complication potential, etc. He is very intelligent and confident in his and his team's abilities to perform this procedure. He did strongly advocate for RFF as opposed to other techniques, both for sensitivity and aesthetics. He backed his opinion with photographic results of the procedures, and I agreed with his opinion that, aesthetically, RFF results (from his surgical technique, specifically of course) appeared more natural".
He quoted complications of stricture and fistula at 40 percent, with 25 percent of those requiring additional surgery. Flap failure he said, was 1 percent. He refuses to operate on a smoker until at least 6 weeks after your quit date, and he prescribes urine tests from your doctor to prove that you have quit twice, the last test being 10 days prior to surgery.
He informed me that an optional procedure utilizing synthetic skin placed over the open arm donor site can be utilized to reduce scarring. 2 weeks after the synthetic skin is placed, the patient goes in for a surface layer be harvested from the thigh and laid on top of the RFF site.
He utilizes Doppler on the new penis while hospitalized to monitor circulation. Supra pubic catheter is used until tests indicate it is ok to void from new urethra.
This surgeon is genuine, sensitive to trans issues and aware of dysphoria. I truly believe in him and will be going through with surgery as soon as I am cleared as a non smoker for 6 plus weeks.
I left his office crying tears of joy. I felt my experience should be known.
Aaron
Sent from my LG G2, an AT&T 4G LTE smartphone

Great information to have, I'll have to forward this to my buddies considering him. Everyone has their opinions on ALT but a guy who personally has one I have to disagree for myself forearm would not have look natural on my body and sensation having more sensation is purely years of speculation which are slowly being disproved. This is why I'm so glad we are allowed to choose what is best for us vs being told what we need to do. I also find all surgeons even mine (Dr Crane) are more likely to choose forearm over ALT when asked what would they recommend as its a bit less complicated then other flaps. Hopefully my buddies going to Schechter will let him share their photos post op as there aren't nearly enough examples of ALT to really compare aesthically. As I have friends fully post all ALT surgeries that would make you double take and serious ask are they Trans lol. Hopefully in years to come more guys will feel comfortable sharing as many do not because some forearm guys are total jerks. I've encountered that on a few sites and sadly have left them alone due to these individuals.

(02-26-2015, 10:05 AM)aaron Wrote: I would like to add my feedback to this thread, having just left Schechter's s office for my consult for RFF phalloplasty.
Schechter tirelessly answered every tedious question I posed about the procedure, the mechanics and technicalities, complication potential, etc. He is very intelligent and confident in his and his team's abilities to perform this procedure. He did strongly advocate for RFF as opposed to other techniques, both for sensitivity and aesthetics. He backed his opinion with photographic results of the procedures, and I agreed with his opinion that, aesthetically, RFF results (from his surgical technique, specifically of course) appeared more natural".
He quoted complications of stricture and fistula at 40 percent, with 25 percent of those requiring additional surgery. Flap failure he said, was 1 percent. He refuses to operate on a smoker until at least 6 weeks after your quit date, and he prescribes urine tests from your doctor to prove that you have quit twice, the last test being 10 days prior to surgery.
He informed me that an optional procedure utilizing synthetic skin placed over the open arm donor site can be utilized to reduce scarring. 2 weeks after the synthetic skin is placed, the patient goes in for a surface layer be harvested from the thigh and laid on top of the RFF site.
He utilizes Doppler on the new penis while hospitalized to monitor circulation. Supra pubic catheter is used until tests indicate it is ok to void from new urethra.
This surgeon is genuine, sensitive to trans issues and aware of dysphoria. I truly believe in him and will be going through with surgery as soon as I am cleared as a non smoker for 6 plus weeks.
I left his office crying tears of joy. I felt my experience should be known.
Aaron
Sent from my LG G2, an AT&T 4G LTE smartphone

Any Schechter patients here? - dexpapl - 02-27-2015

Thanks for the info. Bottom surgery is a ways off for me yet but schechter is closest to me geographically (probably the only surgeon not requiring a flight for me) but I haven't heard much about him from other guys. I'm glad he seems like an upfront and compassionate guy. I just hope he doesn't move before it becomes financially realistic Smile

RE: Any Schechter patients here? - notyouraveragejoe - 02-27-2015

(02-27-2015, 07:22 AM)dexpapl Wrote: Thanks for the info. Bottom surgery is a ways off for me yet but schechter is closest to me geographically (probably the only surgeon not requiring a flight for me) but I haven't heard much about him from other guys. I'm glad he seems like an upfront and compassionate guy. I just hope he doesn't move before it becomes financially realistic

Well you never know of your in IL you actually have financial means as insurances in IL that aren't grandfathered have to cover Trans care. So if your there you may want to do some searching for a insurance plan. He's willing to work with alot of insurances as well. Only Dr so far to take Medicare. And if your not in IL there are still tons of ways to get insurance that has the benefits you need.

Any Schechter patients here? - dexpapl - 02-28-2015

Yeah, unfortunately I think insurance coverage won't happen for me unless it is federally mandated. I work for a Catholic healthcare system based out of IL (but I live in WI where some of their facilities are located). If I don't take their provided coverage (they self fund the plan so have a lot of say in what is or is not covered) but try the marketplace instead, I won't get any help paying premiums which compared to what I pay for our employee plan would be a huge budget hit. I could look elsewhere but I've invested 12 years in the organization already and though I'm not religious, they have taken good care of me and I enjoy the work I do. But trans care is specifically excluded from all of their coverages (not just medical). I just keep my fingers crossed that someday it will be federally mandated and they'll have to cover it. I don't know if I can wait that long though so I'll just keep chipping away at saving Smile