I wanted to create a detailed post about my *Top Surgery* experience! I’ll also post the template I’ve used in the comments and I encourage you to post yours!!
pronouns: he/him
gender identity: (trans)man
Surgery Date: 4/24/23
Surgeon: Dr Brodie Parent ( Dr. Parent )
Procedure: bilateral mastectomy w/o nipple grafts (jp drains)
Hospital: umpc passavant cranberry(surgery) (mccandles for consult and post ops)
cost: 0$ UPMC 4 You medicaid.
Consult: 9/27/2022
Spoke with a PA first and discussed why I wanted top surgery (history of gender dysphoria) and what my ideal chest looked like. Dr Parent came in afterwards and we discussed how I wanted my chest to look and he took pictures. He suggested losing about 25-30lbs for best results which was something I had planned on doing so hearing that gave me the drive to do it. This was not mandatory though and I was never told that If i didn’t lose the weight I couldn’t have surgery. I was 245 at the time of the consult. I told him I wanted straight scars because I felt the curved ones would not fix my dysphoria. I also chose no nipples as I want to get a chest piece anyways and wasn’t concerned about them. I was told once they got the approval for insurance we could schedule. He did tell me that as of 27 September he was booked until early june 2023
We had to keep calling to ask if they sent it and once they sent it we had to keep calling to ask if they received an approval. In November I received my surgery date and was surprised it was in April!
Pre-OP: I had to get bloodwork done within 3 weeks of surgery. I had to get a letter from my GP saying I’m healthy and I can have surgery. & I had to get an ekg. I had to ask about marijuana since I’m a medical and strong user. I was told not to smoke after like 6p the night before surgery and to bring my medical card the day of. Surgery was monday so they called me friday before to tell me what time to be at the hospital. they wanted me there at 9 surgery was scheduled at 11.
Surgery: I arrived with my wife at about 830. Sign in was simple and at about 9:10 I was being called back. I didn’t realize this was the last time I’d see my wife before I woke up.
I had to go into a room and give a urine sample and then wipe myself with wet wipes and put gowns on. I also was down to 209 lbs! I was taken to the pre op room where my blood was drawn, i was given an IV and I spoke with the anesthesiologist. She said she didn’t need to see my card but noted my use to give an appropriate dose. Dr. Parent came in about 1030ish and discussed my vision once again and some after care and put the markings on me. Right around 11 I was taken back to the operating room. I’ve had multiple surgeries so I didn’t have anxiety about being put to sleep or anything, i’m used to it lol. I laid down on the table after meeting everyone and then I was told I was being given the medicine to make me relax.
-At the same time Dr Parent was explaining what he was going to do in surgery to my wife. She said he was so excited and happy to be doing my surgery. It’s really easy to tell he truly cares about his patients and his work.
Post Op: I woke up an immediately had to pee as I do with every surgery. I was told I had to wait until i woke up more but I insisted I was going to pee myself and that I’m good to do it it’s not my first rodeo lol. I was able to get up and pee just fine. Pain was minimal. My wife was waiting for me. The nurse explained some after care, things to look for/ anything to be concerned about and she showed my wife how to drain the drains. I had one on each side. We had about a hour car ride home and I had mcdonald’s right after we left the hospital lol.
Big shout out to the person who came thru from this group to help me get to & from surgery (won’t tag bc notifs but they know who they are
)
I was just tired after surgery I wasn’t in any pain and mostly it was just discomfort over any serious pain.. I was told I could shower the next day but opted to wait until about day 4/5. My wife had to do all the drain emptying as every time I got every nauseas and dizzy. (i don’t do good w my own blood lol).
I took 1 oxy in the AM and 1 in the PM for the first 4 days cDuring the day I rotate between 500 tylenol and 400 ibuprofen.
Post Op App 1- Drains were removed. I was super anxious so Haley the PA and another nurse gave me chocolate and made sure i was comfy before removing them. I did take an oxy about 10 mins before. i didn’t feel it at all and i didn’t pass out like i was scared i would. i felt super safe though because they made sure i was safe.
Post Op App 2 told to start scar care once my tape all came off
Post Op App 3 told everything is looking as it should and my next app at 3 months post op can be telehealth.
6 months Post Op- Saw Dr. Parent for the first time since surgery for all of 60 seconds. Expressed concern about left over tissue on my right side that, while not super noticeable to others was noticeable enough to me to give me dysphoria. Was told he couldn't do a revision after he looked for 2 seconds. Very disappointed. No one took any post op pics at all so i'm not sure if he's building a portfolio or not. seems like something you'd want to do. idk im just some dude.
1 Year 5 months post op: I'm certain i have Post Masectomy Pain Disorder now. A few hours work is all it takes to cause pain, especially on the right side where there is left over tissue. It is noticeable looking at me. I hope to meet with other surgeons to try to get a revision. I am unhappy with a lopsided look. I didn't want noticeable leftover tissue that makes it look like a small A cup tbh. I've also heard that most others that have went to Dr Parent have needed a revision.
While he was very personable and kind the first time I met him at the consult and before my surgery, it seemed like I was just an inconvenience at my 6 month post op. My concern was blown off and i'm left unhappy. 7/10.
' reaction because there have been a few (a VERY few, mind) that have genuinely made me LOL...the googly-eyes stinkditch and the pooner with nipples?!? on her pretendy bollocks were particularly amusing
