Age Reassignment Surgery

This is a post I wrote for my friends Stana’s Femulate web site.  It is worth re-posting.

I have a confession to make. After all the years insisting that I was “no-op” and would likely never have surgery I have succumb to the inevitable. One day I looked in the mirror and said, “It is now, or never.” How can I face tomorrow knowing that another person wants to have her story told? A younger looking version of the person I had become.

As I looked into the mirror, I saw an old person; my beloved grandfather. Yes, the surgery I had was not Gender Reassignment (GRS).  To be technically correct, I had typical (female) fresh face surgery. Blessed with somewhat feminine features, the years have taken their toll.  I hated what had happened to my lower face, neck and jowls. No amount of contouring makeup was ever going to hide what time plus gravity had accomplished. I just did not feel as old as I looked.

I am involved with several social and cultural organizations and there was still an abundance of opportunity to be out.   However, after getting ready for an event, early last fall, I looked and thought to myself, “This is not working.” Fortunately, because of a commitment, staying home was not an option. I know all of us have been there.

My due diligence started a few years back. Plastic surgeons do provide free consultation and estimates so I visited several. Always as my feminine self, so there would be no question as to my preferred outcome. Although all were friendly and professional from a business prospective, we can always perceive when there is a lack of either acceptance or downright prejudice. My search continued and just recently, a wonderful and accepting surgeon relocated to my area. He actually mentioned Transgender Fascial feminization Surgery (FFS) on his web page, so I knew he would be knowledgeable in this area.

Not only was he accepting, but also had studied and worked in the Boston area with one of the best FFS doctors/experts available. He helped me decide what would be best for a younger look and suggested subtle and reasonable options. His male and female “before and after photos” were remarkable. I committed. It has been about nine months and could not be more pleased with the outcome ― a fresh look.I question myself now as to why I waited so long. Being 67, I did think that it was too late to do anything. I was wrong. I like to describe my procedures as “Age Reassignment Surgery.” There was a younger person inside that needed validation.

We baby boomers are rewriting the book as we have done all along. I am living proof that “60 can be the new 40.” Do feel free to ask me questions as to cost, recovery and realistic expectations. My e-mail address is rhondawilliams at bellsouth.net or use the comment section in the BLOG. Also palmbeachplastics.com.

If you really want more information, I will be at the Southern Comfort Convention in Fort Lauderdale the end of September.    My surgeon, Dr. Vartan Mardirossian, will have a booth and I will be there Thursday thru Saturday.  Private consultations will be available and are free. We hope to see you.