By Rhonda Williams
As I looked into the mirror, I saw an old person; my beloved grandfather. Yes, the surgery I had was not GRS, but facial feminization surgery (FFS). 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.
Some of you may remember me from the previous posts of “A Working Woman” and “Through the Glass Ceiling In Reverse.” Therefore, there was still an abundance of opportunity to be out as Rhonda professionally and socially. 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 FFS on his web page, so I knew he would be knowledgeable about our community.
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 three 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 66, 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.
If you really want more information, I will be in the Boston area next week at the First Event trans conference. My surgeon, Dr. Vartan Mardirossian, has a booth and I will be there Thursday thru Saturday along with another of his success patients. Also on Friday afternoon, at 1 PM, he is presenting a seminar on FFS to educate and highlight his work. Private consultations will be available and are free. We hope to see you.
See: floridaffs.com ― Yes, I am on the left in the before and after photos.
Wearing Light in the Box.
Well done Rhonda you look amazing!
ReplyDeleteWhen I look in the mirror I see a little of my father (he died too young for me to have a reference imagine of his face at my age) and I'm told a lot like my mother! Which is flattering on the one hand and a little disconcerning on the other..
Dear Rhonda,
ReplyDeleteThank You for sharing. I'm happy for you that you are so satisfied with your facial surgery. You are a lovely woman.
Regarding Abigale Stuart's comment, when I'm in guy mode (which is 99% of the time), I look a lot like my father. However, when I'm in girl mode, with the wig and makeup, I look very much like my mother (and not at all like my father)! As a guy, I have very short, balding hair, and the lack of wig and makeup apparently accentuate the parts of my face that I inherited from my father. In girl mode, however, the wig (obviously making an extreme difference regarding hair) and the makeup seem to accentuate the features I inherited from my mother ... thankfully, the eyes and lips. It's almost impossible to be objective about one's own looks, but I honestly think I'm a rather plain, not particularly attractive guy. But, trying to be as objective as I can, I think I make a moderately pretty, attractive woman. I know that most of we T-Girls probably think we look better as a woman than as a man, but I think our own need to present as a woman influences that opinion in a very subjective way.
Stana kindly posted 3 photos of me earlier this new year in her "Favorite Photos" feature. Hopefully, I wasn't being narcissistic in thinking I'm a moderately pretty, attractive mature woman. (I was 69 in the first 2 photos, and 60 in the one on the right). I'm 70 now. If you were to see me as a man, I think most would not call me attractive.
Stana, our heroine, on the other hand, is quite attractive as both a woman and a man. The smile is lovely, whether as a girl or a guy. I know Stana IS a woman, and would prefer not to have to continue presenting as a guy, but at least her guy look is good-looking and very friendly looking. Of course, she is GORGEOUS as a woman.
Love,
Sheila.
Rhonda
ReplyDeleteYou look wonderful and you continue to serve as a role model for all of us Femulators who would love to emulate you. I went back to read your prior postings and while I do not think it would be out of place for some of us to be jealous I look at you in sincere admiration and appreciation. What you have done and the way you have gone about doing things is the mark of a wonderful, honest and dignified individual. I wish you all the best as you go forward.
Pat
You look great!
ReplyDeleteHugs
Diane