By Rhonda Williams
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 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.
