From start to finish, the entire staff has been nothing short of a blessing! Currently one-week post op of top surgery, I can honestly tell you recovery would not have been this easy without Dr. Gallagher and her team!! Hoping that I heal nicely has always been a concern of mine, but so far so good! Dr. Gallagher and her staff make you feel like you aren't just a number, but her favorite patient. Happy I went here for surgery is an understatement!!!
Results have been great so far (Double Incision No FNG) with only minor healing issues due to stitch spitting, but otherwise healing has been fine and on course with the timeline given to me. Dr Gallagher was kind, informative and engaged the entire time along with the entire team I had contact with.
Everyone was really nice. Bedside manner was spot on. I was treated with total respect regarding my gender identity and felt like I was in the hands of experts. To be honest there was a little bit less communication than I would consider ideal leading up to the first in person appointment the week of surgery. But I was simply nervous about the whole situation - travel, money, timing etc. But I really have no complaint, as soon as I voiced that I was experiencing some anxiety I was reassured by staff.
Dr. Gallagher Provided us with her understanding of not only my specific case but what I wanted as an end result. She and her staffed answered all the questions and concerns. They walked me through every step of the way.
I was very impressed with the beside manner of all staff during my pre-op preparations and post-op appointment. Everyone was very kind, explained any procedures throughly, and was reassuring of my safety throughout. All staff seemed knowledgeable on whatever procedure they were conducting. I am very humorous in anxious situations and this energy was matched both playfully and professionally. I felt like I always knew what was happening next and I was asked for consent each time before anyone touched me. I was not misgendered or disrespected in any way during any staff interactions throughout the surgical process. I am overall very pleased with all of my interactions with Dr. Gallagher and her staff and could not have asked for a more sympathetic or patient team.
the nurses were the best nurses i could've ever asked for and the surgeon was very informative and sweet. my results literally look picture perfect, i could not have asked for better results truly. as well, dr gallagher was the only surgeon who would take me on as a patient due to my BMI, the surgeons in my home state (RI) would not take me on as a patient because of that so she made this possible for me and i will be forever grateful.
Entire staff is friendly very informative. It did feel like the surgery moved really fast and there is wasn't much time to talk in person, but it's sort of expected in this climate. Plus, I was given plenty of contact information if I had any questions or concerns. Dr. GALLAGHER took into consideration my concerns before surgery and did her best to accommodate. My surgery results are great so far as they are still healing and I cannot describe in words how I feel to see my clothes fit on my body how I always imagined.
My overall experience with Dr. Gallagher and her staff was great. The process was simple and all my questions were answered along the way. I felt comfortable and confident with Dr. Gallagher performing my surgery. She took the time to listen to what I wanted and I could not be happier with the results.
Going into masculoplasty/top surgery/double mastectomy is not an easy choice. It took me over ten years of research and support to make this decision the best way that I could. I found Dr. Gallagher through her social media and my life changed. She provides a technique - drain less - that allows for faster healing, better results, and less chance of complication. This surgery saved my life. I have been happier and more fulfilled in my day to day since my surgery. Her team is incredible in what they do day to day. They are all supportive, inclusive, and understand that what folx are coming to Dr. Gallagher for are life saving supports. Thank you, Dr. G for all that you do. You have an army of support behind you!
Dr. Gallagher and IU Health University Hospital were amazing! Dr. Gallagher took the time to discuss my particular concerns and took my input to develop my surgical plan. She even grabbed some paper so I could diagram my personal issues. Dr. Gallagher worked with the urology department to be able to do a peritoneal pull through vaginoplasty for me. Dr. Gallagher is a warm and very compassionate person. The nursing staff at the hospital were great. Everyone was friendly and helpful. This made my surgical recovery much nicer. Being in the University Hospital definitely provided a sense of medical safety. I would not have wanted to have this surgery outside of a hospital or without someone as dedicated as Dr. Gallagher.
Great question Miss Pipa - you do have a good understanding of the vaginoplasty technique. It is very true that your anatomy before surgery does predict the depth of your vagina and the outer appearance. I use the penile inversion technique and also the scrotal skin to gain more depth. However here in the USA, where I practice, most of my patients are circumcised. In the majority of cases we can still get good labia, depth and hooding. The fact that you had 6 inches before is a good sign - that skin won't have gone anywhere ! Best of luck!
Hi Thank you for your question! It is certainly possible for you to get breast implants now - but bringing you all the way up to a D cup unfortunately may be impossible. This is because your skin may be too tight and there may simply not be enough space to fit an implant. The other downside of going big so fast is you may not have the prettiest result in the long run- for example the implant may slip down the chest giving an unnatural look. I advise all my transgender women patients to allow the hormones to do their job first. Many transgender women will get significant growth of their breasts in the first 2 years after starting hormones. You have 2 options as I see it- 1 find a surgeon experienced in feminizing a transgender woman's chest and accept that you may not get the fullness you hoped for or 2 if you haven't already allow the hormones to do their thing! Good luck!
I feel for you! It can be very stressful watching and waiting after surgery! My best advice right now? Take a break from the mirror. Its too soon to tell what your final outcome will be. The best plan would be to follow your doc's recommendations for now and let it heal. Most would suggest an antibiotic ointment and a dressing until things are healed over. The tingling is your nerves waking up this too will improve. Several months will pass before we know for sure what that nipple is going to ultimately look like - believe me I have been pleasantly surprised in the past. If your aren't happy with it ultimately it can be fixed. I hope this helps! Best of luck!
Great question! Like anything in life the more you do something, the better you get at it! This goes for surgery too. When choosing a surgeon you may want to go with one who has a lot of experience in FTM top surgery- here's why. 1-Though you say you aren't too bothered about scars and nipples, its always good to know what you are signing up for. Therefore its nice to sit with your surgeon and review photos of THEIR work. That way you can plan your preferred look together. 1-Secondly you may have a smoother recovery when you go with a Dr who does a lot of these. For example in our practice we are able to do the surgery without ever using drains. Patients can shower a couple of days later and usually head back to work in a week. Best of luck!
About 5% of my top surgery patients share a similar story as yours. The most important thing when working with patients such as yourself is to offer patient-centered care, that is, doing whats right for the patient! Hormones, changing your name or other surgeries are certainly not required. However before undergoing any major surgery it is always a good idea to talk things over with a mental health professional to make sure this is right for you. When you are ready to move forward chat with your surgeon about what the right look for you is. For example you may or may not want to keep your nipples. I hope this helps! Good luck!