Life changing FFS with Dr. Bart Van De Ven

My name is Chris.

I had FFS with Dr Bart van de Ven on March 14th 2012 when I was 48 years old.

Prior to my surgery I had consulted with four FFS surgeons from as far afield as the USA and Asia.
My shortlist of four became two and then down to one.

My choice and final decision came down to a number of points:
- The ability and aesthetic judgement of the surgeon
(I didn't want to look fake after my surgery, merely a more feminine representation of myself).
- The surgeons 'bedside manner' and the diologue I had with him/her
(would they listen to my requests, could we work together?)
- Results and recommedations from former patients (whom I met)
- Logistics (a single operation or in two parts? travel, distance, time off work, etc)
- Recommendations from professionals (Dr van der Ven was recommended to me unprompted by my professional councillor here in the UK who has seen his work first hand.
Additionally, my gender GP recommended him when I was discussing my shortlist)
- Trust
- Price was never on my list.

My agreed surgery included, scalp advance, forehead and brow recontouring, rhinoplasty, chin & jaw recontouring, medepore cheek implants, face and neck lift.

I found Dr van de Ven extremely reassuring, kind and professional throughout, from the moment I met him at my first consultation to my most follow ups and subsequent soft tissue surgery a couple of years ago.

The qualities which attracted me to choose him were evident in all my dealings with him (and his team). I liked his considered, and thoughtful process his calm demeanour and the fact that everything was well planned and organised.

The staff and nurses at the clinic were fantastic and I have to say they really went out of their way to care for me. One of the nurses was even kind enough to drive me back to my apartment in the centre of Ghent (as it was then) when I was discharged.

Both Dr van de Ven, Dr Ellen Defrancq and Isobel visited me at my apartment in the few days post op. In the case of Dr van de Ven and Dr Ellen Defrancq on a Saturday. Going beyond the expected level of care I thought.

I am now eight years post op and I can honestly say it has been a cathartic and life changing experience for me. It gave me the added confidence I needed to make the push towards my full time transition and the success of my surgery has played a huge role in my acceptance by my family, friends and the outside world.

In the ensuing eight years I have had no issues whatsoever with my surgery. I am as delighted today as I was six months post operative. A little older for sure.

Yes its a tough recovery. The first few days post op are very uncomfortable and for the following three months it's a slow, gradual improvement. However, I can honestly say it has all been worthwhile.

You do have to follow the post op guidance and you have to fully recover. Give it time.

Given the choice and knowing the results I would certainly have no hesitation in recommending
Dr Bart and his team. But you do have to do your own research. My criteria were very specific to my needs and everyone has different needs and priorities.

I am really happy (still) with my results and I can also reflect on a very positive experience, one where my trust was well placed and rewarded.

My aesthetic expectations were exceeded.I am a designer by profession so have a comprehensive understanding of aesthetics and I had a clear image of what to expect.
I am indebted to 'Dr Bart' and his team for changing my life.
Regards
Chris