A New Life Made Possible by Dr. Toby Mayer

In late 2015 I underwent 11 facial feminization procedures plus voice feminization surgery with Dr. Toby Mayer. At the time I was 42 years old and had been on HRT for 1 year. The purpose of undergoing these procedures was to:

1. Resolve facial dysphoria
2. Facilitate societal integration and acceptance as a female
3. Mitigate potential marginalization and stigma associated with being transgender

I was only willing to entrust FFS to a surgeon with proven track record of consistent quality outcomes as verified by actual patient interviews. Initial research on potential surgeons revealed a significant variance in surgical skill and patient outcomes. Surprisingly, many the most well-known FFS providers produced what I observed to be unsatisfactory results - botched procedures, visible scaring, disproportionate appearances and even disfigurement.

In researching Dr. Mayer, I found he had 4 decades of FFS experience and is a pioneer in the field. His philosophy and approach to FFS was in alignment to the results I wanted to achieve and from patient interviews it was clear he produced consistently superior, high quality surgical outcomes. Furthermore, at the time I saw him most of his clients worked in the film industry which provided an additional level of assurance that those whose livelihood depended on their appearance entrusted Dr. Mayer’s skills.

While I was dysphoric about specific facial features such as my jawline, Dr. Mayer assured me that altering my jawline would result in a disproportionate alien-like “lightbulb” head. As my ultimate goal was to achieve a natural female facial appearance - I trusted Dr. Mayer’s judgement for how to achieve the best results and went forward with all Dr. Mayer’s recommended procedures:

1. Orbital bony contouring
2. Hairline advancement
3. 1000 hair grafts
4. Eyebrow raise
5. Rhino-septoplasty
6. Cheek implants
7. Lip lift
8. Lip aug
9. Moderate facelift
10. Chin contour
11. Trachea shave
12. Voice feminization

Initial recovery was relatively short. I was able to continue working remotely within a week of surgery and resumed most physical activities within 4-8 weeks of the procedures.

The results exceeded my expectations. Given how masculinized my face was I never dreamed of achieving a female appearance. With how deep my voice was - I was certain I would never be able sound female. Yet Dr. Mayer has given me a naturally beautiful female face and a female voice.

There was only one visible sign of surgery. The the incision made on my throat to perform the voice surgery and trachea shave healed in a way that it was redder than the surrounding skin making it noticeable. When I saw Dr. Mayer for my 1 year check up he offered to perform a revision the very next morning at no charge. Now the scar is no longer visible. Dr. Mayer is a perfectionist who cares deeply about producing the best results for his patients and ensuring they are happy with the results.

5 years later misgendering, uncomfortable stares in public and finger pointing after being clocked are things of the past. I can live my life as a female and be treated as such - whether I am wearing sweats and a t-shirt with no makeup or on the phone. I can attend job interviews with confidence and continue to flourish professionally. While I thought I’d never find love again, three years ago I met my soul mate and we have been happily married for two years now. I am extremely grateful to Dr. Mayer for helping me be reborn and enjoy a new life I never dreamed possible.