Overjoyed! FtM Masculinizing Top Surgery with Dr. Joel Beck at Bay Area Aesthetics in Foster City, CA

Treatment Provider

Provider Review

• 15 Apr 2018

- General: Surgeon Searching - I had several consults with doctors ranging from “trans-focused” surgeons to Kaiser referrals to local plastic surgeons. I can say, far and away I was most impressed with the plastic surgeons with whom I spoke (and Dr. Beck was at the top of the entire pile). Though the trans-specific doctors were great talking about the overall transformative experience and my a/gendered experience through the surgery process — “Are you taking T”, was a common type question. How ever, I found they seemed to be running a trans surgery mill…cranking people out at a high rate. Having spoken to many cis-female persons and read countless blog and forum posts, it seems many bee-line for trans surgeons because they believe their gender presentation will be a non-issue. More than understanding my gender presentation, I needed that person to do an excellent job on one specific surgery! Disclaimer: I’m gender-queer / non-conforming she/her rather than FTM and wanted only top surgery. One of the most utilized surgeons in the area had a staff member that was super rude about my surgery request after I told them my pronouns… My only point being, be cautious of your own, as well as others’ assumptions about deviation from the binary standards and keep an open mind: many people (especially in the Bay Area) may be far more supportive than you suspect. I found that each doctor has their own methodology, differences in the way they sculpt, the level at which they handle after-care, knowledgable (and sensitive) staff, and surgery calendars. Many had a calendar for surgeries that was super deep and their attention to my unique needs, is where the stretch lines showed — I didn’t want to be just one more in a factory line. Talking to plastic surgeons, I found them far more focused on the aesthetics and my own happiness with the outcome. “Are you taking T”, was a side question to “Do you want to body build later?” and, “Do you want to talk more about areola size choices and preferences if you aren’t seeking strictly FTM masculinization?” A note about surgeon shopping: if all the reviews are good but there’s one bad apple, ask the doctor! I received helpful responses when I brought up their negative reviews - cause guess what: there will always be edge cases. - Why Dr. Beck - First lines of offense for a doctor are their website and reviews online, and I found his to be stellar and full of little details across the board. I took this as a sign that he was clearly explaining the process and walking his patients through with care. FTM surgeons seem to have a lot more detail and information articles about gender presentation and surgery care on their website: great! I know where to find that information. What I saw in Dr. Beck’s website was someone that wanted to create beauty in the way his patients sought to see themselves. Individualistic! There was a lack of before and after photos that I was able to find for him, compared to many others. However, they had more for me to see when I came in for my consultation - and I was blown away. Perhaps he’s protecting their privacy rather than putting them on display, or perhaps he knows that each person is seeking something unique unto themselves: adding a bunch of photos may give the viewer a limited perception of the possibilities for their own body… Dr. Beck was clear and persistent that if “we” moved forward, it was to be a team effort. He would show up with all of his capabilities so long as I did the same. This struck a cord in me because I already knew I was going to over-research and over-deliver on my self-care prior to, and for years following the surgery! His staff (Kelly in particular) was incredibly responsive to my ohhh so many emails and calls full of questions post-consult and prior to choosing to work with him. His bedside manner, and the customer service from start and through now has been spectacular. My partner was unable to attend my first consult with Dr. Beck so he kindly agreed to meet with both of us via phone for a second consult. She dug in with even more questions we’d come out with after talking with other doctors, and was equally impressed. Something that stood out above all others: after-care. He was intent on ensuring I took care of the scars beyond the initial healing process. He also asked that I come in for post-op visits, more than any other doctor had (by a long shot) which I found immensely heartening. During my research I’ve read many medical studies and reviews, as well as personal reviews and anecdotes. His determination to stay focused longer, was a big key to my choice. Once I signed on, I was re-affirmed in my choice several times over before going into surgery. I saw people writing in forum posts and reviews, “wish Dr. ABC had told me about xyz…” Guess what? Dr. Beck had told me! Examples: taking Milk of Magnesia with each pain medication pill (I mixed it in juiced smoothies which helped keep it from upsetting my tummy). They also gave me an anti-nausea patch that kept me from tossing my cookies, having had issues with general anesthesia in the past. He gave me great recommendations on supplements and topicals. I did a lot of reading medical studies about scar care and healing - all of which came full circle to his recommendations. If you are seeking a surgeon that knows how to listen with care, is focused on the end result, and has the background and experience to recognize unique differences and adjust to your needs and outcome requests: please do consider Dr. Beck!