Top surgery was something I wanted since I first started developing breasts, but I only knew it existed after I realized I was trans. In the seven years between then and when I was finally able to get it, I spent a ridiculous amount of my time doing my homework and soul searching. I asked myself things like:

* Do I want to get top surgery? Why?
* Would I be happiest with a double incision or a keyhole procedure?
* Are my expectations regarding my possible results realistic?

I wanted top surgery because having breasts always felt uncomfortable and strange for me, and I knew that having surgery would improve my quality of life as well as help to better align my body with my gender. And while I was a large A or possibly a small B-cup, I knew that the double-incision with nipple grafts was the best choice because it would allow for me to have a say in the size and placement of my nipples, and I wouldn't necessarily need to worry about revisions to remove excess skin.

My expectations for my results were mostly realistic, I hope. My choice of surgeon had me, for the most part, overly confident that everything would go swimmingly for me. It should always be noted, though, that every surgery has its risks, and that recovery takes time. Having said that, I'm thrilled with how my chest turned out!

My original goal was to go to Dr Michael Brownstein (His practice since taken over by Dr Curtis Crane, who also does lower surgery) because he was, at the time, the best surgeon for the job. Then I decided on Dr Beverly Fischer (see Transbucket for her top surgery results) because I'd heard better things about her bedside manner and technique. However, when I did contact her staff, I got turned off by their form letter response. I don't resent her staff at all for being that busy - as surgeons who are competent in any gender-affirming surgery are hard to come by, but I learned that I needed more personable correspondance than they were able to give me. Being viewed as "just another potential patient" had me feeling uneasy.

In 2010, a friend of mine went to Dr Charles Garramone and turned out to be everything I was looking for in terms of his warm bedside manner and consistent results. I chose to set my surgery date for January 11, 2011. I was fortunate enough to have my friend Olex come along as my nurse, and my friend Jess came along for the first four days to take photos for his project.

I could not have asked for better company. Thanks, Jess and Olex, for your outstanding help!