Drs. E. Hajder - Jan van Goyen | 6 mo. post op (NSFW)
Hey y'all! Here's my experience with Top surgery in the NL, Jan van Goyen and Drs. E. Hadjer.
Before surgery:
In Augustus 2025, I went in for my first consultation. Hadjer was extremely nice, professional, direct, and definitely knew what he was saying and doing.
After that, it took 2–3 months until the final talk. Then another 1 month for the papers to be sent (the 2 people in charge of my files were either sick or too busy), and then around the beginning of December 2025, I got the call to plan the surgery. The first date was around February 21th 2026. Then I got called again 2 days later and was told my surgery had to be moved to March 27th 2026... I was so sad... They planned too many surgeries on February 21st, so I got moved. But! I got first “dibs” if someone canceled their surgery. And someone did! February 5th 2026 became my new date.
The actual surgery:
I got there on time, quickly a nurse came out and went over some things. Extremely professional (kind of cold and to the point), but kind nonetheless. I was moved to a hall where I got my own little area with a bed, walled off by curtains. About 20 minutes after entering, I was in the surgery room. The anesthesiologists were really nice. Dr. Hadjer came by beforehand to draw on me a little, and that was that.
4 hours later, I woke up fully, feeling pretty okay but tired. Sadly, as I was waking up, a nurse checked my drains and a huge stream of blood came out of one of them. I had a hematoma, so I went under again. I lost about 1-2 liters of blood and likely had more pain because of it. Also, my parents weren’t contacted about my hematoma by any of the nurses, which was their protocol at the time, but it left a lot to be desired in terms of communication. Dr. Hadjer has since apologized for it.
I stayed there the night. I wasn’t allowed to have guests due to it being a surgery hall, very clean and neat. I was able to pee, the night nurses were really nice, and they had AH meals for dinner.
The day afterwards, my drains were taken out. The nurse was direct and quick. As my drains were being taken out, my nurse noticed my left drain, the side where I had the hematoma, was closed... so that’s a pretty big and worrisome oversight. Luckily, not a lot came out, and it turned out fine.
I was sent home with a surgery binder, a second binder (a big band that goes around you), and medicine.
The recovery:
Week 1
I stayed with my parents for around the clock care. I couldn't lean, move or use my arms at all. I was a t-rex. I slept slightly upright. My girlfriend helped me a ton too. I was high on medicine most of the time. But after week 1 I didn't need the heavy stuff anymore. Also the surgery binder is horrid, but not that bad.
Week 1 tips
- Comfy pillows
- Tasty food to encourage eating
- Family/friends to help
- Clothes that are comfy and don't have to go over your head!
Week 2
Still with my parents, girlfriend as support. And just waiting for time to pass by.
My nipple patches were removed and I was allowed to air out twice a day for an hour. It was heaven!! Stupid surgery binder. The removal was done by 2 helpful ladies back at Jan van Goyen. They were the nicest nurses I've had so far! And they reassured me, answered my questions and listened to my mum complain about the hematoma and the lack of communication at the time.
Week 2 tips
- Find things to pass the time
- Gaming, even with a controller, hurt, so watch series!
- Walk walk walk, go on walks. Keep yourself moving.
Week 2-4
More waiting. I went home. Was allowed to do things around the house a little. I chilled with my girlfriend at home and took it easy. I was quite tired a lot still too.
I had one more check up, and was told to remove the top band, from my binding set up. I was only wearing a simple zip up surgery binder from this point onwards.
Week 4-8
I could walk, talk and move. Had my check in with work, and decided I needed longer since I couldn't lift anything heavy around week 8 yet.
My nipple scabs came off fully around this point, after crumbling off slowly.
Month 3
Final check with Drs. E. Hajder. He was proud of my results, gave me the option for a revision in 1 year time due to my right side stretching, and some final words of encouragement. I was able to use my arms fully, my scars felt tight but good, and I could go back to work slowly. I could wear shirts I liked and walking around shirtless was heaven too.
Month 6
Normal, I am in heaven. I can work out fully again, train my chest to my heart's content and walk around shirtless!!! Best decision I've ever made.
Tldr/important info:
1 year wait from first consultation till surgery date (already had previous gender therapy and another clinic I was getting helped at)
Messy but quick surgery experience. I worked out before (2-4 times a week, chest focussed) and after healing fully. Not on testosterone before or after surgery.
See pics for progress, what I looked like before, and the current look I'm sporting 😎