Guy Sterne UK
I had my top surgery consultation on Monday and it went really well - My partner and I were brought in by a chaperone who introduced both of us to Dr Sterne. He asked me a few questions about my gender history and filled out a form and then did the same for my medical history too.
I told him I have an appointment booked with Dr Khalid from Dr Popelyuk’s gender clinic and he was happy with that. He explained that they still need 2 letters from a clinic for Non-binary people BUT because Dr Popelyuk double signs all the letters from his psychiatrists/psychologists, Dr Sterne would accept that as 2!!
Then he did a physical and visual examination where I had to sit on the bed and tense my chest a bit. I was asked to stand up then and he took pictures and zoomed in to crop out my face. I was really nervous about this but he was very quick and respectful. The chaperone was watching the whole time and that made me feel better.
He told me that I can get peri and was really encouraging me choosing that option for the aesthetic result because of my breasts being smaller and having stretchy skin. He was supportive of double-incision with free nipple grafts but suggested I could get peri and then get my nipples shaved down 6 months later. We talked about this for a bit because one of my main concerns is nipple size and placement but he was very understanding about it!
Then he told me everything that would happen during the surgery in detail and then the recovery process. He doesn't use drains but uses surgical glue to stick you back together. I'm quite happy with that because I'm a bit scared of the drains and he seemed very knowledgeable about the risks of either option.
He told me I'd have to take 6 weeks off of work and not do anything for the first 2 weeks. After 1 week post op, I need to get my dressings changed by a nurse but I can arrange this with my local GP. Then I would need to see him for a 6 week post op appointment to check on my progress.
I had the opportunity to ask him questions and I showed him some pictures of results I liked. We talked about scar shape and he made note of what I said.
ALSO I asked him specifically about anti-emetics for after surgery because I've been sick from morphine before and I'm terrified of waking up and vomiting. Thankfully, he was really understanding and said he doesn't want to get sick from anaesthetic either so he'd talk to the anaesthetist for me, but it would be something I would have to arrange myself with them too.
Overall, it was a really positive experience and I’m excited to book in a surgery date with him! If anyone has any questions, feel free to ask.