Gender Stuff

This blog was initially about my transition but moved on to all things trans. I am a trans man in my thirties, from the UK. After a 3 year wait on the NHS I ended up going private for the first part of my transition. Started T on 06/12/2019. Finally had a GIC appointment 5 years after referral and on the wait for top surgery. This blog is for information regarding transitioning in the UK and the aim is to support other people with a full account of all aspects of transition. Asks open, I'm happy to answer what I can. Header is by "alouette-lulu", and it's beautiful.

[realtransfacts]

hey so Ive been wanting to get top surgery for a long time now but I also dont want nipples.

I know thats usually called Mastectomy but do you think doctors can just remove the nipple anyway?

Idk if this has already talked about before somewhere but I tried looking and I couldnt find anything really about it

For the double incision bilateral mastectomy, which is probably the most common type of top surgery, they have to remove and replace the nipple. You can just ask them to not put it back. That's what I did and it turned out fine:

My scars are a bit higher up than "normal" for a double incision; they usually try to put them along the underside of the pec muscle so they don't stand out so much. That's not related to the no-nipple thing though, I just had a weird surgeon.

But if you have very small breasts they might very well recommend a keyhole top surgery, which doesn't normaly include the removal of the nipple. So in that case your scars will probably end up where mine did if you ask for no nipple, since your skin might not be enough to stretch to under the pec muscle.

[gnot-that-gender]

I also asked for them to not bother with the nipples :). Though I think my scars are more in the typical place a bit lower down. I had large ones so they had more skin to work with from the top of the breast but this also was just a me issue.

Also my surgeon was garbage but this is nothing to do with the nipples. God I can't even imagine what a mess he'd have made if I had asked him to put the nipples back XD

Regardless, my comment just is that it was never an issue to ask for it without nipples and the surgeons response was "that makes it easier". So I can't imagine any surgeon insisting on nipples :)

[ukftm]

I'm not the previous anon but I've been wondering the same thing. I want to be referred to as 'Mr' (and then my chosen name when I legally change it) because being called 'Miss' makes me feel very dysphoric. But I'm concerned that changing my gender to male on the paperwork will mean I won't be offered (or might be refused) healthcare checks I might need in the future? (Like cervical smears and such).

Hi Anon,

When you update your name/gender with your GP this does not automatically remove you from the ‘female’ healthcare lists. So you will still be contacted about smears etc. You will continue to be on these lists until you contact the correct NHS departments individually and ask to be removed from their lists. So for example, once someone has had a vaginectomy and would no longer require a smear, they would need to contact the correct NHS departments to be removed from their lists.

However, when your name/gender marker are updated with your GP, you will have to be prepared for NHS staff that contact you about smears etc potentially being confused as to why a male is on ‘female’ healthcare lists. But a short explanation should help them understand your situation and the sensitive nature of this.

[gnot-that-gender]

I think this is semi-dependant on the NHS trust. For me, they changed my details to male and no longer remind me about cervical smears. But I have had no issue booking them myself. It has meant in the past the nurse/hca has had to fill out paperwork by hand but it's not been an issue.

Most of the people I know locally have stopped receiving smear reminders when their medical records were changed to male, and in the same way, some trans fem people I know locally have started receiving invites for smear tests when their medical records were changed to female.

This aside, unless the admin staff are getting ahead of themselves (like mine did!!!) having your title as Mr shouldn't automatically change your records to male.

[ukftm]

hi sorry to be a bother but is there somewhere where I can look at the results from different top surgeons available on the NHS? I can't seem to find much

It takes a bit of searching around various places (tumblr, transbucket, youtube, facebook groups, etc) to see the various surgeon’s work unfortunately, there isn’t one resource which gathers them all together in an easily accessible way.  Here are a few photos from various surgeons to start you off, but there are certainly more out there if you look.  Also, just because example pictures aren’t given here for a certain technique doesn’t necessarily mean that the surgeon is not open to doing that technique on suitable body types.  On the NHS, not all surgeons are available for Welsh patients, and only Ms Dabritz is available for Scottish ones.

Miles Berry - LondonPrivate onlyDouble incision:

His website

His Instagram page

A couple of results on transbucket

Shaun of the Bread [youtube - 2018]

Ross [youtube - 2017]

thesamthatiam [tumblr // youtube - 2017]

FTMCircus [youtube - 2017]

ftmnate [youtube - 2016]

Zac [youtube - 2016]

KIRONE [youtube - 2012]

Peri-areolar:

His website

His Instagram page

Christopher Caddy - SheffieldNHS [no longer accepting new referrals]Double incision:

trashachilles [instagram - 2019]

heavyheartedhero [tumblr - 2011]

Grit Dabritz - ManchesterNHS onlyDouble incision:

One result on transbucket

spectreal [tumblr - 2019]

Lukas [youtube - 2017]

queerlynx [tumblr - 2016]

heynyestunes [tumblr - 2015]

One result on transbucket listed under Janet Walls (her predecessor and part of the same team)

Peri areolar:

Tony C [youtube - 2016]

Becoming Ethan [youtube - 2016]

tomhasatransblog [tumblr - 2016]

joyinmudville [tumblr - 2015]

Philip Drew - CornwallNHS onlyDouble incision:

For Laurels patients, the GIC secret Facebook group contains some results (contact/more information)

smelliot_bm [instagram - 2016]

rick.curti [instagram - 2016]

jballs84 [instagram - 2014]

treasurechesticle [tumblr - 2014]

accio-aj [tumblr - 2013]

Oliver FentonNHS [does not appear to be taking new referrals]Double incision

RomanticPoet [FTMUK forum - 2015]

Antony Fitton - PlymouthNHS and private

Christopher Inglefield - LondonPrivate onlyDouble incision

Hisforharri [Twitter - 2018]

Lucas [Twitter // Vimeo Transformation Street TV documentary - 2017] The segment on the initial reveal is at 34:02 and the 3 months check up is at 43:33.

Peter Kneeshaw - HullNHS and privateDouble Incision:

Several results on transbucket

nbtopsurgery [Instagram - 2018]

georgesjourney [tumblr - 2018]

tylerstransitiondiary [tumblr - 2017]

ashwiththetash [youtube - 2017]

thelifeofquinten [tumblr - 2017]

voysey [tumblr - 2017]

1975-1895 [tumblr - 2016]

howslifejim [tumblr - 2016]

Industrial Strength [youtube - 2016]

Dylan [youtube - 2016]

terrorboy [tumblr - 2015]

MaxRH [youtube - 2014]

kingofcatastrophes [tumblr - 2013]

Peri-areolar/lipo:

JourneyWithAlex [youtube - 2017]

L Owen [youtube - 2016]

jamie [youtube - 2016]

clickclickclickclickclick [tumblr - 2016]

butterfinglenom [tumblr - 2016]

ivelikecommonppl [tumblr - 2015]

ijamesblack [tumblr - 2015]

bread-makingviking [tumblr - 2015]

elphie3green [youtube - 2015] (lipo)

Andrew Mellington - BrightonNHS and privateDouble incision:

FtMarshmallow [youtube - 2019]

cryptboii [reddit - 2018]

just-a-fretting-lemon [tumblr - 2018]

Catherine Milroy - LondonNHS and privateDouble incision:

Many results on transbucket

mattstevens93 [youtube - 2017]

thetranspinkpanther [youtube - 2012]

Charles [flickr - 2010]

Peri areolar/modified peri areolar:

ukftm-surgerydiary [tumblr - 2013] (later had a revision by Yelland)

trashykaos [youtube - 2013]

cadelamb [reddit - 2012]

Robert Morris - PlymouthNHS and private

LGBT Lives Matter [youtube - 2018]

Andrew Jude [youtube - 2018]

corvidfucker [tumblr - 2018]

Victoria Rose - LondonNHS and privateDouble incision:

archienickcloud [youtube - 2014]

Peri-areolar:

One result on transbucket

David Ross - BrightonNHS and privateDouble incision:

littlelurker123 [reddit - 2018]

Philip Rubin - DurhamNHS, unknown if he will work privatelyDouble incision:

disaster–tourism [tumblr - 2015]

Thangasamy Sankar - KetteringNHST-anchor:

roadmapzach [youtube - 2017]

Double incision:

Taylor [youtube - 2016]

AdeToks [youtube - 2012]

Guy Sterne - BirminghamPrivate onlyDouble incision:

One example on this website [2015]

Kate Williams - ManchesterNHS onlyDouble incision

transceur [instagram - 2017]

Andrew Yelland - Torquay (formerly Brighton)Private only (formerly also NHS and hopes to resume this in the future)Double incision:

His website

Many results on transbucket

thecoreofcorey [tumblr - 2017]

alexohagan [tumblr - 2017]

sharksiesta [tumblr - 2017]

admire-the-mountains [tumblr - 2017]

Zach [youtube - 2017]

selegesceot [tumblr - 2017]

mr-ark [tumblr - 2016]

lordquest [tumbr - 2016]

jamie-pyro [tumblr - 2016]

Alfie [youtube - 2015]

stefanjamesss [tumblr - 2015]

blackandyellowdoodles [tumblr - 2015]

19AKai [youtube - 2015]

MrZackPT [youtube - 2015]

alex-wayne [tumblr - 2014]

buddyboy12 [reddit - 2014]

crazyparrotfish [tumblr - 2014]

FinnTheInfinncible [youtube - 2013]

MisterJaycobsJourney [youtube - 2013]

jammidodger [tumblr - 2012]

Peri-areolar:

civildisobedience [tumblr - 2017]

therealalexbertie [youtube - 2016]

alxndr-18 [tumblr - 2015]

rexyrex [transbucket - 2014]

edman93 [tumblr - 2013]

50cwisdom [tumblr - 2014]

~ Alex

[ukftm]

I've got my pre-op on Friday for top surgery, and I've just found out that the surgeon that I chose has retired. I was supposed to have my surgery done with Andrew Yelland in Torquay, but now the only options (or at least the only other surgeon that I can find that partners with the hospital) is going with Chris Mills or going back to the bottom of a waiting list for a different surgeon at a different hospital (which I would really prefer to avoid waiting that long again).

I haven't been able to find any result pictures for Chris Mills, which is really knocking my confidence. Does anyone know if there are any results for his surgeries online?

Hi,

Have any of our followers had top surgery with Chris Mills?

Also, when you attend your pre-op you’ll be able to ask the surgeon for photos of their results. So if you are not able to find any online, your surgeon will have some to show you.

Surgeons will expect patients to ask for result pictures so don’t be afraid to ask.

[gnot-that-gender]

Hi!! I had my surgery with Chris Mills. I'm hesitant to publish my review yet as it has only been 2 months since my surgery and I'm by no means at my "final result", but personally as it stands I cannot recommend him. I'm not happy with my results, or the lack of communication from him/his secretary. I'll publish a full review when and if we get around to a post-op (which he doesn't offer as standard so that should be a red flag) and revision.

Feel free to dm me (my main is @gnotknormal ) and I can chat about my specific issues as they may not affect you.

Mount Stuart hospital, though. Is absolutely lovely. The nursing staff, anaesthetist and hospital were all amazing and couldn't have asked for better.

[gnot-that-gender]

You can also just scroll down this blog a bit and it explains some of my issues. But in addition myself, my named professional at the GIC AND the GDNRSS have been trying to contact him to ask about another appointment and have no response. This has been over a month and no word.

[ukftm]

I've got my pre-op on Friday for top surgery, and I've just found out that the surgeon that I chose has retired. I was supposed to have my surgery done with Andrew Yelland in Torquay, but now the only options (or at least the only other surgeon that I can find that partners with the hospital) is going with Chris Mills or going back to the bottom of a waiting list for a different surgeon at a different hospital (which I would really prefer to avoid waiting that long again).

I haven't been able to find any result pictures for Chris Mills, which is really knocking my confidence. Does anyone know if there are any results for his surgeries online?

Hi,

Have any of our followers had top surgery with Chris Mills?

Also, when you attend your pre-op you’ll be able to ask the surgeon for photos of their results. So if you are not able to find any online, your surgeon will have some to show you.

Surgeons will expect patients to ask for result pictures so don’t be afraid to ask.

[gnot-that-gender]

Hi!! I had my surgery with Chris Mills. I'm hesitant to publish my review yet as it has only been 2 months since my surgery and I'm by no means at my "final result", but personally as it stands I cannot recommend him. I'm not happy with my results, or the lack of communication from him/his secretary. I'll publish a full review when and if we get around to a post-op (which he doesn't offer as standard so that should be a red flag) and revision.

Feel free to dm me (my main is @gnotknormal ) and I can chat about my specific issues as they may not affect you.

Mount Stuart hospital, though. Is absolutely lovely. The nursing staff, anaesthetist and hospital were all amazing and couldn't have asked for better.

[ukftm]

Do you think there will be any issue with all my documents not reflecting the same gender? Both now and if for some reason the government does decide to change the meaning of "sex" in a legal sense?

Currently I have my NHS records as male, and looking to change my passport. But my driving licence still as female and I'm still deciding if I want a GRC. Other less "official" things (like bank) I have already changed to male as well.

Particularly with the discrepancy between my driving licence and passport, I'm wondering about.

Thanks :)

Hi,

Ideally your driving license and passport need to have the same details as these are both legal ID documents. While it shouldn’t cause you issues in the short term, you’ll want to get them matching as soon as you can. The majority do this at the same time, but obviously with the price of a passport, this can often take a bit longer to save up for and get updated.

The future is uncertain with the state of todays politics. So it’s very much up to each individual as to whether they want to get things done before things potentially change or wait to see the outcome of things.

From personal experience, I did all my name change documents in one go. Then as soon as I was allowed a GRC I did that because I didn’t want to wait incase things potentially changed. Another reason I did it all at the same time is that changing your name on everything takes a long time and a lot of energy, so I didn’t want to be years into my journey and be still having to approach anyone to get things changed or be ‘outed’ because I had forgotten to get something updated.

[gnot-that-gender]

Is the passport a lot more expensive? I haven't even looked into the driving licence. My partner (cis) recently got his passport renewed with help from the Post Office for under £100, and someone told me that changing my name and gender would be the same process/price? I do already have a passport (out of date) for clarity.

Also my name has been changed on every document except my passport so that won't be part of the issue. I naively didn't even realise driving licences recorded gender when I changed my name on there otherwise I'd have done it at the same time.

(Response from anybody is appreciated, I know this blog is busy and the mods don't always have chance to respond to everything)

[ukftm]

I have concerns about the results of my top surgery. But it has only been a month so I'm aware things won't have settled yet. How long before I should honestly consider needing a revision? And what sort of things can be corrected for a revision?

Hi,

Your chest can take a good couple of years to settle into how it will look. So during that time you can experience swelling, scar changes, nipple pigment and size changes etc. Things like dog ears can also settle down and become unnoticeable after some time.

As it has only been a month you’ll need to give your chest a lot more time to heal and settle. When you go to your post op check up discuss any concerns you have. Your surgeon will then either be able to put your mind at ease or they may suggest some revision surgery, depending on what it is that you are concerned about.

In terms of things that can be revised, it’ll be things like dog ears or nipple revisions. Without knowing what you are concerned about it’s hard to give a specific answer.

But a month post top surgery is way too early to be worried about your results. Give yourself time to heal and if you are concerned about your results you’ll want to make sure you are following your surgeons advice about after care and are still taking things easy and allowing your body time to heal properly.

Often guys forget how big a surgery top surgery is and get impatient with recovery. But listening to your surgeon is so important as your results are very often dependant on your aftercare.

[gnot-that-gender]

Hi asker here

I don't have a post op appointment booked or anything? I only had one a week after to take dressings off and he said "hope to never see you again". And because it's NHS funded he said we get 1 revision within the year, so if i wait longer than that i wouldnt be able to get it.

For specifics, I have lots of 'puckering' that looks like pleats and it's hard to clean between the folds of skin and looks very unsightly. I've also got an issue with the left scar that has like... best way to describe it is an overbite. I'm not sure it can be corrected but its ugly.

And then I've sort of been left with some breast or fatty tissue on one side. So I've got like... a half boob which is the biggest issue because that's literally what I went to the surgery to remove. I know there's a chance it could just be swelling but it doesn't hurt or anything so I'm more concerned I'm just going to be left with this deformed breast.

Also, like, can pec exercises reduce the look of that if it can't be corrected?

[ukftm]

Hi,

I would recommend making contact with your surgeons team to discuss your concerns and tell them you are not happy with your results.

To only be seen 1 week post op is also concerning, as that is nowhere near enough time for the surgeon to know how you are healing. You need between 6weeks-3 months to heal and then be seen for a post op (although times vary between surgeons). So I would insist on this. You should also be offered follow up appointments for any concerns/complications you may have.

It’s concerning to hear that your surgeon (perhaps you can tell us which surgeon), is not offering to check up on you at an appropriate time post op. But if you feel that your surgery has not been done properly you need to discuss this with your surgeon.

It may be that things do need time to settle, but with what you are describing, it sounds like you need to make contact and discuss this.

If you are still unhappy with your results you may want to contact your GIC to ask for a second opinions from another surgeon.

Remember, just because your surgery is on the NHS does not mean you have to settle for poor results or shoddy work from a surgeon.

[gnot-that-gender]

Thank you, honestly I was just worrying I was being dramatic but if this isn't ordinary treatment it is worth letting people know.

The surgery was by Chris Mills in Mt Stuart in Torquay (Ramsey Health). I think some of my issues could be because I was coming down from a GG cup size and there's obviously a lot more extra skin in that situation, and I imagine most surgeons don't get a lot of practice at that.

But that doesn't change the fact that it seems to only have 1 post op appointment so soon after surgery is unusually poor care, from what you say.

I'll have an appointment with my named professional at the GIC soon, so I'll bring it up with her as I haven't got contact details for the surgeons team (only an email for a secretary who is covering someone on maternity leave and doesn't seem to really know what she's doing).

Thanks for responding and making me feel seen.

[ukftm]

I have concerns about the results of my top surgery. But it has only been a month so I'm aware things won't have settled yet. How long before I should honestly consider needing a revision? And what sort of things can be corrected for a revision?

Hi,

Your chest can take a good couple of years to settle into how it will look. So during that time you can experience swelling, scar changes, nipple pigment and size changes etc. Things like dog ears can also settle down and become unnoticeable after some time.

As it has only been a month you’ll need to give your chest a lot more time to heal and settle. When you go to your post op check up discuss any concerns you have. Your surgeon will then either be able to put your mind at ease or they may suggest some revision surgery, depending on what it is that you are concerned about.

In terms of things that can be revised, it’ll be things like dog ears or nipple revisions. Without knowing what you are concerned about it’s hard to give a specific answer.

But a month post top surgery is way too early to be worried about your results. Give yourself time to heal and if you are concerned about your results you’ll want to make sure you are following your surgeons advice about after care and are still taking things easy and allowing your body time to heal properly.

Often guys forget how big a surgery top surgery is and get impatient with recovery. But listening to your surgeon is so important as your results are very often dependant on your aftercare.

[gnot-that-gender]

Hi asker here

I don't have a post op appointment booked or anything? I only had one a week after to take dressings off and he said "hope to never see you again". And because it's NHS funded he said we get 1 revision within the year, so if i wait longer than that i wouldnt be able to get it.

For specifics, I have lots of 'puckering' that looks like pleats and it's hard to clean between the folds of skin and looks very unsightly. I've also got an issue with the left scar that has like... best way to describe it is an overbite. I'm not sure it can be corrected but its ugly.

And then I've sort of been left with some breast or fatty tissue on one side. So I've got like... a half boob which is the biggest issue because that's literally what I went to the surgery to remove. I know there's a chance it could just be swelling but it doesn't hurt or anything so I'm more concerned I'm just going to be left with this deformed breast.

Also, like, can pec exercises reduce the look of that if it can't be corrected?

[ukftm]

How do I request hysterectomy on NHS, I'm on top surgery waiting list but no one has asked me if I also want hysterectomy, do I go to my GP or ask the gender clinic?

Hi Anon,

We have lots of posts on hysto’s so you may find it helpful to have a read of these.

Generally, you won’t have access to a hysto until you are referred for bottom surgery. But have a read of our posts, they explain things in more detail.

[gnot-that-gender]

Hi, I've been referred for top from The Laurels GIC (been on T 2.5 years). My doctor said I'm welcome to have a hysterectomy without bottom surgery and just to let her know if I want to be referred. She knows that I have no current plans for bottom surgery so that might be why she's offered it to me. Regardless, the option is available from some doctors.

So I'd suggest just asking your doctor at the GIC. If you're not with a GIC then I don't think you'd be able to get one on the NHS unless you had other health issues relating to it.

[gnot-that-gender]

Being read as female and having people approach me with that presumption, for me to then correct them and tell them I'm a guy is comfortable. That's how it's been for me for most of my adult life. Then those people, mostly cis guys, end up just treating me in a way that reflects how I feel and want to be treated. "This is my apparently female friend but who is One Of The Guys". That's okay. Cus then I'm treated like a guy, and people get to know me as a person in my own right. I miss that.

Queer people now, they see me, they see that I'm queer. And somehow their gendering of me feels harsher in it's universal acceptance.

I'm not feminine. I never have been. Those cis guys realise that once they speak to me and get to know me.

But because I have long hair and I guess some feminine mannerisms and I don't pass - queer people see me as feminine with no wish to challenge it. Because there's nothing WRONG with being feminine. So they're not being offensive by treating me as though I were. But then they completely miss the fact that it's just not who I am. More queer people continue to call me by terms I dislike after I've told them how I feel than cis guys ever have. I tell a guy don't call me cute or sweetie or honey and they're like no probs got you man. Because they know it would be uncomfortable for them. Queer people let gendered terms fall into their vocabulary and while I understand it is part of de-gendering those terms. I don't think they're always conscious or particularly concerned about who they're using those terms with?

I'm not saying anything like, cis men are more accepting than queer people. Like, I know this is a nuanced issue and not black and white at all. But..

I feel like the more my body reflects me, the less the way people treat me reflects me. I'm really struggling with it.

[transenbyconfessions]

I’m a soprano singer and I want to start going on T but I’m worried about the vocal changes. On one hand it would really help me with dysphoria/passing but on the other I might have to completely re teach myself how to sing which would mess up my career. Are there any people out there who have similar situations and if so what did you do?

[gnot-that-gender]

The change to my singing voice was a big concern when I went on T. I don't sing professionally, but it is a pure love of mine and I love my singing voice.

But it all turned out okay! My range has dropped a bit, and it DID take some time and some sadness to be able to sing without my voice cracking at certain notes. I lost my head voice (but I didn't like it very much anyway), but I have worked on it and am regaining it and regaining control over those higher notes.

It takes practice, and getting used to. But ultimately it also takes resolve and acceptance that it isn't quite what you had before.

It won't be the same, and it'll take some working through, but it'll be okay!

[gnot-that-gender]

Are you a "oh god they're staring at me, I must not be passing today" kind of trans person or are you a "ha yes they're staring at me, my gender must appear vague and confusing today" sort of trans person.

[ukftm]

hey does anyone have up to date information about the top surgeon Andrew Yelland? I'm trying to find info about his current pricing and the length of his private waiting list (in terms of time). Thanks :)

I’m afraid I haven’t seen any recent information about him, but will put this out to followers, and in the meantime I’d suggest getting in touch with his office, as they should be able to help!

Mr Yelland’s website

~ James

[gnot-that-gender]

Hi,

I recently got a quote from Andrew Yelland. The office didn't ask my specific circumstances or what surgery I'd need so I don't know how it was calculated, but they told me.

£275 for first consultation

£8135 procedure including hospital fees and 1 post op follow up consultation

Hope this helps.

[ukftm]

hey so, ive been binding for a couple of years (relatively loosely, i care more about comfort) but i've been noticing the skin on my chest getting looser. its uncomfortable and im also worried in terms of surgery so id want to prevent it getting worse if i can. I'm wondering if a) binding really is the cause and b) if theres something i can do, even if it means going back to bras, in which case are there any good ftm-friendly options? ideally comfortable/wide straps/no digging, no added shape?

a) Binding could be the cause, yes - skin complaints such as the tissue becoming less elastic aren’t uncommon with binding, and seem to be more common with larger chests as well. That being said, of course we can’t say for certain and if you’re worried, you might want to consider speaking to your GP about it.

b) If binding is the cause, then there are no guarantees, but binding for less time, trying an (even) looser binder or perhaps a different brand, or switching to a sports bra (some or all of the time) might help. Followers might have specific recommendations for sports bras, and to an extent what’s most effective is also going to depend on your own body type so you may need to try a few different brands. This post might give you a starting point for researching this.

Followers, anything to add?

~ James

[gnot-that-gender]

Hi anon,

I'm a trans guy with a larger chest. Not sure if you do too, but just for clarity of my experience. I've been on T for 8 months.

I've not really binded very much at all, and the skin on my chest has loosened just naturally with age (I'm 30 now). So personally I'd be inclined to say it's not necessarily from binding and sometimes things that just happen. I've also noticed this increasing just a bit since being on Testosterone.

As for binding alternatives, I use the Panache underwired sports bra. It doesn't flatten much, but it helps me personally with dysphoria because with it being a sports bra, it stops most of the movement. Also with it being underwired, I don't suffer from the back and neck pain that I would get otherwise.

Hope this helps!

[ukftm]

Hi! I have 2 questions about Testogel. The packet says that you shouldn’t rub the gel in, just spread a thin layer, but when I do this I find I’m then washing a lot off my hands after which is a waste. Any tips for using it all without ‘rubbing in’? And lastly, is it right that I shouldn’t apply it to acne? I have bad acne on my shoulders which is often open/raw, so should I try and stick to only applying to my stomach instead? Thank you!!

Hi Anon,

You should try to get as much of the gel on your skin as possible. Just use circular movements like you are lightly washing the area with it (not rubbing). Do this until all of the gel is on your skin. There really shouldn’t be much at all left on your hands. If there is excess left on your hands, you will not be getting your full dose. Obviously you’ll never get every drop on, but you should be able to get most of it on your skin.

If you put it on acne it can irritate the area. So if like me you have acne areas on your arms, you can just try to put the gel around this. That’s what I do. It’s not recommended to put it on any area with hair, so if you don’t have any hair on your stomach that would be fine. But it may grow in that area eventually and you’ll need to switch where you put it again.

- Harry

[gnot-that-gender]

Hi,

I apply the gel using my wrists and forearms rather than my hands.

[ukftm]

Hi I sent in a question a while back but not sure if it’s gotten lost in the inbox. I contacted London Transgender clinic about 2 months ago and have since tried again and haven’t had any response though it says on the website that they’ll get back to me shortly. Does anyone know how long it usually takes for them to reply?

I can’t see anything in the inbox fitting that description, alas! 

I’ll put this out to followers in case anyone has had recent contact with them. I can imagine things being delayed due to them readjusting their services in light of coronavirus but i haven’t typically heard of them having very long response times... if you haven’t tried again in the last couple of weeks then perhaps it’s worth getting in touch again in case your messages have just been buried.

~ James

[gnot-that-gender]

Hi, I'm with London Transgender. I've I've recently contacting them regarding my appointment next week. They don't usually take longer than 2 days to respond by email to anything, I'd say 5 days at most? But I'm emailing the hormone reception so I'm not sure if it's slower just because you might be using a different email? You could try the phone number, as I'm sure they're answering calls.

[gnot-that-gender]

I have a moustache and I can lick it.

[gnot-that-gender]

Do cis men do this when they get a moustache? Surely you've all licked your taches??