We’ve been noticing a concerning trend among some of our patients: they first receive surgery from an in-network surgeon and then come to Dr. Deschamps-Braly for revision surgery after getting poor results. This should not be your plan when considering gender-affirming surgery because it can leave you at risk for complications and later problems. Here’s what you need to know when choosing your plastic surgeon.
The Importance of Choosing the Right Surgeon
The “right” surgeon is someone with the knowledge, training, and experience necessary to perform a specific surgical procedure safely and effectively. Gaining an immediate sense of trust in your surgeon’s abilities is also a great sign. Dr. Deschamps-Braly is a double board-certified plastic and craniofacial surgeon and a world-renowned leader in facial gender confirmation surgery who has helped invent many of the commonly used techniques of facial feminization and masculinization procedures. He has genuine care for his patients and is fully invested in each person’s individualized treatment plan.
Why Do People Choose In-Network Surgeons First?
While there are some fantastic surgeons in-network, patients should never rush to get their surgery done. The main concern is that patients will first choose an in-network surgeon and then schedule revision procedures with Dr. Deschamps-Braly to save money. Unfortunately, this results in more costs than choosing Dr. Deschamps-Braly first and it can lead to unsatisfactory results. Patients should always plan for one surgery.
It can be helpful to understand the benefits or possible setbacks of choosing an in-network surgeon. These are some of our patients’ main considerations when choosing their facial gender surgeon:
Out-of-Pocket Expenses
Money is an understandable concern among patients. Dr. Deschamps-Braly is not in-network, meaning he does not take insurance and patients pay out-of-pocket. To reduce these expenses, people might choose an in-network doctor even if that surgeon has less experience. Unfortunately, this can lead to “bad” surgeries and unsatisfactory results that will have to be corrected with revision surgery. Instead of paying for two surgeries, it’s a much safer and cheaper option to spend the money upfront and know that you will be cared for by a reliable and highly skilled surgeon like Dr. Deschamps-Braly.
Long Wait Time
Dr. Deschamps-Braly has a longer waitlist than other practices because he is the only surgeon at our clinic. However, we and many patients believe that the wait is worth it, which is an additional reason for the long wait time and a testament to our work. Dr. Deschamps-Braly and our team take a personalized approach and get to know each patient when planning their individualized surgery. Patients who do not want to wait can still enjoy quality care from non-surgical treatments with board-certified aesthetic nurse Jennifer Fick. Non-surgical dermal fillers can be used to subtly alter your appearance and give you some idea of what surgical results will look like.
Emotional Well-Being
Patients wait their whole lives for FFS or FMS surgery and they put a lot of planning into it. Emotions surrounding gender-affirming procedures are high; patients are understandably excited but anxious. When their results don’t match their expectations after weathering the entire recovery process, it can be devastating. Choosing a highly experienced surgeon like Dr. Deschamps-Braly will set patients up for success so that they can focus on the excitement and joy that facial feminization and masculinization brings.
Risks of Revision Surgery
Planning for one procedure with an experienced surgeon will set you up for the best possible results and a much higher chance of achieving your ideal look. After the initial surgical procedure, the facial structure will have already been altered and resculpted, which can make it difficult or even dangerous to reset the bones and underlying anatomy a second time. Another possible complication is that the first surgeon took too much tissue away, making revision and correction even more challenging. Because of these complications, Dr. Deschamps-Braly or other doctors may not be able to accept patients for a revision. To learn whether you are a candidate for revision facial surgery, please schedule a consultation at our office.
Schedule a Consultation
Dr. Deschamps-Braly and our team are committed to safety and exceptional care at our San Francisco clinic. When it comes to your face and a life-changing procedure like gender confirmation surgery, you don’t want to settle for anything but the best. To learn more about your options for facial feminization and facial masculinization surgeries, schedule a consultation today with Dr. Deschamps-Braly.
Dr. Deschamps-Braly is a board-certified plastic and craniofacial surgeon specializing in facial plastic surgery, orthognathic (jaw) surgery, and craniofacial surgery for adults and children. He is also one of the world’s foremost leaders and innovators in facial gender confirmation surgery.
