Photo: The NEW me

This is the first photo of me on day 20 of being Post-Op from Facial Feminization Surgery (FFS).

I under went a brow bone reduction, eye-lid plasti, scalp advancement and hair grafts to the front hair line.

As of today the swelling has come down enough that I can resume wearing cosmetics per the doctor, so I thought I would take a picture. If you'll notice, the hair line is still very rough and sore. There are indentions that in time will go away - they are from the incision line and stitches - which will smooth out in 3 - 6 months. However, it will take one full year to see the final result.

My eye lids are still very swollen and will go down some as is my forehead too. Everything is very tight and will loosen some in time.

I am very pleased as it has reduced my wrinkles some 80% around the eyes and in the fore head too.

Things are still very numb though. It feels like your wearing a very tight bike helmet. I can not feel the top of my scalp or forehead at all - but the doctor says (and other patients too) that the feeling takes 1 to 2 years to return.... I am not worried much.

There is still some discoloration in my skin as well - this too will take some more time to go down - It seems each day brings a 1000% improvement in look and feeling.

I am so thrilled!!

When I look in the mirror now, I no longer see ANY sign of the old me that could be mistaken for "him"... I only wish I could have done this 20 years ago.

My "other" procedure is coming along nicely as well. There is some necrosis I am dealing with and discomfort - but the doctor assures me that it is normal and will fix its self so long as I continue my wound care routine.

I leave in 2 more days for home and will arrive June 15th back into the arms of my loved ones - I can't wait!! I miss my children so bad, I only hope that I will have enough strength to be able to hug them for a whole day straight.

Once I settle in and compose myself, I will be sure to resume my Blogs and send up my photos... for now, I leave you all with the above pic of me and the knowledge that I am ok, happy and I finally feel aligned: Mind, Body and Soul.

Thank you all for your prayers, emails, notes and calls. They have been overwhelmingly helpful and I love you all.


God Bless...

-Chloe