This article is particularly timely for me. On February 19 I underwent a blepharoplasty with brow feminization which revealed more clearly the little girl inside me. The recovery protocol was rigorous for several weeks, but I followed it diligently and the result was to begin to see the woman inside beginning to peek out. 6 days ago I underwent FFS for 9 hours and find myself in a similar post-surgical regimen. The pain has mostly subsided but it will take a month or more before my face has stabilized enough and the swelling has subsided enough to remove my face mask. I have already made plans to go back for a rhinoplasty and breast augmentation in about 6 weeks. In between, off to San Francisco for a thorough pre-bottom surgery physical. And then there are the other continuing needs — hair removal and restoration, lip work etc.

The contractions have been painful, requiring patience and perseverance, and the final delivery still months away, but each step has uncovered another aspect of the essential feminine me. With each procedure I feel more authentic. I am finally beginning to emerge…