ACPK - Dr Matteo Amoroso Review and Experiences (UK patient)
I'm now three weeks post-op from top surgery and wanted to share my experience!
Procedure: Double Incision, No nipple grafts, Underarm/Flank Liposuction
Context: Nonbinary, no HRT/Testosterone, no gender dysphoria diagnosis, international travel to Stockholm.
The Consultation
My consultation was back in December. I booked a free consult online via the ACPK website and was able to book the appointment for a couple of days later. Before the consult, I wrote up a list of questions that I needed answering in case I forgot in the stress of the appointment.
Dr Amoroso was incredibly thorough, and answered almost all of my questions just through his comprehensive explanation of what I could expect. I had sent over some photos of my chest beforehand, and he used a surgical software programme to 3D model me and discuss what my results might look like. This was really reassuring as the 'not knowing' is definitely the most anxiety-inducing part. I was then given plenty of opportunities to ask all of the questions I had remaining.
I was also at this stage recommended lipo - That's because I had a very large cup size pre-op and a lot of the tissue was in my underarm area. Having now had the surgery, this was absolutely necessary and has made my results even better than I could imagine.
Booking for Surgery
I was able to choose my surgical date after the consult. I could have had surgery in January within 4 weeks of my consult, but I chose to wait until the end of April just for practicalities and the sake of being able to plan my recovery for a quieter period of my calendar.
I was sent over a few pieces of paperwork. I was also informed that I would need to provide evidence of the necessity of the surgery - This sounds intimidating, but they accept letters from therapists. So I just contacted my therapist and paid approx. £60 for the referral letter that just explained that I had been out as nonbinary for a long time and had discussed my want for surgery in the past, and that I had no psychatric contraindications to getting surgery.
Pre-Op Travel + Preparation
I flew into Stockholm a couple of days in advance of the surgery. I was given a large prescription for various medications (Euprasim, Celecoxib, Paracetamol and Odensatron alongside the stronger painkillers), which I picked up from the pharmacy the day before surgery. Technically you could pick them up after surgery, but who wants to add more stress to recovery?
Something important to note is that ACPK do not allow you to have piercing jewellery in during the procedure. Not retainers, nothing. So if you have a lot of piercings (like me) then you may need to prepare a piercing rescue kit haha. If you need jewellery reinserting, I recommend Chai at CALM Body Modifications. He's only a short trip from the clinic.
The Night Before
I was asked to use a chlorhexidine based pre-surgical scrub wash to prepare my entire body for surgery. There was a shampoo, and then a big sponge soaked in chlorhexidine soap. You have to wash your entire body and hair twice, and then use a clean towel and get into clean pajamas/clean sheets. If you're staying in a hotel or airbnb, keep this in mind as you may need to ask the front desk for clean sheets and towels.
Aside from that, I was asked to not eat for 12 hours in advance of surgery, and no fluids 8 hours in advance of surgery. That was fine - I just swished my mouth out with water in the morning when I felt a bit thirsty,
Pre-Surgery
I got to the clinic at 8.30am. One of the nurses took me to take some 'before' photos, which took 5 minutes. Then I was taken through to the pre-op area, got changed into a surgical gown and a luxurious robe (which you get to keep!), and met the anaesthesia nurse. She was awesome! She asked me some medical questions, measured my BP, and put a cannula in the back of my hand. I then took a shot glass full of pills.
I waited in the pre-op room until around 9.30am before the anaethesiologist picked me up and took me into the operating theatre. I wasn't nervous, and made some light conversation with the team. Then the anaesthesiologist put some propofol through my cannula and I was out like a light.
Post-Surgery
I 'woke up' in the recovery suite at 12.30pm after what felt like a quick 30 second dream! I think I'd been out of surgery for a while before I properly gained sentience again. I was almost immedietely checked on by the anaesthesia nurse who made sure I was feeling ok, and then brought me the most delicious post-op meal. I was already wearing a compression binder so I assume it was put on me after surgery.
Once I was feeling better, I was taken to the changing rooms and put my outside clothes back on over my compression binder. Then I was able to chill out in the waiting area for a while until I was fully compus mentus and my parents picked me up.
I was expecting to feel really groggy and weird after the anaesthesia, but I was feeling energetic and happy only 10-15 minutes after waking up. I literally felt amazing. No pain, no grogginess, nothing. I walked back to my hotel from the clinic (with family supervising) at around 2pm. They didn't intubate or catheterise me, which was also great so I didn't have a sore throat or anything.
Back at the hotel, I just got into bed and relaxed for the rest of the day. I also set reminders on my phone for medication, as taking them on time is the most important thing. This was stressed to me by the nurses!
Post-Op Travel
I flew home 4 days after top surgery. It was actually pretty fine! I booked wheelchair assistance at the airport both in Stockholm and the UK and I cannot recommend doing this enough! It was so incredibly helpful, as by this time I was feeling a bit worse for wear and could not imagine trying to handle security and walking through the airport by myself. I wore compression socks for the first week anyway, but I do recommend compression socks and wearing your post-op binder as snug as you can.
Week 1
Week 1 started really well. I felt fine, energetic and had little to no pain. I didn't really need any strong painkillers, from around day 3 I was just taking paracetamol and that worked perfectly. I was told I could shower after 48 hours, but I didn't want to mess anything up so I used body wipes and had my mum wash my hair for me.
Week 2
Week 1-2 are a little bit fuzzy in my memory because I had a bad reaction to the Eusaprim (antibiotics) and was severely unwell for about 10 days. I contacted ACPK and they gave me great advice on how to proceed. I should note that if you are travelling into Sweden from abroad, the best way to get in contact and have a speedy response from ACPK is by calling them on the phone. Depending on your phone contract, that might be a lil expensive but IMO totally worth it for direct questions and emergencies. They also respond pretty quickly to emails (once you get the correct address for the nurses), so if you have any issues then do get in touch with them.
I spent most of weeks 1+2 sleeping. I'm talking like, 12+ hours a day. I think allowing myself to just rest as much as possible made the healing process go a lot faster and feel a lot smoother.
Week 3
I've had a very small complication with one of my incisions (see previous posts), however the nurses have been so responsive in answering my questions and putting my mind at ease. They encourage you to email them update photos whenever you need help, so I have been in pretty close contact with them since my operation. The nurses are so kind and knowledgeable, and know exactly how to explain what is going on. If you're a chronic overthinker or, like me, suffer from OCD, then they are a godsend.
By week 3 I am feeling pretty much back to normal in terms of general health. I can walk long distances, and feel active without getting fatigued. I'm now sleeping more 'normal' amounts (8-10hrs) and don't feel the need for naps.
Pain-wise, it's a little more painful this week as my nerves begin to wake up. I'm also a bit sore from the liposuction, which apparently is pretty normal!
Results (So Far)
Overall, my incisions are incredibly neat. They look amazing, and are pretty symmetrical. The slight dehiscense I have experienced is totally my fault as I am stubborn and overly independent! The results were originally quite 'lifted,' but it's my understanding that this allows for tension-free wound healing. They are already flattening down, and I don't expect to be left with ridges haha.
I do not have dog ears or any general weirdness, it's all looking great!
Overall Experience
Overall, my experience with ACPK and Dr Amoroso have been really good. ACPK were comprehensive, helpful, and gave a really high-quality service. Dr Amoroso was intelligent and communicated everything I needed to know in an understandable manner. If you're expecting long conversations, probably not the guy for you. But I appreciated his directness and slightly distant professionalism, that wasn't an issue for me. The results have been awesome, and that is what we're all after right?
I think if you are planning top surgery outside of the UK, ACPK is a great option. I have no regrets about travelling for surgery.
Please do ask any questions you might have! I'm happy to respond.