I did my shoulder reduction/ clavicle reduction with Dr Ann Sluzky and Dr Bagrat Baveyan in Yerevan, Armenia in November 2023. Two weeks ago, I got the nails and plates removed by the team. Dr Sluzky is an experienced FFS and all round transgender surgeon based in Yerevan and is now working with cooperation with Dr Baveyan, an experienced orthopaedic surgeon head of his team, to perform this operation. I am very happy with my results! They not only managed to reduce the bulkiness of my shoulders, most importantly they didn’t change the shape of the shoulders by giving me an overly hunched or retracted shoulder shape. My shoulders are the same just less wide. For this reason, there they reduce 2-2.5cm per side. Compared to other trans related surgeries, the pain for me was less than I thought. The first few days after reduction were slightly painful but not overly. Then it got less and less after the first week, with the occasional discomfort or feeling that the bone was repairing itself for 2/3 months after the surgery. The one thing I’d say that is challenging with the surgery is that you need a constant companion to feed you, do your daily chores and hygiene. This person must be prepared to see you at your worst. Personally I took my mother! You can feed yourself in one direction after a few days and use your phone, but you might be too exhausted to hold stuff up well. The removal was a little uncomfortable for I’d say the first week and now I feel nothing. In general, my bone healed very quickly and well. After 4 months of the initial surgery, I was back doing sports like yoga, Pilates, and some weights at the gym. The price is super reasonable also with this team compared to other surgeons and honestly I feel they genuinely care about transgender people! They are truly wonderful, and having had surgery elsewhere where I just felt like a number, these guys really help and care for you in a GENUINE way and you can always be in touch with them with any issues you have. I came to Yerevan 3 months post-op for my checkup but honestly if your doctor in your country allows it, you can just send them a scan also. Yerevan is a reasonable and safe place, and great place to recover. The Armenian people are super friendly and kind. It’s still quite conservative and a little awkward to get to from the West but not overly. I never had any issues! Just remember that there may be slight cultural differences and communication styles from what some of us are used to in the West. The nurses are so caring and lovely at the hospital. Unfortunately I won’t be posting photos here for privacy reasons, but my results were subtle yet noticeable. People asked if I’d lost weight on my shoulders/ upper body. And I have had zero functionality issues- I believe this is because Dr Baveyan uses the highest, highest quality nails/ hardware that is double-plated unlike elsewhere. And does alot of extra stuff to ensure your wellbeing and that you heal well, remember he is a trauma specialised for orthopaedic issues to has dealt with much more severe breaks than clavicles, often when multiple breaks and multiple times and not a clean fracture such as in clavicle reduction.

Feel free to contact me via DM or Dr Ann Sluzky or her assistant for information via their email/ socials etc.

Thank you Dr Sluzky and Baveyan! You helped me a lot in my transition!