Facial Feminization


Facial feminization surgery (FFS) alters the face to create a more feminine appearance and is also referred to as facial gender confirmation surgery. Although facial feminization surgery is typical for transgender women or male to female (MTF) patients, it is performed on patients of all genders to soften their features. The procedure is individualized to meet the patient’s needs and may include jaw reduction and/or reshaping, chin augmentation, brow and orbital reduction, lip surgery, eyelid surgery or rhinoplasty. Adam’s apple reduction, neck liposuction and hairline feminization are often performed in conjunction with facial feminization surgery.

A good candidate for facial feminization surgery is any male or female patient who is looking to soften or harmonize the appearance of their facial features. This group of patients includes transgender women who want to alter their face to match how they feel about themselves and their body. Men with angular jawlines or chiseled-looking features, who desire a more feminine structure, are typically ideal for this type of procedure. Patients with high foreheads and hairlines who want a smaller, more rounded face may benefit from facial feminization surgery.

The cost of facial feminization surgery can vary widely according to whether or not a patient has a single procedure performed or undergoes a combination of procedures. The price also depends on the techniques used by the surgeon, the type of anesthesia administered to the patient and the geographic location of the surgery. Facial feminization surgery can range from $16,000 to $28,000.

Patients can expect swelling and bruising to last several weeks or months. The recovery period depends on the type of surgery and/or combination of procedures. Most patients need 2 to 3 weeks off work for recovery. Patients can see some results after most of the swelling has subsided but the final results take approximately one year. There may be some scarring but the surgeon will make every attempt to place the incisions in areas hidden by the natural folds or curves of the face. As long as the patient has realistic expectations, facial feminization surgery can improve a patient’s overall quality of life and increase their self-image.

Facial Feminization

Facial Feminization

submitted on   Tue Aug, 18, 2015 by Toby Mayer, MD     
The issue of gender identity is a complicated one that is not completely understood by the general public.  For example, there are many men who identify themselves as female even though they were born male.  The most recent, and prominent example of this is Bruce Jenner’s public change into...