WHAT IS FACIAL FEMINIZATION SURGERY?
Facial feminization surgery refers to a group of procedures that help affirm the identity of individuals on a male-to-female transformative journey. There are facial features that are traditionally identified with masculinity or femininity, which lead to others’ perception of one’s gender. The areas that typically are addressed in surgery are the: forehead, nose, cheeks, jawline, chin, and thyroid cartilage, or “Adam’s apple.” Post-operatively, patients can expect to have less prominent features and smoother contours in each of these areas, which results: in a less pronounced forehead, slimmer nose, fuller cheeks and lips, a narrower jaw, shorter chin, and more concealed throat. These changes are meant to harmonize the patient’s appearance and affirm gender and identity.
Since surgery is typically not reversible, the best candidates for a gender-affirming procedures are those that has undergone steps in their gender transition prior to surgery. Such steps would include living as one’s identified gender in society, having consulted with a primary care doctor that follows the affirmation process, and possible use of hormone therapy under the care of an endocrinologist or other physician. The World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH), who sets international standards for multi-disciplinary gender-affirming care, also mandates a consultation with a licensed mental health professional, such as a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist, who can provide a letter acknowledging a patient’s intent and capacity to undergo irreversible surgery. With the appropriate multi-disciplinary approach, we seek to best support patients in their transformation:
- Injectables, fillers, and fat grafting
- Forehead contouring
- Malar, or cheek, contouring
- Rhinoplasty, septoplasty; or “nose job”
- Jaw contouring
- Chin contouring
- Lip augmentation
- Tracheal Shave
If you are interested in a facial feminization surgery, or “FFS,” remember that these procedures require surgery in an operating room, usually in a staged fashion. FFS is usually performed by plastic and reconstructive surgeons with specialized training in surgery of the facial skeleton and soft tissue. While the recovery process can take some time, patients who undergo facial feminization surgery are typically glad they undertook the process of becoming themselves.
If you would like to learn more about your facial feminization surgical options, don’t hesitate to ask Kristopher M. Day, MD, FACS by emailing Info@KrisDayPlasticSurgery.com to schedule a complementary consultation. Dr. Day has specialized training and experience working with members of the LGBTQ+ community and enjoys the opportunity to be part of an important step in helping transgendered individuals make positive life changes. He looks forward to designing a custom approach that will help you become your best self!
