Facial Feminization Surgery is a set of surgical procedures that aim to alter and enhance facial features to create a more feminine appearance without losing the uniqueness of an individual’s face. It often includes adjustments to the forehead, nose, jaw, chin, and other areas to help individuals achieve a facial structure that aligns with their gender identity.

You may be a suitable candidate for FFS if you are transgender or seeking a more feminine facial appearance. A consultation with a qualified surgeon is necessary to assess your specific needs and determine your candidacy.

FFS can address various facial areas, including the forehead, nose, jaw, chin, and cheekbones. The specific procedures depend on your individual goals and needs.

FFS works by reshaping and modifying the bone structure and soft tissue of the face to create a more feminine appearance. Surgeons use techniques such as brow contouring, rhinoplasty, and chin reduction to achieve the desired results.

Anesthesia:

• FFS is performed under general anesthesia to ensure the patient is comfortable and pain-free throughout the procedure.

Specific Procedures:

• The surgeon will proceed to perform a combination of procedures tailored to the patient’s needs. Common procedures in FFS include:

  • Forehead Contouring: Reducing the prominence of the brow ridge or forehead and reshaping it to have a more rounded and feminine appearance. It involves reducing the prominence of the brow ridge, also known as the frontal bossing. During the procedure, the surgeon may make incisions along the hairline to access the forehead bone. The brow bone is then reshaped, usually by shaving or repositioning it.

  • Forehead Reduction: Designed to modify and lower the hairline to achieve a more balanced and harmonious facial appearance. The procedure involves removing a portion of the forehead skin and repositioning the hairline lower on the forehead.

  • Browlift: A higher brow bone is tagged as a more feminine look. There are several different ways to go about it, but they all include small incisions and lifting the skin above the brow bone.

  • Rhinoplasty (Nose Surgery): Altering the shape and size of the nose to achieve a more delicate, feminine look. The surgeon may make incisions inside the nostrils (closed rhinoplasty) or along the columella (open rhinoplasty) to access and modify the nasal bone and cartilage.

  • Jaw Contouring: Reducing the size and squareness of the jaw to create a more tapered, slender appearance. The surgeon can perform this by removing a portion of the jawbone or reshaping the existing bone through osteotomies.

  • Chin Reduction: Reducing the projection and width of the chin to make it more in line with feminine facial characteristics. The surgeon may use techniques such as genioplasty or chin shaving to achieve the desired results.

  • Cheek Augmentation or Reduction: Enhancing or reducing the prominence of the cheekbones to create a softer, more feminine contour. Cheek augmentation may involve the use of implants, fat grafting, or dermal fillers to add volume and create a rounder appearance.

  • Lip Augmentation: Enhancing the fullness and shape of the lips to achieve a more feminine pout. Various methods can be used, including injectable dermal fillers or lip implants, to add volume and create a more prominent and feminine lip shape.

  • Tracheal Shave (Adam’s Apple Reduction): Reducing the size of the Adam’s apple, which is a common procedure for trans women. It involves reducing the size and prominence of the Adam’s apple (laryngeal prominence) to minimize its visibility and achieve a more feminine neck appearance. During the procedure, a small incision is made in the neck, and the excess thyroid cartilage is shaved or recontoured.

  • Facelift /Neck lift: After procedures like forehead contouring, jaw contouring, or chin reduction, changes in facial structure may result in loose or excess skin that does not conform to the modified bone structure. This can lead to the need for a facelift or neck lift, addressing the skin’s adjustments to achieve a more natural and aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Soft Tissue Adjustments:

• In addition to bone work, the surgeon may make soft tissue adjustments, such as lifting and repositioning facial muscles and tightening the skin for a smoother appearance.

Implants or Fillers (Optional):

• In some cases, surgeons may use implants or dermal fillers to enhance certain facial features, such as the lips or cheeks, to achieve the desired results.

Suturing and Incision Closure:

• The surgeon carefully sutures incisions and ensures that they are closed in a way that minimizes scarring.

Recovery Period:

• The patient can expect several weeks to months of recovery, during which swelling and bruising gradually subside.

• Patients are advised to rest, avoid strenuous activities, and adhere to any dietary or activity restrictions.

Results and Follow-Up:

• Full results may not be immediately visible due to swelling. Over time, the patient will begin to see the desired changes.

• Follow-up appointments with the surgeon are essential to monitor progress and address any concerns.

It’s important to note that the specific steps and the order in which they are performed can vary based on the individual’s unique needs and the surgeon’s expertise. Patients should consult with a qualified FFS surgeon to discuss their goals and create a personalized treatment plan.

The duration of FFS can vary based on the extent of procedures. On average, it can take anywhere from 4 to 8 hours, but the exact time will depend on your specific treatment plan.

Recovery from FFS can take several weeks to months. Initially, there will be swelling and bruising. As well, patients are advised to rest, avoid strenuous activities, and adhere to any dietary or activity restrictions.

While there may be immediate improvements, full results may not be visible until the swelling subsides, which can take several weeks to months.

The results of FFS are typically long-lasting and permanent. However, the aging process will continue, so minor touch-ups may be required over time.

The average cost of Facial Feminization Surgery in Canada can range from $15,000 to $30,000 or more, depending on the specific procedures involved and the surgeon’s expertise. It’s advisable to obtain quotes during consultations.

Like any surgical procedure, FFS carries risks, including:

• Infection

• Facial nerve injury

• Scarring

• Bleeding

• Anesthesia-related complications

Discuss these risks with your surgeon during your consultation.

122/135 people who have undergone Facial Feminization Surgery have rated the procedure as “Worth It” (91%).

• Source – Realself.com