Facial Feminization Surgery
Facial feminization surgery (FFS) encompasses a broad range of surgical procedures to feminize a face that are performed to alleviate gender dysphoria.
This dysphoria is due to a discrepancy between a person’s chosen gender and that person’s assigned sex at birth. By removing masculine features to create a softer and more feminine face, FFS helps transgender women align their external appearance with their gender identity.
Facial Feminization Surgery – Beverly Hills, Los Angeles
FFS is one part of gender-affirming care that includes both medical treatment such as hormones and surgery on different parts of the body.
Many procedures can be done to feminize a face as many facial features reflect gender differences.
The extent of surgery is customized and tailored to each patient’s goals.
Who Might Need Facial Feminization Surgery?
The length of surgery depends on how many procedures are planned. If a comprehensive surgery is planned to address the entire face, it can take up to 12 hours. This results in a more intensive recovery process. For that reason, it oftentimes is better to stage them into two or three separate surgeries. This allows you to recover faster and will be less disruptive to your schedule than an extended surgery and recovery.
Who Shouldn’t Have Facial Feminization Surgery?
Facial feminization surgery may be covered by your health insurance plan. It is important to note that the approval process may be long and arduous, and in the end, the coverage may only be for a portion of the total cost. In cases where your insurance does not cover FFS, the cost of surgery will be an out-of-pocket expense. There are financing options available such as CareCredit that can allow you to pay for the cost of surgery over time.
If Facial Feminization Permanent?
During surgery, you are under general anesthesia and will feel no pain. After surgery, there will be some pain and discomfort. Often patients describe pressure and headaches due to swelling and inflammation in addition to some sensitivity inside the mouth. A combination of Advil, Tylenol, and narcotic pain medication help relieve the pain which improves within the first 4-5 days of surgery.
Who Performs Facial Feminization Surgery?
During surgery, you are under general anesthesia and will feel no pain. After surgery, there will be some pain and discomfort. Often patients describe pressure and headaches due to swelling and inflammation in addition to some sensitivity inside the mouth. A combination of Advil, Tylenol, and narcotic pain medication help relieve the pain which improves within the first 4-5 days of surgery.
What are the Benefits of Facial Feminization Surgery?
During surgery, you are under general anesthesia and will feel no pain. After surgery, there will be some pain and discomfort. Often patients describe pressure and headaches due to swelling and inflammation in addition to some sensitivity inside the mouth. A combination of Advil, Tylenol, and narcotic pain medication help relieve the pain which improves within the first 4-5 days of surgery.
What are the Risks of Facial Feminization Surgery?
During surgery, you are under general anesthesia and will feel no pain. After surgery, there will be some pain and discomfort. Often patients describe pressure and headaches due to swelling and inflammation in addition to some sensitivity inside the mouth. A combination of Advil, Tylenol, and narcotic pain medication help relieve the pain which improves within the first 4-5 days of surgery.
How Much Does Facial Feminization Surgery Cost?
During surgery, you are under general anesthesia and will feel no pain. After surgery, there will be some pain and discomfort. Often patients describe pressure and headaches due to swelling and inflammation in addition to some sensitivity inside the mouth. A combination of Advil, Tylenol, and narcotic pain medication help relieve the pain which improves within the first 4-5 days of surgery.
What Does Facial Feminization Surgery Consist Of?
Facial feminization surgery involves addressing the different aspects of the face to remove masculine features and bring out feminine ones.
Procedures
Forehead Contouring
This procedure, otherwise known as a tracheal chondroplasty or chondrolaryngoplasty, reduces the size and prominence of the Adam’s apple (thyroid cartilage).
In masculine necks, this cartilage is prominent and leads to a visible bulge. During surgery, this prominence is reduced to achieve a smooth feminine neckline
What Happens During Tracheal Shave?
During surgery, an incision is made in a neck crease so that it will be more hidden. The thyroid cartilage or Adam’s apple is exposed, and the prominence is removed to create a smooth neck contour.
Risks And Complications Of Tracheal Shave
It is important to know that the thyroid cartilage houses the larynx or voice box. The voice box plays an important role in talking as well as swallowing.
Working in this area to remove excess cartilage can theoretically affect your voice, leading to hoarseness or other changes in the voice as well as swallowing difficulty.
These are usually temporary and resolve as swelling improves. It is important to choose a surgeon who understands the anatomy in this area and has experience operating around the larynx to minimize the risk of any complications.
Scalp Advancement
This procedure, otherwise known as a tracheal chondroplasty or chondrolaryngoplasty, reduces the size and prominence of the Adam’s apple (thyroid cartilage).
In masculine necks, this cartilage is prominent and leads to a visible bulge. During surgery, this prominence is reduced to achieve a smooth feminine neckline
What Happens During Tracheal Shave?
During surgery, an incision is made in a neck crease so that it will be more hidden. The thyroid cartilage or Adam’s apple is exposed, and the prominence is removed to create a smooth neck contour.
Risks And Complications Of Tracheal Shave
It is important to know that the thyroid cartilage houses the larynx or voice box. The voice box plays an important role in talking as well as swallowing.
Working in this area to remove excess cartilage can theoretically affect your voice, leading to hoarseness or other changes in the voice as well as swallowing difficulty.
These are usually temporary and resolve as swelling improves. It is important to choose a surgeon who understands the anatomy in this area and has experience operating around the larynx to minimize the risk of any complications.
Brow Lift & Eyelid Lif
This procedure, otherwise known as a tracheal chondroplasty or chondrolaryngoplasty, reduces the size and prominence of the Adam’s apple (thyroid cartilage).
In masculine necks, this cartilage is prominent and leads to a visible bulge. During surgery, this prominence is reduced to achieve a smooth feminine neckline
What Happens During Tracheal Shave?
During surgery, an incision is made in a neck crease so that it will be more hidden. The thyroid cartilage or Adam’s apple is exposed, and the prominence is removed to create a smooth neck contour.
Risks And Complications Of Tracheal Shave
It is important to know that the thyroid cartilage houses the larynx or voice box. The voice box plays an important role in talking as well as swallowing.
Working in this area to remove excess cartilage can theoretically affect your voice, leading to hoarseness or other changes in the voice as well as swallowing difficulty.
These are usually temporary and resolve as swelling improves. It is important to choose a surgeon who understands the anatomy in this area and has experience operating around the larynx to minimize the risk of any complications.
Nose Surgery
This procedure, otherwise known as a tracheal chondroplasty or chondrolaryngoplasty, reduces the size and prominence of the Adam’s apple (thyroid cartilage).
In masculine necks, this cartilage is prominent and leads to a visible bulge. During surgery, this prominence is reduced to achieve a smooth feminine neckline
What Happens During Tracheal Shave?
During surgery, an incision is made in a neck crease so that it will be more hidden. The thyroid cartilage or Adam’s apple is exposed, and the prominence is removed to create a smooth neck contour.
Risks And Complications Of Tracheal Shave
It is important to know that the thyroid cartilage houses the larynx or voice box. The voice box plays an important role in talking as well as swallowing.
Working in this area to remove excess cartilage can theoretically affect your voice, leading to hoarseness or other changes in the voice as well as swallowing difficulty.
These are usually temporary and resolve as swelling improves. It is important to choose a surgeon who understands the anatomy in this area and has experience operating around the larynx to minimize the risk of any complications.
Jaw Contouring & Chin Contouring
This procedure, otherwise known as a tracheal chondroplasty or chondrolaryngoplasty, reduces the size and prominence of the Adam’s apple (thyroid cartilage).
In masculine necks, this cartilage is prominent and leads to a visible bulge. During surgery, this prominence is reduced to achieve a smooth feminine neckline
What Happens During Tracheal Shave?
During surgery, an incision is made in a neck crease so that it will be more hidden. The thyroid cartilage or Adam’s apple is exposed, and the prominence is removed to create a smooth neck contour.
Risks And Complications Of Tracheal Shave
It is important to know that the thyroid cartilage houses the larynx or voice box. The voice box plays an important role in talking as well as swallowing.
Working in this area to remove excess cartilage can theoretically affect your voice, leading to hoarseness or other changes in the voice as well as swallowing difficulty.
These are usually temporary and resolve as swelling improves. It is important to choose a surgeon who understands the anatomy in this area and has experience operating around the larynx to minimize the risk of any complications.
Tracheal Shave
This procedure, otherwise known as a tracheal chondroplasty or chondrolaryngoplasty, reduces the size and prominence of the Adam’s apple (thyroid cartilage).
In masculine necks, this cartilage is prominent and leads to a visible bulge. During surgery, this prominence is reduced to achieve a smooth feminine neckline
What Happens During Tracheal Shave?
During surgery, an incision is made in a neck crease so that it will be more hidden. The thyroid cartilage or Adam’s apple is exposed, and the prominence is removed to create a smooth neck contour.
Risks And Complications Of Tracheal Shave
It is important to know that the thyroid cartilage houses the larynx or voice box. The voice box plays an important role in talking as well as swallowing.
Working in this area to remove excess cartilage can theoretically affect your voice, leading to hoarseness or other changes in the voice as well as swallowing difficulty.
These are usually temporary and resolve as swelling improves. It is important to choose a surgeon who understands the anatomy in this area and has experience operating around the larynx to minimize the risk of any complications.
Fat Transfer
This procedure, otherwise known as a tracheal chondroplasty or chondrolaryngoplasty, reduces the size and prominence of the Adam’s apple (thyroid cartilage).
In masculine necks, this cartilage is prominent and leads to a visible bulge. During surgery, this prominence is reduced to achieve a smooth feminine neckline
What Happens During Tracheal Shave?
During surgery, an incision is made in a neck crease so that it will be more hidden. The thyroid cartilage or Adam’s apple is exposed, and the prominence is removed to create a smooth neck contour.
Risks And Complications Of Tracheal Shave
It is important to know that the thyroid cartilage houses the larynx or voice box. The voice box plays an important role in talking as well as swallowing.
Working in this area to remove excess cartilage can theoretically affect your voice, leading to hoarseness or other changes in the voice as well as swallowing difficulty.
These are usually temporary and resolve as swelling improves. It is important to choose a surgeon who understands the anatomy in this area and has experience operating around the larynx to minimize the risk of any complications.
Cheek Augmentation
This procedure, otherwise known as a tracheal chondroplasty or chondrolaryngoplasty, reduces the size and prominence of the Adam’s apple (thyroid cartilage).
In masculine necks, this cartilage is prominent and leads to a visible bulge. During surgery, this prominence is reduced to achieve a smooth feminine neckline
What Happens During Tracheal Shave?
During surgery, an incision is made in a neck crease so that it will be more hidden. The thyroid cartilage or Adam’s apple is exposed, and the prominence is removed to create a smooth neck contour.
Risks And Complications Of Tracheal Shave
It is important to know that the thyroid cartilage houses the larynx or voice box. The voice box plays an important role in talking as well as swallowing.
Working in this area to remove excess cartilage can theoretically affect your voice, leading to hoarseness or other changes in the voice as well as swallowing difficulty.
These are usually temporary and resolve as swelling improves. It is important to choose a surgeon who understands the anatomy in this area and has experience operating around the larynx to minimize the risk of any complications.
Rhinoplasty
This procedure, otherwise known as a tracheal chondroplasty or chondrolaryngoplasty, reduces the size and prominence of the Adam’s apple (thyroid cartilage).
In masculine necks, this cartilage is prominent and leads to a visible bulge. During surgery, this prominence is reduced to achieve a smooth feminine neckline
What Happens During Tracheal Shave?
During surgery, an incision is made in a neck crease so that it will be more hidden. The thyroid cartilage or Adam’s apple is exposed, and the prominence is removed to create a smooth neck contour.
Risks And Complications Of Tracheal Shave
It is important to know that the thyroid cartilage houses the larynx or voice box. The voice box plays an important role in talking as well as swallowing.
Working in this area to remove excess cartilage can theoretically affect your voice, leading to hoarseness or other changes in the voice as well as swallowing difficulty.
These are usually temporary and resolve as swelling improves. It is important to choose a surgeon who understands the anatomy in this area and has experience operating around the larynx to minimize the risk of any complications.
Upper Lip Lift
This procedure, otherwise known as a tracheal chondroplasty or chondrolaryngoplasty, reduces the size and prominence of the Adam’s apple (thyroid cartilage).
In masculine necks, this cartilage is prominent and leads to a visible bulge. During surgery, this prominence is reduced to achieve a smooth feminine neckline
What Happens During Tracheal Shave?
During surgery, an incision is made in a neck crease so that it will be more hidden. The thyroid cartilage or Adam’s apple is exposed, and the prominence is removed to create a smooth neck contour.
Risks And Complications Of Tracheal Shave
It is important to know that the thyroid cartilage houses the larynx or voice box. The voice box plays an important role in talking as well as swallowing.
Working in this area to remove excess cartilage can theoretically affect your voice, leading to hoarseness or other changes in the voice as well as swallowing difficulty.
These are usually temporary and resolve as swelling improves. It is important to choose a surgeon who understands the anatomy in this area and has experience operating around the larynx to minimize the risk of any complications.
Facelift & Neck Lift
This procedure, otherwise known as a tracheal chondroplasty or chondrolaryngoplasty, reduces the size and prominence of the Adam’s apple (thyroid cartilage).
In masculine necks, this cartilage is prominent and leads to a visible bulge. During surgery, this prominence is reduced to achieve a smooth feminine neckline
What Happens During Tracheal Shave?
During surgery, an incision is made in a neck crease so that it will be more hidden. The thyroid cartilage or Adam’s apple is exposed, and the prominence is removed to create a smooth neck contour.
Risks And Complications Of Tracheal Shave
It is important to know that the thyroid cartilage houses the larynx or voice box. The voice box plays an important role in talking as well as swallowing.
Working in this area to remove excess cartilage can theoretically affect your voice, leading to hoarseness or other changes in the voice as well as swallowing difficulty.
These are usually temporary and resolve as swelling improves. It is important to choose a surgeon who understands the anatomy in this area and has experience operating around the larynx to minimize the risk of any complications.
Nonsurgical Procedures
This procedure, otherwise known as a tracheal chondroplasty or chondrolaryngoplasty, reduces the size and prominence of the Adam’s apple (thyroid cartilage).
In masculine necks, this cartilage is prominent and leads to a visible bulge. During surgery, this prominence is reduced to achieve a smooth feminine neckline
What Happens During Tracheal Shave?
During surgery, an incision is made in a neck crease so that it will be more hidden. The thyroid cartilage or Adam’s apple is exposed, and the prominence is removed to create a smooth neck contour.
Risks And Complications Of Tracheal Shave
It is important to know that the thyroid cartilage houses the larynx or voice box. The voice box plays an important role in talking as well as swallowing.
Working in this area to remove excess cartilage can theoretically affect your voice, leading to hoarseness or other changes in the voice as well as swallowing difficulty.
These are usually temporary and resolve as swelling improves. It is important to choose a surgeon who understands the anatomy in this area and has experience operating around the larynx to minimize the risk of any complications.
First Assessment For Facial Feminization Surgery
At your consultation, your surgeon will get to know you, learn about your journey thus far, and discuss your specific goals for surgery.
Your surgeon will also review your medical history thoroughly, perform a complete examination of the head and neck, and take photographs.
After that, a comprehensive surgical plan is created. You will also be referred for a CT scan to evaluate your facial anatomy.
Preparing For
Facial Feminization Surgery
Before surgery, you will need preoperative clearance from your primary care physician and any preoperative tests and labs as needed.
This ensures that you are medically optimized for surgery and minimizes the risks of anesthesia.
Because surgery is extensive and the recovery long, you must be in optimal mental health to be able to go through all the ups and downs that come with having FFS.
Depending on how many procedures are planned, facial feminization surgery can be performed all at once or it may be staged over several procedures.
There are pros and cons of both approaches, and it’s best to discuss with your surgeon what is best for you.
During Your FFS Procedure: What Should I Expect From Facial Feminization Surgery?
Even as soon as one week after surgery, many of the changes in the upper third of the face and the nose can be seen, despite the swelling.
It can take a while for the swelling to subside, but once it does, a softer and more feminine you begins to emerge.
With this comes new confidence as your appearance matches your gender identity and others see you as feminine.
This leads to improved self-esteem, better quality of life, and can be life-changing.
What Happens After Facial Feminization Surgery?
In the short term, there will be significant bruising and swelling, and even some bleeding. It can take several weeks for enough of this swelling to go down so that you start seeing the changes.
For the lower third of the face, the swelling can take up to a year to completely go away. Many patients start to enjoy the newfound confidence of seeing their true selves emerge about a month after surgery.
Facial Feminization Surgery Recovery
The recovery course varies from patient to patient and with the number and type of procedures. Depending on what was performed, many patients can go home to recover while some may need to be admitted to the hospital or an outpatient recovery center.
Immediately after surgery, there will be pain, bruising, and swelling. The face is bandaged for the first few days, and you will not be able to shower until this comes off. After this, you should wear a compression garment for the neck and lower face for at least 8 hours a day for the first month. Sutures and splints are removed one week after surgery. You are allowed to resume exercise two weeks after surgery.
While many patients start to enjoy their new appearance within the first month after surgery, swelling will continue to improve for many months. Final results are usually seen one year after surgery.
How Much Discomfort Follows After FFS?
After any surgical procedure, there is expected to be some degree of pain and discomfort. Your pain will vary depending on how many procedures are performed during your surgery.
For patients who have multiple procedures on the entire face, there is expected to be a moderate amount of pain. Typically, this is well controlled with medication. Most patients need to take narcotics only for the first 4-5 days after surgery.
After that, Advil and Tylenol will suffice. For patients that have fewer procedures, Advil and Tylenol are usually all that is needed.
How Long Does Facial Feminization Surgery Take To Heal?
After surgery, there are cellular changes that continue to take place for a year or more. Practically speaking, however, incisions will be fully closed within a week or so. There will be swelling and possibly bruising, and both will gradually improve.
Most bruising will resolve within the first 2 weeks of surgery as long as you follow postoperative instructions and apply ice and limit your physical activity. Swelling can take as long as a year to completely go away.
Patients often start to enjoy their new appearance within the first month after surgery, and things will only continue to improve over time. Final results are usually seen one year after surgery. As a result, revision surgery is usually not performed until 12 months have passed.
When to Call the Doctor
Patients should contact their surgeon if they experience signs of infection such as fevers, increased pain, swelling, or drainage as well as any chest pain, shortness of breath, or changes in mental status. They should also call for any persistent bleeding from incisions that do not resolve.
A Note from Dr. Henry Chen
Facial feminization surgery is a permanent, life-changing, and integral part of your transition. FFS helps you attain a more feminine face that matches your gender identity.
Choosing to undergo FFS is a deeply personal and emotional decision, and Dr. Chen wants you to feel confident and supported throughout the process. Dr. Chen aims to listen to your goals and work with you to create a highly individualized surgical plan to achieve them.
He will make sure you are fully prepared for surgery and recovery and that all of your questions are answered. After surgery, he will be there step-by-step through the recovery process to make sure you heal as well as possible.
Henry Chen, MD
Facial Feminization Surgery Institute
See the Power of Transformation
Explore real results from patients who’ve undergone facial feminization surgery with Dr. Henry Chen. Each transformation reflects the harmony of artistry, precision, and personalized care.
-
Before
After
-
Before
After
-
Before
After
-
Before
After
-
Before
After
-
Before
After
-
Before
After
-
Before
After
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does Facial Feminization Surgery Last?
The length of surgery depends on how many procedures are planned. If a comprehensive surgery is planned to address the entire face, it can take up to 12 hours. This results in a more intensive recovery process. For that reason, it oftentimes is better to stage them into two or three separate surgeries. This allows you to recover faster and will be less disruptive to your schedule than an extended surgery and recovery.
How Do I Pay For FFS?
Facial feminization surgery may be covered by your health insurance plan. It is important to note that the approval process may be long and arduous, and in the end, the coverage may only be for a portion of the total cost. In cases where your insurance does not cover FFS, the cost of surgery will be an out-of-pocket expense. There are financing options available such as CareCredit that can allow you to pay for the cost of surgery over time.
Does Facial Feminization Surgery Hurt?
During surgery, you are under general anesthesia and will feel no pain. After surgery, there will be some pain and discomfort. Often patients describe pressure and headaches due to swelling and inflammation in addition to some sensitivity inside the mouth. A combination of Advil, Tylenol, and narcotic pain medication help relieve the pain which improves within the first 4-5 days of surgery.
Request an Appointment
PHONE NO.
LOCATION
435 N Roxbury Dr, Ste 200 Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Get In Touch With Us
Dr. Chen is double board-certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery.
Call (310) 997-0280 or fill out the form below for a consultation.
FFS Form
"*" indicates required fields
