What is facial feminization surgery for females?

Author: Dr. Vladimir Fahey II  |  Last update: Sunday, August 31, 2025

Facial feminization surgery includes a range of procedures that change the shape of the face to look more feminine. The surgery can change the look of the cheekbones, brow, lips, jaw and chin. It may include hair transplants or moving the hairline to make a smaller forehead.

What does facial feminization surgery include?

FFS procedures can reshape the forehead, brows, nose, cheeks and jaw as well as minimize the appearance of an Adam's apple (tracheal shave). In addition to plastic surgery, facial feminization procedures include nonsurgical treatments such as cosmetic fillers, botulinum toxin, fat grafting and liposuction.

How long does facial feminization surgery last?

If you have everything done during one surgery, it can take up to eight or nine hours. Some surgeons recommend splitting the procedures into two surgeries, separated by seven to 10 days or longer. Doing two surgeries gives your face more time to heal.

What are the requirements for facial feminization surgery?

You have been living as a member of your desired sex. You are of the age to make consent. You have a positive outlook and realistic expectations. If significant medical or mental health concerns exist, they must be reasonably well-controlled.

Is facial feminization permanent?

FFS is permanent. The changes to the different parts of the face should last a lifetime. However, it is important to note that all faces, whether they have had surgery or not, go through changes with the aging process. For instance, brow lift is a commonly performed procedure for FFS.

Can Cisgender Females Get Facial Feminization Surgery? | Dr. Angela Sturm

How long does feminization take?

After you begin feminizing hormone therapy, you'll notice the following changes in your body over time: Fewer erections and a decrease in ejaculation. This begins 1 to 3 months after treatment starts. The full effect happens within 3 to 6 months.

Can you feminize your face without surgery?

Non-surgical facial feminization can include a variety of less invasive treatments or approaches designed to soften more prominent or typically masculine features. It may involve re-defining the jaw, adding volume to the cheeks, chin augmentation, lip augmentation, eyebrow shaping, and more.

Who pays for facial feminization surgery?

Utilizing coverage under a health insurance plan is often the most affordable way to pay for FFS. And some health insurance plans do cover the costs associated with facial feminization surgery procedures, so we recommend contacting your insurance provider to find out what is and is not covered under your current plan.

How to make your jaw look more feminine?

Jaw shaving and reduction is a surgical procedure that permanently changes the appearance of your masculine jaw. During this procedure, a facial feminization surgeon will reduce the bone structure of the jaw, tapering the sides, reducing the bulk, and trimming the corners to make them appear round.

How painful is facial feminization surgery?

However, many are pleasantly surprised to learn that their pain can be well controlled during the recovery period. Additionally, patients are under general anesthesia during the procedures, so there is no pain at all while the surgery is being performed.

What would my face look like after FFS?

The primary goal of FFS is to create a more feminine facial appearance by altering facial features. Here are some of the most notable results you can expect after FFS: Smoother forehead and smaller brow ridge. Refined nose shape.

What is Type 3 facial feminization surgery?

There are 3 different types of cranioplasty for facial feminization. In a type 3 cranioplasty, the lateral brow is burred, but the anterior table is also removed after drilling the inner sinus septum and is then set back within the frontal sinus.

What type of doctor does facial feminization surgery?

Gender affirmation surgeries involve many choices. The first and most important is selecting a board-certified plastic surgeon who is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).

How much does face shape surgery cost?

Face Plastic Surgery Costs in Rupees

The average facelift cost in India ranges from INR 1,50,000 to INR 3,50,000, depending on the complexity of the procedure. Facelift: Involves tightening the skin to create a youthful look.

What is the success rate of facial feminization surgery?

Preoperative FFS patients were recognized as female only 54.5% of the time, whereas postoperatively this improved to 93.7%.

What is the recovery time for facial feminization surgery?

Expect swelling and bruising in your forehead and around your eyes. The worst of it will be gone by 2 weeks after the operation. Some patients experience numbness in the top of their scalp—this resolves in a few weeks. In a small percentage of cases, this may take up to a year.

What face shape is the most feminine?

Most typically, a feminine face is oval or heart shaped, with a narrower, more pointed chin which accentuates this shape. Features are softer with more rounded contours.

Is facial feminization surgery worth it?

Transgender female patients experienced significant improvements in facial satisfaction and QoL after FFS. Undergoing surgery at a younger age and shorter wait times for surgery were associated with increased overall facial satisfaction.

What is the most attractive jawline female?

Based on an online survey, the attractive characteristics of the white female jaw angle have been determined. It has an angle of 142° in frontal view, 125.5° in profile view, and is vertically positioned at the level of the stomion or upper lip, and the face has an intergonial-interzygomatic width ratio of 0.83:1.

How much is facial feminization surgery in the USA?

Depending on the number of procedures, FFS can cost anywhere from $4,500 to $100,000 for patients paying out of pocket.

What are the risks of facial feminization surgery?

Other risks of facial feminization surgery include:
  • Scars on the face.
  • Facial nerve injury.
  • The area where a cut was made during surgery, called an incision, coming apart. This is called wound dehiscence.
  • A buildup of fluid under the skin. This is called a seroma.
  • A solid swelling of clotted blood within tissues.

Which states cover facial feminization surgery?

  • Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Washington cover FFS extensively without case-by-case clause.
  • Maryland, California, and Oregon cover certain procedures.
  • Colorado started to cover jaw, cheek, and facial bone remodel in 2023.

Can Botox feminize your face?

Botox® or Dysport® for frown lines and wrinkles

They work to feminize the face by smoothening the skin and reducing signs of aging such as crow's feet and frown lines. This treatment is also ideal if you have deep 'furrow' lines between your brows causing an overly 'serious' expression or heavy appearance to the brow.

What filler makes you look more feminine?

To enhance facial feminisation, cheek augmentation plays a great role in lifting and balancing the midface to create a feminine look. To achieve well-rounded 'apple' cheeks with a lifted look, hyaluronic acid fillers are the best bet!

Does taking estrogen feminize your face?

Overall, you may gain or lose weight once you begin hormone therapy, depending on your diet, lifestyle, genetics and muscle mass. Your eyes and face will begin to develop a more feminine appearance as the fat under the skin increases and shifts.

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