Facial feminization surgery

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. Skin-tightening surgery, such as a face-lift, might be involved too.

Many facial features, including the jaw, brow and chin, reflect sex differences. While other body parts can be covered or hidden, facial features are easy to see. For some people who have a gender identity that differs from the sex assigned to them at birth, changing facial features is an important step in affirming their gender.

Some risks linked to facial feminization surgery are the same as the risks of other types of major surgery, including: Bleeding. Infection. Injury to parts of the body close to the surgery site. A bad reaction to the medicine that puts you to sleep, also called anesthetic. 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. The medical term for this is a hematoma.

Before surgery, you meet with your surgeon. Work with a surgeon who is board certified and experienced in facial feminization procedures. Every person has a unique facial structure. Talk with your surgeon about your expectations and goals for the surgery. From that information, the surgeon can suggest procedures that will be most likely to meet those goals. The surgeon also may give you information on details such as the type of anesthesia that will be used during surgery. Talk with your surgeon about the follow-up care you may need after surgery. Follow your healthcare team's directions on getting ready for surgery This often includes guidelines on eating and drinking. You may need to make changes in the medicine you take. You also may need to stop using nicotine, including vaping, smoking and chewing tobacco. You might need a CT scan before surgery to help with surgery planning. The scan can give your surgeon detailed information about your face structure. A member of your healthcare team likely will take photos of your face before surgery too.