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One of the most common questions we get is how to best prepare for the postoperative time after facial surgery when your mobility and energy is likely reduced. You don’t need to pack everything as many basic items are easily found in shops in Marbella.  Things like a new sunhat are widely available locally and there is always a pharmacy/chemist open 24-hours nearby. Besides, once you are out and about, there is nothing better than an afternoon stroll to window shop! “I'm glad I left space in my

(post originally published on March 16th, 2020) On March 11th, 2020 the World Health Organization (WHO) announced the coronavirus outbreak as a global pandemic with cases in countries on all continents. This is our COVID Advisory, FACIALTEAM's official periodic update on the situation as it affects our operations and patients. JULY 2020 Dear patients, These last two months have not been easy. Spain has been able to contain the first wave, each day with fewer cases. However, the European Union ha

We welcome our fans and followers to our LIVE channel of communication on social media. The AMA (Ask Me Anything) FACIALTEAM livestreams and webinars are happening! Schedules and past recordings below... News and popular topics you need, today. Better said, each week and mostly on Wednesdays!  I’m Lilia and my pronouns are she and hers. I created the 3000 member strong FACIALTEAM Peer group on Facebook 8 years ago, for two reasons: to create a space where we could all supports one another and al

Pride 2020 and the scent of liberty This month of pride, we revisited the theme of the 5 senses to contemplate the potent scent of liberty, in all senses of the word. The freedom to love oneself and each other, without taboos or prejudice. It is the essence of an authentic life, a basic human right. The fragrance of freedom is that winsome perfume which pervades time, as desirable in youth as in maturity. Something which the LGBTIQ+ community has pursued with PRIDE for over half a century. This

What are the testimonials of FFS surgery patients? Beautiful words, or in Spanish, "bonitas palabras."  Each woman’s journey is unique, but there are some themes that come up again and again in our interviews with patients over the months and years following their facial feminization surgery. What does the hundreds of "bonitas palabras" signify for our team? When all the energy poured into quality care, service and outcomes translates into patient happiness.  This post is dedicated to our staff,

What is tracheal shave? The tracheal shave, commonly known as an Adam’s apple reduction surgery, is one of the most frequent procedures included in facial feminization surgery treatment plans. Medically, a tracheal shave is also one of the simplest operations many people will undergo as part of their transition, since it can be done as an outpatient surgery using only local anesthesia. In this post, we’ll talk about why tracheal shaves are so often sought by patients as part of FFS, along with a

The study "Prospective Quality-of-Life Outcomes after Facial Feminization Surgery: An International Multicenter Study," has been published in the medical journal, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (PRS). The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) has also announced that the article has been voted "Best Paper" of their June 2020 edition, currently free to download. Previous studies have reported incidental data on improved quality of life and mental health in transgender women after facial

Frequently, we hear of patients´ struggles to find healthcare providers who understand the value for gender affirming professionals.  Doctors and other medical practicioners who are open to taking on transhealth issues are still scarce. If your sibling or offspring were trans, non-binary or intersex (TNBI)--as a clinically significant portion of the planet's population are--wouldn't you want them to have the same quality attention and sensitivity to your needs? It's no secret that the trans and

FACIALTEAM’s COVID-Safe protocol is a contingency plan that analyses potential situations in advance in order to take preventative action and enable timely, effective responses. The protocol has been developed in anticipation of a planned reopening beginning June 16th. This type of “preparedness management” is common in our day-to-day work in the medical field already, considering the strict operating theatre policies on hygiene and sterilization.   However, the current global situation has pres

The Basics of FFS Surgery, aka Facial Feminization Surgery What is facial feminization surgery? As society’s attitudes towards transgender people slowly shift, topics such as FFS Surgery are becoming more openly discussed. At the same time, the medical community is beginning to agree on the importance of making facial features more feminine for trans women’s wellbeing. But for many people, the concept of FFS surgery remains a mystery. That’s why here at FACIALTEAM we wanted to put together this

Gender identity terminology As healthcare providers, especially those working in the area of FFS surgery, it’s part of our job to stay consistently up-to-date with the constantly changing and evolving gender identity terminology. The patients that come to us have often had negative experiences. And they want to change that. They’re placing their trust in us, which is a big deal. Showing that we’re sensitive to their wishes by employing the correct terminology is a simple way to show we’re worthy

New information is now more frequently released on the topic of gender identity and transition. Nevertheless, much of the healthcare research and literature remains focused on gender-affirming top and bottom surgery, social work, rights and hormone therapy.  Meanwhile, complementary services, such as microfeminization®, a type of medical pigmentation or restorative tattoo, are also being developed to both enhance surgical results and in some cases, provide a non-surgical alternative.   Weekly We