Advice

Best FFS Surgeons: What to Know and Where to Go

Did you know that there are more than 1,4 million people in the United States alone who identify as trans? If we do the math, that is a significant number of transgender women who deal with the problem of masculine facial traits on a daily basis. These gender markers can include, for example, sharp jawlines, square chins, and strong browbones. 

Not identifying with your own facial features can trigger crippling gender dysphoria or body dysmorphia. Fortunately, the best facial feminization surgeons should be able to explain some alternatives that diminish the effects of this dissonance, although surgery is not necessary for everyone. 

If you have decided on a medical gender affirming surgeries, the odyssey of searching for the FFS clinic that is in line with your personal objectives begins with these questions: 

  • What should you look for when choosing the right ffs surgeon for you? 
  • Which facial gender-affirming procedures are really the most essential for me?
  • How to be sure you’ll get the natural-looking results that you want?

Keep reading to learn more about how to find the best facial feminization professional for you. 

What do Facial Feminization Surgeons do?

Facial feminization surgery is actually not just one type of surgery. It’s not just one kind of procedure either. What methods are employed will depend on the patient’s anatomy and goals. In regards to goals, what the patient wants to change is based on their own viewpoints of gender, be it binary or nonbinary. 

The overall aim of FFS is to make masculine facial features appear more feminine. There are several types of feminizing facial surgeries that may be combined:

  • Forehead contouring surgery
  • Nose feminization surgery
  • Jaw recontouring surgery
  • Chin feminization surgery
  • Adam’s apple reduction
  • Hairline feminization or scalp advancement
  • Use of fillers or fat grafting

The work of facial feminization surgeons, as discussed in scientific literature, has a statistically significant impact on the self-perception of many patients. Although there are exceptions, research highlights how trans women feel more positive and the majority are very happy with the results. 

Facial Feminization Surgery Experts

One characteristic that trans or non-binary women often want to look more feminine is what is perceived as a high or M-shaped hairline. The best ffs surgeons would be able to explain ways to accomplish this. 

Expert MTF facial surgeons have great capacities in the art of female facial features. The difference between male and female faces can be slim in some cases. However, it is surprising how small changes can result in dramatic results.

But what should you look for when choosing a facial feminization surgeon?

What makes a good Facial Feminization Surgeon

Facial gender analyst Alexandra Hamer of virtualffs.co.uk is an artist and virtual FFS expert with over 15 years of experience digitally simulating facial feminization on photos. The idea is to give realistic insight on obtainable surgical results. She has participated in thousands of face-to-face consultations alongside Facialteam’s top FFS surgeons. 

Alexandra devoted years to researching facial sexual dimorphism. Her findings on what constitutes the best feminization theory are published on her website. Alexandra has summarized the key points on how the best FFS surgeons approach their work.

The Best Facial Feminization Surgeons see “the Big Picture”

Hamer emphasizes the importance of looking at the big picture rather than only seeing the individual details of the face. 

Many facial features are so closely interconnected that trying to feminize them without looking at the broader context and proportions of the face will almost certainly lead to less than satisfactory results. Top FFS surgeons understand this truth.

Having a global approach is an essential quality shared by the best facial gender-affirming surgeons. Studies regarding the effects of HRT on the facial features of trans patients offer a scientific base for the theory of best FFS practices she has upheld for a decade.

Her research also highlights the crucial difference between what is “technically masculinizing” and what only seems masculine to the human brain. Without taking a big picture approach, patients and doctors risk focusing obsessively on a particular feature that, in the grand scheme of things, doesn’t actually make a significant difference.

Not all masculinities require FFS surgery

Another key finding in Hamer’s research is the relative importance of different masculine traits. 

In other words, the traits which the human brain instinctively registers as being gender markers, in contrast with those which do not significantly affect our perception of a person’s gender. Alexandra found that the jaw is far less important for facial femininity than the shape of the chin.

Understanding which facial features are truly masculinizing allows feminization surgeons to provide much more natural results and save the patient from unnecessary surgeries.

Today’s Best Facial Feminization Surgeons 

The fields of facial feminization surgery and gender identity are relatively young. Concepts of facial gender or sexual dimorphism, however, have been studied for centuries. For this reason, widely held misconceptions still exist about what makes a face feminine and how to feminize a masculine face. 

Facial feminization surgeons today challenge these misconceptions with advancements in the field of facial feminization surgery. Nevertheless, there is much debate on the topic as it evolves over time. 

Frequent areas of discussion include:

  • The importance of the height of the forehead
  • Size and sharpness of the jaw
  • Combining beautification
  • The problem of “over feminizing”
  • Subjectivity in beauty and femininity due to differences in culture or ethnic traits

Fortunately, a handful of expert facial gender surgeons have spent years elaborating on these assumptions. Evidence-based outcomes of actual cases of trans women seeking to make their faces appear more feminine support new theories. 

4 of World’s best FFS Surgeons

To help you in your search for a gender-affirming team that meets your expectations, we have listed today’s best FFS surgeons. We’ve selected the best-known board-certified maxillofacial and facial plastic surgeons in the world. 

We always encourage patients to seek multiple opinions from facial feminization experts. Before making final decisions, talk with experienced facial gender specialists about the procedures you have in mind. 

Note: Not everyone needs facial feminization surgery. This list is not exhaustive, nor is it intended to replace personalized medical advice. Clinics are listed in random order.

Facialteam

Location: Facialteam is located in Spain, with its main base in Marbella. An additional center opened in Barcelona in 2021. Both Facialteam centers are dedicated exclusively to facial feminization surgery.

Surgical Staff: Facialteam’s surgical team includes nine highly experienced surgeons, considered among to be among the best ffs surgeons in the world.

Total staff: There are about 49 Facialteam employees in Spain. Counting collaborating staff, the total team is represented by 60 people who are involved in FFS healthcare. 

Values are integral to how each Facialteamer approaches their role: 

  • Expertise
    Facialteam has been recognized by the international medical community for their expertise, a result of years invested in research to expand the facial feminization expertise.  Recreating technologies and building the scientific foundations of the field of facial gender surgery is integral to their work methods.
  • Reliability
    Reliability is a fundamental aspect of their promise, with an intense focus on realistic expectations in FFS Surgery. In addition, trust is established with consensuated objectives plus precision and predictability in natural results.
  • Ambition
    Facialteam strives for excellence in everything they do, which fuels innovation at all levels. Their passion to do their absolute best for the patient means they are constantly learning and growing. 
  • Empathy
    Empathy imbues Facialteam, from their logo to their philosophy and team members. They have created a safe space where all patient identities are respected. However, their work with the trans, nonbinary, and gender queer community goes beyond the hospital ward, for a world where inclusivity, equality and diversity matter. 

Dr. Deschamps-Braly

Location: San Francisco, California

Surgical Staff: 1

Total Staff: 5

Values: “We believe in treating others as we would like to be treated. We believe in merging science and artistry. We believe in examining our craft to ensure that we remain true to our goal of putting smiles on our patients’ faces.”

Dr. Jeff Jumaily

Location: Beverly Hills

Surgical Staff: 1

Total Staff: Unknown

Values: “From the initial consultation with Dr. Jumaily through your recovery and follow up, we ensure that all your questions are answered and you are fully satisfied. Our staff are attentive, accommodating and caring. Our consultations are thorough and aim to discuss all the surgical and non-surgical options available and we only recommend treatments with reliable, safe and natural results. Our aim is to give our patients the best plastic surgery.”

Kamol Hospital 

Location: Bangkok, Thailand

Surgical Staff: 13 surgeons, each specialized in surgery ranging from plastic to maxillofacial surgery

Total Staff: 34

Values: “At Kamol Hospital we provide a complete spectrum of fine cosmetic surgical procedures, performed by elite plastic surgeons setting new technological achievements. Our range of services means every patient who enters through our door can fulfill every cosmetic desire within a single place. The patient will find the process made as simple as possible, while safe in the knowledge that they are receiving a premium level of healthcare service. We take immense pleasure in making your dreams become a reality.”

The Philosophy of today’s Best FFS Surgeons

The best facial feminization surgeons today have set aside the old paradigms and separated the concepts of beautification and feminization. Nowadays, patients favor a highly personalized approach that assesses each face as unique – because it is. Top FFS surgeons know now that there is no “one size fits all” facial feminization method. 

However, it is true that every face has underlying femininity. As Hamer points out in her research, male and female faces are essentially indistinguishable before puberty. During adolescence, hormonal changes trigger the addition of masculinizing traits in youth assigned male at birth (AMAB). Feminine faces of teens assigned female at birth (AFAB) remain relatively unchanged.

The ultimate goal of FFS surgery is to “eliminate the masculine” to reveal the feminine face that is already there. Highly trained surgeons are able to help their patients achieve natural results through the ideal plan for each individual, be it an aggressive or subtle approach, as determined in consultations. 

The objective, if you’ve chosen a male-to-female transition, may be to become the feminine version of yourself before the influence of testosterone. However, objectives may vary depending on your own unique gender expression.

Keep these points in mind as you search for your ideal provider among the world’s top FFS surgeons. Whether you are looking for the FFS surgeons in the US, UK or abroad, they should be knowledgeable about the latest findings and the best feminization techniques. Your face is an ensemble that is, in fact, more than just the sum of its parts.

How to Find the Right Facial Feminization Surgeon

Finding the right surgeon for you can actually be the hardest part of your feminization journey. 

There are many surgeons out there who are trained in creating more feminine faces, but that doesn’t mean that they’re all equally skilled. A surgeon may be the best facial feminization surgeon for one person but may not be the right choice for you.

Picking the Right FFS Surgeon, the Franches Way

In November of 2015, when I started hormone replacement therapy (HRT), I made an agreement with myself to look for ways to soften my face. […]

The biggest struggle is finding a surgeon that produces natural results. Some surgeons go overboard with too many surgical procedures or overly feminine features to the extent that the results look unnatural. 

Get in touch with the Best FFS Surgeons

Once you’ve narrowed down your options, you will want to meet with your potential ffs surgeon in person. This way, you will be able to judge things like bedside manner, quality of services, philosophy and figure out whether or not you feel comfortable.

Open communication in consultations is crucial. You should have the chance to discuss the details of the facial feminization surgery and what you want in particular. Tell your surgeon how you want your jawline to look, and they will try to make it happen. You should also feel the door is open to learning more about the surgeon’s unique methods and ways of working. 

Finally, the budget is always a central concern. Facial feminization surgery is not cheap and it is not always covered by insurance. For that reason, patients often seek creative solutions in order to afford gender surgery with a private, out-of-network provider. 

When it comes to finding the best facial feminization surgeons for you, there’s a lot to consider. 

Speak with the best FFS surgeons

Facialteam offers free consultations for those seeking for answers on FFS subjects.

Book your consultation with one of our FFS experts now.

Author

  • Author profile picture of Lilia Koss, transgender activist and public relations manager at Facialteam, a surgical clinic specialized in Facial Feminization Surgery

    Hello world! I’m Lilia Koss and I use she, her, and they pronouns. What are yours? With a background in humanities and diverse professional experiences, I have been working with the Facialteam founders and directors since 2008. Involved from the ground up, so I’ve had hands in many pots: patient coordination, orientation events on 3 continents, social media, written and audiovisual content about our gender-affirming healthcare...but now life is more defined. Lately, I focus my energies on Public Relations, community management and live streaming to help raise the visibility of trans health. Life is pretty complete.

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