How much is FFS at Facialteam? The Costs of Facial Feminization Surgery

Facial Feminization Surgery gathers various surgical procedures designed to enhance someone’s feminine facial features that might have been affected by puberty. 

It may involve various techniques like Forehead Recontouring, Rhinoplasty, Jaw and Chin Reduction, and Tracheal Shave, among others. 

FFS is a significant and often life-changing decision for Trans Women and some non-binary people.

How much does FFS cost?

I understand it’s frustrating when a clinic doesn’t want to share an exact price for your FFS. But it’s really important to understand that when considering Facial Feminization Surgery, each patient’s case is truly unique. There are various aspects that will influence the cost range, such as:

1. Your Journey, Your Goals: Whether you’re considering feminizing your forehead, reducing your Adam’s Apple, or a combination of procedures, your path is uniquely yours. Every trans person’s vision of femininity and their expectations with Facial Feminization Surgery is different. Because each patient’s plan is tailored to their specific needs, there are hundreds of possible procedure combinations, leading to variations in pricing.

2. Your Facial Features: Previous surgeries, your bone structure, the effects of HRT if you are on treatment, your soft tissues… Every aspect of your case is unique, and so your surgical plan must be fully tailored to you! It’s really important to have an expert to thoroughly study and evaluate your case so their diagnosis or treatment plan is the most adequate.

3. The Clinic’s Experience and Knowledge: A clinic with extensive experience in FFS will have surgeons who are well-versed in these procedures, ensuring they can deliver results that are both safe and aesthetically pleasing.
   Also, experience in FFS translates to a better understanding of potential risks and complications.

4. Other Services Apart from Surgery: Your quote should also include extensive Pre-Operative Planning and Post-Operative Care. This approach is designed to ensure that the surgery is not only successful but that recovery is as smooth as possible. However, not all clinics offer such a holistic approach and focus only on the surgery and immediate post-op stage.

I Can’t Afford FFS, What Are My Options?

Sometimes the cost of FFS can be overwhelming, often creating a significant barrier to accessing this life-changing journey. If you’re crushed by the financial aspect, know that you’re not alone, and there’s always a solution to a problem.

1. Although it might sound obvious, and Saving for FFS can seem like a daunting task especially when the costs are considered high, with patience and a clear plan, it’s possible to build towards your goal over time. Start by setting a realistic savings target, breaking it down into smaller, achievable monthly goals. This might feel like a slow process, but each step brings you closer to the future you envision.

2. Some Private Healthcare Insurance do offer coverage for gender-affirming surgeries. It can take some research, but finding the right insurance plan can make a big difference. Look for plans that are specifically designed to support trans people, and don’t hesitate to reach out to insurance representatives to fully understand what is and isn’t covered.
   
   Although at Facialteam we do not work with any specific Healthcare Insurance, we have had patients who got their surgeries partially or fully covered by their private healthcare plan. We are able to provide all necessary documents so you can navigate the insurances burocracy.

3. Contacting your bank or a loan agency for a Personal Loan, this allow you to spread the cost of surgery over a longer period, making it more manageable within your budget.
   
   It’s important to shop around for the best interest rates and terms. Some banks may offer lower rates or more flexible repayment options, while others might have specific loans tailored to medical needs. Be sure to understand the full terms of the loan, including the total repayment amount with interest, so you can make an informed decision that fits your financial situation.
   
   And most importantly, before committing to a payment plan, consider your budget and how the loan payments will fit into it. It’s also a good idea to discuss your options with a financial advisor, who can help you choose the best plan for your needs. 

4. Asking for help might be uncomfortable, but Crowdfunding has become a powerful way for people to share their stories and receive support from their communities. Some platforms allow you to create a campaign where you can explain why FFS is important to you and ask for contributions from friends, family, and even strangers who want to support your journey.

Financial barriers are overwhelming. But it’s important to remember that there are many paths to get there. Take your time, explore all the options available, and remember that you are not alone in this. 

You are worth the effort, you deserve to be comfortable in your body.

Facialteam Prices: What is included in Facialteam’s FFS quotes?

And, in addition, when visiting our center in Marbella, a completely free, 1-night accommodation for you and a companion at our hotel La Villa Marbella, and always airport transfers to and from Málaga or Barcelona Airport.

After your consultation, you will immediately receive your personalized quote and a consultation with a Patient Coordinator.

We also occasionally offer in-person orientations and Gender Affirming Health Forums in other countries to clarify doubts and ensure everyone receives the support they need.

A Patient’s Experience with Other Clinics vs Facialteam

“I explored several clinics that offered FFS for my first ever Gender Affirming Surgery, I was interested in having my Forehead done since I thought it was one of the most noticeable “masculine” features of my appearance. Each clinic had its own set of strengths, but I chose another clinic in Spain for my Forehead Feminization because of the price difference – it wasn’t huge but kinda noticeable in comparison with what I’ve heard about Facialteam’s.

I had a first videoconsultation with them where I was quickly introduced to the surgeon and I briefly explained what my expectations and goals were. They simply explained to me what the procedure would be like and the limitations of it.

Their technique consisted of a Hairline Approach (I wanted to lift my eyebrows and reduce the size of my forehead) with a zigzag-like incision so that the scar would be hidden within my hairline – Spoiler Alert, it wasn’t like that at all.

They didn’t explain how the brow bone would be reduced, or how the eyebrows would stay in place. Not even requested a CT Scan or good pictures before the videoconsultation, so their evaluation was merely done by seeing me during the video call.

I hadn’t undergone any other surgical procedures before, so I didn’t know what to expect – I thought this process was normal, so I proceeded with the payment.

The first date they offered me was almost a year after the consultation, but I was lucky to rush the surgery and get it done after a few months.

Then, some days before the actual surgery they requested a blood test and a CT Scan.

I booked my flight and my accommodation for a few days before the surgery since I was told I had to be there for an in-person consultation, and once I got to Spain they kinda gaslighted me saying I didn’t have any in-person pre-op consultations scheduled.

The day of the surgery came, I had to find myself a way to get to the hospital (which I had to find on Google Maps because I wasn’t even sent the address), and hours before my surgery I finally got to meet the surgeon (in the actual hospital) and sign some documents they had prepared.

They had me fill in all the documents from the hospital so I could get a room. Then, they took me there and took me some pictures (with an iPad lol) and drew on my forehead where I’d want to have my hairline to be.

Then, I asked them some other questions me and my mother had, among them, I asked whether it was possible to round my eye cavities and get a more feminine look, and they answered that it was almost impossible – It would be a very difficult surgery…

They gave me my pajamas and took me to the OR. The next thing I remember was waking up in the waiting room, with nurses from the hospital asking me how I felt.

I had a huge headache, I felt nauseous, and in general, I felt I was dying, but I guess it was because it was my first time undergoing any surgery and undergoing anesthesia.

I wasn’t given any medications to prevent me from throwing up so, guess what, I threw up twice.

I had to stay at the hospital for one night I think, and the doctor just came once to see me (with outdoor clothing and a motorbike helmet, super professional).

My mum asked them how the surgery went because they didn’t keep her informed while I was in the OR (I can’t imagine how anxious she must have felt), and I remember that she asked the doctor how they knew when to stop “sanding” the bone. Their answer was: “Whenever it feels soft”. No comments.

The last day I got discharged from the hospital, I was sent back home with dirty (and bloody) hair, smelling like the worst I had ever smelled, lots of surgical tape along my head, and a huge external plaque on my forehead. Of course, people stared at me wherever I went, which led me to have an anxiety attack. Oh, and no post-op consultations. No CT Scans, Nothing.

Days went by, I got home safe, removed the bandages myself when I was told, and finally washed my hair.

I wasn’t given any post-op care plan or any medications. I wasn’t even told what to expect.

After that, I got my stitches removed and everything went somehow good. No pain. Just a bit of swelling that came back and forth every now and then in a very specific spot – I was told it’s normal.

And, as mentioned before, the scar healed horribly wrong – It was huge, very noticeable, and provoked some hair loss in the area (the hairline advancement I got was for nothing, it all went back to where it was because of the hair loss).

This clinic now felt more transactional, with a focus on quick consultations and limited personalization in surgical planning. The post-operative care offered by some was minimal, leaving me feeling uncertain about my recovery process.

A few years later, having undergone other surgeries, I decided I wanted my nose and chin done, and I researched many clinics but Facialteam seemed just right for me.

In contrast, my experience with Facialteam was super different. From the moment I contacted them, I felt supported and understood. The consultation was in-depth, with the surgeons taking the time to explain each procedure in detail, answer all my questions, suggest some other procedures that would make me pass more, and consider my specific goals. 

From the very first moment, I knew I made the worst decision ever to have my forehead done at the other clinic. Specially after seeing the CT Scan Facialteam includes on their in-person consultations, where I noticed my skull had very weak points on my frontal sinus for the previous works performed at the other clinic, as well as untouched orbital areas and, as the surgeons said, a lot of room for improvement.

I decided to get, not only my nose and chin, but my Forehead fixed for health reasons, my orbital area opened, and a hair transplant to cover the horrible scarring.

Days went by, and I had all the support and attention I needed from the team, from solving last-minute doubts to psychological support, etc.

Then the day of the surgery came by, I wasn’t nervous at all, the team was lovely, super caring, and very supportive all the time.

I was given some instructions, my pajamas, and got taken to the OR.

All the nurses were super super lovely  – The anaesthesiologists were incredibly supportive, everyone was very attentive, and then, the next thing I remember was waking up while they were doing the hair transplant.

In comparison with the first clinic, when I woke up I didn’t feel any pain or fatigue, it took me a minute to realize I just got surgery. Then I fell asleep again, and I remember waking up a few times during the Hair Transplant but again, no pain or discomfort.

Then I was taken to the hospital room and got lots of attention from the nursing team.

Long story short, I got plenty of visits, either to give me medicine, hydrate the hair transplant, or check up on me – not only from the nurses but also from the surgeons and my lovely coordinator.

I felt truly amazing from day one. Minimal swelling, minimal bruising. The cooling mask was amazing, and the lymphatic massages were incredibly satisfying. I started walking and eating super fast, even my mom was shocked because, in comparison with other surgeries, this was the longest one and the most “invasive”, and we both were expecting me to be feeling like sh*t.

Then, 2 days later I got discharged, went to La Villa, and took my time to recover fully. I followed the post-op instructions and took my medications very thoroughly.

After a few days of resting and enjoying Marbella as much as I could, I got my hair transplant washed and my stitches and casts removed. I could finally see myself after surgery.

I won’t lie, I had to hold my tears because, even though I was still kinda swollen, I could see myself in the mirror. The dysphoria was gone. I found myself super pretty – and I kept thinking, this is only the beginning, imagine how you’ll look once the swelling goes down and you see the final results.

Then I got my post-op consultation, where they explained everything that happened during the surgery and got to see my before and after pictures.

In brief, my skull was kinda f*cked up because of the work performed by the other clinic, so they had to reinforce it with a titanium mesh – they showed me pictures of my skull before Facialteam fixed it, and it was terrifying. I literally had holes in my forehead. 

Not only that but, remember how I mentioned I had swelling in a very specific area after the first surgery? It was an infection on my skull because of residues that were left during the first surgery – which was damaging my own skull.

Luckily everything is good now, Facialteam did an amazing job and I could tell the work they performed was very clean. The difference in the level of care between Facialteam and other clinics was evident not just in the surgical results, care, and support – but in the overall experience. It has really felt like a family trip. We’ve felt loved. We’ve felt cared about. It’s been amazing.

After that, I got home – The post-operative team has been checking up on me and clearing all my concerns almost immediately.

Now that some time has passed, I can tell I love the results. Not only do I have full cispassing, but also face-card. The journey has been amazing, of course with some ups and downs, but in general, it’s been a piece of cake.

I will always be thankful to Facialteam for everything. I truly have no words. It’s been a life-changing experience, and I will always have a spot for them in my heart.

If I could recommend other patients something, it would be to do your research – not only on the clinic’s results or pricing but their techniques, the services they provide, their experience… Any small detail is super important. And of course, if you asked me – I’d recommend you to go with Facialteam with no hesitation.”

-2024 Anonymous FFS Patient.

Redoing FFS at Facialteam.

Going back to Facialteam for a Second Approach.

You can find more videotestimonials on our YouTube Channel.

What’s the best clinic for FFS?

When choosing the best clinic for this important step in someone’s life, various names appear, but who truly stands out? 

For those considering FFS, it’s essential to choose a clinic that prioritizes your unique needs and offers support throughout and after the process. Facialteam’s combination of expertise, cutting-edge facilities, and patient-centered approach makes us an outstanding choice for anyone seeking FFS.

The value of Facial Feminization Surgery at Facialteam is a reflection of our commitment to excellence, personalized care, and comprehensive services. 

Each quote must be different for each patient because everyone’s different, there are individual aspects such as the procedures requested or required, the complexity of the case, health factors, etc.

Investing in a surgical process should never be something to “skimp” on – You are exposing yourself to several risks, which in good hands are practically nil, but should be taken into account.
So our best advice is, whichever path you choose, make sure you are well-informed and comfortable with your choice – at the end of the day, you want to have a successful and memorable Revelation Journey.