What is FFS? Facial Feminization Surgery Explained
People often make quick assumptions about someone’s gender based on how they first appear, which might lead to misgendering.
Facial Feminization Surgery or FFS is more than just a medical procedure, it’s an important step for many trans women and gender-diverse people in their journey to feel truly seen, both by themselves and by the world around them.
It can also be referred to as Facial Gender Confirmation Surgery (FGCS), Facial Harmonization Surgery, Facial Gender Affirming Surgery or simply Facial Gender Surgery (FGS).
At its core, FFS gathers various surgical procedures designed to soften masculine features and align them with what we typically perceive as more feminine. It’s about helping you feel more at home in your own skin and supporting the gender expression that resonates with you.
Who Can Get Facial Feminization Surgery?
People who pursue FFS come from all walks of life, though it is most commonly sought by trans or intersex women. FFS is not about fitting into any rigid standard of femininity, but rather about enhancing features in a way that makes you feel more comfortable and aligned with your gender identity. That’s why gender-diverse people and cisgender women also seek FFS.
It’s all about embracing who you are and feeling that your outer appearance reflects your inner self. For many people, FFS is a crucial step toward reducing gender dysphoria, improving quality of life, and feeling empowered in their identity.
For many trans and intersex women, FFS can be a transformative journey, not only physically but emotionally. It helps create harmony between how you feel on the inside and how you’re perceived on the outside, making a great difference in your daily life.
Anyone who wishes to balance and harmonize their facial features could be a candidate for Facial Feminization Surgery.
Hundreds of testimonials prove that gender-affirming surgery opens the door to improved self-perception, confidence, and consequently, better community integration. It helps people at risk of social isolation, suicide, hate violence, and crippling discrimination.t helps people at risk of social isolation, suicide, hate violence and crippling discrimination.
Phoenix
What Procedures Does FFS Include?
First, the number, type, and extent of surgical techniques employed in an FFS surgical plan must be highly individualized. The patient’s goals, facial features, underlying bone structure, and overall health condition the surgical plan.
We cannot emphasize enough that there’s no one-size-fits-all cookie-cutter set of procedures in facial feminization.
Let’s imagine a patient with an overbite that’s a candidate for orthognathic surgery. This patient should be presented with a surgical plan that addresses their issues considering their unique anomaly of the skull, as well as, taking into account the dental situation, soft tissues, sometimes age, etc. Seems normal, right? FFS or any surgical procedure should be addressed in the same way: fully personalized treatment plan.
Facialteam recognizes that every person has unique facial features, different goals, and more importantly, different views on femininity and beauty.
Keeping this in mind, we understand that FFS involves many different procedures that should be chosen carefully by an expert to enhance the femininity of a patient.
Some of the most common approaches to FFS include:
But there are some other procedures less known that also have a great impact on Gender Perception, such as:
- Hair Transplant for a rounder hairline;
- Lip Lift for a shorter distance between the nose and the lip;
- Other Complementary Procedures like Blepharoplasty, Face Lift, etc.
As mentioned before, with FFS, specific procedures are selected and recommended based on each patient’s unique case. The goal is to soften, in particular, certain strong features that can make a face appear more masculine.
The goal is a naturally more feminine appearance without an obviously “operated” look and, more importantly, without visible scars.
Simone
What to Know Before Considering FFS
It’s essential to step into the process with a clear understanding that FFS won’t make you look like a completely different person or fit into a narrow beauty standard. As mentioned before, it’s all about making changes that help you feel more at home in your body and more aligned with your gender.
Before moving forward, it’s important to spend time reflecting on your specific goals for FFS. Consider what features cause you the most dysphoria. Is it the shape of your jaw, the prominence of your brow, or the width of your nose? Taking time to pinpoint the areas that make you feel uncomfortable or misaligned with your gender can be helpful when discussing options with a surgeon. It’s also useful to think about how much change you’re seeking.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) plays a significant role in this journey, estrogen and anti-androgens, often used in HRT for trans women, can soften the skin, reduce facial and body hair, and redistribute body fat in a way that gives a more feminine appearance. However, HRT has little to no effect on bone structure, which is why many trans women and non-binary individuals pursue FFS to reshape facial bones such as the jaw, forehead, and nose.
Most surgeons recommend waiting at least 6 months after starting HRT before considering FFS. This is because hormone-related changes take time to stabilize, and allowing your soft tissue changes to settle gives your surgeon a better understanding of how HRT has affected your facial features. This way, they can tailor the surgery to complement the feminizing changes already made by HRT. That said, if you haven’t started HRT or don’t plan to, FFS is still an option. Many people undergo FFS with or without HRT, and your surgical plan can be personalized to your specific needs.
What Surgeon or Clinic Should I Choose for my FFS?
Once you’ve reflected on your goals and how FFS fits into your transition, the next step is finding the right surgeon or clinic. When looking for a surgeon, make sure they have specialized experience in FFS and a deep understanding of trans healthcare.
Surgeons who regularly work with trans women and non-binary patients are more likely to understand the nuances of what you’re looking to achieve.
Patient reviews and testimonials can provide valuable insights into what the overall experience with the surgeon is like. Many trans women and non-binary people share their FFS journeys online, so you may be able to find detailed reviews, stories, and feedback that can help you make an informed decision.
We have an article gathering the worldwide best Clinics and Surgeons for your FFS, it might help!
Facial Feminization Surgery is a personal and deeply impactful decision, and it’s not only okay to take your time in researching, reflecting, and preparing; but mostly recommended.
Other Considerations to Keep in Mind When Choosing Your FFS Clinic
When comparing clinics, it’s important to also consider the many logistical aspects that contribute to a smooth and supportive patient experience. This includes things like hospital ICU availability, ensuring you’ll have access to the care you need in case of complications. Some clinics also provide necessary medication packs and self-care kits with special shampoos, sprays, and creams to aid in your recovery. It’s worth asking about emergency insurance coverage, and how long it lasts, as well as whether there are provisions for companions in the hospital to support you during your stay.
Some clinics include extras like accommodation or transport, which can help reduce stress if you’re traveling for surgery. Another important factor is whether post-op treatments such as hilotherapy (a facial cooling mask), acupuncture, lymphatic drainage, or nurse visits are included. Some clinics even offer psychological support to help you through the emotional aspects of recovery. These small details can make a big difference in ensuring your FFS journey is as smooth as possible.
At Facialteam, our main goal is to reveal the feminine face that’s been yours all along but was altered by puberty. Our approach emphasizes comprehensive patient care, not only during the surgery but long before and after, ensuring a supportive and holistic experience at every stage of the journey.
How Do I Know if I’m Ready to Book My Surgery?
One of the most important aspects of deciding if you’re ready to book your FFS is ensuring that your goals align with the surgical plan offered by the clinic. During your consultation, the surgeon should provide a clear plan based on your facial structure and the changes you want to see. At this point, it’s essential to ask yourself if the procedures they’ve recommended match what you’re hoping to achieve. Do their suggestions address the features that cause you dysphoria or discomfort? Do they understand and respect your vision for feminization?
If the surgical plan feels right to you, and the procedures align with what you’ve envisioned, that’s a strong sign you’re ready. You should walk away from your consultation feeling like the surgeon “gets it”.
It’s also important to feel comfortable with the surgeon’s approach. Do they offer natural results, or are they more focused on dramatic changes? If their results aligns with your own desires, that’s another indicator that you’re ready to move forward.
Now, before booking surgery, ask yourself if you feel emotionally ready to undergo these changes. It’s normal to feel a mix of excitement and nerves. However, if you feel more anxious than excited or if you’re unsure how you’ll handle your emotions after it, it might be worth taking some more time to process.
Also, think about your support system. Do you have people around you like friends, family, or even an online community, who can support you through both the surgery and recovery? Emotional readiness includes being prepared for the ups and downs of the recovery process, and knowing that you’ll have support when you need it can make a huge difference.
Book Your Consultation
Speak with a highly experienced FFS surgeon who, after a careful revision of your facial features, will recommend which procedures are right for you. A consultation with our team will help clarify any questions or doubts you may have.
How Can I Afford my FFS?
The financial aspect is another key factor in knowing whether you’re ready to book your surgery. FFS is an important investment, and it’s important to make sure you’re financially prepared before moving forward. Some clinics offer payment plans, and in some cases, insurance might cover part or all of the surgery. Before booking, take time to evaluate your options and make sure you’ve planned for the cost of the surgery as well as any additional expenses, such as travel, accommodation, and time off work.
Being financially ready also means thinking about how the recovery period might impact your day-to-day life. Do you have enough savings to cover your recovery time if you need to take a break from work or other responsibilities? Being prepared for these practical aspects of surgery can reduce stress and allow you to focus on healing.
I wrote another article regarding the Costs of Facial Feminization Surgery and some ideas to afford it!
Facial Feminization Surgery at Facialteam
At Facialteam, we offer a personalized, holistic approach to FFS, recognizing the uniqueness of each patient’s facial structure and individual goals. With our extensive experience in gender-affirming surgeries, we specialize in creating natural, harmonious results that reflect your inner sense of self.
From providing comprehensive patient care to focusing on minimizing visible scarring, our priority is to make sure you feel supported throughout the entire process, before, during, and long after surgery.
But as usual, don’t take our word – You can always hear it directly from our patients.
