Why Waiting for Six Months on HRT Before FFS is Recommended
While many people are eager to move forward with FFS as soon as possible, some experts often recommend waiting at least six months after starting Gender Affirming Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT).
This is grounded in safety and a desire to achieve the best possible outcomes. But why?
What Criteria Is Followed When Recommending 6 Months on HRT Before FFS?
The six-month timeframe is not randomized – it’s based on how the body responds to HRT over time, ensuring surgeons can work with the most stable version of your features. Here’s why:
- Maximizing Natural Changes:
The effects of HRT typically start becoming noticeable after a few months, but it can take up to a minimum of six months for these changes to stabilize. Waiting allows your features to fully set the effects of hormones, so your surgeon can plan the approach more accurately. - Improving Surgical Outcomes:
By allowing HRT to take effect, you and your surgeon gain a clearer picture of what features require surgical intervention. For example, areas that naturally soften or feminize with HRT might need less invasive work, while other features may still require targeted procedures. This tailored approach can lead to more balanced and natural-looking results. - Ensuring Health Stability:
Starting HRT is a major medical change that requires monitoring for possible side effects and adjustments to dosages. Stabilizing your health on HRT reduces the risk of complications during and after surgery, and consequently, a more pleasant experience.
What Facial Changes Does HRT Produce?
Hormones play a critical role in reshaping and adjusting gender markers in facial features. Estrogen and anti-androgens (for trans people) can lead to:
- Redistribution of facial fat: softening angular features by redistributing fat to create a rounder, more feminine appearance.
- Skin texture improvements: improving skin elasticity and texture, contributing to a smoother, softer look.
- Reduction in muscle mass: Over time, HRT may slightly reduce the size and prominence of certain facial muscles, such as those in the jaw.
These hormonal effects are generally subtle and may take months or years to manifest fully. However, they are a critical consideration in the context of FFS.
The degree of change achieved through HRT helps inform surgical planning, as it may reduce the need for certain procedures or alter the approach to achieve the best possible results.
It’s also important to recognize that HRT alone may not address structural elements like bone shape or size, which is why FFS remains a complementary and often essential step for many trans people seeking to align their facial appearance with themselves.
Is It Mandatory To Be On Hormones To Have FFS?
While the six-month recommendation applies to most cases, we always recognize that everyone’s journey is unique. Some people may get FFS before starting HRT or without taking hormones at all.
These decisions are often based on medical or personal factors and should be made in close consultation with a qualified surgeon and healthcare team.
MtF Hormone Replacement Therapy: How do Hormones Affect Trans Women?
Should I Wait for My FFS If I’m Not on Hormones?
At Facialteam, we do recommend the six-month rule to have more predictable and pleasing results for those who are starting or are about to start with HRT. There are some cases where the patient may decide not to be on HRT or to have FFS before HRT, and of course, we totally respect the patient’s decision.
We also understand that sometimes, having to wait, can feel frustrating, so our psychologists have gathered a few tips to make the most out of your time:
- Focus on Self-Care: Use this period to build healthy habits, such as eating a balanced diet, exercising, and practicing relaxation techniques, all of which can improve surgical outcomes.
- Research Surgeons: Take the time to research FFS surgeons, read testimonials, and schedule consultations to find the best fit for your needs.
- Prepare Emotionally: Connect with support groups or a therapist to discuss your feelings and prepare mentally for surgery.
- Document Your Journey: Many find it helpful to document their transition through photos or journaling. It’s a great way to track changes and reflect on your growth.
Speak with our HRT Expert!
Are you planning on starting Gender Affirming Hormone Therapy or you want to receive more insights on your case from an expert on the field?
Then, How Much Time on Hormones Before Considering FFS?
In our recommendation, those who currently are, or are considering HRT, should wait for at least six months on Gender Affirming Hormone Replacement Therapy before undergoing FFS. It may feel like a delay, but it’s a very important step to keep in mind if your goal is achieving the best results for your health, safety, and overall satisfaction.
Now, the decision is yours to make – if you feel like GAHRT is not for you, it’s totally up to you!
Remember, this journey is about aligning your appearance with your internal self – and that takes time, care, and patience. By trusting the process and collaborating with your healthcare providers, you’re setting yourself up for a future where you feel confident.
