Facial Feminisation Surgeons, Experts in FFS

ABOUT FT

FAQ

Facialteam: The Milestones

Why are our facial feminisation surgeons considered leaders in the field?

Good question. It seems we are a bit humble here, so don’t always communicate our strong points. So people ask us, how exactly have you become an international reference in feminising surgery?

See below Facialteam’s outstanding record since the first facial feminisation surgery nearly 15 years ago. We’re serious about the discipline, which means working at many levels of the field: compiling statistics, developing, researching, investigating, reporting, training and more! Like you, we are proud to be unique.

Statistics about Facialteam

Facialteam has helped more than 1,800 facial feminization patients from 62 different countries!
For these patients, over 5,800 feminization surgical procedures have been performed
Nearly 10,000 free FFS orientations conducted (including abroad in 15 countries), creating thousands of digital simulations of results.
Online before & after photo gallery of hundreds of FFS cases
Hundreds of public video testimonials and more on YouTube

Facialteam’s Methodology

A triad approach, with at least three highly specialised facial feminisation surgeons in every operation. More hands and eyes looking out for the best results and your safety!
Development of pioneering surgical methodology, 3D technologies and new cutting-edge instruments, such as the development of customized 3D templates and ultrasonic inserts for lower jaw surgery and rhinoplasty.
96% rate of long-term satisfaction reported in annual surveys
Among the lowest rates of revision in plastic surgery (3%)
Team comprised of over 50 trained professionals in trans-feminine healthcare with a Total-Care comprehensive approach.

Facialteam in Science – R&D

Award-winning research: 22 publications in top medical journals, 5 textbook chapters and contributors to many academic volumes.
Active investigative projects ongoing with the best university hospitals, such as Johns Hopkins, alongside many cutting-edge tech companies.
Presentations at more than 60 scientific congresses worldwide.

Facialteam in Medical Practice

Members of workgroup that’s re-writing the chapter on SURGERY of the WPATH Standards of Care (8th edition), the definitive best practices guide in trans healthcare internationally.
Co-authors of the recommendations on transgender health, a best practices guide of the European Society for Sexual Medicine (ESSM).

Facialteam in Education

Pioneering professional training activities, founding the first FFS Training Program in 2018. Also organizers of symposiums, webinars, workshops, cadaver labs as well as pro training events in conjunction with leading medical institutions (Mt. Sinai, NYU, OHSU etc) and expert faculty.
Founders of the TransHealth Initiative Observerships in facial feminisation that have welcomed over 50 international surgeons.
Doctoral thesis defense in Facial Gender Surgery has been nonexistent until now–making a difficult task even more complicated. FT has built the first ever successful defense in the discipline and has begun its second!

Facialteam was founded by Dr. Luis Capitán (Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgeon – Spain) and Dr. Daniel Simon (Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery – Brazil), primarily to meet the demand for Facial Feminisation Surgery, also known as Facial Harmonisation, Facial Gender-Affirming or Facial Gender Confirmation Surgery (FGCS).

THE LIFETIME OF Facialteam, FACIAL FEMINISATION SURGEONS

2004

After finishing their surgical residency programs in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Dr. Luis Capitán and Dr. Daniel Simon complete Craniofacial Surgery fellowships in the United Kingdom and Belgium, respectively.

2007

Luis and Daniel meet each other during their private clinical internships in Marbella, Spain.

2008

The two surgeons decide to dedicate their energy to FFS and focus on developing the field. They have their first e-mail evaluations and operate on their first FFS patient.

2009

Capitán and Simon attend their first Sparkle transgender event (Manchester, UK) and have their first consultations abroad (Manchester and London).

2010

“FacialTeam” is legally incorporated as a company by Dr. Capitán and Dr. Simon, with a staff of 4 people who are still here. The first original logo and website are created.

2011

Skype consultations begin. Facialteam opens its offices in São Paulo, Brazil. Facialteam partners with HC International Hospital (Marbella, Spain), setting up the team’s first facilities

2012

Dr. Carlos Bailón joins the team as the third Facialteam surgeon.

2013

Virtual FFS is integrated into consultations in London. Collaboration begins with Alexandra Hamer. Aesthetic procedures are consolidated when Dr. Raúl Jiménez Bellinga, an aesthetic surgeon specializing in FFS, joins Facialteam. The first simultaneous hair transplant (SHT) is done. Facialteam operates on its 100th Facialteam attends its first international scientific conference as guest lecturers (Dr. Capitán, ICOMS, Barcelona, Spain). Facialteam joins the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH).

2014

The Facialteam facilities are expanded. The new offices are in an exclusive, independent space within HC International Hospital. Preecha Tiewtranon of the Preecha Aesthetic Institute (PAI) visits Facialteam in Marbella. The Transhealth Initiative is created. The first academic article by the surgical group, ‘Facial Feminization Surgery: The Forehead, Surgical Techniques and Analysis of Results,’ is published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Collaboration begins with Jenny’s Nest as a housing option for patients. The team attends the WPATH conference for the first time (Bangkok, Thailand)

2015

The postoperative protocol continues to develop with the implementation of manual lymphatic drainage, acupuncture and specialist nursing. Facialteam is invited to speak at the first conference of the European Professional Association for Transgender Health (EPATH) (Ghent, Belgium). The company is structured into departments. The R&D department is established. A new image for the company is developed with a new logo and the official name, Facialteam. The idea behind the creation of the Facialteam FOUNDATION is born. The article ‘Facial Feminization Surgery: The Forehead, Surgical Techniques and Analysis of Results’ receives the PRS journal prize for best article of the year, cosmetics section.

2016

Dr. Javier Gutiérrez Santamaría joins Facialteam. The team now has five surgeons specializing in FFS. Facialteam organizes its first conference in Australia (Sydney and Melbourne): ‘Transition: Contemporary Solutions for Transgender Women.’

2017

Facialteam is invited to speak at the first US Professional Association for Transgender Health (USPATH) scientific conference (Los Angeles, US). New complementary treatments are offered: hairline densification and postsurgical scar correction with MICROFEMINIZATION®. The Facialteam Skincare Collection by April’s Touch cosmetic line is launched. Aldea La Quinta Health Resort joins as the postoperative care center of choice.

2019

2018

FT has operated more than 1200 FFS patients. Dr. Simon & Dr. Capitán are invited to speak with medical students at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and present at Mt. Sinai’s 1st Live Surgery Training. FT surgeons are invited speakers at 8 medical congresses in 4 continents. Facialteam´s Training & Education Program is official, followed with an inaugural educational FFS webinar alongside Johns Hopkins plus a successful FFS Training Program and Orthognathic Surgery Seminar in Spain. Dr. Capitán is selected for the WPATH Revision Committee’s surgical workgroup to establish new standards of care in transhealth. The FT Foundation gains the endorsement of model and trans activist, Lea T, beginning its work to help women without financial resources. FT is proud sponsor of 6 international trans community events and 3 trans athletes: Charlie Martin, Tifanny Abreu and Ella Licari.

2020

2019

Facialteam has now operated 1,500 patients and conducted educational orientations and consultations with nearly ten thousand patients on 4 continents. The online gallery has hundreds of patient results and video testimonials, even of supporting friends and family. A new collaboration is forged with Hotel La Villa Marbella, offering top-quality reliable lodging and aftercare for patients and the team grows to 50 professionals dedicated to excellence in the facial gender surgery process. The Research department completed 3 scientific articles for publishing in leading medical journals and penned two chapters in academic volumes. The 1st Training & Education Workshop in Marbella is celebrated with representation from around the EU and the FFS Training Program consolidates in a successful 2nd edition. The groundbreaking 1st International Facial Gender Symposium in conjunction with Johns Hopkins University is launched. Our team surgeons are invited speakers at 16 professional congresses around the world, notably returning for the 2nd Live Surgery Course at Mt. Sinai in New York and conducting 6 cadaver training labs in 4 countries, including at the prestigious annual “The Meeting” of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. The Official College of Doctors in Málaga recognized the team for contribution to improving the lives of trans patients. FT supported the international TNBI community via of artists, LGBTI Pride events such as Philadelphia Trans Wellness Conference, Gender Odyssey, Sparkle and the first fashion show designed-modelled-directed of garments for trans people in Europe.

2021

2020

We’ve operated a total of 1800 FFS patients from 62 countries since our origins, performing a cumulative total of 5800 procedures. The year 2020 was a challenge for the planet. Yet FT considers it a trial which has made us stronger, mobilizing from the beginning of the pandemic to help healthcare workers in Andalucía by donating 2000 protective facial shields. Facialteam still managed to provide safe FFS for 200+ patients with a 0% incidence of covid transmission the entire year, thanks to the quick development of covid-safe protocols. Notably, our dedicated monitoring system for traveling patients has obtained 100% of the medical exception visas requested for North Americans. Despite the cancellation of presencial events, we’ve launched 2 webinars for patients, celebrating 10+ virtual orientations events. FT’s tradition of open access continues with 1000+ free FFS consultations this year, including 400+ digital simulations and 100+ free CT scans and airport transfers for initial consultations in Marbella. The R&D department published 3 scientific articles in leading medical journals, with another 4 groundbreaking studies already accepted for 2021. The 2nd Training & Education Workshop for professionals is converted into a 2-day virtual event featuring 18 leading experts. Our surgeons presented at 5 professional congresses around the world, notably the 23rd WPATH and the International Academy of Aesthetics (IAA). Visibility of a diverse range of trans topics has been generated in over 60 blog posts and 40 livestream interviews. FT supported the international TNBI community via the endowment of a giant-size mural in honor of Trans Pride in Spain as well as generous sponsorships of three trans performance artists and a trans athlete. Against all odds, the team grows, with a new center in Barcelona, including amplifying to an integrated staff of 50+ professionals in order to continue providing the very best.