Facial feminization surgery is a life-changing experience for any patient considering this surgery. This blog discusses both the physical and emotional benefits of this procedure.
Is FFS Only for Transgender Patients?
Facial feminization surgery (FFS) refers to the group of cosmetic facial surgeries that aim to create a more feminine appearance. While it is most commonly associated with transitions for transgender women, FFS is also performed on nonbinary and gender nonconforming patients, as well as cisgender women who desire more feminine features.
What Are My FFS Options?
The procedures combined within FFS are usually performed in groups spaced out over time, in order of your preference. This is Dr. Harrison Lee’s preferred method, as it allows him to create a more cohesive result. Plus, patients only have to contend with one recovery period, and they can see more significant markers of progress sooner. During your FFS consultation, Dr. Lee will discuss your options and help you decide which group of procedures will be best to start with. FFS procedures include:
- Hairline Advancement Surgery
- Forehead Reduction (Brow Bone Contouring Surgery)
- Brow Lift Surgery
- Rhinoplasty
- Cheek Implant/Cheekbone Reduction Surgery
- Chin Countouring/Genioplasty/Chin Augmentation
- Temporal Lift Surgery
- Chin Surgery
- Jaw Contouring Surgery
- Lip Augmentation
- Subnasal Lip Lift
- Thyroid Cartilage Reduction (Adam’s Apple Reduction)
Physical Benefits of FFS
Enhanced Feminine Features
Naturally, the goal of FFS is to create a softer, more feminine appearance throughout the face. This physical benefit of FFS can result in a softer jawline and chin, more rounded cheeks, a finer browbone and nose, or any other combination of feminine attributes. Additionally, with an experienced FFS surgeon like Dr. Lee, patients not only achieve a feminine appearance, but they receive an aesthetic improvement, with beautiful features and overall outcomes.
Improved Social Interactions
FFS can mean patients integrate more easily as their preferred gender identity, finding social interactions more successful and positive. Many FFS patients value their ability to present as their gender more easily, limiting instances of misgendering, aggression, and ostracization by others.
Emotional Benefits of FFS
Reduced Gender Dysphoria
One of the biggest hurdles that transgender and gender nonconforming people have is gender dysphoria; after FFS, these feelings are often alleviated once certain facial features are more in line with the patients’ self-identification. Overcoming gender dysphoria is a substantial step toward improving mental and emotional well-being, as well as moving toward an idealized identity and life.
Improved Self-Confidence
It’s no surprise that when you look how you want, you feel more confident. Patients often experience a boost in self-confidence as they progress toward their aesthetic and gender presentation goals and find more success in their lives and experiences.
Who Is a Candidate for FFS?
Candidates for FFS are healthy adults who are unhappy with their features or do not think their external appearance matches their gender identity. Additionally, candidates should be nonsmokers or willing to quit and have reasonable expectations for results.
We don’t have to tell you that FFS is a big decision and should not be taken lightly.
Dr. Lee will be happy to discuss all of these factors with you during your consultation, or you can call our office for more information.
How to Prepare for FFS
FFS preparation can be more involved than other cosmetic procedures, namely because you’ll likely have multiple procedures performed at one time. In a way, this does reduce your recovery time as compared to having the procedures performed individually, but you will need to prepare adequately to make healing a little easier. Here are some tips and things to consider when preparing for FFS recovery and the procedure itself.
- Acquire all necessary medical paperwork, including mental health care, physical examinations, blood testing, etc. Your surgeon will let you know exactly what you’ll need to move forward, but it can make things run a little more smoothly if you have up-to-date information on hand.
- Quit smoking. Nicotine use of any kind is strictly prohibited, as it can impact your healing process, blood clotting, and even cause necrosis. It’s best to quit as soon as possible in order to limit your chances of relapse.
- Enlist the help of a friend or family member to help you the first few days after your procedure. You’ll need someone to drive you home after surgery and monitor you for the first 24 hrs. It will also be beneficial to have someone continue to help you with meals, getting around the house, and taking care of any pets or children in the home. You’ll need to rest for at least a week, so a support system can be very helpful during this time.
Want to Learn More About FFS in Beverly Hills, CA?
Dr. Harrison Lee is the premier facial feminization expert in the greater Los Angeles area and has decades of experience creating beautiful facial results. If you want to learn more about the FFS process, how to prepare for FFS, your eligibility, and what procedures can benefit your desired appearance, call Dr. Lee today at (310) 777-2627 or fill out the contact form to get started.