Many people are excited to get facial feminization surgery and finally feel that their facial appearance matches their identity. However, the FFS recovery process can be extensive and sometimes daunting. Here, we discuss how customizable FFS is, what the popular procedures are, how long recovery is, and what the general recovery timeline entails.
5 Min Read:
Customizing Your Facial Feminization Surgery
At the core of facial feminization surgery (FFS) is customization. FFS can be a combination of facial surgeries that aim to soften and feminize more harsh or masculine features. Due to the highly customizable nature of this surgery, every step of the process will vary greatly from patient to patient, depending on the facial procedures performed.
So, how can you plan your recovery if everyone’s surgery will be different? To prepare for your FFS recovery, you must first have a clear idea of what procedures will be performed as part of your FFS experience.
What Are the Popular Procedures for FFS?
If you are considering getting facial feminization surgery, you likely already know which facial areas you would like to address. However, you may need to be made aware of some of the specific surgical procedures that can be used to attain the desired facial contours you have in mind.
The following procedures are the most common for FFS and can often be combined to be completed during one surgery:
- Hairline advancement surgery
- Forehead reduction (brow bone contouring)
- Brow lift surgery
- Rhinoplasty
- Cheek implant/cheekbone reduction
- Chin surgery
- Jaw contouring surgery
- Lip augmentation
- Subnasal lip lift
- Thyroid cartilage reduction (Adam’s Apple reduction)
During your FFS consultation with your surgeon, you will discuss which facial areas you are concerned about, and they will let you know which surgeries can assist you in reaching your goals. If it is safe to do so, your surgeon will plan to perform all your chosen facial surgeries within one procedure—this will allow for complete facial harmony in your results and limit the need for multiple surgical appointments and recovery timelines.
How Long Can I Expect FFS Recovery to Last?
Your recovery time will depend on which procedures are performed during your surgery, which will be discussed during your consultation. Initial recovery times vary based on the procedures performed and the number of procedures performed. Your surgeon should be able to estimate how long you will need to be out of work and away from your regular activities. Typically, this ranges from two to four weeks. Generally speaking, you can expect it to take six months to one year for you to see the final results from your facial feminization surgery.
Facial Feminization Recovery Timeline
Many facial feminization surgery patients will experience a recovery period that roughly follows this general timeline. However, be sure to ask your surgeon about your specific recovery timeline during your consultation, and carefully follow their aftercare instructions to ensure a safe and speedy recovery. Your surgeon’s instructions will include specifics about scar care, diet restrictions, physical activity restrictions, etc.
Week 1
Immediately following your FFS procedure, you will likely need to stay overnight at an aftercare facility for the first 24 hours following your surgery. Some patients are cleared to go home on the day of surgery. If that is the case, you will still need someone to drive you home and stay with you overnight. You will be seen the following day for a post-operative appointment.
Swelling and bruising are to be expected during this time. Your face will also likely be wrapped in bandages and compression garments to assist in healing, and you may have drains.
You should focus on letting your body rest, but allow yourself to go light walks to prevent blood clots from forming.
Week 2
Sutures and casts of any are typically removed during this period.
Strenuous physical activities should still be avoided, but you should continue going on daily walks to prevent blood clots and promote blood circulation.
Weeks 3 to 5
Many patients may drive by this point as long as they are no longer taking prescription pain medication and all their sutures have been removed.
At this stage of recovery, many patients can ease up on diet and physical activity restrictions. Still, no heavy lifting or bending over should be done at this time.
At the end of this period, some may resume going to work and doing other daily activities.
Week 6
Most patients are able to return to all levels of physical activity., but it is essential to keep your scars protected from the sun. There may still be some swelling, but this will continue to subside as time goes on.
6 Months After
If additional surgeries are desired, they may be performed at this point. Your FFS results will be more developed and visible, but it will take up to one year after your surgery for them to be finalized.
Want to Know More About Facial Feminization Surgery Recovery? If you’re ready to start your facial feminization journey, schedule your consultation with Dr. Lee to discuss your facial surgery options. To learn more about facial feminization surgery and the recovery process, call our office at (310) 777-2627 (Beverly Hills, CA location), (212) 988-9769 (Manhattan, NY location), or +971 56 511 5999(Dubai, United Arab Emirates location). You can also fill out our online contact form to ask questions or schedule an appointment.