What is facial feminization?
Facial feminization surgery is the set of surgical procedures performed to change male facial features to more feminine features. Some of the changes it includes are:
- Moving the hairline to create a smaller forehead.
- Enhancing the lips and cheekbones.
- Reshaping and resizing the jaw and chin.
- Skin tightening.
- Facelift.
Facial feminization surgery is performed in addition to women who want to have more feminine features and people with gender dysphoria. It is an effective method for transgender women to physically transition to the gender they confirm as their own.
Why is it done?
Some facial features, including the eyes, jaw or forehead, may reflect certain gender differences. While other parts of the body are hidden under clothing, facial features cannot be hidden, so for some women and transgender people it is the solution to their problems.
However, this surgery is not recommended for every transgender woman. Women with limiting conditions, uncontrolled mental health disorders, and other health problems should not have this surgery.
What are the risks?
Like any other type of surgery, there are certain risks:
- Bleeding
- Infection.
- Damage to nearby structures.
- Facial asymmetry.
- Adverse reaction to anesthesia.
- Visible scarring.
- etc.
Sometimes additional surgery is needed to correct facial asymmetry and improve the final result.
How is the preparation?
As each person has a unique bone and facial structure, it is important that the patient meets with the surgeon to explain in detail what his or her expectations are.
In some cases, a CT scan will be necessary, in addition to taking some photographs before, during and after surgery so that the surgeon has detailed information and can glimpse the changes.
It is necessary for the patient to follow some dietary guidelines, stop smoking and inform the surgeon about the medications he/she is taking. The surgeon will indicate how to proceed with the anesthesia.
Also, before being eligible for feminization surgery, the following criteria must be met to rule out any condition that may contraindicate the treatment:
- A review of your personal and family medical history
- A physical examination, including an evaluation of your internal reproductive organs.
- Laboratory tests that evaluate lipid values, blood sugar (glycemia), blood cell counts (hemogram), liver enzymes, and electrolytes.
- A review of immunizations
- Age- and gender-appropriate screening tests
- Identification and management of tobacco use, drug abuse, alcohol abuse, HIV and other sexually transmitted infections
- Discussion about contraception and future fertility.
A mental evaluation will also be necessary in transgender cases, as well as making sure the patient is aware of possible risks and adverse reactions.
What operations are included?
Facial feminization surgery may include the following procedures:
- Forehead contouring.
- Modification of eyes and eyelids (blepharoplasty).
- Cheekbone augmentation.
- Nose surgery (rhinoplasty).
- Lifting and lip augmentation.
- Jaw angle reduction.
- Chin width reduction (genioplasty).
- Tracheal shaving.
- Lowering of the hairline.
- Hair transplantation.