Facial feminization surgery, or FFS, is a  type of cosmetic procedure that alters your facial features. The objective is to transform masculine-looking features into a more feminine shape. FFS NY is frequently sought by transgender women or non-binary trans persons who were assigned male at birth (AMAB) and this may also appeal to cisgender ladies.

FFS is customized for each individual and may include all parts of the face including the neck. FFS is mostly concerned with bone structure as well as the nose shape. When required, soft tissue treatment such as facelifts and neck lifts might be included.

What is the cost of undergoing FFS?

Traditionally, FFS has been uninsured or not covered by government healthcare. However, some insurers are now covering FFS from some surgeons. Expenses for FFS are typically between $20,000 to $50,000, based on the practitioner and the number of component operations performed.

Insurance companies frequently categorize FFS as a cosmetic treatment. FFS, on the other hand, may have a greater influence on an individual’s mental health as well as social well-being than genital procedures like vaginoplasty and phalloplasty. As society gains a better understanding of transgender problems, the medical establishment appears to be gradually acknowledging FFS as a necessary component of transgender treatment, rather than an optional and elective component.

How to pick a physician

To find the ideal surgeon, do as many in-person or Online consultations as feasible. Make sure to ask your surgeon as plenty of questions as possible to obtain a sense of each surgeon’s technique and bedside demeanor.

Numerous surgeons speak or consult in major cities and attend transgender conferences. Additionally, it is beneficial to contact previous patients of the practitioners that interest you. This can be accomplished via the use of online forums, peer support, or common connections.

How is FFS carried out?

Masculinized as well as unmasculinized faces display a variety of minor variations that contribute to a face’s interpretation as male or feminine and each region of the face is treated separately, such as but not limited to the following:

Forehead procedures

The forehead is contoured during forehead treatments by removing sharp angles and decreasing the protrusion of the brow bone. Whenever the brow prominence is modest and the brow bone is substantial, the brow can sometimes be simply chopped down.

Shaving the brow bone excessively may lead to a gap in the sinus cavity. As a result, those with a more prominent brow require more extensive treatment. The front of the brow bone is completely removed in these procedures, revealing the sinus space behind it. The extracted bone is then shaped and reinstalled individually to ensure it lies flat.

Cheek augmentation

Cheek enhancement is a treatment that is less frequently performed. It is only advised in specific circumstances by some surgeons.

Cheek enlargement can be accomplished via the use of cheek implants or fat transplantation. Whenever synthetic hormones start to disperse body fat, many people’s cheeks fill up adequately on their own. This eliminates the need for surgery.

Lip reshaping and lip lift

Faces have different amounts of skin whether masculine or not, above and beneath the mouth up to the base of the nose and even down to the tip of the china, and people with un-masculinized faces often have a smaller gap between the top lip as well as the nose base. Usually, the top lip curves more upward. A lip lift can be performed on a masculine-looking face and this reduces the gap above the lip as well as reorients the lip.

Genioplasty

The procedure altering the appearance of the chin where surgeons usually access the chin and jaw by incisions along the gum line is known as Genioplasty.

Certain chins necessitate chin reduction, also, bone protrusions are trimmed down and smoothed during this treatment.

Occasionally, a chin enhancement may be suggested. In this example, doctors cut a wedge from the bottom of the chin bone. They then reconnect it in the advanced position by sliding this forward away from the jaw. Alternatively, when necessary, a chin transplant can be used.

Jaw surgery

Jaw surgery is most frequently performed on the rear edges of the jaw, in which the bone curves upward toward the ears. Strong protuberances can be smoothed by a surgeon. But, the reductions are not unlimited because a  vital nerve is located in the jaw bone. Extreme nerve reductions run the danger of exposing or severing it.

Tracheal shave

The Adam’s apple is diminished in appearance following a tracheal shave. Occasionally, the incision is performed directly behind Adam’s apple. When feasible, the surgeon will perform the cut slightly behind the chin to minimize visible scars.

The best way to prep for FFS

Physicians require patients to discontinue hormone replacement treatment 2 weeks prior to operation and to wait two weeks thereafter before restarting. Inform your surgeon of any additional drugs you use on a regular basis. They’ll notify you if you really need to discontinue taking them throughout the operation. Never discontinue taking medicines without a doctor’s clearance.

Your surgeon may have additional criteria dependent on the operation you’re having. This includes fasting if you are undergoing general anesthesia.

FFS risks and potential adverse consequences

Among the risks associated with FFS are the following:

• Damage to the nerves in the jaw or chin and can result in an irreversible loss of sensation or functionality in the face including the tongue.

• Infections acquired as a result of the chin as well as cheek implants.

Nerves are also damaged during the scalp surgery, although the majority of patients recover most or all of their scalp skin sensation as they recuperate.

If you choose lip or brow fillings, use extreme caution when it comes to permanent fillers such as silicone. Dissolvable fillings such as hyaluronic acid enable you to alter the look of the soft tissue as you age.

Expectations Following an FFS Procedure

Recovery times vary according to the procedures undertaken, which generally, you may anticipate returning home following surgery. You will almost certainly require two weeks of complete rest. For six weeks, you should abstain from employment and carrying heavy things.

If your surgeon does forehead surgery, he or she will secure the brows in place. As a result, you should abstain from plucking your brows for many weeks to allow the anchors to set and the tissue to recover.

Rhinoplasty is an extremely sensitive procedure. For many weeks following surgery, special care must be taken to avoid impacting the nose.