The Transgender Dictionary
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Facial Feminization Surgeries

(also: F.F.S.)

Table of Contents

Introduction

Also performed on cisgender women, facial feminization surgeries are performed with the purpose of altering one's face (and other head-related features) to appear more feminine. In the context of this page, we will be discussed in the context of transgender women (and some nonbinary people) seeking out these surgeries as a treatment for gender dysphoria.

While it is not uncommon for a transgender women to be satisfied with the results of F.H.T. in terms of how it can feminize the face, there are still many women who seek out plastic surgeons to reduce or get rid of gender dysphoria regarding her facial features. For many transgender women, FFSs are very effective at obtaining gender euphoria regarding her appearance.

Note that a younger trans girl having the opportunity to have puberty blockers may decrease the need for facial feminization sugeries later in life.

General Information

FFS refers to a series of surgical procedures performed by a plastic surgeon to feminize one's face. These surgeries provide happiness and confidence to the women who seek them. Which combination of surgeries a patient has will vary based on preferance and anatomy.

Types of Facial Feminization Surgeries

Adam's Apple/Chondrolaryngoplasty/"Tracheal Shave"

During this procedure, the thyroid cartilage in the throat is shaved down so that the neck can appear smoother and more feminine. A small incision is made above the adam's apple for the protrusion to be gently reduced.

Though it is sometimes known as a "tracheal shave" the trachea is not involved in this procedure. The vocal cords are also not involed in this surgery, though your sugeon will likely ask you to rest your voice for approximately 2 weeks after surgery while you heal.

Browplasty/Forehead lift

A brow lift, also known as browplasty involves reshaping the brows into a more feminine form.

Cheek

Cheek enhancement or agumentation involves altering the cheekbones or cheek fat to obtain a more feminine appearance.

Chin

Chin Recontouring or genioplasty reduces and reshapes the chin into a more feminine appearance.

Ear

Earlobe reduction is when the earlobe is reshaped into a more feminine form.

Jaw

Jaw contouring (reshaping or tapering) is used to feminize jawlines.

Lip

A lift lip and reshaping is a way to feminize the lips. Some common procedures are an upper lip lift (upper lip reduction), lip Augmentation (Lip Filling), and a corners-of-Mouth Lift.

Nose

The nasal surgery known as rhinoplasty alters the shape of the nose, typically reducing its size to appear more feminine.

Scalp

Scalp Advancement, also known as hairline lowering, is when the hairline is surgically moved into a more feminine form.

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