There are various procedures for facial feminization, and not all are necessary to soften facial features and achieve a more feminine appearance. In some cases, especially when there has been early intervention with puberty blockers, no facial surgical intervention may be required.
However, facial feminization surgery can be crucial for the emotional well-being and self-confidence of many transgender women. In this post, we will explain the main facial surgeries for feminizing the face.
What is facial feminization surgery?
Facial feminization surgery is a set of surgical techniques aimed at modifying masculine features to align them with a more socially recognized feminine aesthetic.
These procedures can address various areas of the face, such as the nose, forehead, cheek contours, or jawline.
To achieve the best results, the surgeon should personalize each approach and surgery to achieve the best outcome based on the individual characteristics and facial features of each woman.
The main objective is to achieve a balance between facial features and create a harmonious face without losing naturalness.
Feminizing rhinoplasty
The nose is one of the most prominent features of our face, positioned at its center. Therefore, feminizing rhinoplasty is one of the most requested surgeries in facial feminization processes. Typically, a feminine nose tends to be smaller, straight, delicate, with a slightly lifted tip and a less prominent structure. In rhinoplasty, the surgeon can work on reducing the size, modifying the bridge, or smoothing the nasal profile, ensuring that the nose harmonizes with the rest of the face. This procedure not only improves aesthetics but can also enhance respiratory function if accompanied by functional corrections.
Forehead reduction
The forehead is often the area where the difference between masculine and feminine features is most noticeable. In people assigned male at birth, the forehead tends to be more prominent, square, wide, and angular, with a higher hairline and an M-shaped form. Additionally, eyebrows tend to be more prominent. In contrast, people assigned female at birth have a narrower, more rounded forehead and flatter eyebrows with an oval-shaped hairline.
Forehead reduction, also known as frontal bone remodeling or supraorbital ridge reduction, aims to soften this area. The surgeon can reshape the frontal bone to reduce the supraorbital ridge, creating a softer and more feminine appearance. In some cases, this may be combined with a lowering of the hairline to balance facial proportions.
Receding hairline
In adulthood, people identified as women at birth tend to have a lower hairline than those identified as men. Therefore, in some cases, a surgery that advances the hairline is necessary, along with the use of hair implants to achieve a more rounded forehead.
This procedure, along with forehead feminization, is one of the most crucial for achieving a more feminine facial appearance.
There are two techniques for advancing the hairline: one surgical and one through transplantation.
The hairline advancement technique via transplantation is a hair graft procedure that can be performed during forehead feminization surgery or in a separate surgical session, depending on the evaluation of the IM GENDER medical team.
In cases where a complete advancement of the hairline is indicated, it must be done through surgery. A small incision is made behind the natural hairline, advancing it by 1 or 2 centimeters. This reduces the distance between the eyebrows and the hairline, while also eliminating lateral alopecia recessions.
Facial Lifting
Feminizing facial lifting is a key procedure in gender affirmation, designed to smooth and redefine facial features for a more harmonious and feminine appearance. This procedure addresses areas such as the neck, chin, cheeks, and eyes, repositioning skin and muscles to refine the features and elongate the face, characteristics typically seen in feminine faces. In transgender women, lifting not only provides a more rejuvenated look but also plays a crucial role in facial feminization, adding more delicate volumes and shapes. It can be complemented with other techniques such as lipotransfer or lipofilling to optimize results.
The success of a feminizing lifting largely depends on the surgeon’s skill and experience, who must have a deep understanding of the differences between masculine and feminine features. Incisions are strategically placed in natural lines and the hairline conceals scars, while the procedure is tailored to meet the specific needs of each patient, such as eye shaping or cheekbone elevation.
Lip lifting
La distancia entre el labio superior y la base de la nariz es distinta en hombres y mujeres. Mientras que en ellas se mantiene muy similar desde la niñez hasta la edad adulta, en ellos se alarga. El lifting de labios es la cirugía que permite acortar dicha distancia otorgando al rostro una apariencia más típicamente femenina.
Buccal fat removal (Bichectomy)
Buccal fat removal is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of Bichat’s balls, fat deposits located in the cheeks. While facial fat is natural, the prominence of these fat pads can create a more square, robust appearance. Removing them helps define the facial contours, achieving a more refined, elongated, and feminine look.
Anguloplasty
The feminization of the lower third of the face often focuses on the jaw and chin. Wider, more angular jawlines are associated with a more masculine appearance, while more rounded and narrower jawlines are typical of feminine faces. Anguloplasty, or jaw surgery, focuses on softening the jawline by reducing its angle and refining the mandibular line for smoother features. Depending on the patient’s needs, the chin may also be modified to create a more harmonious facial contour.
Results of facial feminization surgery
The results from facial feminization surgeries can vary depending on the procedures performed and whether they are combined. Generally, a rest period of 2 to 4 weeks is needed to reduce swelling, which is common with any surgery, and allow for proper healing of incisions. During the first weeks, swelling, bruising, and discomfort are normal.
The medical team will provide specific postoperative care instructions, which may include the use of compression garments, avoiding sun exposure, and keeping the head elevated to reduce swelling and improve patient well-being.
Regular postoperative follow-ups are crucial to ensure a smooth recovery and that the results meet expectations.
Los controles postoperatorios regulares son fundamentales para asegurarse de que la recuperación sea adecuada y de que los resultados sean los esperados.
Results of facial feminization surgery
The results of facial feminization are long-lasting, and in many cases, permanent. However, it is important to note that results are not immediate, and along with swelling that takes weeks to subside, subtle changes in facial features may occur during the first year. Many of these surgeries involve bone reshaping, so patience is needed to fully see the results.
The satisfaction rate among patients at IM GENDER who have undergone facial feminization surgeries is high. They also report that changes in their facial features help them feel more aligned with their gender identity.
Facial feminization not only physically transforms individuals but can significantly improve their self-esteem and quality of life, as the face is an essential part of how we perceive our identity both socially and individually.
Need more information about facial feminization surgeries? Contact our team, and we’ll answer all your questions.
