Facial feminization surgery is a group of procedures that help transgender women shed their more masculine facial features and enjoy a face that looks more feminine. There are many procedures that can be used to create the desired look, and which are correct for you will be determined during a consultation with your surgeon. The options include everything from lip surgery to hairline lowering, brow lift, and jaw reduction.
Reasons to Choose Facial Feminization
If you take a look at a male face and a female face, you might notice there are some pretty major differences. On average, men will have a larger forehead, more prominent nose, bigger chin, and a chine that is broader. In addition to that, men typically have much more facial hair such as sideburns and a beard. Facial feminization surgery focuses on the shape of the face, such as flatting the forehead, reconstructing the jaw or chin, and lifting the lip.
Preparing for Facial Feminization Surgery
Many surgeons request that you stop your hormones a few weeks before surgery and not continue taking them for a few weeks after. However, this is not always the case so be sure you ask your chosen surgeon what their requirements are. You should also be certain your surgeon is aware of any other medications you take on a regular basis. You likely will not need to stop taking them, but your surgeon should be aware of the situation.
Choosing the Best Surgeon
Before selecting the surgeon for your facial feminization, be sure that you speak with a few doctors first. You can call them, video chat on Skype, or meet in person. You should also ask as many questions as you can to get an idea of each surgeon’s technique. This will also be a good time to determine if their bedside manner matches up with your needs.
It is also possible to post on online forums to talk to patients of the surgeonTransgender Surgeonss you are interested in. Many surgeons also provide consultations in large cities or may give presentations at transgender conferences. This allows you to get a feel for your options and make the best choice for your own health.