What you need to know about facial feminization surgery in New York City, Manhattan, New Jersey, and Flushing
Facial feminization surgery, commonly known as FFS treatment, is a series of procedures that transform masculine facial characteristics into feminine ones. Dr. Kwan, renowned plastic surgeon, offers this treatment at his offices in New York City, Manhattan, New Jersey, and Flushing.
Our culture recognizes certain facial shapes and characteristics as feminine, and others as masculine. This can be especially difficult emotionally, psychologically, and socially for individuals with “masculine” faces who identify more female on the gender spectrum.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons defines the procedure as a male to female reconstructive surgery, but it means much more than that to patients. It is a life-changing treatment, which allows one to face the world comfortably and confidently. For some people, it is considered medically necessary to help alleviate gender dysphoria, which is a psychological condition caused by the stress of a disconnect between the gender a person identifies with and the gender that a person is perceived as.
Facial feminization is often performed as an adjunct to gender reassignment. It is also popular among transgender and cisgender women, AMAB (assigned male at birth) non-binary trans individuals, and anyone else who desires a more feminine appearance.
About the facial feminization surgery process
Most often, when we see a face, we can identify it as male or female. Yet, if pressed to explain exactly why, most people would not be able to answer. There is not a specific trait or facial characteristic that differentiates a person’s perceived gender. Instead, there are subtle variations of each facial feature, making it appear more masculine or feminine. The cumulative effect of these factors gives the person’s face a definitively male or female appearance.
In order for facial feminization to be effective, with a beautiful and natural looking result, the surgeon must modify various features, usually involving multiple procedures. The process is highly customized, and different for each patient. Facial feminization procedures usually include some or all of the following:
Rhinoplasty – Usually called a nose job, the rhinoplasty procedure sculpts the nasal area. The goal is to reshape the nose, creating a more feminine form, while maintaining a size that it in proportion to the rest or the face. Depending on the specific changes needed, it may be performed using incisions inside the nasal cavity with no external scarring. In some cases, an open rhinoplasty technique is needed, which can leave a very fine scar between the nostrils, but it is well disguised and not noticeable.
Cheek augmentation – Full, nicely rounded cheeks are associated with a female face. This can be accomplished surgically, via fat grafting or implants. However, it is rarely necessary for individuals who are taking synthetic hormones as part of a gender reassignment. The hormones stimulate relocation of some fat on the body and face, usually causing cheeks to fill out.
Lip surgery – The mouth is one of the most defining facial features in terms of gender perceptions. A masculine face tends to have less curvature to the lips, and greater distance above (between lips and nose) and below (between lips and chin) them. A lip lift procedure can decrease the distance, while adding a feminine upward curl. Lip augmentation may be used to create fuller lips, which are associated with female beauty.
Forehead contouring – A prominent, angular forehead is a classically masculine feature. Correcting it involves shaving off excess bone and sculpting the brow area. Depending on the thickness of the browbone and the amount of protrusion, different techniques may be used. When surgery is minor, Dr. Kwan will open the area and shave the bone while it remains in place. If surgery is more extensive and there is risk to the sinus cavity, he may temporarily remove the bone, shape it, then replace it at an optimal angle.
Chin surgery – Known medically as genioplasty, this encompasses both chin reduction and chin augmentation. In some cases, it may involve reduction in some areas and augmentation in others, in order to create a shapely, feminine chin. Chin surgery usually involves shaping the bone, or sometimes cutting and relocating part of it. When appropriate, a chin implant may be used.
Jaw reduction – The jaw has a significant impact on the shape, proportions, and overall appearance of the face. Like the brow, thick, angular bones give a distinctly masculine appearance. Jaw reduction involves shaving or cutting away a small amount of bone, which reduces the width of the jaw and softens the angles. Also masseter muscle is partially removed and reduced.
Tracheal shave – Males have prominent thyroid cartilage, which is usually called an Adam’s Apple. Because it is so distinctive and gender-oriented, reduction of this cartilage is an important part of feminization surgery. The tracheal shave reduces the size of the Adam’s Apple, and sculpts it to a feminine appearance.
Soft tissue surgery – Minor surgeries or non-surgical aesthetic procedures may be included in facial feminization, giving the “finishing touches” to one’s facial transformation. These may include eyelid surgery, dermal fillers, or facial treatments.
Side effects, complications, and recovery
Certain risks, such as bleeding and infection, are inherent to any surgical procedure. However, procedure-specific risks and potential for complications will vary, depending on the techniques used. Dr. Kwan will discuss this in detail during your initial consultation and treatment planning. For many facial feminization patients, the greatest concern is the possibility of being dissatisfied with results or feeling as if they are seeing a stranger in the mirror. Dr. Kwan uses Vectra 3D imaging, which allows patients to preview expected results before committing to surgery.
Why choose Dr. Edmund Kwan
Dr. Kwan has over two decades of experience in aesthetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. He is among the few surgeons in the nation who commonly perform bony tissue procedures, such as reduction and sculpting of the cheekbones, jawbone, and browbone. These procedures are much more complex than soft tissue surgeries, requiring an elevated level of skill. Additionally, Dr. Kwan is noted as a premier ethnic plastic surgeon. He helps facial feminization patients transform their aesthetic gender identity, while preserving their ethnic identities.
Arrange a no-commitment consultation
Feminine facial surgery is a very personal decision, and an important step in your transformation. You might not be certain you want to do it, and you might not know if you are ready. Dr. Kwan understands and respects the sensitivity, as well as importance of this decision. He does not pressure or rush his patients. Instead, he explains what can and cannot be accomplished with surgery, honestly discussing risks, advantages, and disadvantages of various procedures. Furthermore, with Vectra 3D imaging, he can help you explore the possibilities and see for yourself how your new face might appear.
What our patients say
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I had jawbones and cheekbones reduction with Dr. Edmund Kwan about 2 months ago. He has absolutely done an amazing job, the operation was very successful. I did a lot of research before going into his office, and I was pretty scared of the cases that I read online of people who got their face or nerves damaged. However, I was no longer scared after the consultation with Dr. Kwan because of his confidence, and he knew what he was doing.
For Dr. Kwan’s office, everything was clean, professional and well-organized. Other staff is nice, and professional, too. Overall, I’m happy with everything, and I definitely recommend Dr. Edmund Kwan.
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Eunice L.
The best way to find out if you are a good candidate for Facial Feminization Surgery is a consultation with Dr. Kwan. He will be happy to answer your questions, discuss options, and use Vectra imaging so that you can see potential results.
Call any of our offices to schedule your consultation
Dr. Edmund Kwan, M.D. is a board certified plastic surgeon in New York specializing in plastic and reconstructive surgery. Dr Kwan is committed to performing non surgical and surgical procedures to help his patients restore a more youthful appearance with natural and beautiful results.
Dr. Kwan has over two decades of experience in aesthetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. He is among the few surgeons in the nation who commonly perform bony tissue procedures, such as reduction and sculpting of the cheekbones, jawbone, and browbone. These procedures are much more complex than soft tissue surgeries, requiring an elevated level of skill. Additionally, Dr. Kwan is noted as a premier ethnic plastic surgeon. He helps facial feminization patients transform their aesthetic gender identity, while preserving their ethnic identities.
