Gender Affirmation Facial Procedures in NJ & PA

Overview

Your face is often the first thing that others notice about you. For many transgender individuals, the facial features they were born with may not align with their gender identity, causing significant distress and discomfort. Gender affirmation facial procedures reshape and resize face and neck features to help patients achieve an outer appearance that matches their gender identity.

Summary

Procedure time

6 to 12 hours

Overnight stay

Yes

Anesthetic

General anesthesia

Recovery time

2-4 weeks

Types of Facial Procedures

Facial Masculinization Surgery

Facial masculinization surgery is a set of procedures that masculinize the face. The specific surgical techniques can vary based on your unique anatomy and desired outcome, but the goal is typically to create a more angular and defined facial structure with a stronger jawline, brow ridge, and nose. Common procedures include:

Brow bone augmentation
Brow lowering
Masculinizing rhinoplasty
Jaw contouring/mandibular augmentation
Chin contouring/genioplasty
Facelift
Structural fat grafting
Tracheal augmentation

doctor with hands on side of black womans face

Facial Feminization Surgery

Facial feminization surgery is a set of procedures that feminize the face. While the process is different for each patient, the procedures usually transform the face to have a more delicate and rounded structure with a softer forehead, brow ridge, nose, chin, and jaw. Common procedures include:

Hairline lowering/advancement
Brow bone reduction
Brow lift
Temporal augmentation
Eyelid surgery
Cheek augmentation
Feminizing rhinoplasty
Nostril narrowing/alar reduction
Earlobe reduction
Buccal fat removal
Lip lift
Jaw contouring/mandibular reduction
Masseter muscle reduction
Chin reduction/genioplasty
Facelift
Structural fat grafting
Tracheal shave

Am I a

Candidate for Facial Procedures?

Facial surgery can be a beneficial option for individuals who are seeking gender affirmation. The specific procedures and techniques that may be appropriate will depend on the individual's goals and needs. In general, good candidates for facial surgery for gender affirmation include individuals who:

Have been diagnosed with gender dysphoria and have completed a thorough evaluation by a qualified mental health professional.
Are at least 18 years of age or have parental consent if younger.
Have been on hormone therapy for an appropriate amount of time (typically at least 12 months) and have achieved a stable hormone level.
Are in good physical and mental health, with no contraindications for surgery.
Have realistic expectations and a clear understanding of the risks and benefits of the procedures.
Have facial features that are inconsistent with their gender identity and that they wish to change.

Consultation

The Plastic Surgery Center offers confidential facial masculinization and facial feminization surgery consultations at all of our locations. During your consultation, one of our highly skilled and experienced surgeons will thoroughly evaluate your medical history, facial structures, skin quality, and ongoing transition goals before recommending a treatment plan tailored to your needs. Your surgeon may also take facial measurements, photographs, and x-rays or CT scans.

What to Expect

Most facial masculinization and facial feminization surgeries are performed under general anesthesia. The surgeries last 6 to 12 hours, and you will likely stay at the hospital overnight. Depending on your goals and treatment plan, the surgeon may recommend dividing your procedures into multiple surgeries. You and your surgeon will decide together what approach is best for you.

After, you may have a surgical drain and bandages, compression wraps, and gauze covering your incisions, and you will likely be asked to keep your head elevated for the first two weeks. Redness, bruising, discomfort, and swelling usually subside within several weeks. Most people can resume regular activities within 10 to 14 days, but should avoid strenuous activity for four to six weeks.

Recovery &
Results

Results can take up to one year or more to develop fully, but many patients see noticeable changes well before that time.

Swelling and bruising peak two to three days after surgery, but typically start to resolve within one to two weeks. In three to four weeks, the majority of the swelling is gone. The remainder of the swelling is further reduced in the next six to 12 months.

To maximize both recovery and results, closely follow your surgeon’s directions and attend follow-up appointments.

Best

Gender Affirmation Surgeons in NJ & PA

Our plastic and reconstructive surgeons are best-in-class. We understand and respect the intimate and life-changing process of transitioning and deliver beautiful facial results that create harmony between the inner and outer self.

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PHYSICIAN

Russell Ashinoff

MD, FACS

PHYSICIAN

Sean Herman

MD, FACS

PHYSICIAN

Stephen Dudick

PHYSICIAN

Robert T. Nevitt III

PHYSICIAN

Chris Lakhiani

Financing & Insurance

Most insurance providers offer coverage for medically necessary transition-related care. While facial masculinization and facial feminization surgery are typically considered elective cosmetic procedures, it's possible that some or all of the costs may be covered by your insurance. We will work with you and your health insurer to obtain the approvals for your covered surgical procedures.

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Our Process

Schedule a Consultation

During your consultation, our expert surgeons will listen and work with you to fully understand the look you wish to achieve.

Explore
Your Options

We will review and explain all of your cosmetic options and identify which procedure is right for you.

Start Your Transformation

Our friendly and compassionate staff and physicians will guide you through the entire process, answer all of your questions and alleviate any concerns.