Tips for Successful Facial Feminization Surgery

  

Facial Feminization Surgery (FFS) is a very impactful, gender-affirming facial surgery for trans women or cisgender people seeking a harmonious, feminine facial appearance. It involves a customised set of facial soft-tissue and bone-altering procedures to make all masculine facial features look feminine. The common Transgender Facial Feminization Surgery in India procedures include forehead contouring/brow bone reduction, nose reshaping, cheek augmentation, jaw and chin reduction, tracheal shave, and facelift/neck lift.

 

If planning for FFS, below are the expert-recommended tips to ensure the surgery's success: a seamless, transformative journey, a safe/smooth recovery, and the most realistic outcomes.

 

1. Select the best FFS surgeon.

A natural-looking, desired outcome of FFS is achievable with a surgeon who is skilled and experienced in facial feminization surgery or gender affirmation procedures and is aware of typical female facial proportions and aesthetic balance of features.

 

2. Look forward to a detailed facial assessment and personalised FFS planning.

A successful facial feminization requires tailored planning. To create a suited plan for FFS, the patient must pass through a holistic, pre-operative analysis of the face to allow the patient to understand the unique facial structure and the facial feminization goals. The patient will require pre-operative evaluation, which includes 3D imaging of the face, facial measurements, facial bone structure analysis, evaluation of facial soft tissues, and discussion regarding FFS procedures.

 

3. Set for realistic expectations.

The outcome of FFS depends on the patient’s unique facial anatomy, the bone thickness, soft tissues, and the healing period. Knowing what is achievable through facial feminization can make the patient confident to undergo the surgery process. Thus, to get the expected outcomes, the first step is to set reasonable surgery goals.

 

4. Have a healthy preparation for FFS.

A physically and mentally fit person will be at low risk of experiencing risks and complications associated with FFS. For guaranteed safe and relaxing operation, smooth recovery, and achievement of optimal FFS outcomes, the surgeon recommends being best prepared as per the recommended instructions.

 

The general pre-operative guidelines are:

 

• Stop or avoid the use of blood-thinning medications and supplements, as well as alcohol.

• Avoid tobacco use for 4-6 weeks.

• Have a well-balanced diet.

• Make sure to maintain normal hormonal levels.

• Manage lifestyle-related health issues like diabetes and hypertension.

• Fast overnight or 6-8 hours before the surgery to avoid anaesthesia-related risks.

• Arrange for transport and at-home support for the day of the surgery.

 

5. Strictly follow the post-operative guidelines.

Patients who adhere to all the surgeon-recommended procedures will have a swift, stress-free recovery. During the recovery period, utmost rest and care are crucial for the patients. With a consistent, right aftercare plan, the surgery will pose minimal risks and help the patient maintain an appealing, feminine face.

 

Here are some advice and recommendations to consider during the recovery of FFS to ensure optimal outcomes:

• Practice, gentle, surgeon-instructed surgical wound care.

• Apply a cold compress to the face to relieve swelling.

• Do not strain the face or go for weight lifting.  

• Avoid putting pressure on the face.

• When taking rest, sleep with your head raised.

• Sun-protect the incision sites.

• Take prescription medications, as provided by the surgeon.

 

6. Switch to healthy lifestyle habits.

Long-term preservation of feminine facial contours is achievable by maintaining healthy habits. The surgeon recommends the following throughout the FFS journey:

• Keep body and skin well-hydrated.

• Manage the weight and hormonal health.

• Quit bad lifestyle choices like smoking and alcohol.

• Follow gentle facial skincare.

• Eat balanced meals.

 

Have patience.

The desired results of FFS take time to show up. The patient must take note of the recovery timeline, so that if anything is not as it should be, the patient can timely share it with the surgeon and avoid delay of healing.

 

Here’s the typical recovery timeline:

• 2-4 weeks for a considerable reduction in the swelling and bruising of the face

• 3 months to witness the visible refining of the operated areas of the face

• 6-12 months for the final feminine, facial contours to be apparent.

 

7. Attend all follow-up appointments.

Regular visits to the FFS surgeon during recovery are crucial to ensure everything goes as expected.

 

A post-operative check-up will include:

• Monitoring of the progress of healing.

• Removal of stitches or drains (if used).

• Guidance for the level of activities.

• Adjustment in the medications.

• Early detection and addressing of any issues that arise at the time of recovery.

 

Meet The Expert

 

Facial feminization surgery yields expected outcomes if the right surgeon is chosen, one prepares well, and one follows proper aftercare.

 

If you are looking for the best facial plastic and FFS surgeon for a successful FFS procedure, schedule a consultation with Dr. Parag Telang at Designer Bodyz. He is a popular surgeon and has performed thousands of successful FFS surgeries. He also provides the most transparent Transgender Surgery Cost in India and has many happy customers praising him for offering them the best results.