Facial Feminization Surgery

Achieve a More Feminine-Looking Face
What is Facial Feminization Surgery (FFS)?

Facial feminization surgery (FFS) is a series of surgical procedures designed to address masculine features of the face. Through years of research, differences in masculine versus feminine facial features have been discovered so that a plan can be tailored toward each individual’s anatomy and goals.
A feminine face incorporates many soft tissue and bony elements, including:
- Large eyes
- Small nose and chin
- Prominent cheekbones
- Eyebrow position and shape
- Smooth skin texture without hair
- Short upper lip and full lips overall
Dr. Saxon trained with the world-renowned FFS expert, Dr. Jeffrey Spiegel, in her fellowship at Boston University Medical Center and The Spiegel Center, where she spent an entire year studying the nuances of the feminine face. Dr. Spiegel developed the surgical techniques that are now more well-known in facial feminization. Since that time, she has fine-tuned her unique approach and built previous techniques for dramatic results with minimal downtime.
Facial Feminization for All Women

Facial feminization surgery (FFS) is a valuable option for all women seeking facial refinement. Women may opt for FFS to enhance their facial features and achieve a more delicate and feminine appearance. Many women feel that their face looks masculine, and more well-known facial plastic surgical procedures do not give them the results they are looking for. Procedures like brow bone reduction, hairline lowering, lip lift, cheek augmentation, or jaw contouring can help those women attain the facial balance and elegance they desire.
Gender Affirmation for Transgender Women

Facial Feminization Overview
While each procedure within your facial feminization surgical plan will have its own set of desired improvements, Dr. Saxon’s overall focus when performing facial feminization surgery is to emphasize the upper portion of the face and refine the lower portion. Features such as large eyes and fuller cheeks are characteristically feminine, while stronger features in the lower face (such as a wide jaw or prominent chin) make a face appear more masculine. By enlarging and brightening the eyes and refining masculine features, the face will appear softer, more delicate, and more feminine overall.
Procedures involved in feminizing the face include:
Facial feminization surgery is a major surgical procedure, and recovery is significant. You should expect to experience swelling, pain, redness, and bruising in multiple areas of the face. Dr. Saxon uses tranexamic acid during surgery and will give you steroids after surgery to minimize swelling and bruising after surgery.
Swelling in the lower face as a result of jawline contouring may cause difficulty eating or speaking. This is to be expected but may be problematic. To minimize this risk, Dr. Saxon recommends that all patients supplement each meal with a protein shake to ensure that enough nutrients are taken in for optimal healing.
You are likely to need multiple dressings following your surgery, depending on what specific procedures are included in your treatment plan. Most facial feminization patients are dressed with an ACE head wrap and a cast on their nose. You are also likely to have several incisions to keep clean and protect. These may include an incision at or behind the hairline, under the nose, inside the cheeks, or other areas.
Dr. Saxon will remove all of your sutures one week after your surgery. You should expect to stay home from work or school for a minimum of two to three weeks. After this period, you will not need to wear any dressings, and you will be able to apply makeup to disguise any incisions or bruising.
Your FFS Results

Facial Feminization FAQs
What is the average cost of facial feminization surgery (FFS)?
Does Saxon MD take insurance for facial feminization surgery?
How long is the recovery period for facial feminization surgery?
What are the most common procedures involved in facial feminization surgery?
Is it better to have all facial feminization procedures done at one time or do multiple stages?
It is common for individuals to have all of their procedures done at one time; however, some choose to have multiple stages depending on budget and overall health. If skin tightening is needed, Dr. Saxon will often recommend having this portion done about 6 months after bone refinement to allow for swelling to go down. At your consultation, Dr. Saxon will be able to guide you through prioritizing certain procedures over others if you need to stage them over time.
Are there nonsurgical alternatives for facial feminization?
- Adam's Apple Reduction, Facial Feminization
Does a Tracheal Shave Change Your Voice? If you’re considering a tracheal shave, you might be wondering: Does a tracheal
- Adam's Apple Reduction, Facial Feminization
Do Women Have Adam’s Apples? When most people think of an Adam’s apple, they tend to associate it with men,
- Dermal Fillers, Facial Feminization, Neuromodulators
Avoiding a Masculine Look with Non-Surgical Facial Rejuvenation Treatments Non-surgical facial rejuvenation treatments can be a great way to maintain
- Facial Feminization
“Am I a masculine looking woman?” It’s a question that no one wants to ask but one that some women
- Brow Bone Reduction, Brow Lift, Facial Feminization, Hairline Lowering
The upper third of the face is a crucial element in defining the overall appearance and gender perception of the