Facial feminization surgery is a set of cosmetic surgical procedures that alter male facial features to bring them closer in shape and size to typical female facial features. The goal is to soften masculinized features into a shape more typically recognized as feminine. Facial feminization surgery is tailored to each person and can encompass up to every aspect of the face and neck. The surgeries mostly focus on bone structure and nose shape as well as soft tissue work such as face-lifts and neck-lifts. There are 4 main surgeries that are involved in facial feminization surgery and they encompass the following:

Tracheal Shave

A tracheal shave reduces the appearance of the Adam’s apple. When a tracheal shave is used as part of facial feminization, the goal is to give the neck and throat a more feminine appearance by reducing the prominence of the Adam’s apple. Technically, thyroid cartilage is being removed from in front of the larynx. Along with other facial gender markers, having a less noticeable Adam’s apple can help patients feel more comfortable with their appearance.

Rhinoplasty

Nose feminization is one of the most common facial feminization surgeries. The nose is the most prominent feature of the face. Nasal refinement can create marked improvements in the female facial appearance. It tends to make the eyes look larger, bring out the cheekbones, and adds delicacy to the overall face. The shape of the male nose is usually larger and more angular than a female nose. Feminizing Rhinoplasty reduces the size of the nose and alters it’s shape and profile to make it appear more feminine. This result is achieved by narrowing or altering the nose internally or reshaping and moving nasal cartilage.

Brow Lift and Recontouring

The forehead is one of the most apparent gender markers. Brow bone reduction (also known as forehead recontouring) can transform a prominent male forehead into one that is more typical of a female appearance. The aim of forehead feminization via contouring and reduction is to create a more feminine “softer” forehead and reduce the heavy appearance of the male brow. The forehead and browlift is a simple cosmetic surgical procedure carried out to lift the area directly above the eye. This also helps to give the face a more feminine appearance.

Hairline Lowering

Hairline lowering, also known as scalp advancement, makes a huge difference when creating a more feminine appearance. The male hairline is typically further back on the skull than a female one, creating the appearance of a larger, more prominent hairline. The aim of this procedure is to reduce the amount of height between the eyebrows and the hairline and to alter the shape of the hairline. This procedure is usually included with other facial feminization procedures and are typically performed in one single surgical session.