Facial feminization surgery encompasses a variety of techniques that modify facial characteristics. In transgender individuals, it adapts typically masculine features to have a more socially understood feminine appearance. Although less common, some cisgender women also desire facial feminization surgery when their facial bone structure has characteristics typical of a masculine face, such as a very square jaw and/or forehead, a prominent nose, a wide distance between the lip and the nose, or thin, shapeless lips.
The different facial feminization techniques can include both surgical procedures and non-invasive treatments such as dermal fillers, lip augmentation and contouring, medical peels, and thread lifts. The choice of procedures depends on the individual needs and desires of each patient, as well as their specific facial characteristics.
The main goal of facial feminization is to soften and round out facial features, reducing traits such as a prominent jaw or forehead that are typically associated with a more masculine appearance. The final result is a softer, finer, and more balanced appearance that aligns with feminine facial features.
The ideal candidates for facial feminization are transgender individuals who wish for their facial features to better reflect their gender identity. Additionally, some cisgender women may also opt for these procedures to soften certain facial traits they consider too masculine.
It is essential that candidates have realistic expectations and understand that while the procedures can produce significant changes, results may vary depending on each individual’s facial characteristics. A consultation with an experienced specialist like Dr. Artur Díaz Carandell is crucial to determine which procedures are most appropriate and to plan a personalized approach.
There are a wide variety of surgical and non-surgical techniques in facial feminization. Among the most common surgical techniques are:
A prominent and square forehead is one of the most characteristic features of a masculine appearance. Forehead reduction involves reshaping the frontal bone to make it flatter and more feminine. This procedure can include the reduction of the forehead bone and the repositioning of the scalp to create a more feminine hairline.
The jaw and chin can be reshaped to reduce their width and prominence. This may involve reducing the mandibular bone and softening the contour of the chin to create a more oval and less square shape.
Higher and more arched eyebrows are characteristic of a feminine appearance. A brow lift can be achieved through surgery to lift the eyebrows and create a more open and youthful expression.
When the procedure involves bone work, the recovery process is slow. “When we work on the bone, inflammation occurs on the layers covering it called periosteum. The periosteum is like an air-fix covering the bone and differentiating muscle tissues from the bone. When we perform bone surgery, this layer becomes inflamed, and its recovery process is slow, which is why results are not visible until 10 months later. The patient must be very patient,” explains Dr. Artur Díaz Carandell.
To avoid excessive bleeding, Dr. Díaz Carandell has been using two techniques for years that help significantly reduce it. One is the ultrasonic scalpel, and the other is surgical simulations using highly advanced computer programs. “With a CT scan of the patient, the program indicates where we should act. These digital surgical plans also reduce surgery time, inflammation, and bleeding,” explains Dr. Díaz Carandell.
Facial feminization is a complex and personalized process that can significantly transform a person’s appearance, aligning their facial features with their gender identity. Under the expert guidance of Dr. Artur Díaz Carandell, patients can receive comprehensive treatment that encompasses both surgical and non-surgical techniques, ensuring harmonious and satisfactory results.