Do you have the desire to look as feminine on the outside as you feel on the inside?
If so, the Cleveland Plastic Surgery Institute is proud to offer a number of services that can help to align you with the feminine characteristics you desire. Services include surgical and non-surgical procedures designed to enhance and feminize the facial features of those assigned male at birth.
It can be difficult to know exactly what you need to feel like your best self. So, here are some of the most frequently asked questions about the facial feminization procedures offered by the Cleveland Plastic Surgery Institute. We hope this helps.
We’d love for you to reach out to us with any questions you may have regarding facial feminization surgery.
Facial feminization refers to a collection of procedures that help to refine masculine facial features. Facial feminization is highly individualized, but can include changes to the hairline, forehead, orbit (the bone structure surrounding the eyes), nose, cheeks, jaw, chin, neck and Adam’s apple. Because many aspects of the face can change, it is important to consider your ultimate goals when seeking facial feminization.
Facial feminization is an option for transgender women, cisgender women, and those with gender dysphoria who wish to feminize their face. Best candidates are over the age of 18, are healthy, are able to make informed decisions, and have realistic expectations of results.
Male foreheads tend to be longer than female foreheads. One of our surgeons may suggest lowering your hairline to create a shorter, more feminine forehead. This incision can also be used for a brow lift and for forehead and orbital rim (eyelid) reshaping. Another option that may be suggested is a hair transplant.
Oftentimes, the male forehead protrudes more over the eyebrows than a female forehead, and this is called ‘frontal bossing.’ To reduce this, shaving or removal of the bone may be suggested in order to reshape it.
Prior to your surgery, you will need to have special x-rays taken of your face to help plan for your surgery. You may also run a simulation with one of our surgeons so that you have an idea of what to expect from your surgery. VECTRA 3D may be recommended to create a custom surgical plan for you.
While individual goals may vary, the general goal of feminizing rhinoplasty is the reshaping of the nose. This can include:
Rhinoplasty should always take breathing into account, and a goal of rhinoplasty should be to preserve normal nasal breathing or improve dysfunctional nasal breathing. You may need septoplasty or other procedures at the time of your rhinoplasty to help achieve this.
Other goals of rhinoplasty can include addressing cosmetic concerns such as straightening a crooked nose, narrowing the base of the nose, and taking down a dorsal hump.
Female cheeks tend to be higher, rounder, and fuller than male cheeks. To achieve this, one of our surgeons may suggest augmenting your cheeks with fat injections or an implant made of silicone. Depending on your specific anatomy and age, a face lift may be suggested to address drooping fat compartments at the same time.
Feminine lips are considered to be full, with neutral or upturned corners of the mouth, and are a short distance from the top of the lip to the base of the nose. Depending on individual goals and anatomy, our surgeons will suggest specific procedures to help you achieve feminine-appearing lips.
A lip lift involves creation of an incision at the base of the nose, so that the resulting scar is hidden under natural shadows cast by the nose. A small amount of skin between the nose and upper lip is removed, making the upper lip appear more youthful and fuller. A lip lift can be combined with a corner of mouth lift, which elevates the corners of the mouth.
Additionally, a dermal filler product such as Juvederm or Restylane can be administered to increase the volume of the upper and lower lips. Dermal fillers will need to be performed periodically, as most will give about 1 year of improvement. Longer-lasting options include fat transfer and dermal fat grafting. Call or click today to schedule a consultation with our office to see which treatment is best for you.
A chin that is either too wide, too long, or too projecting should be assessed by a surgeon experienced in jaw surgery. In general, a feminine chin is narrower, shorter, and more V-shaped than a masculine chin. To make a chin smaller, controlled fractures need to be made in the bone of the mandible (AKA the lower jaw) to allow for the reshaping of the bones and for the removal of bone portions that lead to excess bulk. The bones then need to be fixated using tiny titanium plates and screws to prevent movement during healing. This surgery can be done through an incision hidden on the inside of the mouth.
To prepare for reduction genioplasty (chin surgery), you will need to have special x-rays taken of your face to plan your surgery. Simulations will be performed with you in order to have an idea of what to expect after surgery. It is important to note that change in the chin and jawline can impact the appearance of the neck, as well as the appearance of the nose in relation to the face.
This type of surgery is often combined with mandibular contouring, or the contouring of the lower jaw.
Mandibular contouring is often combined with genioplasty to help sculpt a jawline that is considered masculine into a more feminine shape. The typical male jawline is wider, taller, and with more squared angles near the ear and chin. The mandible can be shaved to reduce the size and to change the shape of the jaw. This is done through an incision hidden inside the mouth to avoid visible scars.
You will need special x-rays taken of your face to help plan for your surgery. If significant changes are necessary, VECTRA 3D may be recommended in order to create a custom surgical plan just for you.
The Adam’s apple is a bulge in the front of the neck that is usually more prominent in men than in women. It is caused by a protrusion of thyroid cartilage, which is part of the windpipe, in the front of the throat. By making an incision under the chin, it is possible to shave the most projecting portion of the cartilage to reduce its visibility. Tracheal shave can be performed in cisgender women, transgender women, and cisgender men who desire to reduce the prominence of the Adam’s apple.
Call the Cleveland Plastic Surgery Institute or schedule a consultation online to find out which facial feminization procedure is right for you. Thanks for making us a part of your journey!
Dr. Leedy and his staff were easy to work with and worked closely with me to ensure I felt comfortable and prepared. From scheduling, to the actual surgery, and through the recovery, I am extremely happy with the entire process. On top of that, the results of my surgery could not have turned out better. I would highly recommend Dr. Leedy!
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