Facial Feminization Surgery Ventura, Oxnard & Santa Barbara

Explore the transformative results of Facial Feminization Surgery (FFS) in Ventura, Oxnard & Santa Barbara with Dr. Morissette.

What Is Facial Feminization Surgery?

Facial feminization surgery (FFS) is a collection of facial surgical procedures that modify masculine features to appear softer or more feminine. These procedures are often performed on females undergoing transgender transition. However, cisgender females and individuals assigned female at birth (AFAB) also seek out FFS to create more traditional feminine features they may not have naturally. With the help of Dr. Morrissette, multiple facial procedures are available to complete facial feminization.

What Procedures Are Completed During FFS?

Jaw Contouring:

The male jaw is usually square and more prominent at the mandibular angles. The surgery to contour the jaw may include mandibular angle reduction and chin narrowing. Sometimes, simple jaw shaving is performed instead, giving amble results.

Rhinoplasty:

It involves reshaping the nose to make it smaller and less prominent. This usually includes nasal tip procedures and narrowing of the dorsum.

Brow Lift/ Frontal Bone Reduction/Scalp Advancement:

These procedures are often performed simultaneously through the same incision. The frontal bone is reduced or contoured, the hairline is lowered, and the eyebrows are raised. This gives the eyebrows a more arched appearance, which is considered more feminine.

Lip Lift:

The fullness of the lip, as well as the shape and amount of pink “show,” can be increased. Other options include lip fillers, lip flips (performed using BOTOX), and fat grafting.

Tracheal Shave (Adams Apple Reduction):

To improve the neck profile and reduce the prominence of the thyroid cartilage, the cartilage can be shaved from a small incision in the neck.

Am I A Candidate?

Candidates for FFS should be in good overall health, be non-smokers or willing to quit temporarily, and have realistic expectations about the outcomes of the surgery. Additional candidate requirements to consider are as follows:

Transgender women
Individuals with gender dysphoria seeking to align their physical appearance with their gender identity
Adults who have completed their physical and psychological transition process
Those looking to achieve more feminine facial features

The Importance Of The Consultation

An initial consultation to discuss all your goals and concerns is one of the most important parts of the process. Recovery times vary depending on the number and type of surgical procedures completed at one time. Bony surgery procedures can take six months to one year to complete recovery. As such, realistic expectations need to be set and thoroughly discussed. Facial feminization surgery is just one aspect of the total treatment (surgical and medical) and may involve consultations with multiple specialists.

Consulting with Dr. Morrissette can give you insight into where your facial feminization surgery can begin. Dr. Michael Morrissette, a board-certified surgeon, has extensive experience in oral and maxillofacial surgery, with over three decades as a cosmetic, reconstructive, and trauma surgeon. His cosmetic surgery practice is focused exclusively on facial procedures; his experience and deep knowledge of facial beauty and anatomy have given him the skills and a level of artistry that is above and beyond the ordinary. Schedule your consultation for facial feminization surgery in Ventura, Oxnard & Santa Barbara today.

Facial Feminization Surgery FAQs

What is Facial Feminization Surgery (FFS)?

Facial Feminization Surgery (FFS) is a set of surgical procedures aimed at altering facial features to create a more feminine appearance. It involves a combination of techniques such as rhinoplasty, forehead contouring, jaw reduction, and chin reshaping, among others.

Who is a candidate for Facial Feminization Surgery?

Candidates for FFS are typically transgender women or individuals with gender dysphoria seeking to align their physical appearance with their gender identity. They should be in good overall health and have realistic expectations about the outcomes of the surgery.

Is Facial Feminization Surgery Covered By Insurance?

In most cases, yes, it can be. Check with your insurance provider to see if your policy covers FFS. Specific documents may be required for your insurance to cover the procedures done for facial feminization surgery.

What is the recovery process like after Facial Feminization Surgery?

Recovery time can vary depending on the extent of the procedures performed. Generally, patients can expect some swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the first few weeks following surgery. Full recovery may take several months, during which patients should follow post-operative care instructions provided by their surgeon.

What are the potential risks and complications of Facial Feminization Surgery?

Like any surgical procedure, FFS carries risks such as infection, bleeding, scarring, and anesthesia complications. Additionally, specific risks may be associated with individual procedures, such as nerve damage or changes in sensation. It's important for patients to thoroughly discuss these risks with their surgeon before proceeding with surgery.