All information on this site is intended for general purposes and is in no way a substitute for professional medical advice. If you are planning to undergo facial feminization surgery, it's reasonable to ask your surgeon about the specific techniques or approaches they will use. Your surgeon andanesthesiologistwill come to greet you and review the operation with you. Even though transgender or non-binary patients undergoing breast augmentation ("top surgery") or vaginoplasty ("bottom surgery") need to meet certain criteria set forth by the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) before being approved for surgery, there are no specific criteria for patients undergoing a facial feminization procedure. Several surgical techniques are available to change the length, tightness or size of your voice box. These changes address the gendered differences in facial structure that occur due to testosterone exposure during various phases of development. Genioplasty: Transgender genioplasty is performed to transform a wider, flatter, longer, and more squared masculine chin to a narrower, shorter, more rounded female chin. Surgery changes the length, size or tightness of your vocal cords. While not all patients require this procedure, it can be helpful in achieving a more harmonious profile with the use of cheek implants. Using a highly individualized approach, the plastic surgery team works with the patient to develop a plan that best meets the individuals needs and preferences. Cleveland Clinic Main Campus Use our list of health topics to reach your destination faster. If you are being discharged that day, it will likely be a few hours after the procedure. That said, the physical and emotional challenges that go along with surgery are very real. Your provider also makes sure youre in good physical health by: You might also have imaging scans before facial feminization surgery. Who might need facial gender surgery? Facial Feminization Surgery (FFS). Scarring inside your voice box or on the outside of your throat. Though the procedures are largely safe, it is important tocall your doctor right away if you develop a fever, severe pain or other signs of infection, or if you have any other concerns. Avoid driving until you are off all pain medication and your surgeon gives you the OK. The total cost will vary depending upon the procedure and the number of stages needed. The combination of these procedures, however, does not increase the recovery time. You might have one surgery or several, including: If you get a comprehensive FFS as a single surgery, it can take eight to nine hours. This therapy helps you adapt to the changes in your voice. These images help the surgeon plan your surgeries and provide a baseline for evaluating results after your procedures are finished. For the first few days after surgery, you may need to avoid talking, laughing, singing or coughing. Please contact our office with any questions. Facial feminization surgery is performed as either a single procedure or as multiple staged procedures. Dysphonia (difficulty speaking), such as voice breaks or tremors. About. Before and after photos on this website are Dr. Totonchis actual patients and all patients have given consent for use of these photos. Patients may opt to have a zero depth vaginoplasty procedure which involves creation of the outer genitals (labia, clitoral hood, urethral opening) only without a vagina. Patients must have a support person to stay with them during their hospital and hotel stay. 2020 Aug; 53(2): 244253. The course of recovery for the different procedures can vary, and it can be influenced by your general state of health and your self-care after surgery. The selection of procedures is customized for each person based on their aesthetic goals. The operations usually consist of multiple procedures including those listed below . Hairline advancement (scalp advancement): Scalp advancement is a procedure done to move the hairline forward, decreasing the prominence of the forehead. Insurance Coverage: This procedure is very specialized and often not covered by insurance plans. There will be several postoperative appointments after your surgery depending on what type of surgery you have. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Get useful, helpful and relevant health + wellness information. This is typically only needed if you are undergoing surgery as a gender-affirming operation. In terms of restarting estrogen therapy (if this applies to you), confirm with your healthcare provider, but patients can usually restart within two to three days after surgery. Healthcare providers recommend voice feminization therapy before and after surgery. More about Facial Feminization Surgery Narrow *Treatment results may vary *The member who uploaded this photo has read and agreed to the RealSelf Photo Rules To ease discomfort, take your pain medication exactly as prescribed. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. With the traditional "open" approach, a surgeon makes a large incision to perform the operation. A variety of techniques can be employed for the chin, which includes the use of a chin implant, osteotomy (cutting and shaping of the chin bone), or fat graft. Stable mental health, sufficiently self-aware, and successfully managing identified issues with depression. The procedure is used to decrease the distance between the hairline and the eyebrows giving a more youthful, feminine appearance. PDF Gender Dysphoria Treatment - UHCprovider.com Out-of-pocket costs will also be discussed at this visit. Call and make your consultation appointment with Dr. Totonchi to discuss your FFS needs, call office at 216-778-2262. Cleveland, Ohio 44195, Director of Transgender Surgical Services; Program Director, Transgender Surgery & Medicine Fellowship, Emeritus Chair & Section Head of Cosmetic Surgery, Director of Plastic Surgery Research & Co-Director of Craniofacial Program, Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44195 |, Important Updates + Notice of Vendor Data Event. Your surgical team will review these with you as you get closer to surgery. During your consultation, your plastic surgeon will review your goals and expectations, the recommended procedures, and all potential risks involved. 2017 May; 19(3): 175181. Some surgeons recommend splitting the procedures into two surgeries, separated by seven to 10 days or longer. Avoid bending over or lifting anything heavier than 20 lbs for two weeks after your surgery. Once you are scheduled for facial feminization surgery, your surgeon will give you instructions on how to prepare. Each patient is different and your expectations and desired results will be discussed fully in your consultation. For patients having forehead and hairline contouring, the brow can be lifted through the same incision made in the scalp. Those looking to soften and feminise their facial features such as their jaw, cheeks, forehead and nose. He lectures nationally and internationally on these topics. Dr. Totonchi is also an Associate Professor at Case Western Reserve Universitys School of Medicine. If you are considering any bone-related procedure (e.g., forehead or jaw), you will need to get X-rays or a computed tomography (CT) scan of your facial bones. In extreme cases, a tissue expansion is used to achieve the desired effect. Facial Feminization Surgery | Dr. Tommy Liu Facial Feminization Surgery: What to Expect and Post-Operative Care. Hysterectomy is often performed as an outpatient procedure, but some patients may require one night stay in the hospital. Dr. McClung is a board-certified urologist in Columbus, Ohio who specializes in gender-affirming Vaginoplasty. What are the masculine features that you would most like to soften and make more feminine? In addition to adjusting the pitch of your voice, a speech-language pathologist helps you feminize: About 1% of transgender women have voice feminization surgery. Risks of voice feminization surgery include: The major benefit of voice feminization surgery is that you can achieve a pitch that more closely matches your gender identity. Technical and clinical considerations for facial feminization surgery with rhinoplasty and related procedures. Facial Feminization Surgery: Everything You Need to Know - Verywell Health 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44195 |, Important Updates + Notice of Vendor Data Event, (https://alahns.org/wp-content/uploads/CLC/56-Transgender-surgery.pdf), (https://leader.pubs.asha.org/doi/10.1044/leader.FTR2.24022019.54). Facial Feminization Surgery: A Review of 220 Consecutive Patients. If you are staying overnight, you will be moved to a hospital room once you are fully awake. Were happy to complete FMLA and STD paperwork if applicable. Facial feminization surgery (FFS) encompasses a series of surgical interventions designed to make your face appear more feminine. He has extensive training and experience in facelift, rhinoplasty body, and breast surgery. Gender Affirming Surgical Services | Cleveland Clinic Our gym members get 20% off physiotherapy. When icing, be sure to stick to these tips: Your surgeon may also ask that you keep your head elevated for at least two weeks after your surgery. In addition to plastic surgery, facial feminization procedures include nonsurgical treatments such as cosmetic fillers, botulinum toxin, fat grafting and liposuction. In the case of patients with more narrow mandible angles, jaw implants are used to create a more defined jaw structure. FFS can reshape bone, cartilage and soft tissue of the face. These procedures include but are not limited to: rhinoplasty, forehead contouring, jaw angle reduction, chin width reduction, lowering the hairline, hair transplantation, cheek augmentation, lip augmentation and upper lip shortening. Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Health Care, World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) guidelines, Learn more about requirements for specific gender-affirming procedures, View before and after photos of masculinizing chest surgery (mastectomy), View before and after photos of breast augmentation surgery, View before and after photos of vaginoplasty surgery, View before and after photos of facial feminization procedures, World Professional Association for Transgender Health, Transgender Health & Gender Affirming Medical Services. Policy. Revealing My Post-Facial Feminization Surgery Face! - YouTube The highest standards of clinical care in state-of-the-art facilities, with Consultant-led treatment, spotlessly clean rooms, and a team of dedicated and experienced nurses. Examples include chin and nose augmentation, cheek augmentation, jaw contouring, and lowering of the eyebrow ridge/forehead lengthening. You may find it painful to chew solid food for a few days. Dr. Totonchi knows your goals are extremely important and will listen and help you understand how these can be accomplished. These procedures include but are not limited to: rhinoplasty, forehead contouring, jaw angle reduction, chin width reduction, lowering the hairline, hair transplantation, cheek augmentation, lip augmentation and upper lip shortening. Your provider may use steroid injections or Botox injections after surgery. With the endoscopic approach, smaller incisions and special, pliable instruments are used to perform the procedure.