Facial Feminization Surgery Explained

The Facial Feminization Surgery Process

Caitlyn Jenner's recent debut on the cover of Vanity Fair has created a lot of media attention around the surgical process some transgender patients undergo. Formerly known as Bruce Jenner, Caitlyn underwent a 10-hour facial feminization surgery that involved rhinoplasty among other procedures. Facial feminization surgery can be a very involved process that typically includes a number of procedures that affect the nose, eyebrows, hairline, chin, lips, cheeks and even jaw. Some of the most common facial feminization surgery procedures are:

Chin Recontouring – Because the male chin is typically larger than the female chin, a surgeon may change the shape of the chin or insert a chin implant for a smaller appearance.
Cheek Implants - Females tend to have full, round cheeks. To give a man a fuller, feminine appearance, cheek implants, facial fat grafting or dermal fillers can be used.
Forehead Recontouring - The male forehead is typically larger and more prominent while the female forehead is flatter and more convex. Some patients will need to have their forehead bone shaved down or even reconstructed using surgical-grade screws to get a feminine look.
Tracheal Shave – Men are often identified by a more prominent “Adam’s apple.” This procedure will shave it down so it appears more feminine.
Jaw Recontouring – Because the male jaw is typically wider and larger, the jaw may be cut or filed down to achieve a more feminine and narrow contour.
Hairline Correction – Male hairlines tend to be higher. This special procedure pulls the scalp down to a lower position to give a more feminine look.
The type of surgeries required will vary from patient to patient. It is important to speak to your plastic surgeon to ensure you have a full understanding of every procedure that is involved in your facial feminization surgery process before you consider a surgical procedure.

Hype Vs. Realistic Expectations

Caitlyn Jenner is a special case when it comes to feminization surgery. Few patients have the financing to undergo such an involved surgical process all at once, which made many in the transgender community feel like the expectations for most who want this type of surgery were unrealistic. However, others conclude that her story has opened doors for many to begin discussing facial feminization surgical options available to those who are transgender.

If you are considering any facial feminization procedures, speak with Dr. Sadati. As the Medical Director of the Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery and a top facial plastic surgeon in Newport Beach, Dr. Sadati adheres to the highest standards of patient care. He will thoroughly discuss all options available to you and ensure that you are comfortable with your choice.

Dr. Kevin Sadati is board certified by the American Osteopathic Board of Otolarynology Head and Neck Surgery (AOBOO-HNS) and one of the top facial plastic and ENT (ear, nose and throat) surgeons in California. He specializes in minimally invasive facial and nasal surgery and has over a decade of experience in his field. Along with being a member of the prestigious American Academy of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery (AAFRS), Dr. Sadati is also a Diplomate of the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery (ABCS). Through his extensive experience and skill he has become one of the most sought after Newport Beach and Orange County plastic surgeons for facelifts, rhinoplasty, liposuction and sinus surgery.

Sources:
CBS - http://www.cbsnews.com/news/caitlyn-jenners-surgery-whats-involved-in-facial-feminization/