Facial Feminization Surgery (FFS)

The precise results you receive from FFS depend on the exact procedures you want. The results most trans women look for from common gender affirmation surgeries include:

• More luscious, full lips
• A refined and reshaped nose for a softer look
• A shaved Adam’s apple and a contoured neck from a mini neck lift
• A lower hairline, which creates the illusion of a smaller forehead, perhaps in conjunction with a brow lift, sometimes done with just one incision
• Enriched, fuller cheeks with facial fat transfer
• A gentler profile achieved through a chin reduction

It’s common to have multiple surgeries done independently or at the same time. What you want to look like is up to you and your plastic surgeon. Dr. Shokrian is upfront and honest with you about what you can achieve given your specific facial structure.

There are few minor dangers that may arise when you have facial feminisation surgery. Most of these threats are easily treated and substantially mitigated when you rely on Dr. Shokrian’s years of experience, his skills and extraordinary talents. As with most surgeries, you face a risk of:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Poor healing of incisions
• Dissatisfaction with the results

You inevitably experience some swelling, which you can alleviate with cold packs applied daily for the first several days. Your Manhattan plastic surgeon makes you feel comfortable during the entire face feminization surgery process. He even prepares you for the results of your surgeries, which may take a few weeks to a couple months to completely appear.

With the incisions made during surgery, you can expect some pain, swelling and possible bruising. Other parts of your recovery depend on the procedures you have and how well you follow the post-op instructions. Specific procedures and their general recovery can include:

• Tracheal shave usually leaves you with a sore throat temporarily.
• Rhinoplasty causes swelling that may last for up to a year before you see the final result.
• Lip augmentation leaves your lips swollen and bruised, but the worst is over within 24 to 48 hours.

Your recovery also depends on your overall health and genetics. It also matters how well and how fast you heal, as well as how well you perform self-care. You can expect to go home the same day from most procedures. Plan on a week or two of complete rest — how you care for yourself during your recovery is just as important as the surgery itself.

Trans women have an array of non-surgical options, in addition to hormones. Due to time or financial constraints, you can start with non-surgical procedures, such as:

• Chemical peels
• Hair removal
• Botox or other injectables
• Soft tissue fillers, like Juvederm
• Facial resurfacing

The non-surgical selections can be done in the Manhattan medical-grade spa at Millennial Plastic Surgery. The results can be astonishing, but they’re not usually permanent. The change lasts between three and six months, depending on the procedure.