Every person has a unique identity. Part of this identity is our individual appearance. For some people, their physical characteristics do not match up with their gender identity. Transgender women can find it particularly difficult to alter the characteristics of their identity assigned at birth. Facial feminization surgery can help transgender women transition, regardless of any other transition surgeries they may or may not choose to have.
Common Areas of Facial Feminization
Facial surgery creates permanent changes to the shape and structure of your appearance, and it is important to talk with your surgeon about what to expect. A few of the more common areas involved in facial feminization are:
Forehead Contouring. Men often have a pronounced ridge above the eyes. This area can be reshaped by removing a portion of bone and remodeling it into a smoother shape.
Cheek Augmentation. Women tend to have a larger amount of fat in the mid-face area. This can be achieved through implants or fat transplants. Different approaches work better for different faces. Your surgeon can help you determine which is best.
Rhinoplasty. Men often have a larger nose bridge and wider nostrils than women. Reshaping the nose into a slimmer profile is a common procedure.
Jaw Reduction. The jaw bones can be reduced and narrowed, and the chin can be thinned and shortened.
Adam’s Apple Reduction (tracheal shave). This procedure can minimize the thyroid cartilage protruding from your throat. The incision is made in the shadow of your chin, so the scar will not “give away” that you have had the procedure done.
Results of Facial Feminization Surgery
Facial surgery can be integral to gender transition and improve the quality of life of transgender women. Your surgeries may need to be completed in a specific sequence, with enough healing time between each for you and your surgeon to have a complete understanding of how your appearance is changing.
Dr. Rosenberg works closely with the providers at Mount Sinai’s Center for Transgender Medicine and Surgery. This ensures you are receiving a unique treatment plan that fits your needs. To synchronize your facial appearance with your gender identity, contact the office of Joshua Rosenberg today.
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