Facial Feminization Surgery (FFS)

Facial Feminization Surgery (FFS) is a tailored series of surgical procedures designed to soften facial features and create a more traditionally feminine appearance. FFS is most commonly pursued by trans women, non-binary individuals seeking feminine facial traits, and cisgender women who desire softer features. These procedures may include forehead contouring, rhinoplasty (nose reshaping), cheek augmentation, chin and jaw contouring, tracheal shave, and optional enhancements such as facelift and eyelid surgery. FFS can be performed as a single comprehensive surgery or in a staged approach based on patient goals and surgeon recommendations. 

Common FFS Procedures (Based on Key Feminine Facial Features)

Facial Feminization Surgery (FFS) is not one single operation — it is a personalized combination of procedures designed to soften facial angles and create more traditionally feminine proportions. The goal is overall harmony: when the hairline, brow/forehead, nose, lips, jawline, chin, and neck balance each other, the face reads more feminine naturally.

Circular (Rounded) Hairline

A typically “masculine” hairline may appear higher, straighter, or more recessed at the temples (an “M-shape”). In FFS, the hairline can be feminized by:

  • Hairline advancement (hairline lowering): moving the hairline forward to reduce forehead height
  • Temporal rounding: softening temple recession to create a more rounded frame
  • Optional hair transplantation: if needed to refine density and shape

Why it matters: Hairline shape frames the entire upper face and can dramatically influence gender perception.

Smooth Forehead & Softer Eyebrow Shape (Brow / Forehead Feminization)

This is one of the most impactful FFS steps because the brow ridge and forehead contour often differ between masculine and feminine skull anatomy. Brow/forehead feminization may include:

  • Forehead contouring (brow ridge reduction): smoothing prominent brow bone
  • Forehead reshaping: creating a softer, more convex forehead profile
  • Brow lift (optional): elevating and shaping the eyebrows for a more open, feminine eye area

Why it matters: A softer brow area reduces heaviness above the eyes and improves the “feminine read” from both front and profile views. Take a look at fox eye surgery article.

Small, Balanced Nose (Feminizing Rhinoplasty)

A feminizing rhinoplasty focuses on proportion, refinement, and harmony with the new forehead and chin shape. Common goals include:

  • Refining the nasal bridge
  • Narrowing the nasal bones (when needed)
  • Shaping a more delicate tip
  • Adjusting the nasolabial angle for a softer profile (case-by-case)

Why it matters: The nose sits at the center of the face, and even small refinements can strongly affect overall femininity.

Lifted Lips (Lip Lift / Lip Enhancement)

In many faces, a longer philtrum (space between the nose and upper lip) can read more masculine. FFS lip work may include:

  • Lip lift: shortens the philtrum and creates a more youthful, feminine upper lip
  • Lip shaping and volume enhancement: via fat transfer or fillers (depending on goals)
  • Subtle definition of the Cupid’s bow

Why it matters: A slightly lifted, well-defined upper lip enhances softness and facial expression without looking overdone.

5Smaller Jaw (Jaw Contouring / Mandible Reduction)

A broader, squared lower face can be softened by jaw contouring techniques such as:

  • Mandibular angle reduction: reducing sharp jaw corners
  • Jawline narrowing: selectively contouring the bone to create a smoother taper
  • Soft tissue refinement: when needed for definition

Why it matters: A narrower jaw shifts the face from a square/rectangular silhouette toward a softer, more tapered shape.

Rounder, Softer Chin (Genioplasty / Chin Feminization)

Chin feminization aims to reduce height, width, and projection when needed — or to reshape a pointed or squared chin into a softer contour. Options may include:

  • Reduction genioplasty: reshaping the chin bone
  • Chin contouring: smoothing asymmetry and refining shape
  • Chin augmentation (in selected cases): if the goal is not “smaller” but “more balanced” (rare in classic FFS, but useful when the chin is weak and needs harmonious projection)

Why it matters: The chin defines the lower-face triangle. A rounder chin often supports a more feminine silhouette.

Hidden Adam’s Apple (Tracheal Shave / Adam’s Apple Reduction)

A prominent Adam’s apple can be reduced with tracheal shave (chondrolaryngoplasty). The surgeon carefully reduces the thyroid cartilage while protecting voice function.

Why it matters: A smoother neck profile can significantly reduce “masculine cues,” especially in side view and in photos.

How These Procedures Are Combined

FFS planning is about prioritizing what creates the biggest change for your specific anatomy. Many patients benefit most from hairline + brow/forehead + rhinoplasty, then lower face (jaw/chin) and neck (tracheal shave) as needed. In some cases, procedures are done in one stage; in others, they are staged for comfort and recovery.

target of ffs

Who Is a Good Candidate?

Ideal candidates for FFS are:

  • Adults whose facial bone growth is complete
  • Individuals with realistic expectations about outcomes
  • Patients with a thorough assessment of health and surgical goals

FFS may also provide significant psychological benefits for those experiencing gender dysphoria or discomfort with their facial features. 

Surgical Planning & Techniques

FFS often requires advanced imaging and surgical planning to achieve optimal results that respect both feminine aesthetics and individual anatomy. In complex cases, procedures may be staged (upper face first, then lower face) to allow more controlled healing. 

Recovery & Expectations

Recovery timelines vary based on which procedures are performed:

  • Immediate Post-Op: Swelling and bruising are expected — usually most significant in the first 1–2 weeks.
  • Short Term: Many patients return to light daily activity within 2–4 weeks.
  • Final Results: Subtle improvements continue for 6–12 months as swelling fully resolves. 

Risks & Considerations

As with any major surgery, FFS carries general surgical risks such as:

  • Bleeding
  • Infection
  • Nerve injury or temporary numbness
  • Delayed healing or asymmetry 

Working with an experienced plastic surgeon reduces these risks and supports better outcomes.

Benefits of FFS

FFS not only changes physical features — it often has social and psychological benefits. Many patients report:

  • Increased confidence
  • Greater comfort in social contexts
  • Enhanced congruence between identity and appearance
  • Long-term satisfaction with outcomes 

Dr. Mehmet Yıldıran’s Expertise in FFS-Related Procedures

Dr. Mehmet Yıldıran (Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon) brings extensive experience in advanced facial procedures that are foundational to FFS:

  • Facelift — for soft tissue tightening and aging refinement (link to Facelift article/page)
  • Rhinoplasty — reshaping the nose for balanced facial harmony (link to Rhinoplasty article/page)
  • Chin Augmentation & Jaw Contouring — modifying lower face contours (link to Chin Augmentation article/page)

Dr. Yıldıran’s approach focuses on individualized treatment planning, balancing aesthetic goals with natural-looking results. His comprehensive experience in facial contouring and gender-affirming care sets the stage for safe, reliable FFS outcomes.

👉 Explore related treatments on drmehmetyildiran.com:

These procedures are often combined in FFS planning to achieve overall facial harmony.

Conclusion

Facial Feminization Surgery (FFS) is a powerful, individualized set of surgical options for those seeking feminine facial features — often as part of gender-affirming care. With a combination of bone and soft tissue procedures, appropriate planning, and an experienced surgeon like Dr. Mehmet Yıldıran, patients can achieve both aesthetic goals and increased confidence.

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