FFS, Facial Feminization Surgery, refers to a series of surgical procedures aimed at making facial features more feminine. These procedures can help align an individual’s face with their gender identity, making a significant difference in psychological well-being and social integration.
What Exactly Is FFS Surgery?
FFS: Facial Feminization Surgery is a cosmetic surgery group that aims to replace typically masculine features in the facial bone structure and soft tissues with feminine facial features.
Many characteristics determine whether the human face is perceived as masculine or feminine. FFS aims to address these differences and create softer, rounder, and more refined features.
Key Differences Between Masculine and Feminine Facial Features
The key anatomical differences that FFS focuses on are:
| Masculine Features | Feminine Features |
| Forehead (Frontal Region): Prominent eyebrow arch (supraorbital rim), forehead that slopes back more. | Forehead (Frontal Area): Straight and vertical forehead line, less pronounced eyebrow arch. |
| Chin and Jawline (Mandibula): Wider, angular and longer jaw. | Chin and Jawline (Mandibula): Narrower, rounder and V-shaped jawline. |
| Nose: Wider, longer and with a prominent bridge. | Nose: Smaller, shorter and slightly upturned nose. |
| Adam’s Apple (Thyroid Cartilage): Usually prominent and protruding. | Adam’s Apple (Thyroid Cartilage): Less prominent or almost flat. |
Major Procedures Under FFS
Facial Feminization Surgery involves performing multiple procedures in a single operation or in sessions, depending on the patient’s needs. The most common procedures are:
1. Forehead Shaping: Frontoplasty
- Glabellar Shaving: Thinning or reshaping of the prominent brow arch: the supraorbital rim.
- Forehead Smoothing: Removal of bony prominences on the forehead and smoothing of the forehead line.
- Hairline Lowering: The procedure of bringing forward the male-pattern hairline, which is usually receding. Lowering the hairline can be combined with a hair transplant.
2. Rhinoplasty: Nose Aesthetics
Burun kemerinin küçültülmesi, burun ucunun inceltilmesi ve kısaltılması ile daha yumuşak ve feminen bir burun yapısı oluşturulur.
3. Chin and Jawline Shaping
- Chin Reduction: Shortening a long or wide chin and bringing it into a V shape.
- Chin Corner Shaving: Making angular jaw lines more rounded and softer.
4. Adam’s Apple Shaving
It is a procedure performed to reduce the appearance of the prominent thyroid cartilage in the neck: the Adam’s apple.
5. Lip and Cheek Plumping
- Lip Lift: The upper lip is shortened to make it appear fuller and more feminine.
- Cheek Implants/Fat Injection: Making the cheekbones more prominent and giving the face a fuller appearance.
FFS Surgery Recovery Process
FFS surgery is a complex procedure that typically takes several hours. Recovery time varies depending on the extent of the procedures performed, but swelling and bruising are common in the first few weeks. It can often take several months for the final results to fully set in and for the swelling to subside completely.
This surgical intervention goes beyond simply transforming physical appearance and addresses the individual’s inner world. FFS is a critical step in boosting transgender individuals’ self-esteem and improving their quality of life by helping them be perceived as their socially correct gender.
