Why do some people undergo Facial Feminization surgery in Iran?

Many facial features, such as eyes, jaws and eyebrows, reflect sexual differences. While other parts of the body can be covered or hidden, facial features are easy to see. For some transgender people who have a different gender identity than the gender assigned to them at birth, changing these characteristics may be necessary in transmitting them.

What you can expect DURING Facial Feminization surgery in Iran

Facial feminization surgery might include:

• Forehead contouring. In cisgender men, the bony ridge above the eye sockets tends to be more pronounced. In cisgender women, the outline of the forehead tends to be higher, smoother and more rounded. To make the forehead appear more feminine, part of the forehead bone is cut, removed, reshaped and put back into place.
• Eye and lid modification. To feminize the upper eyelids, excess tissue can be cut away.
• Cheek augmentation. Cisgender women tend to have prominent round cheeks in the middle third of their faces. This is due to a greater concentration of fat in the area. To achieve a more feminine appearance, cheek augmentation can be done with implants. It can also be done by fracturing and moving the cheekbones into a different position. Or the surgeon may take fat from another part of the body, such as the belly or thighs, and place it in the cheeks to alter their size and shape.
• Nose reshaping (rhinoplasty). Rhinoplasty for facial feminization may include reducing the overall size of the nose and its angles.
• Lip lift and augmentation. Feminine faces tend to have shorter distances between the base of the nose and the border of the upper lip. Masculine faces have longer upper lips. A lip lift can shorten the distance between the lip and the nose and create a shorter, more curled lip. Lips can be enlarged with implants or fillers or by taking fat from another part of the body and placing it in the lips.
• Jaw angle reduction. Masculine jaws are typically larger and broader than feminine jaws. The jaw can be reduced and narrowed by sculpting or removing outer layers from the lower jaw.
• Chin width reduction. Masculine chins are taller than feminine chins and tend to be more square-shaped. To shorten and narrow the chin, a horizontal cut is made along the chin bone and a small wedge of bone is removed. Then the chin bone is reattached.

Other possible head and neck procedures include:

• Tracheal shave. This is a procedure to minimize the thyroid cartilage or Adam's apple. During the procedure, a small incision will be made under the chin, in the shadow of the neck or in a skin fold to conceal the scar. The surgeon will then reduce and reshape the cartilage.
• Lowering the hairline. Feminine hairlines tend to be located lower than masculine hairlines. During hairline lowering surgery, an incision is made at the edge of the hairline. Then the scalp is raised, placed back and fixed to the bone. Excess forehead skin is removed.
• Hair transplantation. Hair transplantation can create a more feminine hairline. In this procedure, hair follicles from the back and side of the head are removed and transplanted to balding areas of the head and the temples.

You might also consider skin-tightening surgery, such as a face-lift or other treatments.

Who performs facial feminization surgery?

Suppose you are dissatisfied with the bony structure of your face and want to make changes that help you look more feminine. In this case, FFS or a set of facial feminization techniques may be right for you.
Feminin face surgery does not mean creating a new face for yourself. This means making your case more attractive and symmetrical in a more feminine way. You will still look like yourself, but with softer features that are more related to women. This surgery can also help you eliminate gender flaws that have changed your appearance or caused discomfort.

Who are candidates for facial feminization surgery?

Facial feminization surgery is a highly individualized procedure. You should do it for yourself, not to fulfill someone else's desires or to try to fit any sort of ideal image.
Facial feminization surgery is a good option for you if:

• You have been diagnosed with persistent gender dysphoria
• You have been living as a member of your desired sex
• You are of the age to make consent
• You have a positive outlook and realistic expectations
• If significant medical or mental health concerns exist, they must be reasonably well-controlled

Is facial feminization surgery the same as gender reassignment surgery?

No,Facial feminization surgery is not part of the male-to-female transition; it is an elective procedure. It will not change your gender but may help you become more comfortable with your gender presentation.

However, feminization can be very helpful for those transitioning from male to female (MTF). It can also benefit those transitioning from female to male (FTM) who are undergoing hormone therapy that results in increased facial hair or want to reduce the size of their jaw or brow.

How do I prepare for facial feminization surgery?

Before facial feminization surgery, your healthcare provider will perform a thorough personal assessment. They will ask you about your goals for surgery and explain what you can expect during your recovery after the procedure. It's important that you and your surgeon have goals that are aligned and realistic. Your provider also makes sure you’re in good physical health by:

• Assessing your lifestyle, including smoking or drinking habits.
• Doing a physical exam, including lab tests.
• Identifying risks for potential complications.
• Reviewing your current medications and any allergies you may have.

You might also have imaging scans before facial feminization surgery. X-rays or CT scans take pictures of the bones and soft tissues of your face and skull. Your surgeon may also measure your face, take photographs and assess your skin quality. All of this information helps your surgeon plan your treatment.

What are the steps of facial feminization surgery?

Facial feminization surgery includes the following steps:

Step 1 – Anesthesia
Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedure. The choices include intravenous sedation and general anesthesia. Your doctor will recommend the best choice for you.

Step 2 – Surgical procedure
There are many procedures that can be performed to give the face a more feminine appearance. The requirements of each person will vary to obtain optimal results. Not every person will require full facial feminization. The procedures that are commonly employed to feminize the face include forehead contouring, hairline advancement, cheek augmentation, rhinoplasty, lip augmentation, jaw reduction, chin surgery, and Adam’s apple reduction.

What should I expect during my recovery after facial feminization surgery?

Following your facial feminization surgery, gauze or bandages may be applied to your incisions. An elastic bandage or support garment will minimize swelling for extensive facial work. A small, thin tube may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess blood or fluid in instances where extensive skin work is performed. You will be given specific instructions that may include: How to care for your surgical site(s) following surgery, medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the risk of infection, specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in your general health, and when to follow up with your plastic surgeon.

What are the risks of facial feminization surgery?

Risks of facial feminization surgery include:

• Bleeding.
• Bruising.
• Edema (fluid build-up) and swelling.
• Hair loss (after hairline lowering or forehead contouring).
• Infection.
• Numbness in different parts of the face.
• Poor healing of incisions.
• Reaction to anesthesia.

How many surgeries will I need FOR FACIAL FEMINIZATION SURGERY?

Everyone’s face is different, and everyone heals differently, so there is no one-size-fits-all answer to how many surgeries you should have overall. Consider every option before making a decision – do research and talk to other patients. It is common for patients to have 2-5 surgeries and stop at that point, even if they’re not fully satisfied with their results. However Patients who wish to have more feminization work done will need to wait until after one year. Revision facial feminization surgery may be used to undo the feminization effects of a previous facial feminization or only be considered if significant complications occur after the surgery.