What to Expect Before, During, and After Facial Feminization Surgery (FFS)

Facial Feminization Surgery (FFS) is a life-affirming, transformative series of procedures designed to soften masculine facial features into a more traditionally feminine appearance. The journey involves careful preparation, significant surgery, and gradual recovery. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you feel informed and supported every step of the way.

Before Surgery: Preparation Is Key

1. Build a Strong Support System

Your physical and emotional well-being matters. Arrange for a trusted friend or family member to help immediately after surgery—whether it’s driving you home, managing medications, or simply offering comfort. Many surgeons recommend planning around social support via calendars or shared schedules .

2. Get Medical Clearance & Assess Your Health

Your healthcare team will run physical exams, lab tests, imaging (like CT scans), and possibly EKGs. This helps ensure you’re healthy enough for surgery and aligns your goals with what’s achievable

3. Follow Pre-Op Instructions

• Stop smoking/nicotine at least four weeks before and after surgery.

• Avoid laser hair removal or electrolysis in the area six weeks prior.

• Discontinue aspirin, ibuprofen, and certain supplements (like Vitamin E) about one to two weeks beforehand to reduce bleeding risk.

• Temporarily halt or adjust hormone therapy (HRT) if instructed—some surgeons ask you to pause HRT a couple of weeks before surgery, then resume post-operatively

4. Set Your Expectations Realistically

Understand that FFS rarely involves one single operation—it typically follows a staged approach, tailored to your goals and safety consideration . Keep in mind that outcomes vary due to factors like age, health, and lifestyle .

During Surgery: What Happens in the Operating Room

FFS procedures can vary widely based on your specific goals. Here are common ones:

• Forehead and hairline recontouring: Reducing brow ridges and adjusting the hairline for a smoother, more feminine shape

• Brow lift and eyelid (blepharoplasty): Elevates brows and opens the eye area for a softer expression

• Rhinoplasty: Sculpting the nose for a more delicate appearance

• Cheek augmentation: Using implants or fat grafts to add fullness to the cheeks

• Lip lift/filling: Lifts the upper lip or adds volume for a more typically feminine look

• Jaw and chin contouring: Reshapes these areas via shaving, sliding genioplasty, or softening angles internally

• Tracheal shave (Adam’s apple reduction): Smooths the neck’s profile by reducing cartilage prominence

• Fat grafting, liposuction, or hairline adjustments may also be included as part of a personalized treatment plan .

After Surgery: Healing and Recovery

1. Immediate Post-Op Care

Expect swelling, redness, and occasional discomfort—especially around the eyes, nose, jaw, and chin . You might also have bandages, compressive dressings, or small drainage tubes

2. Short-Term Recovery Tips

• Stick to soft or liquid foods while oral incisions heal

• Follow wound care guidelines, use prescribed ointments, and take medications as directed to prevent complications

• Schedule follow-up visits per your surgeon’s timeline to monitor healing

3. Intermediate Recovery (Weeks to Months)

Most people can return to daily routines within 3–4 weeks, though healing continues for many months  Physical activity should ease back gradually—avoid strenuous or aerobic exercise until fully cleared . A healthy diet, hydration, and rest significantly aid recovery .

4. Long-Term Results and Support

Full results generally emerge within 3 to 6 months, but final refinements may take up to 18 months . Emotional support—from mental health professionals or peer groups can ease this transition as you adjust to your new look .

Quick Reads

You may have come across a TikTok of Gigi Perez singing her hit “Sailor Song.” Her rich, low voice often leads viewers to ask the same question: “Is she transgender?” Online forums, Reddit threads, and comment sections repeat the rumor every few weeks. But the available facts tell a different story. Gigi has described herself publicly Read more :  Is Gigi Perez Trans? Here’s the Truth

A frequent concern after facial feminization surgery (FFS) is whether the bone removed or reshaped, such as along the brow ridge or jaw, will grow back. It’s easy to see why this question arises. The body is remarkably good at repair: skin closes over cuts, nails regrow, and broken bones knit themselves together. From that Read more : Why doesn’t bone grow back after facial feminization surgery?

Sample Recovery Timeline at a Glance

Final Thoughts

Facial Feminization Surgery is a deeply personal and transformative journey. With proper preparation, realistic expectations, and robust support, many people find not just aesthetic alignment, but emotional and identity affirmation as well. As one surgeon reflected, “Preparing for surgery is like preparing for a marathon”