Facial Feminization Surgery

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Santa Monica, Beverly Hills and Greater Los Angeles

Facial feminization is a set of surgeries that alter the facial features to create a more feminine appearance. These procedures smooth and lighten masculine facial characteristics for a more delicate, feminine, and youthful aesthetic. Facial feminization includes a range of specialized techniques for rhinoplasty, mandibular contouring, brow lift, and chin reduction. The right combination, tailored to your goals, can provide a comprehensive transformation.

Your journey toward living your truth is unique. And it takes a uniquely trained individual to perform the surgeries necessary to reach your goals. Dr Kriya is a trained craniofacial surgeon who completed her training at UCLA, one of the nation’s top fellowships for facial feminization surgery. She is among a handful of plastic surgeons in the world with highly specialized training focused specifically on facial gender affirmation. She has a unique understanding of the gender-specific nuances of the facial form and is dedicated to helping patients feel beautiful. 

At Zarrabi Plastic Surgery, we are committed to providing our patients with the highest quality care and the most effective facial feminization techniques. If you are considering gender affirming facial feminization surgery, schedule a consultation in Beverly Hills or Santa Monica by calling (310) 584-9990 or completing an inquiry form online.

About Facial Feminization Surgery

Facial feminization surgery, sometimes known as facial gender confirmation surgery, achieves feminization of more masculine features by incorporating aesthetic and craniofacial surgical principles and techniques. (1) It entails subtle but essential modifications of the facial structure to help patients reach their desired aesthetic goals.

The surgery normally entails the following: 

  • Creating a lower, rounder hairline
  • Decreasing the bony projection of the forehead and brow to create a rounder softer form
  • Lifting and arching the brows 
  • Rhinoplasty or nose job, usually to decrease the bony structure of the nose and to rotate and refine the cartilage tip. 
  • Shaving the jawbone for a less prominent, rounder softer form 
  • Chin reduction or augmentation depending on patient needs 
  • Fat grafting to the cheeks and the lips to augment the cheekbones and increase lip volume 

Is Facial Feminization Surgery Right for Me?

Facial feminization procedures can alleviate gender dysphoria and significantly improve a patient’s overall quality of life. (2) However, the choice to  undergo the treatment is a personal one. Only you have the ability to decide how you present yourself to the world. After facial feminization, many patients are able to realize their goals with increased confidence and to face the world with renewed pride in their appearance.

Surgery with Dr. Kriya

As a craniofacial plastic surgeon, Dr. Kriya is able to masterfully transition the face from one gender to another by manipulating the facial skeleton and its overlying soft tissues. She works with each patient to individualize their surgical plan according to their goals and personal aesthetics which creates results that are both tailored to the patient and natural. 

She uses virtual surgical planning to map out surgical movements before the surgery to ensure that the correct gender specific proportions are attained. During the procedure she utilizes individualized cutting guides to attain precise outcomes. Dr Kriya combines this leading technology with her skills as a sculptor to provide incredible results. 

She offers facial feminization surgery as both staged procedures or in a single session depending on the patient’s underlying health and desires. 

Candidates

Candidates for facial feminization are patients with a diagnosed gender incongruence (3) who have a deep desire to enhance their facial features to look more feminine. This may include individuals who have undergone hormone therapy but still have masculine facial characteristics. Additionally, the ideal candidate should be in good overall health, have realistic expectations, and be a non-smoker.

To book your personal consultation with Dr. Kryia, call (310) 584-9990 or complete an inquiry form online to get started.

Personal Consultation

Before facial feminization surgery it is essential to meet with your surgeon to discuss the areas of your face you would like to change. Dr. Kriya will evaluate your facial structure and listen to your goals and concerns before creating a personalized surgical plan tailored to your unique needs. With her expertise in facial feminization, Dr. Kriya can help you achieve the feminine facial features you desire, giving you the confidence to live as your true self.

Preparation

Prior to surgery, patients require a letter of clearance and may need to stop hormone therapy depending upon the surgical plan. Other preparatory measure may include the following:

  • Discontinue any blood thinners or medications that can interfere with the surgery, as instructed by Dr. Kriya.
  • Stop smoking and avoid nicotine products for at least six weeks before and after the surgery.
  • Fill prescriptions for pain medication and antibiotics ahead of time.
  • Arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure and stay with you for the first few days.
  • Plan to take some time off from work and social activities to rest and recover.

Procedure

The specific procedures involved in facial feminization will vary depending on each individual’s unique needs and goals. Dr. Kriya will work with you to create a customized treatment plan that may include a brow lift, rhinoplasty, cheek augmentation, jaw contouring, and/or lip augmentation. A rhinoplasty can often be done as an independent procedure at a later time if desired. 

During the procedure, incisions are made in inconspicuous locations to minimize scarring. Dr. Kriya will carefully reshape and reposition the underlying bone and tissue to create a more feminine facial structure. Softening of the angles, creating fuller cheeks, and raising the arch of the eyebrows are just some of the techniques used to achieve the desired result.

We understand that this is an important step in your gender affirmation journey, and we strive to provide compassionate care throughout the process. Our team at Zarrabi Plastic Surgery is committed to helping you achieve the look that best reflects your true self.

Recovery & Results

If all aspects of the surgery are performed during a single operation, the surgery lasts between 8-10 hours. Depending on surgical duration and the patient’s underlying health, the patient either goes home to recover or stays for observation overnight. All patients are seen by Dr Kriya the morning after surgery and then again at one-week post-surgery for suture removal. Once your recovery is complete you will be able to experience the aesthetic benefits of your surgery. 

Cost of Facial Feminization Surgery in Beverly Hills

We understand that the cost of facial feminization surgery is a significant factor to consider when deciding on undergoing the procedure. During your consultation with Dr. Kriya, you will receive a personalized estimate for the total cost of your facial feminization surgery. We offer financing options to help make the procedure more affordable for our patients. Our team will work with you to develop a payment plan that suits your budget.

At Zarrabi Plastic Surgery, we are committed to diversity and inclusion, providing patients from all backgrounds with the highest quality care and the most effective results. If you are considering facial feminization surgery, schedule a consultation with Dr. Kriya by calling (310) 584-9990 or completing a simple form on our website.

Find out more about aesthetic procedures at Zarrabi Plastic Surgery by liking and following us on Instagram.

FAQ

What is facial feminization surgery?

Facial feminization surgery is a procedure designed to help transgender women or gender non-conforming individuals who want to appear more feminine. The surgery typically involves procedures to reshape the forehead, nose, chin, jawline, and hairline to create a more feminine appearance.

Who can benefit from facial feminization surgery?

Facial feminization surgery can benefit anyone who wants to achieve a more feminine facial appearance. This may include transgender women, cisgender women who may have masculine facial features, and anyone who wants to look more feminine.

What procedures are included in facial feminization surgery?

The procedures included in facial feminization surgery depend on each patient’s unique needs and goals. Some common procedures include rhinoplasty, brow lift, cheek augmentation, jaw contouring, lip lift, and chin reduction.

What is the recovery time for facial feminization surgery?

The recovery time for facial feminization surgery varies depending on the procedures performed. Generally, patients can expect to take about two weeks off from work or other daily activities. It may take several months to see the full results of the surgery.

Will I be able to afford facial feminization surgery?

Most surgery centers offer financing options to make facial feminization surgery affordable. In some cases, a percentage of facial feminization costs may be covered by insurance.

How do I know if facial feminization surgery is right for me?

If you are interested in facial feminization surgery, schedule a consultation with Dr. Kriya. During this consultation, she will examine your facial features and discuss your goals to determine if this procedure is right for you. Our team will also answer any questions you may have and provide guidance throughout the process.

References

  1. Dang BN, Hu AC, Bertrand AA, et al. Evaluation and treatment of facial feminization surgery: part I. forehead, orbits, eyebrows, eyes, and nose. Archives of Plastic Surgery. 2021;48(5):503-510. doi:https://doi.org/10.5999/aps.2021.00199 
  2. Chaya BF, Berman ZP, Boczar D, et al. Current Trends in Facial Feminization Surgery: An Assessment of Safety and Style. The Journal of Craniofacial Surgery. 2021;32(7):2366-2369. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/SCS.0000000000007785
  3. Telang PS. Facial Feminization Surgery: A Review of 220 Consecutive Patients. Indian Journal of Plastic Surgery. 2020;53(02):244-253. doi:https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0040-1716440