All About FFS (Facial Feminization Surgery)

In this special 2 hour episode Jynx will go through the process of her FFS journey along with how things have been doing since the surgery.   The face is arguably one of the most important features of the human body. It provides to others the first clues to one’s identity and personality. It contains the features, such as the eyes, ears, and mouth, that allow us to communicate and interact with one another.   And it offers the first visual cues that determine whether other people perceive us as male or female. For these reasons, facial feminization surgery (FFS) is a fundamental aspect of the male-to-female transition.  In fact, the World Professional Organization for Transgender Health (WPATH) regards FFS as both medically necessary and essential to the well-being of transgender individuals. In a 2008 report, WPATH stated “these surgical interventions are often of greater practical significance in the patient’s daily life than reconstruction of the genitals”.  The term “facial feminization surgery” refers to a number of procedures that can be performed to give the face a softer, more traditionally feminine appearance. These can include both bony and soft tissue surgeries of the face, neck, and thyroid cartilage, often complimented by laser hair removal. While each patient will have unique needs, typical FFS procedures include brow lift with bossing, scalp advancement, nose reshaping, blepharoplasty, tracheal shave, cheek implants, lip lift, lip and cheek implants, cheek softening, and face/neck lift.   Combined, these procedures can offer the transwoman a greater degree of harmony between her inside and outside self, increase her self-esteem, and allow her to “pass” more effectively.  There is no one feature that defines a “feminine” or “masculine” face. Rather, the degree of femininity expressed in a human face is typically the result of the combination of multiple facial features, and the ratio of feminine to masculine features. Facial features traditionally considered masculine include brow bone bossing, a prominent nose and chin, thick eyebrows, a square jaw, a long face, and a visible Adam’s apple.   In short, men tend to have chiseled, more angular features. In contrast, women usually possess softer, rounder facial characteristics—a smooth forehead without bossing, a pointed chin, a more delicate nose, fuller cheeks, and an arched brow. Generally, facial feminization is achieved through bone reduction and changes to the skeletal framework.  Because every patient is unique, most surgeons don’t believe in a “one-size-fits-all” approach. Instead, they opt to work with each patient to design a unique treatment plan tailored to a patients individual needs.   Most transwomen elect to have all facial feminization procedures performed at once, or in two phases (upper face and lower face). If performed all at once, FFS usually takes between 6-12 hours. In general, patients who undergo FFS will stay overnight after their procedure and return home the following day. Some swelling and discomfort is expected, but this typically resides after about 7 days, with full recovery expected within 3-4 weeks. Full healing can wildly vary.  Trans confessions is a radio podcast and livestream that focuses on the LGBTQ+ community. Discussions range from cyber security, hacktivism, gaming. cosplay, fashion, beauty and so much more. Join Jynx every Wednesday at 11:30 am CST and Friday's at the same time.