Facial Feminization Surgery
Beverly Hills

We believe everyone deserves to be able to look in the mirror and see who they truly are, feeling the fulfillment of knowing you are looking at the real you. That is why Dr. Jonathan Sykes is proud to offer his patients facial feminization surgery in Beverly Hills. As an experienced cosmetic surgeon specializing in facial procedures, he delivers balanced results that can bring out your best and boost his patients’ sense of being who they were meant to be.

Facial Feminization patient 1a
Facial Feminization patient 1b
Facial Feminization patient 1c

What Is Facial Feminization Surgery (FFS)?

Facial feminization surgery (FFS) is a procedure that combines one or more surgeries to adjust facial features toward a more feminine appearance. Each procedure is designed to further enhance the face’s feminine features, combining to provide a result more aligned with each patient’s perception of who they are and their core identity.

  • Forehead Procedures
  • Hairline Adjustment
  • Nose Procedures (Rhinoplasty)
  • Cheek Augmentation
  • Lip Lift
  • Chin and Jaw Procedures
  • Soft Tissue Procedures

Choosing the Right Surgeon

If you were to ask someone what makes the difference between a male and female face, they might have a hard time answering. But the truth is there are many small aspects that might not be noticed outright, but can dramatically affect the gender one is perceived as. For patients who want to enhance or obtain more feminine features, they need someone who fully understands every nuance of the face and its structures.

Dr. Jonathan Sykes served as the director of Facial Plastic Surgery at the University of California, Davis Medical Center for over three decades and has performed tens of thousands of procedures in his career. His mission is to continue providing the highest quality of facial procedures to help patients unlock an appearance that truly resonates with their ideal self.

What are the risks of facial feminization surgery?

The most serious risks of facial feminization surgery are the same as any surgical procedure requiring general anesthesia for an extended period of time. There is always a risk of an adverse reaction. This is rare, however, and your surgeon will order pre-operative tests to make sure that you are in good enough general health to undergo surgery.

The other risks of facial feminization surgery can be reduced simply by selecting the best surgeon for the procedure. Scarring, blood clots, implant infection, suture rupture, nerve damage, and facial asymmetry are less likely to occur if you choose a practitioner with plenty of experience and a proven track record of success in performing the surgery. That said, you should always feel comfortable discussing the risks and complications with your doctor so you can make an informed decision, and be aware that all surgeries contain some element of risk.

What are typical procedures in facial feminization surgery?

Hairline

Advancing the hairline by moving it further down the forehead (forehead reduction) can have a dramatically feminizing effect on the face.

Nose

Rhinoplasty to reduce the size of the nose and reshape it is a common procedure in facial feminization surgery.

Jawline

Shaving the lower jaw bone or repositioning it can reduce the width and angularity of a masculine-looking jaw. Buccal fat removal is also a great option for those seeking a slimmer and more contoured jawline.

Brow Lift

Lifting the eyebrows to a higher position on the face helps counteract the masculinizing effect of a deep or furrowed brow, and reduces telltale signs of aging like forehead wrinkles and crow’s feet.

Lip Lift

Bringing the upper lip closer to the bottom of the nose makes the lower half of the face look younger and more feminine.

Face Lift

A facelift is usually performed during facial feminization, as it makes the face appear less bottom-heavy and more heart-shaped.

What Is the Procedure Like?

Every facial feminization procedure will be fully adapted to your unique needs and facial structures. The total duration of the procedure can last anywhere from one hour to four or more, depending on your plan. Most patients will be under general anesthesia or sedation during this time to ensure comfort. After your procedure, you should be able to return home and start resting, but you will need someone to drive you.

The Recovery Process

Your individual recovery will vary slightly, depending on the total number of procedures and the extent of the changes. However, most patients can expect about two weeks of full-time rest after their surgery day. Healing and following post-op instructions will be the focus for this time. Patients can take anywhere from about two to six weeks off from work, depending on how much time they will need to recover. Dr. Sykes will give you your expected recovery timeline once your treatment plan is finalized, so you can make the appropriate plans for your schedule and taking time off.
Much of the swelling will go down within a couple of weeks, and you should begin noticing your results. However, the essence of the face can be significantly altered by even minor swelling, so it is important to remember that is can take a month to several months before your final results are apparent. As you are recovering, Dr. Sykes can checkup on your recovery progress to make sure everything is going smoothly.

Is Facial Feminization Surgery Right for Me?

Choosing facial feminization surgery is a significant life choice, and not always the easiest one to make. That is why we fully engage with every potential patient, carefully learning about their goals, experience, and needs as we build their treatment plan. Communication is key every step of the way, and Dr. Sykes ensures that every aspect of your procedure is designed to match your expectations, bringing you toward actualizing who you really are.
Facial feminization surgery can be a powerful part of transitioning for transgender women or non-binary trans individuals assigned male at birth (AMAB). However, it can also be transformative for cisgender women as well, or even other individuals who do not identify with any of the above. In other words, this procedure is for anyone for whom a more feminine facial appearance can ease bodily dysphoria.

The ideal candidate will be in overall good health and not smoking before or after the procedures so as not to interfere with healing. It is also important to approach the procedure from a healthy standpoint with the right expectations. Dr. Sykes will fully discuss with every patient the procedures in depth, so you can know what can and cannot be achieved safely. Contact us today to set up your consultation and get started on seeing if you can be a candidate for facial feminization surgery.

Are there non-surgical facial feminization procedures?

Yes. If you’re wary about going under the knife, talk to your practitioner about non- or minimally-invasive cosmetic options like injectable fillers, Botulinum Toxin, and ThreadLift procedures. There are many ways to achieve facial feminization without undergoing surgery, though most methods require repeat treatments to maintain the desired effect. Commonly, clients seeking non-surgical feminization opt for injectable fillers in the cheeks and lips, Botulinum Toxin to narrow the jawline, eyebrow reshaping, hair transplants, and facial hair removal. While surgery will produce more dramatic and permanent results, there are plenty of ways to achieve a more feminine look that don’t require general anesthesia or lengthy recovery times.

Do I need a facial feminization plastic surgeon near me?

Patients should expect to travel to an expert facial feminization plastic surgeon. Because there are only a handful of expert plastic surgeons in the country, patients should expect to travel to a location like Beverly Hills for their procedure.

How much does facial feminization surgery cost?

The cost of facial feminization surgery varies considerably based on where you have it done, who you have it done by, and how many procedures are involved in the surgery. Unfortunately, facial feminization surgery is usually not covered by insurance, but many surgeons offer financing options. In the U.S., facial feminization surgery usually costs anywhere from $20,000 to $50,000+ out-of-pocket. Your surgeon will give you a more detailed estimate following your initial consultation, and you may choose to forgo certain suggested procedures in order to keep costs down, if necessary.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

Contact Dr. Jonathan Sykes’ office today to schedule your consultation for facial feminization surgery in Beverly Hills. By working closely with each patient and engaging in compassion discussion, he hopes to help you reach your goals and live your best possible life.

HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT A PROCEDURE, OR INTERESTED IN SCHEDULING A CONSULTATION?