Understanding Facial Masculinisation (FMS)
Facial Masculinisation Surgery (FMS) is a set of gender-affirming procedures designed to reshape and enhance facial features to appear more traditionally masculine. It’s especially significant for transgender men and transmasculine individuals, as the face plays a central role in gender perception and social recognition.
Overview of FMS Procedures
FMS typically targets three facial zones: the upper, middle, and lower thirds of the face. Each zone includes specific procedures tailored to the individual’s anatomy and goals.
Procedures Offered by Mr Vahidi
Mr. Vahidi is known for his expertise in bone contouring and facial reshaping. His approach focuses on both dramatic and subtle changes to achieve a harmonious, masculine look. Common procedures include:
Upper Third: Forehead, Brow, Hairline
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- Forehead Augmentation: Enhances the brow ridge using implants or bone reshaping to create a more prominent, angular look
- Brow Bossing: Builds up the brow bone for a stronger, masculine contour.
- Hairline Reshaping: Alters the hairline to a more M-shaped pattern typical of cisgender men, often using hair transplantation or scalp advancement
Middle Third: Nose, Cheeks, Lips
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- Rhinoplasty: Reshapes the nose to be larger, straighter, and more prominent. Techniques may include cartilage grafting or the use of implants.
- Cheek Augmentation: Adds volume and angularity to the cheekbones using implants or fat grafting, while reducing fullness in the lower cheeks
- Lip Reshaping: Minimises lip prominence for a less rounded, more masculine appearance.
Lower Third: Jaw, Chin, Neck
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- Jaw Augmentation: Enhances jaw width and squareness using implants or bone grafts. Masseter muscle enhancement may also be used.
- Genioplasty (Chin Surgery): Increases chin projection and width, creating a flatter and more square profile
- Adam’s Apple Enhancement: Uses cartilage grafts or implants to create a visible thyroid cartilage bulge.
Techniques Used
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- Implants: Silicone or custom-made implants for jaw, chin, brow, and cheek enhancement.
- Bone Grafting: Uses the patient’s own bone (e.g., rib or skull) for permanent augmentation.
- Fat Grafting: Harvests fat from the body to subtly enhance contours.
- Computer-Guided Surgery: 3D imaging and virtual planning for precision and symmetry
Preparing for Your Procedure Consultation with Mr Vahidi
Mr Vahidi specialises in altering female-appearing features and creating a more masculine shape and size to the face. Changes to features on the upper part of the face have a more significant overall impact, accompanied by more subtle adjustments to the lips, jawline, and chin.
Facial masculinisation surgery can involve a combination of all or some of the listed procedures. Everyone is different, and Mr Vahidi can discuss all the options available with you. We offer FMS procedures for an individual cost price or a combination of methods for a package price. Please enquire with our team for more information.
Questions to Ask Mr Vahidi During Your FMS Consultation
Understanding the Procedures
Here are key questions to ask about each procedure involved in Facial Masculinisation Surgery (FMS):
Forehead Augmentation
- What techniques do you use for forehead augmentation?
- Will implants or bone reshaping be used?
- What kind of scarring should I expect?
Brow Bossing
- How is the brow ridge enhanced?
- Will this affect my vision or eye movement?
Hairline Reshaping
- What methods are available for hairline masculinisation?
- Can hair transplantation be combined with other procedures?
Rhinoplasty
- What changes will be made to my nose to masculinise it?
- Will cartilage or bone grafts be used?
- How long is the recovery for nose surgery?
Cheek Augmentation
- What options are available for enhancing cheekbones?
- Will implants or fat grafting be used?
Lip Reshaping
- How will lip prominence be reduced?
- Will this affect my ability to speak or eat?
Jaw Augmentation
- What techniques are used to widen and square the jaw?
- Will implants be placed inside the mouth or externally?
Genioplasty (Chin Surgery)
- How will my chin be reshaped for a masculine appearance?
- What are the risks associated with chin surgery?
Adam’s Apple Enhancement
- How is the Adam’s apple created or enhanced?
- Will cartilage grafts or implants be used?
- What is the recovery like for this procedure?
Procedure Timeline
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Time Off Work2-3 Weeks |
Hospital StayOvernight |
Bathing/Shower1 Week |
Walking1 Day |
Full Exercise4-6 Weeks |
Compression GarmentsVariable |
Prone Sleeping1-2 Weeks |
Sexual Activity4-6 Weeks |
Full Recovery4-6 Weeks |
Driving4-6 Days |
Air Travel4 weeks |
Risks
General Surgical Risks
These are common to most surgical procedures:
- Bleeding: Can occur during or after surgery.
- Infection: May affect healing and surgical outcomes.
- Poor healing of incisions Can lead to visible scarring.
- Hematoma: A collection of blood under the skin that may require drainage.
- Anaesthesia risks: Including allergic reactions, nausea, or breathing issues.
- Prolonged swelling and bruising: May last weeks or months.
- Nerve damage: Can cause numbness, tingling, or loss of sensation.
- Hair loss along incision lines: Especially near the scalp or forehead.
Procedure-Specific Risks
Depending on the area treated, additional risks may include:
Brow & Forehead Contouring
- Bone healing failure
- Irregular contour or asymmetry
- Visible scarring if the hairline is lowered
Jaw & Chin Contouring
- Implant migration or rejection
- Speech changes due to muscle or nerve impact
- Difficulty chewing or jaw stiffness
Rhinoplasty
- Breathing difficulties
- Unsatisfactory cosmetic results
- Need for revision surgery
Lip Lift & Cheek Augmentation
- Overcorrection or unnatural appearance
- Fat graft reabsorption
- Asymmetry
Tracheal Shave
- Voice changes
- Scar visibility
- Incomplete reduction of the Adam’s apple
Less Common but Serious Risks
- Blood clots: Can lead to stroke or heart attack.
- Pneumonia: Especially if mobility is limited post-op.
- Tissue necrosis: Death of tissue due to poor blood supply.
- Visual changes: Temporary or, very rarely, permanent.
- Paralysis: Extremely rare, but possible if nerves are damaged
Navigating Surgical Risks
Potential Complications of
Facial Masculinisation Surgery (FMS), while transformative and affirming for many transgender men, carries a range of risks and potential complications that patients should be aware of before proceeding. These risks vary depending on the specific procedures performed, the surgeon’s expertise, and individual health factors.
General Surgical Risks
These are common to most surgeries and include:
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- Anaesthesia complications: Nausea, sore throat, or more serious reactions like airway obstruction or allergic shock
- Bleeding and hematoma: Excessive bleeding during or after surgery, especially in areas like the nose or mouth
- Infection: Can occur at incision sites or internally, potentially leading to delayed healing or more serious outcomes
- Swelling and bruising: Often significant in the first few weeks, especially around the eyes, jaw, and cheeks
- Numbness or nerve damage: Temporary or permanent loss of sensation in parts of the face
- Implant migration: Implants used in jaw, chin, or brow enhancement may shift out of place
Neurological and Sensory Risks
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- Paralysis or muscle weakness: Rare but possible if facial nerves are damaged
- Speech changes: Especially after chin or lip surgery, some patients report slurring or difficulty with certain sounds
- Visual disturbances: Swelling or tightened tissue may cause temporary double vision or distortion
Tissue and Healing Complications
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- Necrosis: Death of tissue due to poor blood supply or infection
- Scarring and keloids: Scars may be prominent depending on skin type and healing; keloids are more common in darker skin tones
- Graft rejection: If bone, cartilage, or skin grafts are used, there’s a risk of rejection or poor integration
Anaesthesia risks: Includes allergic reactions, airway issues, or heart complications