0208 129 1279    Opening Hours: Mon-Fri: 9am-5pm
Transgendercare Logo

Understanding Facila Feminisation (FFS)

Facial Feminisation Surgery (FFS) is a transformative set of procedures aimed at softening masculine facial features to create a more traditionally feminine appearance. For many transgender women, FFS is a vital step in alleviating gender dysphoria, often more impactful than genital surgery due to the visibility of the face.

Why FFS Matters

The face is central to gender perception. Features like the brow ridge, jawline, and chin are often subconsciously read as masculine or feminine. FFS helps align external appearance with gender identity, improving confidence and reducing misgendering.

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, feminine look. Common procedures include:

Brow Bone Reduction / Forehead Contouring

    • Technique: Often involves a frontal sinus setback, where the front wall of the sinus is removed, reshaped, and reattached using titanium or absorbable plates and screws
    • Goal: Flatten the brow ridge and open up the eye area for a softer, more rounded appearance.
    • Incision: Typically made along the hairline or scalp.
  1. Orbital Bone Shaving
    • Purpose: Reshapes the bones around the eyes (supraorbital ridge) to feminise the eye shape and lift the brows
  1. Jaw Contouring
    • Technique: The angle of the mandible is shaved or filed down to create a smoother, more tapered jawline
    • Goal: Reduce width and angularity for a softer contour.
  1. Chin Recontouring
    • Method: Bone is reshaped or repositioned to reduce projection and width. Implants may be used for forward projection if needed.
  1. Lip Lift and Reshaping
    • Procedure: Skin is removed under the nose to lift the upper lip, shortening the philtrum and enhancing lip fullness
  1. Cheek Augmentation
    • Options: Solid implants or bone filler to create fuller, rounder cheeks
  1. Tracheal Shave
    • Purpose: Reduces the prominence of the Adam’s apple for a smoother neck profile.

 

Preparing for Your Procedure Consultation with Mr Vahidi

Mr Vahidi specialises in altering male-appearing features and creating a more feminine 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 feminisation 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 FFS 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 FFS Consultation

Understanding the Procedures

  • Which FFS procedures do you recommend for my facial structure?
  • What changes will have the most impact on feminising my appearance?
  • Can you show examples of similar cases to mine?
  • Will I need multiple surgeries, or can procedures be combined?

Medical & Surgical Details

  • What techniques do you use for contouring the brows, jaw, and chin?
  • Will you use implants, bone shaving, or repositioning?
  • What type of anaesthesia will be used?
  • How long will the surgery take?

Recovery & Aftercare

  • What is the typical recovery time for each procedure?
  • Will I need to stay overnight, or can I go home after the procedure?
  • What kind of scarring should I expect?
  • How soon can I return to work or daily activities?
  • Risks & Complications
  • What are the risks or complications I should be aware of?
  • How do you manage post-operative pain and swelling?
  • What happens if I’m unhappy with the results?

Procedure Timeline

Surgery Time

Variable  

Time Off Work

2-3 Weeks

Hospital Stay

Overnight

Bathing/Shower

1 Week

Walking

1 Day

Full Exercise

4-6 Weeks

Compression Garments

Variable

Prone Sleeping

1-2 Weeks
 

Sexual Activity

4-6 Weeks

Full Recovery

4-6 Weeks

Driving

4-6 Days

Air Travel

4 weeks

Icons courtesy of Icons8

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

The Royal College of Anaesthetists Anaesthesia Explained

Patient.info Postoperative complications are problems which arise as a result of you having had surgery, which were not an intentional effect of the surgery.

Links & Downloads

Royal College of Anaesthetists Risk Information

Patient Information on Post Operative Complications.

Navigating Surgical Risks

Potential Complications of 

Common Complications After 

While procedure is generally a safe and has high satisfaction rates, like any surgical procedure, it carries some risks. These can vary depending on the surgical technique used 

General Surgical Risks

  • Bleeding: Excessive bleeding may occur during or after surgery
  • Infection: Though rare, infections can develop at incision sites
  • Poor wound healing: Delayed healing or wound reopening (dehiscence) may require medical attention
  • Hematoma: A collection of blood under the skin that can cause swelling and pain
  • Seroma: Fluid buildup under the skin, often managed with surgical drains

Procedure-Specific Risks

 

Anesthesia risks: Includes allergic reactions, airway issues, or heart complications