When it comes to trans women, most, if not all undergo hormone replacement therapy with estrogen
and/or progesterone, and many also start taking testosterone-blocking medication. The net effect
is a reduction or elimination of facial hair and a softening of the facial features. If any
remnants of facial hair remain ater the use of hormone replacement therapy or other medications,
some women may even undergo laser hair removal or electrolysis.
However, despite these feminizing changes in the face, there may still be some masculine
features that remain, which can be a tremendous source of dysphoria for a lot of transitioning
women.
I thought my nose was too prominent so I had this corrected via plastic surgery in 1959.
Marie Windsor
Facial feminization surgery is a combination of procedures – and there are many
available –
designed to soften the facial features and feminize the face. It is important to note that
facial feminization surgery is not a one-size-fits-all approach. A good surgeon will not only
assess each patient individually but also ascertain what the patient’s goals are.
Facial feminization surgery can be performed as either an inpatient or outpatient
procedure,
depending on the number of procedures performed. The majority of patients can expect facial
swelling and bruising in the first week after surgery.
Most patients require about four weeks before they are cleared to return to work depending on
the work they’ve had done. There are some physical restrictions that are placed during this
initial recovery period, but most trans women are able to exercise without restrictions by eight
weeks after their procedure.
