Although facial feminization surgery remains the most effective way for trans people to achieve a more feminine look, you may have started exploring non-surgical options like fillers and Botox in the meantime. Injectable treatments can actually be a great way to simulate the effects of facial feminization surgery before you decide to undergo your operation. However, it’s important to know that injectables can sometimes have an impact on the effectiveness and final results of your surgery. Here’s what to know about getting injectable treatments before your facial feminization surgery with Dr. Deschamps-Braly, one of the foremostly trained and most sought-after facial gender confirmation surgeons around the world.
Can Fillers and Botox Impact Facial Feminization Surgery?
Firstly, it’s important to understand how fillers and Botox work. Fillers work by depositing hyaluronic acid gel in the skin to provide volume and contour to the face. Botox works by blocking nerve signals in the muscles to prevent movement and smooth wrinkles. Generally, Botox and fillers don’t negatively impact facial feminization surgery regarding changes in skeletal structure. However, fillers (because they change the shape and appearance of the soft structures of the face) can impact the results of fat grafting surgery, which is sometimes a key part of facial feminization.
Facial Fat Grafting and Fillers
Fat grafting is a long-term solution to areas of low volume, thinness, or more angular facial appearance, similar to fillers. The problem with getting fillers before facial fat grafting is that they serve a similar purpose, so they can change the projection of your long-term results. It can create a “moving target” during surgery where it becomes more difficult to determine what volume is currently created by the filler, and what your result will look like after the filler has dissolved. This means it can create the potential that your final results aren’t what you intended – requiring you to either undergo another procedure or continue to get fillers to maintain your look.
Can I Get Botox or Filler Before Facial Feminization Surgery?
It’s perfectly fine to get Botox or filler before facial feminization surgery, but you should take a few precautions when exploring your non-surgical options. Firstly, it’s best to make sure that your filler has mostly dissolved by as much as one year at the time of your surgery. For most trans people, their surgical timeline can extend as far as 12-36 months out (which is a realistic timeline for allowing fillers to dissolve). So, it is possible to begin exploring non-surgical facial feminization as you wait for your surgery. Secondly, it’s important to take a moderate approach to your fillers. The more filler you have, the longer it takes for it to fade – if you opt for too much filler, it may negatively impact your results by the time your surgery date comes up.
If you’re considering getting filler ahead of your facial feminization procedure, it’s always best to consult Dr. Deschamps-Braly and our aesthetics team. That way, you can achieve good results with your filler but still ensure it won’t impact the results of your surgery.
Schedule a Consultation
There are a variety of options available to bring out your true feminine beauty, and it’s important to partner with an exceptionally trained craniofacial and maxillofacial surgeon like Dr. Deschamps-Braly to ensure you get the best results possible. To learn more about planning ahead for your facial feminization surgery, contact our renowned San Francisco clinic by calling or filling out our online contact form.
Dr. Deschamps-Braly is a board-certified plastic and craniofacial surgeon specializing in facial plastic surgery, orthognathic (jaw) surgery, and craniofacial surgery for adults and children. He is also one of the world’s foremost leaders and innovators in facial gender confirmation surgery.
