Facial masculinization surgery (FMS) is a life-changing procedure for transgender men and non-binary individuals whose outer appearance does not reflect their gender identity. Dr. Jordan Deschamps-Braly is a world leader in facial gender-confirming surgery and has helped develop some of the latest techniques and procedures for FMS. This is what patients should know what FMS can achieve, procedure details, and recovery.
What is Facial Masculinization?
The male face is typically characterized by sharp angles on the cheeks and nose along with a defined jawline as opposed to the rounded, high cheekbones and smaller forehead on a feminine face. FMS encompasses a variety of procedures that augment and recounter various areas of the face to create a more masculine appearance. Surgical procedures are typically combined to simultaneously address the forehead, cheeks, nose, jaw, and chin, resulting in a harmonious facial aesthetic. At your consultation with Dr. Deschamps-Braly, he will assess your facial anatomy and discuss your surgical goals to create a customized surgical plan that will give you the best possible results.
Preparing for Facial Masculinization
Properly preparing for surgery is crucial for a successful outcome. Before your consultation with Dr. Deschamps-Braly, we will ask that you prepare a comprehensive list of all current medications, including supplements and hormones you might be taking, as certain medications may need to be avoided in the weeks leading up to surgery. If you are a smoker, you must stop for at least six weeks before surgery since the nicotine in cigarettes and e-cigarettes can interfere with healing. On the day of your surgery, arrange for a close friend or family member to accompany you and drive you home. If you are an out-of-town patient, our concierge, Andy, can recommend nearby hotels where you can comfortably and safely recover.
Surgical Procedure
The details of your surgery will depend on the specific procedures you plan to receive; this will be discussed in detail at a pre-surgical appointment with Dr. Deschamps-Braly so that you have clear expectations of the procedure. FMS is performed under general anesthesia, meaning you will be asleep. During surgery, Dr. Deschamps-Braly will use various techniques to contour and reset the forehead and jaw bone and he may also use implants to augment cheekbones. The entire procedure will take several hours followed by an hour of recovery before you return home.
Recovery
After FMS, patients should expect moderate swelling, bruising, and tenderness. Dr. Deschamps-Braly will prescribe pain medication and you may be given a compression garment to reduce swelling and discomfort. Patients should take a week off work to rest and recover at home. Light activities can be resumed after 1-2 weeks, but strenuous activities should be avoided for at least six weeks or until you have been cleared by Dr. Deschamps-Braly. During this time, swelling will continue to reduce and the incisions will start to fade as they heal.
After six months, patients can start to see the final results of their procedure but it can take up to one year to fully recover. Several post-surgery appointments will be scheduled so that Dr. Deschamps-Braly can monitor your healing and address any concerns you might have during the recovery process.
Risks and Benefits
As with any surgical procedure, FMS has some risks such as bleeding, infection, and adverse reactions to anesthesia. However, these risks are minimal when you receive surgery from a board-certified craniofacial and facial plastic surgeon who is trained specifically in facial feminization and masculinization procedures. Dr. Deschamps-Braly has helped hundreds of patients achieve exceptional results that enhance their self-confidence and overall quality of life post-surgery.
Schedule a Consultation
At The Deschamps-Braly Clinic, we are dedicated to creating a safe space where patients will feel comfortable at each step of their treatment process. To learn more about facial masculinization surgery and how you can benefit from a personalized procedure with Dr. Deschamps-Braly, schedule a consultation today at our San Francisco office.
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.
