For individuals throughout Los Angeles and Southern California seeking facial feminization surgery, the Deschamps-Braly Clinic offers a compassionate, highly specialized approach to gender-affirming care. Facial feminization surgery, often referred to as FFS, is a collection of procedures designed to create a more feminine facial appearance by softening masculine features and reshaping the overall facial structure. Whether you are just beginning to explore your options or are ready to take the next step in your journey, we invite you to schedule a personalized consultation with Dr. Jordan Deschamps-Braly, M.D., F.A.C.S.
What is Facial Feminization Surgery?
Facial feminization surgery (FFS) is a set of surgical procedures that reshape and refine facial features to better align with a feminine appearance. Many patients pursue feminization surgery as part of a broader gender-affirming journey, often alongside hormone therapy or other gender-affirming care. The goal is to create a softer appearance that better reflects each patient’s gender identity.
The differences between masculine and feminine facial anatomy are meaningful and varied. Cisgender women typically have smoother, more rounded foreheads, smaller chins, softer jaw angles, and different nasal proportions. Facial feminization aims to address these differences in a way that honors each person’s unique facial anatomy and desired outcome. Because no two faces are alike, every surgical plan at the Deschamps-Braly Clinic is developed with your specific features, goals, and medical history in mind.
Dr. Deschamps-Braly is a board-certified plastic and craniofacial surgeon who is widely recognized as one of the world’s foremost specialists in facial gender confirmation surgery. His training spans plastic surgery, craniofacial surgery, and orthognathic jaw surgery, giving him a depth of expertise that is particularly well-suited to the complex anatomical work involved in facial feminization surgery FFS.
Facial Feminization Procedures We Offer
Facial feminization encompasses a range of individual procedures that may be combined into a single surgical session or staged across multiple procedures, depending on your goals and overall health. Dr. Deschamps-Braly will work with you to develop a personalized surgical plan that addresses your specific areas of concern.
Forehead Contouring and Forehead Reduction
The forehead is one of the most significant areas of gender difference in facial anatomy. Masculine foreheads often feature a prominent frontal bone and brow bossing above the eyes. Forehead contouring and forehead reduction aim to smooth and reshape this area, reducing the projection of the frontal sinus and creating a more gently curved, feminine profile. A surgical hairline advancement may also be incorporated to address a higher or more masculine hairline, refining the overall frame of the face.
Brow Lift
A brow lift can elevate and reshape the brow arch, creating a more open, feminine appearance. In facial feminization, this procedure is often combined with forehead contouring to achieve balanced, harmonious results. The brow lift helps position the brows at a height and arch more typical of cisgender women, contributing to a softer, more refreshed look.
Feminizing Rhinoplasty
Feminizing rhinoplasty, sometimes called a feminine nose job, reshapes the nose to soften masculine features. This may involve reducing the overall size of the nose, refining the nasal tip, or adjusting the nasal bridge. Nasal reshaping within the context of facial feminization is carefully calibrated to maintain proportion with the rest of the face and support overall facial harmony.
Cheek Augmentation
Fuller, more prominent cheekbones are a characteristic feature of a feminine face. Cheek augmentation using implants or fat grafting can add volume and projection to the midface, creating softer, more rounded facial contours. Fat transfer techniques allow for natural-looking enhancement using your body’s own tissue, which many patients appreciate for its subtle, integrated results. Individual results may vary.
Lip Lift and Lip Augmentation
The distance between the nose and upper lip, as well as the overall volume and shape of the lips, contributes significantly to a feminine appearance. A lip lift shortens the space between the nose and the lip border, increasing the visibility of the upper lip and adding to lip volume. Lip augmentation may also be used to enhance the fullness and definition of the lips, supporting a more feminine overall appearance.
Jaw Contouring and Chin Contouring
A wide or angular jaw is a commonly recognized masculine facial feature. Jaw contouring reduces the width and angularity of the jaw, creating a more tapered, feminine jaw shape. Chin contouring and chin reduction reshape the lower face to produce a softer, more pointed, or oval chin, more consistent with feminine facial anatomy. These procedures, when combined, can significantly transform the lower third of the face.
Tracheal Shave and Adam’s Apple Reduction
The tracheal shave, also known as an Adam’s apple reduction, reduces the prominence of the thyroid cartilage in the neck. A visible Adam’s apple can be a significant source of gender dysphoria for many patients. This procedure works to soften the contour of the neck and throat, contributing to a more feminine external appearance. When performed thoughtfully, a tracheal shave can leave minimal visible scarring.
Who is a Candidate for Facial Feminization Surgery?
Facial feminization surgery may be appropriate for transgender women, nonbinary individuals, and others whose gender identity leads them to seek a more feminine facial appearance. Many patients experience persistent gender dysphoria related to their facial features, and FFS can be an important component of gender-affirming care that helps alleviate gender dysphoria and supports overall well-being.
Good candidates for feminization surgery are generally individuals who:
- Have a stable gender identity and clear goals for their physical appearance
- Are in good overall health and are appropriate candidates for elective surgery
- Have realistic expectations about outcomes, understanding that individual results may vary
- Have completed or are undergoing hormone therapy (though this is not always a requirement)
- Understand the healing process and are prepared for the recovery period
- Have discussed their goals thoroughly with a qualified provider
Patients traveling to us from the Beverly Hills area, West Hollywood, Santa Monica, Pasadena, and communities throughout the greater Los Angeles region regularly consult with Dr. Deschamps-Braly to explore their options. Our team is experienced in supporting patients who travel from Southern California for care and is committed to making the process as smooth and supportive as possible. To find out whether facial feminization surgery is right for you, we encourage you to contact us to request your consultation.
What to Expect
Your Initial Consultation
Your journey begins with a thorough, one-on-one consultation with Dr. Jordan Deschamps-Braly, M.D., F.A.C.S.. During this meeting, Dr. Deschamps-Braly will review your medical history, evaluate your facial anatomy, and listen carefully to your goals. He will discuss which facial feminization procedures are most likely to help you achieve the feminine face you are envisioning, and together you will develop a personalized surgical plan that reflects your priorities.
We understand that pursuing facial feminization surgery is a deeply personal decision. Our team approaches every consultation with respect, sensitivity, and a commitment to inclusive care.
The Surgical Experience
Facial feminization surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia. Depending on the scope of your personalized surgical plan, the procedure may address multiple areas of the face during a single session. Combining procedures can be efficient for patients who are traveling from Los Angeles or other Southern California communities, reducing the total number of surgical experiences and recovery periods.
Recovery and Healing Process
Recovery from facial feminization surgery varies based on the specific procedures performed and individual patient factors. In general, most patients experience swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort during the initial healing period. Pain medications are typically provided to help manage discomfort during this time, and your care team will provide detailed post-operative instructions to support your healing.
Most patients find that the majority of visible swelling subsides within a few weeks, though full results may continue to develop over several months as soft tissue settles and the face heals. Individual recovery varies, and Dr. Deschamps-Braly’s team will provide guidance specific to your procedures and health history. Most patients can resume light activities within the first few weeks after surgery, though more strenuous activities typically require a longer recovery period.
Is Facial Feminization Permanent?
The structural changes made during procedures such as forehead contouring, jaw contouring, chin reduction, and frontal sinus setback are long-lasting because they involve reshaping bone and hard tissue; soft tissue procedures and fat grafting results may change somewhat over time with natural aging. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and ongoing communication with your provider can help support your results over the long term. During your consultation, Dr. Deschamps-Braly will explain what each recommended procedure can achieve and what you can realistically expect over time.
Why Patients Choose the Deschamps-Braly Clinic for Facial Feminization Surgery
Patients throughout Southern California choose Dr. Jordan Deschamps-Braly, M.D., F.A.C.S., for facial feminization surgery because of his extraordinary depth of specialized training and his genuine commitment to patient-centered care. As a board-certified plastic and craniofacial surgeon with focused expertise in facial gender confirmation surgery, Dr. Deschamps-Braly brings a rare combination of surgical skill and compassionate understanding to every patient relationship.
Our practice is built on an inclusive, affirming environment where every patient is met with dignity and respect. We recognize that choosing to pursue facial feminization surgery is a significant and often deeply meaningful step. Our entire team is dedicated to supporting you throughout the process, from your first consultation through the completion of your healing process.
Facial Feminization Surgery Cost
Facial feminization surgery costs vary based on several factors, including the specific procedures in your surgical plan, the complexity of your case, anesthesia fees, and facility costs. Because every surgical plan is fully personalized, an accurate cost estimate can only be provided following a thorough consultation with Dr. Deschamps-Braly.
Many patients pursue financing options to help manage the cost of gender-affirming care. Our team can provide information on available resources during your consultation. We encourage you to ask about all aspects of cost and financing so that you can plan with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions About Facial Feminization Surgery
What is facial feminization surgery, and what does it involve?
Facial feminization surgery (FFS) is a collection of surgical procedures designed to reshape masculine facial features into a more feminine appearance. Common procedures include forehead contouring, brow lift, feminizing rhinoplasty, jaw contouring, chin reduction, cheek augmentation, lip lift, and tracheal shave.
Am I a good candidate for facial feminization surgery in Los Angeles?
Candidacy for facial feminization surgery is determined on an individual basis during a thorough consultation. Generally, good candidates are in stable health, have realistic expectations, and have clearly defined goals related to their gender identity and physical appearance.
How long does recovery from facial feminization surgery typically take?
Recovery varies depending on the number and type of procedures performed. Most patients experience initial healing over the first few weeks, during which swelling and bruising gradually subside. Full results from facial feminization surgery typically become more visible over several months as the healing process progresses.
Can facial feminization surgery be combined with other procedures?
Yes, many patients choose to address multiple procedures in a single surgical session. Combining procedures such as forehead contouring, jaw contouring, chin contouring, and a tracheal shave into one surgery reduces overall recovery time compared to staging them separately. Our team will advise on the safest and most effective approach based on your health and goals.
Will facial feminization surgery leave visible scars?
Dr. Deschamps-Braly takes great care to place incisions in locations that minimize visible scarring, such as within the hairline or in natural facial folds. Most patients experience minimal visible scarring after surgery, though individual healing varies. Following all post-operative care instructions and attending follow-up appointments supports the best possible healing outcomes.
Does hormone therapy need to be completed before pursuing facial feminization surgery?
Hormone therapy is not universally required before facial feminization surgery, though some patients choose to pursue both as part of their overall gender-affirming care. The interaction between hormone therapy and surgical outcomes will be discussed during your consultation with Dr. Deschamps-Braly, who will help you understand how your individual circumstances may influence your surgical plan and results.
How much does facial feminization surgery cost?
Facial feminization surgery cost depends on the specific procedures included in your surgical plan, facility and anesthesia fees, and the complexity of your case. Accurate pricing is provided following a personalized consultation; financing options may be available to help make care more accessible.
Is facial feminization surgery covered by insurance?
Insurance coverage for facial feminization surgery varies significantly depending on your specific plan, provider, and state regulations. Some insurance plans may cover certain procedures when they are deemed medically necessary for the treatment of gender dysphoria, while other procedures may be considered elective. We recommend contacting your insurance provider directly and discussing your situation with our team during your consultation.
What makes Dr. Deschamps-Braly uniquely qualified to perform facial feminization surgery?
Dr. Jordan Deschamps-Braly’s training encompasses plastic and craniofacial surgery, providing a uniquely comprehensive foundation for the complex work involved in facial feminization. He holds memberships in the American Society of Gender Surgeons, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the American Society of Craniofacial Surgery, and numerous other distinguished professional organizations.
How do I get started with facial feminization surgery in the Los Angeles area?
Patients from throughout Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, and Southern California can begin by scheduling a consultation with Dr. Deschamps-Braly. During this appointment, you will discuss your goals, review your facial anatomy, and receive a personalized surgical plan. You can reach our office by calling (415) 624-3922 or by submitting a consultation request online.
Schedule Your Facial Feminization Surgery Consultation
If you are considering facial feminization surgery in the Los Angeles area, Dr. Jordan Deschamps-Braly, M.D., F.A.C.S., has dedicated his career to helping patients achieve a feminine appearance that reflects their true identity, and our entire team is committed to making your experience as comfortable and affirming as possible. To learn more or to request your consultation, contact us today.

