Long Face Syndrome and Facial Feminization Surgery (FFS)

What is Vertical Maxillary Excess? How can it be Corrected within the Context of Facial Feminization?

When a transgender person is seeking to undertake facial feminization surgery there are several relevant FFS procedures that may be recommended depending on existing facial structure and aesthetic goals. Some FFS procedures fall under the category of plastic surgery (soft tissues), others under craniofacial surgery (the underlying facial skeleton), and others yet under orthognathic surgery (surgery of upper and lower jaws).

One of the lesser utilized FFS procedures is the surgical correction of long face syndrome or vertical maxillary excess. This condition is a facial deformity caused by a disproportionately grown upper or lower jaw making the face appear overly long. Depending on the individual, the vertical maxillary excess may result in a very “gummy” smile and a thin, over-elongated face.

Surgical Correction of Vertical Maxillary Excess within the Context of FFS

Vertical maxillary excess is easily correctable with orthognathic (jaw) surgery and is ideal for transgender individuals who are transitioning into females and have an excessively long face relative to their gender-adjusted soft tissue envelope (the skin, subcutaneous tissue, and deep fascia). The surgery is often used in the setting of a staged procedure. For instance, depending on the individual’s existing features, we usually prefer to complete the maxillary impaction prior to doing a rhinoplasty, unless there is to be a long course of orthodontic treatment involved. This procedure should also be done before an upper lip lift is performed because the lip lift is a finishing touch based on balanced proportions of the facial skeleton. Otherwise, the rest of the surgical procedures follow the same long format surgical session within the cluster of procedures that make up FFS.

Reducing the height of the face significantly adds to the outcome of facial feminization because shortening the face creates a more feminine appearance. Typically men’s faces are longer or taller, more angular, with higher foreheads and hairlines than women. And women’s faces are typically rounder, shorter in height, and less angular particularly around the chin and jaw area — amongst other differences.

Other related procedures that may be recommended regarding the lower half of the face to enhance feminization may include upper lip lift surgery, chin recontouring, “Asian” V-Line surgery, or chin reduction surgery.

How is the Surgery Performed?

The mechanics of surgically reducing the length of the face are essentially identical as those used in the Le Fort Osteotomy – an orthognathic (jaw surgery) procedure. Known as the “workhorse” of jaw surgery, this procedure is typically used in non-FFS patients for the treatment of upper jaw malocclusion and cleft palate.

In FFS patients, the Le Fort Osteotomy I maxillary intrusion involves the cutting of the jaw in the area between the nose and teeth to shorten the maxillary bone. Then reattaching the bone to bring the upper half of the face more harmoniously in balance with the bottom half in order to shorten the length of the face to a more feminine aspect.
Read more about the Le Fort Osteotomy I here.

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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.