Since your face is such a visible and representative part of who you are, it’s extremely important to select the right facial feminization or facial masculinization surgeon. Finding a facial feminization or facial masculinization surgeon who fits your goals, preferences, and outlook can be a challenge – and time-consuming. But it’s worth it to find a facial feminization or facial masculinization surgeon who will achieve your desired results and make your journey a pleasant one. As you prepare for your consultation, here are some important questions to bring to determine whether Dr. Deschamps-Braly is a good fit for you.

What are your certifications and training?

Certifications are one of the most reliable ways of ensuring a facial feminization or facial masculinization surgeon has the skill and experience to keep you safe during and after surgery. Dr. Deschamps-Braly is not only a board-certified plastic surgeon but is also a craniofacial surgeon with specialization in orthognathic surgery and one of the most sought-after facial gender confirmation surgeons in the world.

While many plastic surgeons complete medical school and undergo residency and fellowship training in plastic surgery before practicing, Dr. Deschamps-Braly completed an accredited children’s craniofacial surgery fellowship, craniomaxillofacial and orthognathic fellowship, and direct mentorship among some of the leading craniofacial and aesthetic plastic surgeons in Europe and around the world. In 2012, Dr. Deschamps-Braly established a private practice continuing the legacy of Dr. Douglas Ousterhout, a pioneer in facial gender confirmation and one of the first surgeons to develop facial feminization. There, he studied under Dr. Ousterhout before becoming the foremost facial feminization and facial masculinization surgeon in the country.

Because plastic surgery can cover a broad spectrum of procedures, it’s always best to look for a designated craniofacial and maxillofacial surgeon with extensive training in gender confirmation surgery such as Dr. Deschamps-Braly.

What’s your approach toward facial feminization or facial masculinization?

Each facial feminization or facial masculinization surgeon will have a different approach toward gender-affirming surgery, but it may not align with your goals. Dr. Deschamps-Braly’s approach toward facial feminization and facial masculinization is to achieve a more feminine or masculine look, whereas many facial feminization or facial masculinization surgeons tend to focus on aesthetic beauty. Although terms like “beauty,” “masculinity,” and “femininity” may seem difficult to quantify, it’s important to seek out a facial feminization or facial masculinization surgeon who understands the difference, no matter how abstract.

Because of Dr. Deschamps-Braly’s extensive training in craniofacial and maxillofacial surgery, he has a deep understanding of the differences in facial gender characteristics. In his book Facial Feminization Surgery: The Journey to Gender Affirmation, co-authored with Dr. Ousterhout, he details each area of the face and his approach using facial feminization. These characteristics include more than just bone structure, and can also include characteristics like hairline, brow position, and nose shape – and these characteristics shouldn’t be ignored during facial feminization or facial masculinization. Although beauty may be important to you, you likely also want to appear more feminine or masculine. With a deep understanding of both concepts, Dr. Deschamps-Braly can help you achieve your preferred gender presentation so you look and feel like your truest self.

How do you protect patient identity?

Protecting patient identity is more important than ever when it comes to transitioning patients. You should never feel uncomfortable with a facial feminization or facial masculinization surgeon or feel pressured to take before-and-after photos. Dr. Deschamps-Braly prioritizes patient privacy, understanding that helping you achieve your truest self is the goal, and approaches transitioning patients accordingly. Although results are important, your facial feminization journey should be uplifting and comfortable, not just another case study. Instead, Dr. Deschamps-Braly prefers to let his experience speak for itself, showcasing before-and-afters only in his publication Facial Feminization Surgery: The Journey to Gender Affirmation.

Schedule a Consultation

Finding the right facial feminization or facial masculinization surgeon can be a long but worthwhile process. Dr. Deschamps-Braly is one of the foremostly trained craniofacial and maxillofacial surgeons in the country and can help you find new confidence at our renowned San Francisco clinic. Contact us to schedule an appointment by calling (415) 877-6585 or filling out our online contact form.

At the Deschamps-Braly Clinic, we treat patients of all genders, so it is important to us to make sure that everyone is respected and supported. Whether you are the friend or loved one of a non-binary individual or simply want to learn more, some simple considerations can help you ensure you are being as respectful and supportive as possible.

What Does “Non-Binary” Mean?

Non-binary gender identities fall outside of the traditional categories of “male” or “female” in some way. Each non-binary individual’s gender identity may differ. Some may identify with both male and female characteristics, others may find that their gender changes over time, and others may identify as neither male nor female at all. These examples do not include all possible non-binary identities.

Often, “non-binary” is used as an umbrella term to include many diverse gender identities. Other terms include genderqueer, gender fluid, agender, and bigender, among others.

Keep in mind that non-binary gender identities are not the same as being intersex. While intersex people have anatomy which falls outside of typical male or female definitions, this is independent of an individual’s gender identity. Most non-binary people were assigned either male or female at birth, and many intersex people identify with a binary male or female gender.

Non-binary identities are nothing new. Across numerous cultures throughout history, a multitude of gender identities have been recognized. However, it is only recently within modern Western culture that non-binary identities have begun to be embraced and respected.

Non-Binary People & Gender Affirming Procedures

Some non-binary people will choose to undergo gender affirming procedures, whether surgical or non-surgical. These surgeries may create a more typically masculine, feminine, or androgynous appearance according to the individual’s gender identity and expression. Gender affirming procedures can help relieve dysphoria for non-binary patients just as they may for binary transgender patients. However, it is important to note that not all non-binary people will wish to change their appearance or undergo surgical or non-surgical procedures; this does not invalidate their gender identity in any way.

Understanding Non-Binary Names and Pronouns

Often, non-binary individuals will use pronouns including “they/them” or neopronouns such as “xe/xem” or “ze/hir.” Others may use combinations such as “she/they” or “he/they” or have no preference regarding pronouns. If you are unsure of someone’s pronouns, you can politely and respectfully ask and share your own to help them feel included.

Remember that you don’t need to understand the details of a person’s non-binary identity to be respectful of them. Especially among acquaintances, just be sure to use the correct name and pronouns when speaking or referring to them. If someone you know changes their name to better suit their non-binary identity, make an effort to use that name while calling as little attention to the change as possible.

Schedule a Consultation

If you are a non-binary individual and are interested in pursuing gender-affirming facial surgery or a non-surgical procedure, schedule a consultation at the Deschamps-Braly Clinic. Call +1-415-6585 to set up an appointment in our San Francisco office. 

Since the first facial feminization surgery, countless patients have benefited from the continuous advancement of the procedure and its techniques. Dr. Deschamps-Braly trained under and worked alongside surgeons who developed some of the earliest facial feminization techniques, and patients of the Deschamps-Braly Clinic put their trust in this expertise. If you are considering facial feminization surgery, you may be interested in learning the history of this procedure before scheduling your own consultation.

The First Facial Feminization Surgery

The first facial feminization surgery was performed in 1982 by Dr. Douglas Ousterhout, who was one of Dr. Deschamps-Braly’s mentors and his partner prior to retirement. Like Dr. Deschamps-Braly, Dr. Ousterhout’s background was in plastic surgery and craniofacial surgery. He had trained under Dr. Paul Tessier, who Dr. Deschamps-Braly describes as “essentially the founder of craniofacial surgery in Paris.”

In the 1980s, a San Francisco patient came to Dr. Ousterhout requesting a surgery to feminize the forehead. As this procedure was among the first of its kind, Dr. Ousterhout turned to biological anthropology research to learn more about the anatomy of a “typically feminine” forehead and leaned on his craniofacial surgery background to develop a plan for the procedure.

Dr. Ousterhout’s Career in Facial Feminization Surgery

Over the course of Dr. Ousterhout’s career, he went on to perform approximately 1,600 facial feminization surgeries through his practice in San Francisco. Over time, these initial forehead feminization surgeries evolved to include multiple areas of the face, creating a more balanced appearance for facial feminization patients. Dr. Ousterhout began feminizing the nose, chin, and other areas to complement the results of these early forehead feminizations. His experience over time allowed Dr. Ousterhout to develop the complete facial feminization surgery as we know it today.

Modern Facial Feminization Surgery

Thanks to pioneers like Dr. Ousterhout, patients now enjoy facial feminization results from the many surgeons who have learned from these techniques. While many surgeons perform facial feminization surgery, it is important for patients to carefully consider their credentials, as the procedure is complex and requires extensive knowledge and training.

Dr. Deschamps-Braly continued Dr. Ousterhout’s practice in 2012 and worked alongside him until his retirement in 2014. He is now recognized as a global leader in facial feminization surgery, offering a full range of options for facial feminization patients. This includes forehead reduction and contouring, feminizing rhinoplasty, lip augmentation, hairline lowering, chin contouring, fat transfer, and more.

At the Deschamps-Braly Clinic, patients can also choose non-surgical facial feminization from Jennifer Fick, M.S.N., F.N.P-C, C.A.N.S. These non-surgical options can be great options for patients who are not yet ready for surgery or to complement the results of their facial feminization surgery. At the Deschamps-Braly Clinic, all consultations are performed in-person, allowing for close personal attention and customized procedures with the patient’s unique needs in mind.

Schedule a Consultation

To learn more about your own facial feminization options, schedule a consultation at the Deschamps-Braly Clinic in San Francisco, California. Call our office at +1-415-877-6585.

To learn more about the history of facial feminization and the Deschamps-Braly Clinic, browse our videos through our YouTube channel.

Craniofacial surgery isn’t something any plastic surgeon can do. It requires extensive knowledge of the workings of facial anatomy as well as a highly personal approach to each patient’s goals. When it comes to facial feminization surgery (FFS), the impact of the results are immense, which means the doctor you choose to perform the procedure should be as qualified and experienced as possible.

Your facial features have a tremendous impact on how others perceive you and certainly how you perceive yourself. FFS can help you realize externally visualize who you see yourself to be inside. Here’s how to know a doctor is capable and worthy of helping you express yourself.

Inspect Their Training and Experience

The word “expert” gets thrown around a lot when it comes to facial feminization surgery, but not everyone is qualified to perform it up-to-standard. Doctors who have never trained in FFS can claim to have training and expertise in the procedure. In reality, craniofacial surgery such as FFS is extremely delicate and comprehensive, requiring a surgeon to take the entire facial anatomy into consideration when developing a surgical plan. This means that specific training in this technique is paramount when choosing a doctor for your FFS. Ask about a doctor’s specific training credentials, beyond board-certification (which should be a pre-requisite). Doctors who have done fellowships in craniofacial surgery, like Dr. Deschamps-Braly, are typically well-qualified for FFS.

Document Their Experience

Even those doctors who are well-qualified for FFS may not have the expertise you can be confident in. Like any skill, surgical feminization of the face takes practice to become a master. Dr. Deschamps-Braly says it takes three to five years, or 300-400 cases, to truly be great at FFS. You can ask the doctor about the number of procedures they’ve completed, check out before-and-after photos, and evaluate specific cases of people who look like you to get a good idea of whether this physician knows how to approach your specific surgical goals.

Some ways to enhance your examination of before-and-afters are:

• Have the doctor explain the technique of each photo and why they performed the procedure that way
• As to speak with the people about their experience or read their testimonials
• Look for common oversights such as a visible scar in the hairline or unnatural-looking nose jobs

Share Your Full Facial Concerns

Be wary of doctors who may advise for a specific procedure such as rhinoplasty versus a full facial feminization procedure. If you’re interested in FFS, a single procedure or even a few surgeries performed simultaneously are not ideal. Instead, you should have a doctor who’s thinking about your entire facial anatomy. Every minute detail of your facial contour, hairline, eyes, cheeks, chin, and neck contribute to how people see you from every angle. A truly comprehensive, ideal approach considers the entire face, not just a feature or two.

Whether or not you think you need a full facial transformation, your doctor should be aware and capable of seeing how your face could become more feminine no matter what starting point you’re coming from. A doctor who can identify subtleties such as the shape of the orbital bone, prominence of the forehead, and hairline pattern can open your eyes to the complexities of your face, and the possibilities you have from FFS.

Facial Feminization Surgery in San Francisco

Dr. Deschamps-Braly is a pioneer and expert in facial feminization surgery, using leading techniques to provide patients with their ideal facial contours that show everyone around them who they truly are. Learn more about how FFS can change your life by contacting our team to schedule a consultation with Dr. Deschamps-Braly today.

Information gathered from: https://www.realself.com/news/choosing-doctor-facial-feminization-surgery.

Our view and understanding of gender is continually expanding. In Western culture, we once understood gender as a binary that aligned with the sex assigned at birth. Today, younger generations especially have embraced a view of gender that is more inclusive, seeing gender as a spectrum rather than a binary and moving away from rigid gender roles.

At the Deschamps-Braly Clinic, we specialize in gender-affirming procedures including facial feminization surgery (FFS), facial masculinization surgery (FMS), and non-surgical feminization and masculinization. As such, our team values gender diversity, learning more about gender and doing all we can to respect and honor our transgender, nonbinary, and gender non-conforming patients. If you are the loved one of an FFS or FMS patient or simply want to learn more about gender, you can continue reading for a brief overview.

Three Dimensions of Gender

Some people may use the terms “sex” and “gender” interchangeably, but there are key differences between the two. Understanding that sex and gender are different is the first step in understanding and breaking down the three dimensions of gender.

The first dimension of gender is the body. Most cultures view sex as a binary, distinguishing between male and female. Traditionally, Western culture has assigned gender in accordance with the biological sex of the body. This simplification can create issues for transgender people, who may feel incongruence between their gender and body, as well as intersex people.

The second dimension of gender is identity. This is our internal experience of our gender, which is usually established around age four. Naming one’s gender identity can be a complex process as we use limited language and continually discover new things about ourselves. An individual’s understanding and labeling of their own identity can evolve if they discover a new language which better explains their internal identity. From the outside perspective, this may include things like changing pronouns or names.

The third dimension is social gender. Social gender includes the way that we express and communicate our gender to others through our clothing, mannerisms, and other facets of our outward presentation. It can also include the ways we interact with or are perceived by society, including the roles we fill. Social gender can include things like activities, children’s toys, family roles, and more.

How Plastic Surgery Can Affirm Gender

Plastic surgery can help patients feel an increased sense of gender congruence or the feeling of harmony regarding our gender. Gender congruence is a sense of comfort in our bodies regarding our gender presentation and confidence in naming our gender. Not all transgender, nonbinary, or gender non-conforming people will feel the need to change their bodies, but for those who do, plastic surgery can provide a sense of relief and newfound confidence.

While we usually think of binary transgender patients when it comes to gender-affirming procedures, nonbinary and even cisgender patients may feel an improved sense of gender congruence after a surgery. For example, a procedure may be chosen to create a more androgynous look for some patients. A cisgender patient can also choose a procedure to create a more traditionally masculine or feminine look. Consider, for example, a cisgender man choosing a chin implant or a cisgender woman choosing forehead reduction. These patients may not experience gender dysphoria or gender transition, but they may still undergo plastic surgery for reasons related to their gender identity.

Schedule a Consultation

If you are interested in FFS or FMS, schedule a consultation with Dr. Deschamps-Braly. Call our San Francisco office at +1-415-877-6585.

At the Deschamps-Braly Clinic, many of our patients choose Dr. Deschamps-Braly for his expertise in gender-affirming surgeries. This means that many of our patients are transgender, nonbinary, or otherwise gender diverse. It is important to us to maintain a clear understanding of gender identity terms so we can be respectful and accommodating of our patients, and we encourage others to do the same. As you review these gender identity terms, keep in mind that identity and expression is unique to every individual, and these are only general definitions.

Agender

Agender means that an individual does not identify as having a gender or does not identify with an existing gender. An agender person may describe this as being genderless or gender-neutral.

Androgynous

Androgyny typically refers to a person’s physical appearance or expression. Rather than describing a particular identity, people of multiple gender identities may prefer an androgynous appearance or quality. This may be a part of their gender expression or simply an aesthetic preference.

Bigender

A bigender person may fluctuate between traditionally masculine and feminine gender identities or embody both.

Cisgender

A cisgender individual is a person whose gender identity is the same as the sex they were assigned at birth. For example, a cisgender woman would be assigned female at birth, and a cisgender man would be assigned male at birth.

Gender Expression

Gender expression includes our external appearance, including the way we dress or wear our hair, and the way we behave, such as the way we speak or our mannerisms.

Gender Fluid

Gender fluid individuals may experience fluctuations in how masculine, feminine, or nonbinary over time. They may also embody a blend of masculine, feminine, or nonbinary characteristics most of the time. Each gender fluid individual has a unique sense of gender identity, just as any transgender or cisgender person would.

Genderqueer

Genderqueer is often used as an umbrella term for those who are gender non-conforming, gender fluid, or nonbinary. A person may use genderqueer as their own identity label, or the term may be used to be inclusive of multiple identities.

Intersex

Intersex individuals are born with reproductive or sexual anatomy which does not fall into a typical male or female definition. Keep in mind that sex and gender are different. This means that an intersex person’s gender identity may be male, female, or nonbinary/genderqueer regardless of their intersex identity.

Mx.

Mx. is a gender-neutral title that can be used in place of gendered titles such as Mr., Ms., or Mrs. Mx. is pronounced like the word “mix.”

Neopronouns

Neopronouns are typically used by nonbinary or genderqueer individuals and include a range of pronouns beyond he/him and she/her. Some neopronouns include they/them, xe/xyr, ze/zir, or ze/hir (pronounced like the word “here”). If you are unsure of a person’s pronouns, you may politely and respectfully ask and share your own.

Nonbinary

Nonbinary is often used as an umbrella term for individuals who are genderqueer, gender fluid, two-spirit, etc. An individual may also use the term nonbinary to define their own gender identity. A nonbinary person may identify with being agender, gender fluid, or a mix between masculine and feminine.

Transgender

A transgender person is someone whose gender identity is not the same as their sex assigned at birth. We typically think of binary transgender people first, but nonbinary individuals may also identify as transgender. While many transgender people pursue gender-affirming procedures, such as facial feminization surgery or facial masculinization surgery, not all transgender people will.

Two-Spirit

Two-spirit is a term used by Native American people as an umbrella term for traditional third-gender identities. In many Native American communities, a two-spirit person is someone who has both masculine and feminine characteristics and fulfills a unique social or ceremonial role. Definitions or translations vary based on an Indigenous individual’s tribe or heritage.

Call the Deschamps-Braly Clinic

If you are interested in pursuing a gender-affirming procedure, including both surgical or non-surgical options, schedule a consultation at the Deschamps-Braly Clinic in San Francisco. Call +1-415-877-6585.

Facial Feminization—The Journey to Gender Affirmation

Authors: Jordan Deschamps-Braly, MD, and Douglas Ousterout, MD

The Independent Book Publishers’Association announces that Facial Feminization—the Journey to Gender Affirmation has received first place in the 34th annual Benjamin Franklin Awards.™ The book won in the health and fitness category. The authors are Jordan Deschamps-Braly, MD, and Douglas Ousterhout, MD, of San Francisco. This year’s award winners were honored during a dinner ceremony held on April 29, 2022 at the Renaissance Hotel in Orlando, Florida.

Celebrating excellence in book editorial content and design, the Benjamin Franklin Awards™ are administered by the Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), the largest book publishers’ association in the US with more than 4,000 members.

Facial Feminization discusses facial cosmetic surgery procedures for transgender women. Topics covered include scalp advancement, chin feminization, forehead feminization, lower jaw tapering, temple augmentation, thyroid cartilage reduction, cheek contouring, lower jaw repositioning, nose reshaping, upper jaw repositioning, upper lip reshaping.

According to author Dr. Deschamps-Braly, “For many transgender women, having their facial features refined is an important step in their transition, with many considering it the most essential part of their transformation.

The annual book award competition honors the best in American Independent publishers across 57 categories. This year’s awards competition, for books with a copyright date of 2021, garnered over 1,900 individual entries. The judges for this year’s awards were 171 book publishing professionals including librarians, bookstore owners, reviewers, designers, publicity managers, and editors. For a complete listing of the 34th annual IBPA Benjamin Franklin Award™ winners in each of the 57 categories, visit www.ibpabenjaminfranklinaward.com.

Founded in 1992, the publisher, Addicus Books, Inc, publishes best-selling consumer health books and other nonfiction. It is based in Omaha, Nebraska.

About the Ben Franklin Awards

The IBPA Benjamin Franklin Awards, recognizing excellence in editorial content and book design, are regarded as one of the highest national honors for independent publishers. The awards are unique in that the verbatim judging forms are returned to all participating publishers, providing entrants with direct feedback on each submission.

About Independent Book Publishers’ Association (IBPA)

Founded in 1983 to support independent publishers nationwide, the Independent Book Publishers’ Association (IBPA) serves the independent publishing community through advocacy, education, and tools for success. It is the largest publishing association in the U.S. Its mission is to serve independent publishers. providing access to knowledge and tools needed to professionally engage in all aspects of an inclusive publishing industry. For more information, visit www.ibpa-online.org.

Tired of having a double chin? Kybella to the rescue!

What Causes Submental Fat (Double Chin)?

Submental fat, or “double chin” can be genetically inherited, caused by weight gain, or age. If someone is genetically predisposed to gain or hold fat in certain body areas, it likely will not matter how healthy or fit they are, the submental fat may persist. Often, despite exercise and weight loss, problem areas such as the double chin remain. Aging can be a factor, due to reduced collagen and elasticity and muscle tone. It is important to determine if the submental volume under the chin is due to fat accumulation or skin laxity, as the treatment options are quite different. Kybella can only treat fat that is in front of the muscles of the neck (pre-platysmal fat).

What is Kybella?

Kybella is the first injectable medication that permanently dissolves submental fat. It is composed of deoxycholic acid, a bile salt found naturally in the body that breaks down fats during the digestive process. When it is injected into the submental fat, it breaks down the fat cells, allowing the body to absorb the cell contents and metabolize them. The fat cells that are destroyed are gone, however, the remaining fat cells will continue to expand or shrink depending on lifestyle and diet.

What is the Kybella Treatment Process?

Since Kybella is a non-invasive injection treatment, the appointments are quick, and there is very little discomfort. Ice is applied before and after treatment for comfort and to reduce swelling. During the treatment, you may experience a burning sensation that subsides within a few minutes after treatment. After treatment, the treated area may feel numb and tender to touch but not painful. Occasionally bruising may occur but is manageable. Visible swelling is noticeable for about one week, with patients describing it as a “bullfrog” appearance. Swelling gradually dissipates with the effects of the treatment being fully realized about 8-10 weeks later.

Typically 2-4 treatments are required, and up to 6 may be necessary for some patients. Usually, 1-2 vials of Kybella are placed depending on the surface area requiring treatment. Treatments are spaced 6-8 weeks apart. A consultation and evaluation with Jennifer Fick, our board-certified aesthetic nurse practitioner,  is required to ensure you are a candidate for Kybella. She will provide you with the best treatment options, and a timeline in which you can expect results.

Schedule a Kybella Consultation

To learn more about Kybella and if you are a candidate, schedule a consultation at the Deschamps-Braly Clinic in San Francisco, California. Call our office at (415) 877-6585.

Hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating affects approximately 15.3 million people in the United States, or 4.8% of the population. It is characterized by excessive sweating that is more than required for thermoregulation of body temperature. Since it is caused by the overactivity of certain nerves, it is not necessarily caused by the exercise of exposure to heat. Therefore, it can substantially impact a person’s lifestyle, including work and social activities.

Where Does Hyperhidrosis Occur?

It may affect the hands, feet, and underarms, but can also affect the head and face, back, chest and under the breasts. Depending on the area affected, topical antiperspirants, iontophoresis, and radiofrequency treatments may be effective. Botox® is an FDA-approved treatment for hyperhidrosis affecting the underarms, but we have also used it effectively on the face. Your provider will do a thorough consultation and physical exam to determine if you are an appropriate candidate. In some cases, a starch iodine test may be used to locate areas of focal sweating in the underarms to ensure adequate treatment in that area.

How do I Treat Hyperhidrosis?

Hyperhidrosis treatments are non-invasive injections, similar to cosmetic treatments, however, the injections are placed more superficially to target the sweat glands. Botox blocks the release of acetylcholine, which is the neurotransmitter responsible for stimulating sweat gland activity as well as muscle movement. Since the Botox is injected into the skin and not the muscle tissue in the underarm, no impairment in muscle activity occurs.

A starch iodine test is performed if needed. Then the treated area is marked and injections are placed in a specific pattern and distance apart. Ice is applied before and after, and there is no residual discomfort after the procedure. Patients can return to all work and social activities immediately. We recommend refraining from exercise until the day after treatment.

How Long Does Hyperhidrosis Treatment Last?

This treatment is not permanent, and patients will enjoy the results for 6-8 months after each session. The duration of relief from excessive sweating will vary from patient to patient, but most patients report significant relief. We have had patients report not having to bring a second or third shirt or blouse to work, and feeling less self-conscious after treatment.

 A consultation and evaluation with Jennifer Fick, our board-certified aesthetic nurse practitioner,  is required to ensure you are a candidate for hyperhidrosis treatment. She will provide you with the best treatment options, and a timeline in which you can expect results. 

Schedule Your Hyperhidrosis Treatment Consultation

To learn more about hyperhidrosis treatment and to see if you are a candidate, schedule a consultation at the Deschamps-Braly Clinic in San Francisco, California. Call our office at (415) 877-6585. 

The lips play a significant role in the appearance of a traditionally feminine face. Typically, feminine faces have a shorter distance between the upper lip and nose as well as a fuller or more voluminous shape. This makes lip augmentation procedures a popular choice for facial feminization patients. At the Deschamps-Braly Clinic, patients can consider options including lip lifts and lip fillers to achieve a more feminine look.

The Difference Between a Lip Lift and Lip Fillers

The primary difference between a lip lift and lip fillers is that the former is a surgical procedure while the latter is performed using injections.

A lip lift is also referred to as an upper lip reduction. In a lip lift, a small section of skin below the nose is removed, raising the upper lift slightly higher. This exposes more of the pink tissue of the lips, creating a fuller appearance, and shortens the distance between the upper lip and nose. The results of a lip lift is a more typically feminine and youthful look. Some patients may also choose a lip lift for the corners of the mouth. This creates a more pleasant resting expression by focusing on the corners of the mouth alone, improving the “sweep” of the lips while still creating the appearance of more volume.

Lip fillers, or lip injections, typically involve using hyaluronic acid-based products such as Juvéderm, Restylane Kysse, or Belotero to create fuller lips. In some cases, fat transfer may also be used to create longer-lasting results. Lip fillers can be completed quickly and are a significantly less invasive option compared to a lip lift. However, results from hyaluronic acid fillers are not permanent.

Recovery After a Lip Lift vs. Lip Fillers

Recovery is a significant consideration for patients to make when choosing between lip lift and lip fillers.

After a lip lift, sutures will be in place, and you can expect some bruising and swelling. Incisions will heal within several weeks, and a short amount of downtime is typical.

After lip fillers, no downtime is required. You may notice minimal side effects including redness or swelling at the injection site. However, results are immediately noticeable.

Choosing Between Lip Lift and Lip Fillers for Facial Feminization

The best option for your facial feminization will vary depending on several factors. First, patients can consider which facial features they are most concerned about. Some facial feminization patients may have a noticeably long distance between the nose and upper lip, creating a masculine effect. Others may only have concerns about the fullness of their lips, which can make lip fillers a better option. It is also worth factoring in pairing your lip procedure with other facial feminization options. If you are including a lip procedure as part of an overall facial feminization surgery, the downtime required after a lip lift is less of a concern.

Longevity of your results is another important consideration. Some patients opt for lip fillers first as results are not permanent. This gives them the opportunity to see how they feel about the results before committing to a permanent change.

Finally, it is possible to combine a lip lift and lip fillers in many cases. While a lip lift will result in the appearance of fuller lips, fillers can then be used to enhance these results. Dr. Deschamps-Braly and Jennifer Fick can help guide you toward the best options to achieve the results you’re looking for.

Schedule a Consultation

To learn more about your lip augmentation and facial feminization options, schedule a consultation at the Deschamps-Braly Clinic in San Francisco, California. Call our office at (415) 877-6585.