The outward appearance of a person offers important hints to others regarding one’s gender identity, personality, and more. Because of this, obtaining a more masculine facial appearance is an important treatment goal for many trans men. While some trans men are able to achieve traditionally male facial features with the use of hormone therapy alone, facial masculinization surgery (FMS) may be an effective option for those who would like to achieve a greater degree of masculinization.

While the decision to undergo FMS is a very personal one, trans men who do choose to undergo this procedure often experience improved self-esteem and improved self-image. At Deschamps-Braly Clinic, we perform a large array of facial masculinization procedures to help our patients meet their personal aesthetic goals. Read on to learn more about what procedures are often included in FMS.

Forehead Reshaping

The forehead is a vital facial feature, as it frames the entire face. Forehead reshaping, contouring, and reduction are effective solutions for adults who wish to achieve a more masculine facial appearance. Female foreheads are typically shorter than male foreheads, so lengthening this area to create a larger, more angular forehead can help patients to achieve the male appearance they desire. Surgical incisions will be created in the hairline to avoid visible scarring, so patients do not have to worry about unwanted visible scars.

Cheek Enhancement

Female and male cheeks also have various differences. Male cheeks are often more angular and chiseled, while female cheeks are more rounded and soft with prominent cheekbones that project further from the face. To create a more masculine appearance, the overall shape of the cheekbones will be shaped with cheek augmentation, cheek reduction, or fat transfer injections to become more angular. Dr. Deschamps-Braly also takes into account each patient’s ethnicity, as some ethnic groups tend to have larger cheek sizes, for the most natural-looking results.

Rhinoplasty

A rhinoplasty is a nasal procedure to aesthetically enhance, shape, reconstruct or correct the form of the nose. To create a more masculine-looking nose, your nose may become larger and/or wider. However, this procedure is very individualized since the right size and shape of the nose also depend on the overall facial structure.

Chin Contouring

Male chins tend to be longer, wider, and have a squarer shape to them. Because of this, chin recontouring is a very effective way to create a more masculine, angular appearance. Dr. Deschamps-Braly will speak with you regarding your surgical options to achieve a more masculine chin.

Jaw Augmentation

Jaw augmentation, or mandibular augmentation, is a procedure to balance the appearance of your jaw with the rest of your face. To create a more masculine facial appearance, the overall width of the jaw is increased and more definition is provided between the lower face and neck. During jaw augmentation, an incision is created within the mouth through which implants are placed. Incisions are closed with dissolvable sutures.

Adam’s Apple Surgery

Female-to-male transgender individuals may expect to grow an Adam’s apple following testosterone therapy. However, this is not the case. If you do not already have an Adam’s apple, it will probably not grow larger with testosterone therapy alone. Adam’s apple implant augmentation is performed by creating a natural implant from cartilage taken from the rib cage. This new implant is then attached to the appropriate position to create a noticeable Adam’s apple.

Schedule a Consultation

If you would like to learn more about our offered masculinization facial procedures, please contact Deschamps-Braly Clinic in San Francisco, CA today. Your first step will be to schedule a consultation appointment with Dr. Deschamps-Braly.

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.

January Skin Recovery

The holidays are over and now what? You are likely looking at the year ahead, booking your calendar with important social occasions and celebrations. The beginning of the year is an ideal time to think about reversing some of the effects of the celebratory previous months. Maybe too little sleep, a bit lax on your skin care program, and a possibly a bit more celebrating than you planned?

Is Your Skin Dry?

Your skin needn’t participate in Dry January! This is the perfect time to rejuvenate, hydrate, and restore your skin’s natural balance and recover from the holiday shenanigans. Given that you have a lighter social calendar, planning procedures that have some downtime, such as IPL/laser or micro needling treatments can be less challenging. Typically, you should plan for 2-4 days of social downtime for these procedures, depending on which procedure you and your provider choose, and the degree of intensity you wish to pursue. A more intense treatment will have somewhat more downtime, while a less intense treatment will give your skin a boost and you won’t miss a beat (albeit with a touch of concealer)!

Tips For Skincare

We generally recommend a series of three treatments spaced 3-4 weeks apart for the best improvement in redness, pigmentation and collagen stimulation. We offer a package discount of 10% off three treatments when purchased together. The treatments don’t expire, and often patients will schedule two treatments sequentially, and then plan the final treatment 3-6 months later as a booster.

Time To Help Your Skin

This is a GREAT time to resume using prescription topicals, such as tretinoin (Retin-A) and hydroquinone to brighten the skin, exfoliate, and prepare and maintain the results of other skin treatments. Although we are less sun exposed during the winter months, it is still very important to wear sunblock daily and to reapply if you participate in winter outdoor activities. Sunblock protects your skin not just from UV rays, but also preserves the effects of medical grade treatments and prescription skin care topicals. Your sunblock should contain a mineral blocking agent, such as titanium or zinc for the best protection.

When you’re looking for facial masculinization or feminization surgery, a crucial part of creating the right facial contour that’s affirming and proportional is creating well-defined cheeks, which can require augmenting them in certain areas. In addition, cheek augmentation or reduction can also be beneficial for people who simply want to look like a better version of themselves.

There are multiple cheek enhancement surgeries provided by leading craniofacial surgeon Dr. Deschamps-Braly, and the one that’s right for you will depend on many factors, including the degree of volume enhancement required as well as which parts of the cheeks could benefit from increased volume. However, due to its many benefits and more natural results, Dr. Deschamps-Braly typically uses fat grafting for many patients. Here’s what to know about your options for cheek enhancement surgery.

Use Cases for Cheek Implants

Dr. Deschamps-Braly can use multiple cheek enhancement techniques because no single procedure serves our inspiring patients equally well. In some circumstances, cheek implants serve specific purposes that create great results. Ideally, cheek implants (which are made of silicone or silicone gel) are used for people with noticeable cheek asymmetry. Each implant can be customized for sizes that correct such an imbalance for very long-lasting results with a relatively simple invasive procedure.

However, one of the reasons Dr. Deschamps-Braly only uses implants in special cases is that people who need revolumizing treatment for their face will not experience the best results with implants. This is because implants can be easily felt and even seen when used in patients with littler natural cheek volume – the implants sit right beneath the surface of the skin in the cheeks, and even the most “natural” feeling silicone still isn’t real tissue. In these cases, cheek implants tend to look and feel artificial.

Cheek Fat Transfer Enhancement

Whereas implants are artificial, there’s nothing artificial about fat transfer to the face. With fat transfer, a patient’s own body fat can be moved to their face, adding natural volume that will last a long time. Beyond a much more natural feel, the advantages of fat transfer include a versatile placement method, with fat being able to be placed at various depths in the skin and in places like the temples or other areas of the face that could also benefit from additional volume.

Which is Right For Me?

Based on these insights, you might already have an idea of which procedure is more appropriate for your concerns and goals from facial surgery. However, the best way to know exactly what’s right for your surgical plan is to talk to the expert. Dr. Deschamps-Braly is a pioneer in craniofacial and gender-affirming facial surgery who can examine your facial structure and provide an expert opinion on the techniques or specific procedures that will help you achieve a face that accurately portrays who you are inside.

Cheek Enhancement in San Francisco, CA

To learn more about your best options for cheek implants or cheek fat grafting, call our office to schedule a consultation today. You can reach Dr. Deschamps-Braly by calling our office or requesting your consultation online today.

We are very excited to announce we have upgraded our micro needling technology! The SkinPen® was the first FDA approved micro needling device and has been a leader in the industry, setting the standards for safety and efficacy. The SkinPen® developed the first FDA approved treatment protocol, ensuring consistent, replicable results that have been proven with clinical trial data.

What is Microneedling?

Micro Needling is known as “percutaneous collagen induction therapy” (PCIT), and is a non-invasive treatment utilizing serial micro-punctures to induce the body’s own endogenous collagen production. The SkinPen® is a ‘Class I FDA-approved medical device that is ideal for non-surgical treatment of various skin conditions such as aging (wrinkles and fine lines), scarring (acne and surgical scars), stretch marks and hyperpigmentation. There is also a new indication for the SkinPen® for the treatment of neck wrinkles.

Clinical Studies for Microneedling

Clinical studies have shown that micro needling can be as effective as ablative and non-ablative treatments like fractional laser treatments and intense pulsed light (IPL) in stimulating collagen and elastin production. Therapeutic effects include reduction in the appearance of fine lines, acne scars and pore size and overall improving the general appearance of the skin.

What is the Downtime?

We encourage patients to plan for two to three days of social downtime to account for facial redness and swelling, followed by some dry flakiness. In a few days, the skin will look and feel softer, smoother, and more toned. For most patients, a series of three treatments are scheduled approximately four weeks apart to ensure optimal collagen stimulation and to yield the best possible aesthetic outcome. In cases where acne, surgical scars or stretch marks are targeted, more treatments may be necessary and often prescription topical creams such as tretinoin are used to prepare the skin and enhance treatment results.

Special Notes on Microneedling

SkinPen®  is the first FDA approved micro needling device and the first FDA approved micro needling protocol.

SkinPen®  Efficacy:

• The device’s power, ability to maintain a consistent skin penetration speed
• Maintain sharpness of the needles for a consistent time
• Climically proven to improve wrinkles

SkinPen® Safety:

• Validated to prevent backflow from the cartridge to the handpiece
• Has a disposable bio-sheath to protect the handpiece from fluid transfer
• Single use lockout feature, cannot allow reuse

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.