When trying to capture your most authentic self, you’ll find the most valuable opinion from an expert in facial aesthetics and gender-affirming treatments. Dr. Deschamps-Braly offers many ways to change your facial aesthetic to be representative of your true self. Whether you’ve begun your transitional journey or not, it can be helpful to learn more about facial aesthetics and how they relate to perceived gender. Here’s what to know about one aspect of facial aesthetics, the eyes, and how they can affirm gender.
What Makes a Face Feminine or Masculine?
Gender and facial aesthetics are a complex area of study but one that Dr. Deschamps-Braly has received extensive training in from pioneers in the field. A feminine face tends to be softer with features like rounded cheeks, full lips, a small chin, and a rounded jawline. On the other hand, a masculine face tends to be squared with prominent, well-defined features. The forehead is often wider with a heavyset brow and the jawline is more angled, among other facial features.
What’s the Difference Between Feminine and Masculine Eye Shape?
The angular features of a traditionally masculine face also apply to the eye area. Feminine faces tend to have a more arched and defined brow along with wider eyes in a rounded or open almond shape. On the other hand, masculine eyes may be narrower or oval-shaped with flatter brows that curve downward at the ends. Additionally, a masculine brow tends to be heavier and have a greater protrusion, while a feminine brow may have a more defined and sculpted look. Masculine eyes may be deeper set while feminine eyes may sit further forward on the face.
Gender-Affirming Treatments for Masculine and Feminine Eyes
Dr. Deschamps-Braly offers several gender-affirming procedures for the eyes and eye area. A brow lift targets the outside “tail” of the eyebrow, an important aspect of the brow’s overall appearance. This is a more modern approach compared to previous methods that raised the entire brow and it allows for natural-looking results that will age well. Forehead reduction and contouring can be a more complex procedure, depending on each patient’s goals and their existing facial features. The orbital bones around the eyes may need to be reshaped to create a rounded appearance and the brow bone can also be reconstructed to reduce its size and prominence on the face.
For patients who are just starting on their transitional journey or those who are not ready for surgery, there are many non-surgical options offered by Jennifer Fick, a board-certified aesthetic nurse specialist and Master Cosmetic Injector.
Non-Surgical Options
Although eyelid or brow surgery may be part of your gender-affirming procedure with Dr. Deschamps-Braly, many non-surgical options can also be used to change the overall appearance of the eyes. In some cases, Botox and dermal fillers can be used to add volume and subtly lift the brow, changing its shape and/or curvature to add a feminine arch or create a flatter masculine look. Along with treating the eyes, fillers and Botox can be used to make other adjustments to the face like redefining the jawline or cheekbones, plumping the lips, softening the cheeks, adding volume to the chin, smoothing fine lines and wrinkles, and more.
Schedule a Consultation
Dr. Deschamps-Braly is a leading expert in facial feminization and masculinization surgeries. It is his goal to help patients feel more comfortable in their appearances with a look that matches their true selves. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Deschamps-Braly and our experienced injectors, contact our San Francisco, CA office by calling or filling out our online form.
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.
