As humans, we can express ourselves through our identities. However, some people think that their physical appearance matches how they identify or view themselves. Because of this, they create a sense of detachment from their personal identity. This is mostly the case for the transgender community, but there are ways to change this. One solution is FFS NYC, which involves surgical procedures to help reshape traditionally masculine-identifying features into more feminine appearances.

What is FFS NYC?

FFS NYC or facial feminization surgery is a group of procedures that can make your face look more feminine. We know that transgender women undergo male-to-female FFS to match their gender identity. But what you didn’t know is that FFS can also appeal to cisgender women who want to soften their masculine or androgynous features, such as a prominent forehead or angular jawline.

FFS NYC is a procedure for anyone who wants to soften the characteristics of their facial features. This involves one or many procedures and is uniquely tailored to each person. The goal of this surgery is to change the facial features just enough to give the impression of femininity – there’s no need to completely alter the uniqueness of the person.

Generally, feminine facial features include softer cheeks, a smaller jaw or chin, a rounder face, and larger lips. To achieve this look, the surgery can be performed in a series of procedures or just a single long procedure. Each area of the face is addressed, where different surgical techniques are used, based on your facial anatomy, the desired results, and your surgeon’s level of experience.

FFS NYC procedures include:

  • A brow lift, neck lift, facelift, and/or eyelid surgery.
  • Cheek and lip augmentation
  • Chin contouring and jaw reduction
  • Forehead reduction
  • Rhinoplasty

In general, good FFS candidates include those who have masculine facial features who are also in overall good health. They must have a positive outlook and set realistic expectations as they stay emotionally healthy.

What are the pros and cons of FFS NYC?

Pros

  • FFS NYC can change your bone structure permanently, and the result can boost your self-esteem, whether you only want to soften your features or affirm your gender.
  • It has a 99% satisfaction rating. Almost everyone who underwent FFS is satisfied with the outcome.

Cons

  • FFS doesn’t stop the aging process, so you may need to undergo soft-tissue maintenance procedures in the future to maintain your look.
  • Because FFS includes a few different procedures, the cost can add up.
  • You may not get your desired results if you go to a surgeon who isn’t experienced with FFS. 

What you should expect with FFS NYC

FFS is customized, depending on the patient, thus, a good consultation with a board-certified surgeon is key. This is where medical questions and concerns will be discussed, as well as any emotional or psychiatric concerns. If you have any allergies, medications, and supplements, you need to inform the surgeon to avoid adverse interactions or reactions.

Expect the surgeon to take X-rays, photos, and digital scans before the procedure. Make sure to be as honest as you can about your desired outcome, and raise any concerns you have. Your surgeon may suggest several procedures, depending on your goals and facial structure. Once you’ve made your decision, you’ll undergo the next step – a pre-op evaluation. You’ll also have to run some routine lab tests to guard against any medical complications.

FFS procedures can be done in one surgery, which lasts about five hours, but it depends on the surgeon’s expertise. Most of the time, this process can take several sessions. After the surgery, the procedure areas will be covered with bandages to minimize swelling – usually around the head, face, and chin. After the procedures, you’ll be wheeled into the recovery room until the sedation wears off.

Before you’re allowed to go home, you’ll be given instructions for the following:

  • Activity restrictions
  • Care of your surgical site
  • Dates and intervals of follow-up sessions
  • Ointments to apply
  • Signs of infection and other concerns
  • Sleeping positions

You should see the changes to your facial structure after the procedure. However, it may take at least 6 months to see the final results. Some of the results from soft-tissue feminization can also be seen immediately but may take time for the scars and swelling to resolve.

How long does one recover from FFS NYC procedures?

After FFS procedures, the downtime is usually 7 to 14 days, but your recovery timeline will still depend on which procedures you’ve undergone. Soft-tissue feminizing surgeries will have a lot less swelling and downtime, compared to bony procedures. In most cases, it can take anywhere from 3 to 4 weeks for the swelling and bruising to get to a point where you’ll look presentable. Your surgeon may tell you to take medications for the first few days to help with the swelling.

Is FFS NYC worth it?

The costs of FFS NYC procedures can range from $4,800 to $51,000, but it will still depend on how many procedures you have, as well as their complexity – the types of aesthetic changes that have been made. Other factors will include your surgeon’s experience level, the hospital and anesthesiologist’s fees, and their practice location.

The goal after any surgery is not just to have a better-looking nose or a more feminine jaw. The goal is to make happy and healthy patients. So, with that in mind, part of the process includes creating a realistic plan for payment, which limits the financial burden as much as possible.

After all, FFS has a very high satisfaction rate when patients are counseled correctly. Every penny you spent on FFS is worth it.

How to find the best FFS NYC surgeon?

To make sure you get the most of what you’ll pay for, you have to find a board-certified plastic surgeon who has extensive experience with FFS. You can ask the doctor how many surgeries they perform each year, and make sure they have before and after photos of FFS procedures, including patients with similar facial structures to yours. You may also read some reviews about FFS online to learn more about their experience.