They call it “feminization surgery,” but that’s a bit of a misnomer. More accurately described, it tends to make the features of the face finer and more delicate, and people of any gender can have delicate features. You can meet with a plastic surgeon to discuss the look and feel you want, and some example photos are a good idea.
This family of plastic surgery procedures change the look and shape of your face. You’ll consult with your surgeon to discuss the options, but they can include contouring of the facial bones, lip and eyelid surgery, chin sculpting, hairline relocation, a facelift, a nose job, and/or a reduction of your thyroid cartilage (also known as tracheal shaving — it will reduce the size of your Adam’s apple).
Risks and complications can vary, depending on the nature of the procedure(s) performed, but can include scarring, infection, uneven facial features, and nerve damage.
This section is part of a larger piece, Trans Summer School: The Wide World of Surgical Transition. To read the whole piece or another section, click here!
