Face
Facial Feminization Surgery
A combination of procedures that softens and reshapes masculine facial features. Tailored to each patient's anatomy and goals.
Overview
Facial feminization surgery (FFS) is a set of procedures performed individually or in combination to address features that read as masculine and produce a more feminine facial appearance. Components can include brow lift and forehead contouring, rhinoplasty, cheek augmentation, jaw and chin contouring, and tracheal shave. The specific combination is determined during consultation based on the patient's anatomy, the features they want to address, and their goals. FFS is highly personalized; not every patient needs every procedure.
Who it's for
The right candidate.
Transgender women and non-binary individuals seeking surgical changes to features that read as masculine. The right combination of procedures varies by patient anatomy and goals.
Technique
How it's done.
FFS is a planned combination, not a single operation. Common components include forehead contouring and brow lift (to soften the supraorbital ridge), rhinoplasty, cheek augmentation, jaw and chin contouring, and tracheal shave. Components are sequenced and combined based on what each patient wants addressed.
Where this happens
Our own surgery center.
One roof, one team.
Dr. Azadgoli operates at The Practice Healthcare's fully independent, on-property ambulatory surgery center — a Medicare-certified, physician-led facility recognized by Newsweek as one of California's top centers for independent, privately owned surgery.
Consultation, surgery, aftercare, and recovery all happen in one building, with the same team. No outside hospital. No new staff to meet the day of surgery. The same person who checked you in at the consult is there when you wake up.
What to expect
From consultation to recovery.
Length of surgery and recovery vary with the combination of procedures. Most patients are back to social activity at three to six weeks. Final settling continues over six to twelve months.
Insurance & coverage
Patient Advocacy handles the paperwork.
Our advocacy team verifies benefits, pursues pre-authorizations, and appeals denials. You don't navigate insurance on your own.
Cosmetic procedures are generally not covered by insurance. For reconstructive or medically necessary work, our advocacy team verifies your benefits and presents the out-of-pocket estimate before anything is scheduled.
How we work with insurance
- 1 Verification by expertsOur advocacy team verifies your benefits before any procedure — so we know exactly what is and is not covered.
- 2 Patient advocacy & follow-throughWe aggressively pursue pre-authorizations, appeal denials when appropriate, and hold carriers accountable to their commitments.
- 3 Financial transparencyYou receive a clear written estimate of potential out-of-pocket costs. No surprises on the day of surgery.
- 4 Collaboration with carriersOur team handles documentation and communication directly with your insurance company.
- 5 Options & supportIf a procedure is not covered, we walk you through cash-pay options, financing, and other pathways to care.
FAQ
Common questions.
Do I need every procedure?
No. Not every patient needs every component. The consultation focuses on which features are highest priority for you and what is anatomically appropriate.
Can I do this in one operation?
Often, yes. Combining components in a single recovery is usually preferred when medically appropriate. Some procedures are staged when the combined operative time would be too long.
Do you work with an endocrinologist or therapist?
Dr. Azadgoli's team coordinates with patients' existing care providers as needed. Most patients arrive with their gender-affirming care already in place; surgery is one component of that broader plan.
Can I have FFS without bottom surgery?
Yes. Facial feminization is independent of any other surgical care plan. Many patients have FFS alone or in a different sequence than they might have planned.
How is the consultation different from other procedures?
We discuss which features feel most important to address, take detailed measurements and photos, and may use imaging to preview proportions. The plan is collaborative and tailored to your goals.
Will I look like a different person?
You will look like yourself with softened features. The goal is not transformation into someone unrecognizable — it is to address the features that don't reflect how you see yourself.
Ready to discuss facial feminization surgery?
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Azadgoli and her team to explore your options.
Request a consultation