Which Surgery Should Be the First in Facial Feminization?

Facial feminization is not merely an aesthetic transformation; it is a profound process that allows the individual to feel more accurate, peaceful, and whole when looking in the mirror. The first question that comes to mind for many people considering this process is: “Which surgery should be the first in facial feminization?”

The FFS process is a personalized journey with stages that vary from person to person. Therefore, there is no single, universally applicable answer to this question. However, there are still some fundamental criteria that determine the order of priority in most cases. In this article, we explore in detail how the first surgery in facial feminization is determined, why certain procedures take precedence, and why the correct sequence is so crucial.

What is Facial Feminization?

Facial feminization is a combination of surgical and non-surgical procedures that aim to soften masculine facial features and achieve a more feminine, balanced, and natural appearance. The goal is not to create a “different face” but to give the person’s own face a feminine expression. The areas most commonly addressed in this process are:

• Forehead and brow bone
• Brow position
• Nose
• Chin and jawline
• Cheekbones
• Lip structure

However, no two faces are alike, and therefore the initial decision to undergo surgery should be personalized.

Why Is the First Surgery So Important?

The first surgery performed in facial feminization shapes the rest of the process. Certain areas of the face, in particular, determine the overall perception of the face much more than others. Procedures performed in the wrong order can lead to:

• Unnatural results
• Distortion of facial proportions
• Unnecessary additional surgeries.

Therefore, the first step should target the area of the face that appears most masculine and most hinders the perception of femininity. Here, the surgeon’s assessment is as important as the patient’s own complaints.

The Most Commonly Preferred First Surgery: Forehead and Brow Bone

The procedure prioritized by Dr. MFO in facial feminization is forehead reshaping and brow bone reduction surgery. The reasons for this are quite clear:

• The brow bone is the facial region that most strongly determines gender perception
• A masculine forehead structure makes the rest of the face appear harsh
• Other procedures performed without correcting this area will not be fully effective

Forehead feminization softens the brow bone, giving the forehead a rounder and smoother shape. This change automatically makes the eye area appear more feminine.

Why is Brow Lift Considered in the First Stage?

Brow position directly affects facial expression. In masculine faces, the eyebrows are usually flatter and positioned lower. Eyebrow lift:

• Gives the face a more open and softer expression
• Makes the eyes more attractive and feminine
• Provides more balanced results when performed in conjunction with forehead surgery

For this reason, eyebrow lift is often considered one of the first surgeries.

Should Rhinoplasty Be the First Surgery?

The nose is a prominent feature because it is located in the center of the face. It is an effective variable in a feminine face. However, rhinoplasty is usually preferred in the second stage of facial feminization. The reasons for this are as follows:

• A nose that is done without changing the forehead and brow bone may remain disproportionate afterwards
• The perception of a feminine nose becomes clearer after the upper part of the face softens

Therefore, rhinoplasty yields more successful results when planned according to the new proportions of the face after the initial surgeries.

When Should the Chin and Jawline Be Addressed?

The chin and jawline are important areas that determine gender perception in the lower part of the face. However, this area is addressed in the later stages of facial feminization. Because:

• Changing the lower face alone without feminizing the upper face can create imbalance
• The jawline should be evaluated together with the forehead and nose

Chin feminization, when done with proper timing and planning, enhances the overall harmony of the face.

Is the First Surgery the Same for Everyone?

No. There is no “one right order” in facial feminization. This delicate process is often tailored to the individual. However, in most cases, planning follows an order similar to this:

1. Forehead and brow bone
2. Brow lift / eye area
3. Nose aesthetics
4. Chin and jawline
5. Supportive procedures (lips, cheekbones, etc.)

This sequence may vary depending on the surgeon’s assessment and the individual’s facial structure. The important thing is to evaluate the face holistically and plan accordingly.

Why is Proper Planning Crucial?

Even when considered as a single procedure for facial feminization, the entire face is always evaluated. At this point, an improperly planned initial surgery:

• May weaken the feminine appearance.
• May necessitate further revisions.
• May cause psychological disappointment.

Therefore, the decision for the first surgery must be made based on detailed analysis and consideration of facial proportions.

Conclusion

The answer to the question of which surgery should be the first in facial feminization is personal. However, in general, feminization of the forehead and brow bone is the most critical starting point in the process. When this area is softened, the entire face is perceived as more feminine, and subsequent procedures yield much more successful results.

A facial feminization process that progresses in the correct order and with proper planning is not just a visible change; it is a transformation that allows the person to feel more powerful, more visible, and more confident.

We hope that this article has provided you with useful information and solutions to your problems, and has inspired you to pursue your dreams and goals. If you have any questions, comments, or feedback, please feel free to contact us or leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you and to help you in any way we can. Thank you for reading and have a wonderful day!Follow our blog for more. You can also reach us on our contact page for any questions you may have. Ffs center is an LGBT community friendly organization.