Facial Feminization Las Vegas, Nevada
What does Facial Feminization Surgery Involve?
We Accept All Private Insurances
Gender dysphoria is a term that describes the negative feelings and symptoms associated with feeling an incongruence between the gender assigned at birth and their preferred gender identity. While some questioning of gender and dysphoria can be normal in adolescents, in adults it is most often a sign of a transgender, nonbinary, or gender non-conforming identity. This form of gender dysphoria—whether taking place in childhood or adulthood—tends to be more intense and psychologically distressing. Some people who exhibit these symptoms choose to transition via surgery. Among transgender women, facial feminization is popular. Dr. Javad Sajan offers the best facial feminization surgery for Las Vegas patients.
What Is FFS?
Facial feminization surgery—commonly abbreviated as FFS—is a combination of facial surgeries that take traditionally masculine features and make them more feminine. This is most frequently performed on transgender women to help alleviate gender dysphoria associated with their facial appearance. It is a highly personalized procedure that does not aim to change a person’s unique features that make them who they are, but rather soften them to appear as they would on a woman’s face.
Not all patients will undergo the same surgery. Since everyone’s genetics, goals, and medical history differ, some people may undergo significant bone reshaping while others may mainly have soft tissue procedures performed. Patients can discuss their goals, problem areas, and gender dysphoria with Dr. Sajan during a consultation which can take place in his Seattle office or virtually through Zoom or FaceTime.
Benefits & Risks
Facial feminization surgery in Las Vegas comes with benefits and risks patients should understand and consider before surgery. Some of the benefits of FFS may include:
- Alleviation of gender dysphoria related to facial appearance
- More feminine appearing features
- Enhance personal confidence
- Personalized to fit a patient’s unique anatomy and features
- Outward appearance more congruent with lived in gender
- Increased quality of life
- State-of-the-art imaging technology allows for more precise enhancements and results
- See results as soon as healed
- Several procedures combined into one to limit number of surgical sessions a patient undertakes
- Limits risk associated with subsequent surgeries
- Well hidden scarring
- Performed by an experienced and well trained surgeon who specializes in gender affirming procedures
All surgeries come with risk. Most of the time, there is little risk involved. But, patients should provide Dr. Sajan with all of their requested medical history and lifestyle factors so that he can adjust the surgery, if necessary, to make it as safe as possible for an individual. Risks involved with facial feminization surgery may include:
- Infection
- Visible or raised scars
- Asymmetry
- Complications associated with general anesthesia
- Unexpected outcomes
Major complications are rare. Dr. Sajan—to limit the risk of complications—frequently admits his FFS patients overnight at the facility where they are monitored and cared for immediately after their surgery. For patients at risk of certain complications, this may be required.
Personalized Procedures Often Part Of Facial Feminization Surgery
Las Vegas facial feminization surgery combines customized surgeries to fit each patient’s goals and existing anatomy. Each FFS procedure will involve a different combination of procedures from the last. Below is a list of just some of the procedures commonly utilized during FFS.
Hairline Feminization
Hairline feminization moves the hairline downward to fit a more natural feminine pattern of hair growth. It may also help round out the hairline which aligns more with female features.
Hair Transplant
A hair transplant surgery—frequently combined with hairline lowering—helps replace hair lost due to genetics, aging, and pattern baldness. Dr. Sajan is one of only a few surgeons in the world who can perform hair transplant during the primary surgical session. In many cases, it is split up from the FFS session, but by performing it last and lightly waking the patient, hair transplant can be performed safely and painlessly during facial feminization surgery.
Brow Bone Reduction
A woman’s brow bone tends to be less prominent than a man’s. If a patient exhibits a more masculine appearing brow bone, it can be shaved down and sometimes the sinus behind it reduced to create a rounder brow bone that protrudes less.
Brow Lift
While a brow lift is more associated with anti-aging, it can also elevate the brows onto the brow bone during FFS. Feminine eyebrows tend to sit on the brow bone versus masculine eyebrows generally sit below it. By performing a brow lift, Dr. Sajan can lift the eyebrows into a higher position.
Rhinoplasty
The nose may not be an obvious gender indicator; however, for some people, the nose may feel too large or take on a shape more associated with masculine features. A rhinoplasty—also known as a nose job—can help make the nose smaller and thinner to better complement their feminine features.
Chin Reduction
The ideal feminine chin tends to take on a subtly rounded shape and not extend beyond the tip of the nose. Whereas a male chin may be large, prominent, and more square in shape. If this is the case and it bothers the patient, Dr. Sajan can perform a chin reduction to reduce the size and protrusion of the chin as well as soften its shape.
Jawline Feminization
Similarly, the jawline may appear more square and bulky. Patients often want a smaller, rounder jawline that fits with the soft ideal for a woman. A variety of procedures may be used to achieve a more feminine jawline including jawbone shaving, implant placement, or non-surgical procedures.
Lip Lift
A lip lift shortens the distance between the top lip and nose. Dr. Sajan may also be able to subtly reshape the top lip during this procedure based on the surgical method used.
Before & After
Non-Surgical FFS Procedures Las Vegas
Various non-surgical procedures may be involved during a gender transition. Dr. Sajan’s office can also accomodate patients with their non-surgical gender-affirming procedures.
Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal reduces the amount of unwanted hair on the face and body. For transgender women, this can make a signficant difference in their daily life because they may spend a lot of time removing hair otherwise. It can also make them more comfortable in their appearance.
Dermal Filler
For smaller adjustments, dermal filler injections can provide transgender patients with a more affirming appearance. For example, lip filler can help plump the lips, filler may help shape the chin or jaw, and it can sculpt a more feminine nose. Whether or not this is the best procedure for a patient depends on their existing anatomy, goals, and lifestyle.
Traveling To Seattle From Las Vegas For Facial Feminization
Seattle is a mere two hour flight from Las Vegas. While there are surgeons who perform FFS closer to Vegas, Dr. Javad Sajan is one of the most experienced and sought after in the country. Having trained with FFS pioneers in Spain and as one of the few surgeons able to perform hair transplants during FFS without an additional surgical session, Dr. Sajan identifies each patient’s distinct features. While he makes recommendations, Dr. Sajan always defers to the patient and their goals. Not all patients feel dysphoria about all of their facial features.
Therefore, if a patient does not want to address their brow or their chin, Dr. Sajan can alter the surgical plan to account for this. With that said, Dr. Sajan will make sure patients understand their results with and without his recommended procedures. He does not make enhancements simply because he can, he wants to ensure the patient feels comfortable and happy with their newly revealed appearance.
FAQ
How Long Does An FFS Surgery Take?
Depending on the number of procedures and the complexity of the surgery, facial feminization surgery can take between four and nine hours. Adding a hair transplant can involve even more time, but patients do not remain under full sedation for this portion.
What Can I Expect From Recovery After FFS?
Swelling, bruising, and pain are all normal and expected side effects after FFS. Patients should take at least two weeks off work and keep their head elevated when sleeping and resting. It is important that patients do not remove dressings or bandages themselves. If coming in from out of town, Dr. Sajan tends to like his FFS patients to stay in the Seattle area for at least two weeks.
Does Insurance Cover Facial Feminization?
Yes, insurance will often cover facial feminization. Dr. Sajan accepts all private insurances. His full-time insurance coordinators also help liaise between you, the office, and your insurance company so that you understand the entire process. Patients can pay out-of-pocket if willing and able.
How Can I Prepare For Las Vegas Facial Feminization Surgery?
Patients can prepare for facial feminization surgery in several ways:
- Call their insurance to understand their plan’s coverage concerning gender-affirming procedures as well as what is necessary to get FFS covered
- Obtain letters of support from a mental health professional
- Schedule and attend your initial consultation
- Understand what FFS can and cannot achieve to acquire realistic expectations
- Make arrangements for time off work, child care, a caregiver, and other logistical matters before the surgery and recovery period
The Top FFS For Las Vegas Area Patients With Dr. Javad Sajan
Dr. Javad Sajan provides patients with life-changing gender-affirming surgeries. Located a short flight away in Seattle, WA, Dr. Sajan and his office of staff trained in gender-affirming practices, welcome patients for the best facial feminization Las Vegas patients can access.
To learn more and schedule a consultation, call us at 206-990-0060. Patients can also reach out online via chat or contact form.