Transgender Brow Lift
Will a Transgender Brow Lift change my eye shape?
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Transgender Brow
Lift | Eyebrow Feminization
The hairline helps frame the face and can come with gendered assumptions that may contribute to gender dysphoria. Hairline feminization refers to the general act of feminizing the hairline. The exact surgical procedures or techniques used to do this will vary based on the patient’s existing hairline, goals, and how much the hairline needs to advance. Dr. Javad Sajan performs the best hairline feminization surgery.
Understanding
Transgender Brow Lift Surgery
A transgender brow lift—also sometimes called eyebrow feminization—addresses the position of the brows. It also enhances the overall upper face appearance. When performed for gender affirming purposes, a brow lift elevates the eyebrows slightly to appear more feminine. It is frequently performed alongside other feminization procedures of the upper face such as hairline lowering and brow bone reduction.
Gender Of The Brows
Out of the differences between male and female faces, the brows may not be at the top of the list. However, there are actually notable differences that can be a giveaway for someone’s sex assigned at birth. For transgender individuals, this can worsen gender dysphoria and be a source of mental anguish. The table below describes some of the primary differences between a male and female brow appearance.
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Not all eyebrow feminization requires surgery. Depending on the patient’s existing brows, they may get away with some cosmetic brow shaping and waxing. Many men have eyebrows that reach above the orbital bone. However, because they are thicker, this creates the illusion of lower brows. Sometimes reducing the thickness of the brow hairs can help make the eyebrows more feminine.
Benefits
A transgender brow lift offers patients many possible benefits. While every patient can expect different benefits due to natural variations in anatomy and procedures, some of the possible benefits include:
- Eyebrows that appear higher up
- Address signs of aging (for older patients)
- Less prominent forehead
- Brows may look slightly more arched
- More feminine brow appearance and facial profile
- Enhance facial symmetry
- Natural looking results
- Reduce/treat gender dysphoria
- Hidden scars
- Easy to combine with other gender affirming brow procedures such as brow bone reduction and hairline lowering
- Performed by one of the top facial feminization surgeons in the United States
Eyebrow
Feminization Surgical Technique
An anti-aging and transgender brow lift will use similar surgical methods. Usually, Dr. Sajan does his best to minimize incisions. Thus, if a patient is also undergoing hairline lowering, he will likely use this same incision to perform the brow lift. Otherwise, the incision will be made while behind the hairline.
Dr. Sajan then removes a portion of skin from the forehead and pulls the skin upward. This tightens the forehead and pulls the brows up slightly. One advantage of this technique—especially when performed on a young person with little extra skin—the lift is subtle but natural. Overcorrection is unlikely to occur.
Recovery
A brow lift recovery does require some downtime and adjustments to daily life. Patients should expect to be off work for seven to ten days. In addition, Dr. Sajan may provide additional instructions such as:
- Keep head elevated when sleeping and resting
- Do not wash hair for at least two days or otherwise instructed
- Protect incision from sun exposure
- Wear any provided bandages and wraps until removed at a post-op appointment
- Avoid strenuous activities and exercise
- Keep out of warm and wet environments (saunas, hot tubs, pools, etc.)
- Do not touch the area
The exact instructions can differ based on the patient’s specific procedure. Additionally, if a full facial feminization surgery is performed, the recovery is often longer and more intense.
FAQ
How Do You Address The Shape Of The Brows?
A brow lift may result in some slight change to the shape of the eyebrows. However, it is often not enough to get the perfect, feminine arch many want. Luckily, there are several options for brow shaping.
First, waxing and threading can help shape the brows and thin out thick brows. With continued treatment when they grow out, the brows may begin to follow the shaped pattern. A longer lasting option is microblading. This is a form of tattoo that lasts between two and three years. A microblading artist creates the optimal shape based on the patient’s desires and natural shape.
Is A Transgender Brow Lift Necessary With FFS?
No, not for every patient. Not every transgender women will feel the need to have FFS or undergo the same combination of procedures. Many are unbothered by certain traditionally masculine features. It ultimately comes down to what the patient feels dysphoria about and what they want to address and what they are candidates for.
Who Is A Good Candidate For Eyebrow Feminization?
Candidates for a transgender brow lift are adult patients who desire a more feminine appearance. They will have lower brows and anatomy that would benefit from eyebrow feminization. If a patient is older, they may also see the general cosmetic benefits of a brow lift as well.
Patients should be in overall good health and managing any health conditions. If there was previous trauma to the area, make sure to disclose this to Dr. Sajan. He will want to review a patient’s entire medical history including current medications and past surgeries. Certain habits such as smoking, frequency of alcohol consumption, etc. will also be factored into a patient’s candidacy.
What Is The Most Feminine Eyebrow Shape?
The standards of eyebrow shape change with beauty standards. Currently, a soft arch and thick density brows are considered one of the most feminine eyebrow shapes. Cisgender and trans women regularly sport all forms of brow shapes. Thus, it is entirely possible to have non-traditional feminine eyebrows without losing the look of femininity.
Does Insurance Cover A Transgender Brow Lift?
If a patient undergoes a brow lift and has a documented history of gender dysphoria, most insurance companies will cover this. At Allure Esthetic, we accept all private insurances. Our insurance coordinators work closely with our trans, non-binary, and gender noncomforming patients. They help them understand their coverage and work to get it covered.