Facial Feminization Surgery in NYC & Long Island
Facial Feminization Surgery (FFS)
Facial feminization surgery (FFS) is a highly individualized form of gender-affirming surgery designed to create facial features that feel more aligned with a patient’s gender identity. FFS can involve a customized combination of procedures that refine the underlying facial structure, improve facial harmony, and enhance traditionally feminine facial characteristics.
As a facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Dr. Sarah Kidwai takes a personalized approach to facial feminization surgery. She works closely with each patient to understand their goals, evaluate their unique facial anatomy, and develop a comprehensive surgical plan tailored to their desired outcome. Depending on the patient’s needs, FFS may involve subtle refinements of specific facial features or a more comprehensive facial transformation.
Because no two faces are alike, every facial feminization surgery plan is uniquely customized. Dr. Kidwai considers the balance and proportions of the entire face when determining which procedures may provide the most natural and harmonious result.
Facial Feminization Surgery in NYC and Long Island
Dr. Kidwai provides facial feminization surgery in New York City and Long Island, offering comprehensive, individualized care for patients seeking gender-affirming facial surgery. She accepts many insurance plans for gender-affirming care and works with patients to help them understand their coverage and surgical options, including Amida Care coverage for qualifying FFS procedures.
If you are considering facial feminization surgery, Dr. Kidwai can help you understand which procedures may be appropriate for your anatomy and goals and create a personalized treatment plan designed to achieve natural, balanced results.
Facial Feminization Surgery Procedures
Forehead Contouring & Hairline Lowering
Forehead contouring reshapes the brow bone and forehead to create a smoother, softer upper face. Hairline lowering can also be performed to reduce forehead height and create a more feminine hairline shape.
Brow Lift
A brow lift elevates and reshapes the eyebrows to create a softer, more feminine arch while opening the upper face and eyes.
Feminizing Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty, or nose surgery, refines the size and shape of the nose to better complement feminine facial proportions and overall facial balance.
Cheek Augmentation & Facial Fat Grafting
Cheek enhancement adds volume and contour to the midface for fuller, softer cheekbones. This may be achieved with facial implants or fat grafting using the patient’s own fat.
Lip Lift & Lip Augmentation
A lip lift shortens the distance between the upper lip and nose to create a more youthful, feminine appearance. Lip augmentation with fat grafting can also improve lip fullness and definition.
Chin & Jaw Contouring
Chin reduction and jaw contouring procedures reshape the lower face to create a slimmer, more delicate jawline and softer facial profile.
Tracheal Shave (Adam’s Apple Reduction)
A tracheal shave reduces the prominence of the Adam’s apple by contouring the thyroid cartilage for a smoother neck appearance.
Submental Liposuction
Submental liposuction removes excess fat beneath the chin to improve jawline definition and create a more refined neck contour.
Facial Implants
Facial implants may be used to enhance facial balance and create softer, more feminine contours in areas such as the cheeks or chin.
Facial Rejuvenation Procedures
Additional facial rejuvenation procedures, including blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), facelift, and neck lift surgery, may be combined with facial feminization surgery to achieve a more youthful and refreshed appearance.
Non-Surgical Facial Feminization Treatments
Non-surgical treatments such as neuromodulators and dermal fillers can further enhance feminine facial features with minimal downtime.
Personalized Facial Feminization Surgery in NYC & Long Island
Facial feminization surgery is highly individualized. Dr. Kidwai takes a comprehensive approach to facial harmony, focusing on natural-looking results that reflect each patient’s identity and aesthetic goals. Consultations include a detailed evaluation, discussion of treatment options, and development of a customized surgical plan tailored to each patient’s needs.
Schedule a Facial Feminization Surgery Consultation
To learn more about facial feminization surgery in NYC and Long Island or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Sarah Kidwai.
Who Is a Candidate for Facial Feminization Surgery?
Candidates for facial feminization surgery (FFS) are individuals seeking softer, more feminine facial features and improved facial harmony. Ideal candidates are in good overall health, do not smoke or are willing to stop smoking before surgery, and have realistic expectations about their results. While many FFS patients are transgender women seeking gender-affirming facial surgery, cisgender women may also choose facial feminization procedures to soften strong, angular, or masculine facial features.
What Is Recovery Like After Facial Feminization Surgery?
Recovery after facial feminization surgery depends on the number and type of procedures performed. Most patients can expect approximately 2–4 weeks of downtime before returning to work and normal daily activities. Swelling and bruising gradually improve over time, with final FFS results continuing to refine over several months as healing progresses.
Will Facial Feminization Surgery Leave Visible Scars?
Facial feminization surgery incisions are carefully planned to minimize visible scarring. Our surgeons use advanced facial plastic surgery techniques to place incisions within the hairline, inside the mouth, or along natural skin creases whenever possible. Most scars fade significantly over time and become minimally noticeable.
Does Insurance Cover Facial Feminization Surgery?
Insurance coverage for facial feminization surgery varies depending on the provider and individual policy. Many insurance companies now recognize FFS as medically necessary gender-affirming care for transgender patients. Our office assists patients with insurance verification, pre-authorization, and required documentation. We accept many insurance plans, including Amida Care for facial feminization surgery coverage.
What Results Can I Expect From Facial Feminization Surgery?
The goal of facial feminization surgery is to create natural-looking, feminine facial contours that align with each patient’s gender identity and aesthetic goals. Results are long-lasting and often permanent, though final healing and refinement may continue for up to one year after surgery. Every FFS treatment plan is customized to achieve balanced, harmonious facial results while preserving each patient’s unique appearance.
Why Choose Us for Facial Feminization Surgery?
Our surgeons are double board-certified in Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery and Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, with advanced training and specialized expertise in facial feminization surgery and gender-affirming facial procedures. Using state-of-the-art techniques, including 3D surgical planning and custom surgical guides when appropriate, we are able to precisely plan and execute each procedure for optimal accuracy and predictability.
By combining technical surgical expertise with an artistic, individualized approach, we create natural-looking facial feminization results that enhance facial harmony while aligning with each patient’s gender identity and aesthetic goals. Patients throughout NYC and Long Island trust our team for compassionate, personalized care and advanced expertise in gender-affirming facial surgery.
