Facial Feminization Alaska

The face is one of the first determining factors for how others perceive you and even how you perceive yourself. Most people would like to change their look somehow; however, for many transgender patients, their face displays features that do not align with their gender identity.

This fact can cause debilitating and dangerous gender dysphoria. Dr. Javad Sajan and the team at Allure Esthetic perform lifesaving gender-affirming procedures, including those for the face. Allure Esthetic provides the best facial feminization surgery Alaska offers.

Overview: What Is Facial Feminization Surgery?

Facial feminization is a gender-affirming surgery that takes traditionally masculine features and softens them into more traditionally feminine qualities. Because everyone has unique facial features, the surgery is catered specifically to each patient’s face and aesthetic goals. Each Alaska FFS procedure may contain a completely different combination of surgeries.

While other body parts may be more aligned with gender perception, the face cannot be easily covered or hidden. For this reason, gendered facial features are prioritized when undergoing a transgender transition.

Alaskan Insurance Coverage For Gender Affirming Procedures

Before July 2021, Alaska was one of the few states that continued to deny gender-affirming insurance coverage through Medicaid. In 2021, a court case officially overturned this practice. Alaskan Medicaid can no longer deny coverage for gender-affirming procedures, including surgeries.

Despite this historic ruling, few gender-affirming surgeons in Alaska make it challenging to obtain gender-affirming care. Allure Esthetic strives to make it easier and more accessible to patients traveling to Seattle for gender-affirming care. By offering virtual consultations, hotel discount codes, and concierge services, we better accommodate out-of-state patients than any other plastic surgery practice.

Additionally, the Allure Esthetic team, including Dr. Sajan, is fully educated and dedicated to providing an affirming environment. Our affirming actions include using your preferred pronouns and names at all times.

Benefits

Facial feminization surgery offers patients a wealth of benefits. As an integral part of a transition for many people, FFS truly allows patients to see themselves for the first time. Some of these benefits include:

• An overall feminized facial appearance
• Gender dysphoria treatment
• Can treat hair loss
• Softening facial features
• Sculpting more feminine contours of the face and facial profile
• Improved facial symmetry
• May provide some anti-aging benefits
• Personalized for each patient and their goals
• Easily combined with non-surgical procedures for additional feminization
• One surgical session for less recovery time overall
• An outpatient procedure
• Minimal post-operative pain
• Performed by an experienced facial feminization surgeon

Procedures Included In Facial Feminization

As with all surgery, facial feminization surgery has its benefits and risks. Since surgical procedures vary widely, the benefits and risks may vary based on the patient and treatment. However, Dr. Sajan will review all benefits and risks specific to you and your procedure.

Below are some of the most common surgeries included in facial feminization surgery. This is not an exhaustive list, and Dr. Sajan will discuss which procedures he thinks are best and necessary for you to obtain the desired results.

Brow Bone Reduction

The supraorbital ridge, or the brow bone, is more prominent in a masculine face. For some patients, reducing this ridge can create a more feminine look. Dr. Sajan will shave down the bone and alter the muscle in the area to develop the flatter forehead of a feminized face.

Brow Lift

Shaving the brow bone during some feminization procedures can leave the eyebrows malpositioned. The brows sit at the bottom of the supraorbital ridge in both men and women. Occasionally, a brow lift is performed to pull the brows back upward or reposition them into the correct position. Doing so has the unintended but positive effect of addressing forehead wrinkles, creating a smoother appearance on the forehead regardless of age.

A brow lift can promote a more feminine forehead by slightly lifting the brows to create a more feminine arch to the eyebrows versus the straighter masculine brows. However, Dr. Sajan can achieve this effect with other non-surgical brow techniques.

Hairline Feminization

Male and female hairlines differ because men are known for experiencing receding hairlines with age, and they naturally have more V-shaped hairlines. Women have more U-shaped hairlines that tend to be fuller and further forward. If they experience hair loss, it is usually on the top of the scalp. Dr. Sajan can feminize the hairline with cosmetic surgery and hair transplantation to create a fuller and more U-shaped hairline.

Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty, also known as a nose job, is one of the most frequently performed procedures during Alaska FFS. Traditionally, masculine noses are more prominent, wider, and contain a straighter nose tip. The ideal feminine nose is small, slim, and may have a slight upturn at the end. Dr. Sajan can use rhinoplasty to soften and resize a more masculine nose as part of facial feminization surgery.

Cheek Augmentation

Patients can achieve cheek augmentation with surgical and non-surgical methods, such as implants or cheek fillers. With any of these methods, Dr. Sajan can create volumized cheeks that appear more feminine than slimmer male cheeks. Remember that if choosing filler, you must have it refreshed between one and four times per year.

Chin Reduction

Because masculine chins are generally larger than feminine ones, Dr. Sajan may reduce the chin projection as part of facial feminization. Doing so gives a softer contour to the jawline, remaining defined but less sharp, which is commonly associated with feminine features. In some cases, Dr. Sajan may place a chin implant if a patient has a recessed chin. This is not uncommon for some masculine chins, especially in older patients.

Lip Lift

One of the more subtle differences between masculine and feminine facial features is the length between the nose and upper lip. Most men have more distance between these features than women. When feminizing the face, Dr. Sajan may reduce this area when feminizing the face by performing a lip lift. A few millimeters can make a significant difference in feminizing the face.

Before & After FFS Surgery

Consultation

Dr. Sajan offers virtual consultations through FaceTime and Skype to best serve Alaska FFS patients. If you prefer, in-person consultations are always available. Dr. Sajan will ask about your goals for the procedure and expectations and collect information about your medical history and relevant lifestyle. Finally, he will physically examine your facial structure and features to determine whether you are a good candidate and the right treatments to include in your FFS procedure.

At the end of the consultation, you will receive a personalized price quote and more detailed information about insurance coverage and financing. If you are ready, you can also schedule your facial feminization surgery at this time.

Surgery

On the day of surgery, you will come to Allure Esthetic’s outpatient surgery center, where you will be prepped for surgery and meet with Dr. Sajan to review the surgical plan. He may also make some surgical markings before you are placed under general anesthesia while being monitored by a licensed and experienced provider. FFS is an extended procedure that often takes several hours due to its integrative nature.

Recovery

Dr. Sajan requests that his out-of-town patients stay nearby for up to two weeks. Doing so allows him to monitor your healing and for you to be seen promptly if necessary.

In terms of recovery instructions, Dr. Sajan often provides directions such as:

• Do not partake in any strenuous exercise, but light and occasional walks are generally okay
• Avoid getting your incisions wet, and do not shower or wash your hair until Dr. Sajan clears you, generally two to three days post-surgery
• Take all prescribed medications
• Elevate your head when resting and sleeping to reduce swelling
• Attend all post-operative appointments in person and virtually once you travel back to Alaska
• Sleep on your back
• Apply cold compresses or ice for the first few days
• Minimize sun exposure
• Begin recommended scar care when directed

The Best Alaska Facial Feminization Surgery At Allure Esthetic

Dr. Javad Sajan is one of the leading facial feminization surgeons with years of experience and has performed various gender-affirming surgeries. Dr. Sajan specializes in top surgery, tracheal shave, transgender body contouring, and FFS. Dr. Sajan offers the best facial feminization Alaska provides.

Allure Esthetic strives to make the experience of seeking FFS a seamless experience from start to finish. Not only can Allure Esthetic accommodate virtual consultations, but several other appointments can happen virtually. Dr. Sajan and his team have worked extensively with the transgender and LGBTQIA+ community to create a safe and affirming environment.

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Sajan at Allure Esthetic, call us at 206-209-0988. You can also reach out online via chat, contact form, or Price Simulator.