Facial Masculinization

Some men would like their face to appear more masculine than it does, and want to have a stronger jawline and brow and other facial features. Transgender men who would like their faces to appear more masculine and less feminine are usually looking for the right plastic surgeon with an understanding of their needs and extensive experience with female-to-male surgeries. Dr. Javad Sajan has extensive experience with these types of procedures and has built his practice exclusively on cosmetic and reconstructive surgery and can alter the jawline, brow, chin and other features to sculpt a masculine appearance that authentically suits you.

Facial masculinization is a customized combination procedures that are designed to create a facial structure with a more masculine appearance. A man's face tends to be larger, more angular or with heavier, stronger features, including the brow, the chin, the jawline, and the nose. Dr. Sajan takes the nuances of the masculine face into account as he assesses your current features and helps to alter the face to achieve the more definite male appearance you want that feels like the true you. For patients who are transitioning, this is a critical step in confirming their gender and feeling as though their outer appearance matches their inner identity.

Facial masculinization may involve a wide number of different procedures from specialized transgender rhinoplasty to brow or chin enhancements, which Dr. Sajan will discuss with you and customize for you based on your unique needs. Procedures may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Jawline enhancement

Dr. Sajan will build a stronger, firmer jaw using implants to create a more definite, bold jawline that provides a sharper, more masculine appearance.

Chin augmentation

Chin augmentation with a chin implant.

Brow enhancement with fat transfer

Fat transfer to the forehead, between the brows (glabella), and the area around the eyes.

You may be a candidate for facial masculinization if you would like to complete their transition and achieve a more masculine appearance. Dr. Sajan uses the guidelines established by the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) to determine whether or not a patient is an ideal candidate for facial masculinization.Ideal candidates meet the following general requirements:

• Are generally in good health
• Any mental health concerns are well-controlled at the time of the procedure
• Are of age to consent to the procedure
• Have a positive outlook and realistic goals for what this procedure can achieve
• Thoroughly understand the procedures and have had a complete consultation with Dr. Sajan
• Have suffered from persistent gender dysphoria

As a first step, you will have a thoughtful, understanding consultation with Dr. Sajan to discuss your concerns, interests, goals and facial ideal. He will examine your facial features, skin and muscle tone, and study your medical history, previous surgeries, drug sensitivities, lifestyle and daily habits.

Dr. Sajan will develop a surgical plan customized specifically for your needs and aesthetic goals. From there, the surgery will vary based on which procedures are needed to achieve your desired results.

Your facial masculinization will begin with general anesthesia.

Jawline enhancement

During this procedure, an incision will be made, usually inside the mouth. The implant will then be placed along the jawbone. Implants are made of silicone or a polyethylene known as Medpor. Once the implant is in place, the incision is carefully closed. The procedure takes about one hour.

After your jaw implant procedure, there will be swelling, but you will see results immediately. The implants are permanent, with a very low chance of shifting or infection.

Chin augmentation

For chin augmentation, the incision is made either inside the mouth or outside, under the chin. A pocket is created under the muscles, in front of the chin bone, and the implant is placed inside. The implant may be made of bone, fat tissue, silicone or other materials. Choice of implant material will be decided on ahead of time with Dr. Sajan.

Once the implant has been inserted, it may need to be attached to the bone with stitches or screws. Once the implant is secured in place, the incisions are closed, taking care to keep scarring for a minimum.

You will see immediate results, although there will be initial swelling and bruising. Most chin implants last for a lifetime.

Brow enhancement with fat transfer

For this procedure, fat will be removed with gentle liposuction from an area of the body that has unwanted, excess fat. The fat is purified and carefully transferred into the brow to achieve a heavier, more masculine contour. Fat can be transferred to the forehead, the area between the brows (called the glabella), and the area under and around the eyes, which creates a thicker, stronger and more male facial appearance.

Initial results after facial fat transfer will fade over the following months as some of the fat cells are reabsorbed by the body, which Dr. Sajan expects and compensations for. After about six months, there will be no further reduction, and the final results can be considered permanent.

Between the liposuction and transfer procedure, recovery time can take up to two weeks, which includes swelling, redness, and soreness. However, you will be able to return to work in a few days.

Depending on which procedures you have, your recovery time will vary. Do plan on a recovery period of about two weeks or more, during which you will experience swelling and tenderness. During your recovery period, it is important to avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, strenuous exercise, or excessive heat. Sleep face up with your head elevated.

There are a number of benefits of facial masculinization, including the following:

• Alignment of your inner self with your outer self
• Greater self-confidence
• A better quality of life
• More defined, masculine facial structures
• Stronger, more angular facial features, including the forehead, nose, cheeks, chin, and jaw
• Natural-looking results