FTM Facial Masculinization
These days there is a fair amount of information on the Internet relating to facial feminization, but masculinization is another story. There’s just not much material to help you understand the options for changing your face to be more in line with your male identity.
That doesn’t mean there’s nothing you can do! A good first step would be to schedule a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon who understands facial aesthetics thoroughly. Consider working with Dr. Elliot Jacobs. He has served the needs of both male and female patients for three decades in New York, including transgender individuals. He can help you understand the choices you may have in cosmetic surgery and non-invasive treatments, as well as important details such as costs, risks and recovery time. Once you have an open, informative appointment with him, you’ll be better equipped to decide what’s right for you.
Making Your Face Appear More Masculine
If you haven’t done so already, consult your primary care physician to discuss testosterone treatment. For most FTM patients contemplating surgery, this is one of the first steps in a transition.
Testosterone can impact the face in a variety of ways, the most notable being increased facial hair. Some patients observe other changes such as increased facial bone density, increased oil production, heavier skin and so on.
Before seeking plastic surgery or non-invasive cosmetic treatment, it’s best to have settled on the right testosterone dosage and been taking the hormone for months, if not years. When you feel you have realized most of the changes you can expect, then you can target remaining problem areas.
- Prominent Cheeks
Men’s faces tend to have a heavier, more angular bone structure overall than women’s faces. If your face appears delicate and/or roundish to you, augmenting the cheeks could be a good option. This can be done in two ways. One is to add definition with a dermal filler; this approach is less invasive than cosmetic surgery and has the additional bonus of giving you an idea about what prominent cheekbones could do for your appearance. For a permanent solution, you can choose implants inserted through the inside of the mouth. - The Masculine Nose
You already know that men’s noses are typically larger than women’s—you and Dr. Jacobs can determine together whether your nose would look more masculine if enlarged in width, projection or both through rhinoplasty. We sometimes recommend starting with a filler such as Radiesse first, then determining whether augmentation with bone or cartilage grafts is the logical ultimate step. - A Strong Jaw
A well-defined, “chiseled” jaw is a coveted feature for men in today’s society. In fact, it’s hard to imagine a “manly” face without automatically envisioning a strong, angular chin. Fortunately, augmenting the chin is an ideal application for a facial implant. Incisions are made inside the mouth so no telltale scars are created. If you choose to enlarge your nose, chin augmentation may be particularly important to balance your features. If you’re not certain about choosing an implant, we can use a filler first.
Take the Next Step
If you’re wondering what can be done to enable your face to reflect your male identity more accurately, contact us for a consultation. We will be glad to meet you, hear your story and review all your options thoroughly. We’ll make some recommendations, but the ultimate choices are yours.
It’s especially rewarding for us to help FTM patients with their transformation. While we enjoy working with each patient we meet, we particularly appreciate the chance to form relationships people’s needs over time in a true partnership. Give us a call at 212-570-6080 and let’s get started.
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