TLDR Orthognathic surgeons play a key role in modifying masculine facial features to be more feminine, often improving transgender women's quality of life.
The document from December 16, 2016, outlines the role of orthognathic surgeons in Facial Feminization Surgery (FFS), a set of procedures designed to alter masculine facial features to appear more feminine, often for transgender women. It details specific procedures such as forehead reduction, orbital rim contouring, cheek implants, rhinoplasty, mandibular angle shave and taper, and genioplasty, highlighting the aesthetic differences between male and female faces and the surgical techniques used to address these. The document also discusses potential complications like nerve damage, frontal sinus infection, and dural exposure. It emphasizes the need for a multidisciplinary approach and notes the lack of large studies on FFS's clinical effectiveness, but mentions high patient satisfaction and the association of FFS with improved mental health-related quality of life for transgender women. One cited study (reference 17) specifically indicates that individuals who underwent FFS or gender reassignment surgery experienced an improved quality of life.
2295 citations,
August 2012 in “The international journal of transgenderism/International journal of transgenderism” The guidelines recommend informed consent for gender-affirming treatments and stress the importance of personalized, culturally sensitive care for transgender individuals.
31 citations,
March 2009 in “Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery” The hairline-lowering surgery was effective, safe, and left patients satisfied with few complications.
134 citations,
June 2012 in “International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery” Facial feminization surgery is effective in helping transgender women appear more feminine and has high patient satisfaction.
January 2019 in “The Annals of Thoracic Surgery” The document concludes that careful planning and execution of facial gender affirmation surgery after at least 12 months of hormonal therapy can improve the quality of life for transgender individuals.
39 citations,
October 2018 in “Aesthetic surgery journal” Injectables can feminize or masculinize a transgender person's face, but more research is needed for best practices.
38 citations,
February 2016 in “Surgery Journal” Facial plastic surgery has evolved to focus on less invasive techniques and innovative technologies for cosmetic and reconstructive procedures.
April 2024 in “Surgical Techniques Development” The 11th AICPE Congress in Rimini was a major event in European aesthetic plastic surgery.
