Facial Feminization Surgery (FFS)

For a Face That Matches the Real You

What is FFS?

Facial Feminization Surgery (FFS) refers to a combination of various surgical facial procedures that can be performed to make a masculine face appear more feminine. For patients suffering from gender dysphoria, this can be crucial to helping them overcome depression, low self confidence, and discrimination. Reshaping the face through FFS involves an aggressive combination of bone and soft tissue procedures.

Dr. Zukowski has over two decades of experience performing FFS and a proven track record of excellence in helping the international gender community achieve the face they want to show to the world.

FFS Procedures

Because every face is unique, the process is different for each patient. Depending on your anatomy and your desired outcome, Dr. Zukowski may recommend some or all of the possible facial feminization procedures.

  • Scalp Advancement: Brings your hairline forward for a smaller, more feminine forehead. This is done during a brow lift.
  • Brow Lift: Makes the forehead smaller and lifts and arches the eyebrows.
  • Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery): Rejuvenates the face by altering the upper and lower eyelids for a more youthful appearance. Removes bags, dark circles, puffiness, and excess skin and fat.
  • Rhinoplasty and Septoplasty: Creates a smaller, slimmer, more feminine nose while correcting any deviation of the septum to ease breathing problems.
  • Jaw Angle: Reduces a masculine jawline to make the face more feminine and slender.
  • Chin Augmentation: Can define the jawline to help achieve a beautiful curve to the neck.
  • Neck Lift: Done with a face lift to tighten the skin around the curves of your new femenine neck.
  • Trachea Shave: Reduces the size of your Adam’s apple to more feminine proportions.

The picture below demonstrates the various facial procedures that may be recommended for FFS.

FFS Before & After

FFS can also be combined with other surgeries for a more complete transition. Learn about our Phoenix Program here.

What’s Involved in Getting FFS?

The first step in getting FFS is to talk to a qualified plastic surgeon who is experienced in performing FFS. Dr. Zukowski offers a free consultation that can be done over the phone after submitting photos. In this consultation, you’ll be able to get the information you need to make an informed decision.

During the initial consultation, Dr. Zukowski will evaluate your face, ask you about your goals, and educate you as to what you can expect to achieve with FFS. You should come prepared with questions about end results, recovery time, and possible complications. After the consultation, Dr. Zukowski’s office will send you a detailed quote for all the procedures you discussed.

Once you’ve reviewed your recommended FFS procedures, you’ll be able to schedule your surgery. Dr. Zukowski’s office will then send you an extensive DVD format FFS Success Handbook that will help to prepare you for the surgery and plan your aftercare. It also contains information for your travel to and around Chicago.

You’ll have at least one in-person preoperative appointment (this can be the day before your surgery if you are from out of town). Dr Zukowski will talk with you at multiple intervals before your surgery and provides you with his personal email and cellphone numbers.

When the day of your surgery arrives, Dr. Zukowski and his team will do everything they can to prepare you and put you at ease. FFS can typically be done in just one surgical session.

Dr. Zukowski will check up on you throughout your recovery and encourages his postoperative patients to call his cell phone with any concerns. After your surgery, he will closely monitor your progress. This will be in person in the days immediately following surgery, then through weekly appointments over the phone.

It generally takes a year to see final results of FFS, although for major jaw procedures this can be up to 16 months.

FFS Cost

A consultation is instrumental in determining the cost of FFS. Faces vary greatly from one to the next, and each face requires a different combination of procedures. There is no way to provide a cost without first evaluating your face and discussing your goals.

Dr. Zukowski is a professional and a perfectionist when it comes to the work he performs. You are truly a miracle worker. You have given me the opportunity to start a new life with a new face.*

— Kellie Edwards

*Procedures: brow lift with upper eyelid blepharoplasty, cheek implants, full face neck & jaw skin lift, chin bone burring & reshaping with tracheal shave and a lip lift.

If you want to discuss the possibility of transforming your face with Facial Feminization Surgery, sign up for a free consultation with Dr. Zukowski or contact our office in Chicago to learn more.

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Visit the patient gallery to see before and after transformations.