Facial Masculinization from Procedures to Payment: A Review

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Gender-Affirming Care
• Facial Reconstruction

Background:

• Growing demand for gender-affirming procedures necessitates understanding facial masculinization.
• Facial feminization surgery is established for transgender women; facial masculinization for transgender men is less common but evolving.
• Hormone therapy impacts facial appearance, but surgical and nonsurgical interventions can further enhance masculine features.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current surgical and nonsurgical techniques for facial masculinization in transgender men.
• To provide healthcare providers with information to discuss options with transgender male patients.
• To contextualize these procedures regarding patient satisfaction and insurance coverage.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of surgical and nonsurgical facial masculinization techniques.
• Analysis of methods to supplement hormone therapy effects on facial appearance.
• Consideration of patient-reported outcomes and insurance accessibility.

Main Results:

• Facial masculinization techniques include hairline recession, forehead contouring, brow bone augmentation, rhinoplasty, jaw squaring, and chin augmentation.
• These procedures can supplement hormone therapy for achieving a more masculine facial aesthetic.
• Patient satisfaction and insurance coverage are critical factors in procedure selection.

Conclusions:

• A range of surgical and nonsurgical options exist for facial masculinization in transgender men.
• Informed discussion between patients and providers is essential for successful outcomes.
• Further research may be needed on long-term satisfaction and insurance parity.