Facial Gender-Affirming Surgery: Lower Face Feminization

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Facial Aesthetic Surgery

Background:

• Masculine facial features can be feminized through surgical intervention.
• Lower facial feminization aims to create a softer, more aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe surgical techniques for lower facial feminization.
• To outline methods for chin, jawline, and neck contouring.

Main Methods:

• Chin feminization via narrowing genioplasty.
• Jawline contouring using angle resection, inferior border resection, or orthognathic surgery.
• Neck feminization including tracheal shave, platysmaplasty, or deep neck procedures.
• Facelift may be combined for older patients or to address ptosis.

Main Results:

• Surgical options exist to modify chin, jaw, and neck morphology.
• Patient anatomy and preferences guide the selection of specific surgical techniques.
• Combined procedures like facelift may be indicated in certain cases.

Conclusions:

• Lower facial feminization surgery offers diverse techniques for aesthetic enhancement.
• Surgical planning is tailored to individual patient anatomy and desired outcomes.
• These procedures contribute to a more feminine facial profile.