Facial Feminization New Orleans
“Transgender” is an umbrella term for this phenomenon. Some transgender people’s sense of difference is so strong that they identify as “transsexual,” someone who has an overwhelming desire to change their external appearance to match their internal identity.  As acceptance of transsexualism has grown within the medical community, a number of surgical procedures have been developed to help patients with this complex process.  While hormone therapy can provide some benefits (e.g., decreased hair growth and increased breast tissue), these treatments have no effect on facial structure. Dr. Velargo specializes in surgery of the face and neck and can aid in the surgical transformation process.
Who is a Candidate for Facial Feminization Surgery?
Anyone who desires a more “feminine” and softer appearance may be a candidate for facial feminization. This type of surgery is not limited to transsexuals and can be applied to women who simply have masculine features.  The decision to pursue facial feminization can be a life-changing step for transsexual patients. Thus, it requires a stable and healthy mental state and a strong support network. Dr. Velargo requires all patients undergoing this transformation to be cleared by a psychiatrist.  Dr. Velargo will work with you throughout the process.
What Happens During Facial Feminization Surgery?
As a facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Velargo is keenly aware of how facial characteristics and structures are perceived as overwhelmingly “masculine” or “feminine.”  These features include the prominence of the forehead and brow region, the size and shape of the nose, the fullness and size of the lips, the angle and definition of the lower jaw, the position and prominence of the cheekbones and chin, and the prominence of the Adam’s apple. Each of these areas can be addressed with specific procedures performed by Dr. Velargo, alone or in combination.
All procedures are performed in a manner to minimize visible scarring. This surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia; however, some procedures can be performed under local anesthesia with some oral sedation. Dr. Velargo will discuss your options during the consultation.
The upper face can be feminized in the following manner:
- Reducing the prominence of the forehead/ mid-brow region by reducing the size of the bony frontal bar (shaving and sculpting the bone).
- Creating more arched eyebrows with a brow lifting procedure. The brow region in a “masculine” face has a more anterior projection with a greater distance between the flatness of the forehead (frontal bone) and the prominence of the frontal bar.
- Lowering the hairline.
The nose can be feminized in the following manner:
- Reduction rhinoplasty
- Hump removal
- Tip refinement
- Septoplasty
The lips can be feminized in the following manner:
- Lip augmentation with fillers
- Lip augmentation with SMAS grafting
- Lip advancement surgery
- Lip lifting surgery
The mid and lower face can be feminized in the following manner:
- Facelift
- Cheek augmentation with fillers or implants
- Cervicofacial liposuction
- Lower jaw reduction
The neck can be feminized in the following manner:
- Neck lift
- Cervicofacial liposuction
- Adam’s apple reduction
What Can I Expect After Facial Feminization Surgery?
Your postoperative period and recovery time will differ depending on the specific combination of procedures selected. Â Please see the specific procedure pages for more detailed information. Dr. Velargo works closely with his patients in the postoperative period to ensure the best aesthetic outcome possible.
Does Insurance Cover Facial Feminization?
Facial Feminization Surgery is considered a cosmetic procedure. Therefore, insurance companies do not generally cover the cost of surgery. Contact the New Orleans Center for Aesthetics and Plastic Surgery today to find out more about expert Facial Feminization Surgery.
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Facial Feminization FAQs in New Orleans
What is the timeline to recover from facial feminization surgery?
Complete recovery from facial feminization surgery takes approximately one year, but most patients feel much better after 2 to 3 weeks. Pain and swelling typically peak within the first 2 to 3 days, with the majority resolving by about two weeks post-op. Most patients can return to work and maintain social commitments approximately two weeks after surgery. The exact recovery time depends on which specific procedures are performed, your overall health, and your body’s natural healing ability.
How much does facial feminization cost in New Orleans?
Facial feminization surgery costs vary significantly based on the procedures performed. Upper-third facial surgery (hairline, forehead, brow) typically ranges from $10,000 to $50,000, middle-third procedures (nose, cheeks) cost between $6,000 and $18,000, and lower-third surgery (lip, jaw, chin, neck) ranges from $4,500 to $50,000. The total cost for comprehensive facial feminization can range from $4,500 to $100,000, depending on how many procedures are combined. Since this is considered a cosmetic procedure, insurance companies generally do not cover the cost.
Are there risks associated with facial feminization?
Like any major surgery, facial feminization poses risks, including bleeding, infection, adverse reactions to anesthesia, damage to nearby structures, and facial asymmetry. Other potential complications include suture rupture, visible scarring, fluid accumulation beneath the skin (seroma), blood clots within tissues (hematoma), facial nerve injury, and hair loss along incision lines. Some patients may experience prolonged swelling, implant migration, or dissatisfaction with their appearance. Occasionally, additional surgery may be needed to correct asymmetry and improve the final outcome.
How should I prepare for my facial feminization procedure?
Dr. Velargo requires his patients undergoing facial feminization to be cleared by a psychiatrist, as this can be a life-changing decision requiring a stable mental state and strong support network. Before surgery, prepare your bedroom for recovery by arranging pillows to keep your head elevated, which helps reduce bruising and swelling. Plan to take at least two weeks off from work for initial recovery. Stock up on liquid and soft foods, as you’ll need a primarily liquid diet for the first 24 to 48 hours following surgery.
Can I combine multiple facial feminization procedures in one surgical session?
Yes, multiple facial feminization procedures can be performed together during a single surgery session. Dr. Velargo can address various areas, including the forehead, brow, nose, lips, cheekbones, chin, jawline, and Adam’s apple either individually or in combination. Combining procedures is common and allows for comprehensive facial transformation, though it does extend recovery time compared to single procedures.
Will my face experience swelling or bruising after surgery?
Swelling and bruising are most noticeable during the first few days, with the worst occurring around day two post-operatively. Swelling typically improves in a top-down fashion, starting from the forehead and moving down to the chin. During weeks 1 to 2, swelling begins to decrease, though it may fluctuate throughout the day. By weeks 3 to 6, significant improvement is visible. Keeping your head elevated and applying cold compresses can help reduce swelling and bruising.
When will I see my optimal results?
While most patients feel great and see significant improvement after 2 to 3 weeks, final results take time to fully emerge. Scarring will initially become red or raised before starting to flatten during weeks 2 to 6. Complete healing and final results typically take approximately one full year to emerge, as bones and tissue continue to heal and settle over time.
Is there numbness after facial feminization surgery?
Numbness in the treated areas is common after facial feminization surgery. This sensation begins to improve slowly during weeks 2 to 6. The extent and duration of numbness depend on which specific procedures were performed and how your individual body heals.
Where are the incisions placed for minimal scarring?
All facial feminization procedures are performed in a manner to minimize visible scarring. Dr. Velargo, as a facial plastic surgeon, is keenly aware of aesthetic outcomes and uses strategic incision placement techniques. Specific incision locations vary depending on which procedures are performed, but they are carefully planned to remain hidden within the hairline, natural facial contours, or less visible areas.