Facial Feminisation Surgery (FFS)
Overview
Facial Feminisation Surgery (FFS) is an umbrella term for a tailored combination of procedures that can modify facial bone structure and/or soft tissue characteristics. The aim is to adjust selected facial features in line with an individual’s goals as part of gender affirmation care. A consultation is required to assess anatomy, medical history, and the most appropriate options (including non-surgical treatments where suitable).
Outcomes vary between individuals and depend on factors such as baseline anatomy, skin quality, healing response, and the procedures selected. All surgery involves risks and scarring.
Add volume to breasts
Reduce sagging
Lift and tighten
Reshape and contour
Before & After
The outcomes shown are only relevant for this patient and do not necessarily reflect the results other patients may experience, as results may vary due to many factors including the individual’s genetics, diet and exercise.
Breast Augmentation
Implant Size: 300cc – 450cc
Recovery Timeline: 1–2 weeks light
Tags: Breast Enhancement, Cosmetic Surgery
Breast Augmentation
Implant Size: 300cc – 450cc
Recovery Timeline: 1–2 weeks light
Tags: Breast Enhancement, Cosmetic Surgery
Breast Augmentation
Implant Size: 300cc – 450cc
Recovery Timeline: 1–2 weeks light
Tags: Breast Enhancement, Cosmetic Surgery
Breast Augmentation
Implant Size: 300cc – 450cc
Recovery Timeline: 1–2 weeks light
Tags: Breast Enhancement, Cosmetic Surgery
Breast Augmentation
Implant Size: 300cc – 450cc
Recovery Timeline: 1–2 weeks light
Tags: Breast Enhancement, Cosmetic Surgery
Breast Augmentation
Implant Size: 300cc – 450cc
Recovery Timeline: 1–2 weeks light
Tags: Breast Enhancement, Cosmetic Surgery
About This Procedure
FFS is not one operation. It may involve one procedure or a planned combination performed in stages.
Depending on your goals and anatomy, FFS may include procedures that address areas commonly described as the forehead/brow, nose, jaw/chin, and neck.
At COSMEX, FFS consultations are led by Dr Sepehr Lajevardi (Specialist Plastic Surgeon). Your consultation focuses on:
- What changes may be feasible for your anatomy
- What can reasonably be achieved (and what cannot)
- Expected scarring, recovery, and risks
- Whether surgery, non-surgical treatment, or a combination is appropriate
Your Consultation with Dr Lajevardi
Dr Sepehr Lajevardi is a highly skilled and experienced plastic surgeon, dedicated to providing exceptional results to each patient. He takes a caring approach, working with patients to create an individualised treatment plan that helps them feel confident in their outcomes. Book your appointment to receive professional care and guidance from Dr Lajevardi, and find out if breast augmentation surgery is right for you.
Procedures sometimes considered within an FFS plan may include:
- Rhinoplasty (selected cases): altering nasal shape; may include functional components where clinically indicated
- Forehead/brow contouring (selected cases): modifying forehead and brow bone contour
- Jaw/chin contouring (selected cases): altering mandibular angle and/or chin shape
- Chondrolaryngoplasty / “tracheal shave” (selected cases): reducing prominence of the thyroid cartilage
- Adjunct non-surgical procedures (selected cases): anti-wrinkle injections and dermal fillers to adjust soft-tissue volume or muscle activity
Key Benefits
The goal of a brow lift is to address specific structural features identified at assessment. Potential physical changes may include:
Reduction of upper‑lid hooding contributed to by brow position (where relevant).
Change in forehead contour and soft tissue drape (individual variation applies).
Symmetry cannot be guaranteed, and outcomes vary with anatomy and healing.
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Ideal Candidate
A suitable candidate is generally a healthy adult who has concerns related to brow position or forehead tissue laxity, understands that outcomes vary, and is comfortable with the presence of scars and recovery time.
You May Be a Good Candidate If
- You have brow position concerns that are not adequately addressed by non‑surgical options.
- You would like assessment for brow position and upper‑face changes.
- You understand that scars are permanent and vary in appearance.
- You can take time for recovery and attend follow‑up appointments.
- You do not smoke or can cease nicotine use as directed.
Who Should Not Undergo This Procedure
This procedure/treatment may not be appropriate if you:
- Uncontrolled medical conditions increasing risk.
- Inability to stop nicotine use when required.
- Expectation of a scar‑free or guaranteed outcome.
Surgical Techniques & Approaches
Structural (bone/cartilage) procedures (selected cases)
- Access incisions may be placed in locations such as the hairline/scalp, inside the mouth, or around the nose depending on the procedure.
- Bone may be contoured, reduced, or repositioned where clinically appropriate.
Soft tissue procedures (selected cases)
- Where indicated, soft tissue techniques may be used to adjust contour, support, or projection.
Adjunct non-surgical procedures (selected cases)
- Dermal fillers: may add volume in areas such as cheeks, lips, or chin (temporary; maintenance required).
- Anti-wrinkle injections: may reduce muscle activity in targeted areas (temporary; maintenance required).
Your surgeon will explain recommended approaches, trade-offs, and expected limitations during consultation.
Anaesthetic
- Surgical FFS procedures are typically performed under general anaesthesia in an appropriately accredited hospital facility.
- Non-surgical treatments (fillers/anti-wrinkle) are typically performed in-clinic and may involve topical anaesthetic and/or local anaesthetic where appropriate.
Anaesthetic type is confirmed after your clinical assessment and procedure plan.
Suitability
- Are in good general health and medically suitable for surgery (where surgery is planned)
- Have stable, realistic goals and understand the limitations of anatomy and healing
- Understand that results vary and may not meet a specific “ideal” or guarantee a particular social response
- Are able to commit to recovery time, follow-up, and aftercare
Expected Scarring & Incisions
All surgical procedures involve scarring. Incision placement depends on the procedure and may be located in areas such as:
- The hairline/scalp (selected procedures)
- Inside the mouth (selected jaw/chin procedures)
- The nose (rhinoplasty approaches may vary)
- The neck (selected chondrolaryngoplasty approaches)
Scars are permanent but typically fade over time. Scar quality varies between individuals and can be influenced by skin type, healing response, infection, and aftercare. Your surgeon will discuss likely scar placement and visibility for your specific plan.
Risks & Considerations
All surgery carries risks. Your surgeon will discuss risks relevant to your procedures, anatomy, and medical history. Potential risks may include:
- Bleeding, infection, delayed healing
- Adverse reaction to anaesthesia
- Swelling and bruising (variable and sometimes prolonged)
- Scarring concerns (including hypertrophic or thickened scars in some people)
- Asymmetry or contour irregularities
- Nerve injury causing temporary or permanent numbness or weakness (risk varies by procedure)
- Need for revision surgery (sometimes required, not guaranteed)
- Specific procedure risks (e.g., nasal breathing changes after rhinoplasty; dental/occlusion considerations with jaw work)
Non-surgical treatments also carry risks (e.g., bruising, swelling, infection, vascular occlusion with fillers—rare but serious). These risks are discussed before any treatment.
Recovery & Aftercare
Recovery time varies depending on the procedures performed and whether they are staged. In general:
Timeline
Activity & Expectations
swelling and bruising are common; discomfort varies; rest and head elevation are often recommended
most people gradually return to normal daily activities; residual swelling commonly persists
3–12 months
Your surgeon will provide written aftercare instructions and a follow-up schedule tailored to your procedure plan.
Fees & Inclusions
Costs vary significantly depending on the combination of procedures, complexity, and hospital/anaesthetist fees. A detailed written quote is provided after consultation, once a surgical plan is confirmed.
Medicare/private health insurance coverage depends on item numbers and clinical indications. Where relevant, this will be discussed with you during consultation.
Resources & Guides
A breast augmentation is a very customized procedure, and selecting an experienced surgeon is paramount. Dr. Lajevardi focuses on patient safety, naturally appearing results, and transparency throughout the process.
Patient Preparation Guide
Procedure Walkthroughs
Procedure Walkthroughs
Patient Preparation Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Can FFS include both surgical and non-surgical treatments?
Yes—some patients use a combination approach depending on their goals and anatomy. The appropriate plan is determined during consultation.
Is FFS permanent?
Structural surgical changes are generally long-lasting, however the face continues to change over time with ageing and weight fluctuations. Non-surgical treatments (fillers/anti-wrinkle) are temporary and require maintenance.
Will there be visible scarring?
All surgery involves scars. Incision placement is planned to suit the procedure and anatomy. Scar visibility and quality vary.
What are the main risks of facial surgery?
Risks depend on the procedures performed and may include infection, bleeding, scarring concerns, nerve injury, asymmetry, and revision surgery. Your surgeon will explain procedure-specific risks.
Can rhinoplasty be part of FFS?
Rhinoplasty may be included in an FFS plan in selected cases. If there is a functional component (e.g., breathing obstruction), this may be assessed separately.
Important Safety Information
About the Specialist
Dr Sepehr Lajevardi (AHPRA: MED0001602957)
Registered Medical Practitioner – Specialist Plastic Surgeon (Specialist Registration in Surgery – Plastic Surgery). Procedure planning, risks, realistic outcomes, and aftercare requirements are discussed in detail during consultation.
