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Facial Feminisation Surgery (FFS)

Facial Feminisation Surgery in Australia: Surgical and Non-Surgical Options to Modify Facial Features

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.

Meet Our Doctors

Discover the highly qualified surgeons and doctors behind our trusted procedures. Browse their credentials, specialties, and treatments, then explore each procedure in detail to find the right expert for your needs.

Dr. Lajevardi

MBBS BSc(Med) Hons GDip(Anat) MS (Plast) PhD (Med) FRACS (Plast)

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Dr. Sepehr Lajevardi is a Sydney based Specialist Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon specialising in aesthetic surgery of breast and body, as well as skin cancer and hand surgery.

PROCEDURES & TREATMENTS

- Skin Cancer Resection & Reconstruction
- Hand Trauma & Elective Hand Surgery
- Post Weight Loss Body Contouring
- Breast Surgeries
- Transgender Surgery

LEARN MORE ABOUT DR LAJEVARDI

Dr Phaethon Karagiannis

MBBS BMedSci PGradDipAnat MPH FRACS (Plast)

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Dr Phaethon Karagiannis is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS) and an Australian-trained Specialist Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon with over 14 years of medical experience, including 9 years exclusively in plastic surgery. He obtained his medical degree from the University of Melbourne, where he also completed a Bachelor of Medical Science and a Postgraduate Diploma in Surgical Anatomy. He later completed a Master of Public Health at the University of Sydney.

Procedures & Treatments

Dr Phaethon primarily focuses on Facial Surgeries.

LEARN MORE ABOUT DR PHAETHON

Dr Purvesh Punj

FRACS (Plast), MSSc (Adel), MBBS (Adel)

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Dr Punj has completed two Subspecialty Fellowships after completing Plastic Surgery Training in Adelaide. Specialized in Aesthetic Surgery of the Face, Rhinoplasty, Breast including Body Contouring & Reconstructive surgery.

PROCEDURES & TREATMENTS

- Facial Surgery
- Nose Surgery
- Breast Surgery
- Breast Surgeries
- Body Surgery

LEARN MORE ABOUT DR PUNJ

Dr Nikolas Katelaris

MBBS, Master of Surgery, FRACGP

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Dr Katelaris has extensive training and experience in same-day, local anaesthetic surgical assessment and procedures that are completed with meticulous technique. Dr Katelaris was a Urology Registrar for 3 years at teaching hospitals in Sydney, Albury and Tweed Heads.

PROCEDURES & TREATMENTS

- Skin Cancer
- Mens Health
- Urology
- Health Clinic

LEARN MORE ABOUT DR KATELARIS

Dr Hamid Hajian

MD, PhD, FRACS (Vascular Surgery)

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Dr Hajian is a Sydney-based vascular and Endovascular surgeon. He is a member of the Royal Australian College of Surgeons and Australia and New Zealand Society for Vascular Surgery. Dr Hajian is an Australian trained vascular surgeon. As a specialist in vascular surgery, he provides high quality of care for patients with various acute and chronic conditions affecting the blood vessels and circulatory system.

PROCEDURES & TREATMENTS

- Varicose Veins
- Spider Veins
- Diabetic Foot Treatment
- Endovascular Surgery

LEARN MORE ABOUT DR HAJIAN

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

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

Not every patient needs every procedure, and some goals may be better addressed with fewer procedures—or with non-surgical options alone.

Surgical Techniques & Approaches

The techniques used depend on the area being treated and individual anatomy. Approaches may include:

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.

Are you considering a Facial Feminisation Surgery (FFS)?

If you’re looking for more information about a Facial Feminisation Surgery (FFS), get intouch with our friendly clinic staff to answer any questions you might have.

Suitability

Suitability is determined during consultation. In general, a patient may be considered for FFS if they:

– 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

If you smoke or use nicotine, you may be advised to stop well in advance because nicotine can increase complication risk and impair healing.

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.

Recovery & Aftercare

Recovery time varies depending on the procedures performed and whether they are staged. In general:

– First 1–2 weeks: swelling and bruising are common; discomfort varies; rest and head elevation are often recommended
– Weeks 2–6: most people gradually return to normal daily activities; residual swelling commonly persists
– 3–12 months: healing and scar maturation continue; final contour is typically assessed over months, and nasal refinement can take up to 12 months or longer

Your surgeon will provide written aftercare instructions and a follow-up schedule tailored to your procedure 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.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Procedure & Results

Do I need imaging?

Imaging is recommended in some situations and depends on symptoms, examination findings and your history.
Examination can provide clues, but imaging is often needed to confirm.
Changes in breast shape, firmness, swelling, discomfort, or concerns about implant integrity warrant assessment.

Pain & Recovery

Is the exam painful?

Most examinations are tolerable, but sensitivity varies. Tell your clinician if you are uncomfortable.
You can discuss concerns during the consultation; the assessment can be paced to your comfort.

Safety & Credentials

How do I verify practitioner registration?

Check the AHPRA public register and ask about experience with implant monitoring and management.
Imaging is performed by appropriate radiology providers; referrals are discussed during consultation.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.