Facial Feminization

Frequently asked questions about facial feminization surgery

Facial feminization surgery is a series or collection of facial and cosmetic procedures intended to address more masculine (or traditionally male) facial features and alter or soften them to be consistent with feminine facial appearance and identity.  The surgical procedures may include brow lift, forehead setback or contouring, rhinoplasty, fat grafting, cheek augmentation, genioplasty, mandibular/jawline contouring, and tracheal shave (“Adam’s apple” reduction) to achieve the natural, balanced, and desired results. The exact combination of procedures will be designed and custom-tailored to each patient’s unique anatomy such that the alterations provide results consistent with their needs, desires, and goals. Dr. Derek Steinbacher of Guilford, Connecticut, is a plastic, aesthetic, and maxillofacial surgeon who offers facial feminization surgery for those looking to enhance their facial features permanently.

Why might someone choose to undergo facial feminization surgery?

The goal when undergoing facial feminization surgery is to align your facial appearance and morphology with your gender identity.  Facial feminization surgery is well tolerated and, in Dr. Steinbacher’s hands enable a very feminine appearance to be achieved.  These collections of cosmetic / reconstructive  procedures are a critical and important part of gender confirmation, and permit patients to integrate and blend in society as a female.  These procedures improve appearance and allow an ever increasing sense of ease and self-confidence.  

What are the risks associated with facial feminization surgery?

There are some risks associated with facial feminization surgery as with any surgery. These can include bleeding, infection, and reactions to anesthesia. There are specific risks depending on each of the exact procedures you undergo.  We will discuss these in detail at your visit.  In general, the risks are typically quite low when the surgery is performed by a qualified and experienced surgeon such as Dr. Derek Steinbacher of Guilford, CT.

How do I learn more about facial feminization surgery?

If you’re considering facial feminization surgery, consult with Dr. Steinbacher to discuss the options, benefits, logistics, risks, and planning.  The procedures are performed as an outpatient and may be completed in one setting, or in a few stages.  We encourage you to consider these treatments to improve your confidence and quality of life. Dr. Derek Steinbacher offers consultation appointments to help educate you on these treatments and what to expect.

Call (203) 453-6635 to request a visit to the practice conveniently located at 5 Durham Road, Suite 1-8, Guilford, CT 06437. Consulting with a plastic and aesthetic surgeon is the first step in determining if facial feminization surgery is appropriate for your personal cosmetic goals.

Dr. Derek Steinbacher has devoted his life to aesthetic and life-changing surgery. He is an artistic and meticulous surgeon who draws patients from around the world due to his perspective, unmatched skill, and exceptional results. He is able to uniquely address the face (facelift + rejuvenation), jawline (orthognathic; chin; contouring; implants), nasal (rhinoplasty), eyelids, profile, neck, breast, and body with one-of-a-kind results.

He is a multiple Board-Certified, Fellowship-Trained Plastic, Cosmetic, and Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgeon. He is Fellow of the most prestigious surgical organizations, including the Society of Plastic Surgeons, the American College of Surgeons, the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, the Academy of Facial Plastic Surgery, Societies of Craniofacial and Maxillofacial Surgery, the Aesthetic Society, and the Rhinoplasty Society. He has served as Full-Professor of Plastic Surgery at Yale, including Director of the Cleft and Craniofacial Program, and Chief of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Dr. Steinbacher has unparalleled training at premier institutions, including Harvard and Johns Hopkins. His perspective brings together the best aspects of many distinct – but related fields – and it is this intersection of scope and expertise, in addition to an artistic eye, which enables excellent comprehensive results.

Dr. Steinbacher's approach: technical acumen, meticulousness, and penchant for combining art and science, together with his eye for balance, beauty, and harmony, helps achieve outcomes that greatly improve a person's confidence, health, and overall quality of life. Patients can trust that they are always in good hands!