San Francisco
2299 Post St. Suite 207
San Francisco, CA 94115
(415) 530-5335
Los Angeles
1317 5th St #300
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 751-5886
Facial masculinization surgery (FMS) is a set of gender-affirming facial procedures that modify facial structure and contour to create more masculinizing facial cues. For many patients, FMS helps them bring different features into alignment so the face feels more consistent with how they want to be seen. Depending on the areas being addressed, your plan may involve changes in projection, width, prominence, or profile in one part or several parts of the face.
At Align Surgical Associates in San Francisco and Los Angeles, California, facial masculinizing surgery is planned with close attention to facial structure, how different regions relate to one another, and which changes best support the outcome you’re seeking.
Facial Masculinization Surgery Before & After
What Is Facial Masculinizing Surgery?
Facial masculinizing surgery refers to a group of face procedures that can change how the facial features are proportioned and defined. Depending on the surgical plan, your treatment may focus on one area of the face or combine multiple procedures across different regions.
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We lead with your goals and make decisions—together.
Your plan starts with what matters most to you, such as function, sensation, privacy, recovery realities, and your day-to-day life.
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We give honest recommendations.
We'll be transparent about what a technique can and can't reliably do for your anatomy and priorities, and we'll explain why we're recommending a particular approach.
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We treat the whole person.
We don't reduce care to a single concern or body area. We look at your goals, your comfort, and what's safest and most supportive for you overall.
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We prioritize privacy, dignity, and emotionally safe care.
We understand that many patients come in with complex past healthcare experiences and strive to create an environment where you always feel respected, welcomed, and seen at every step.
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We're built for gender-affirming care.
Gender-affirming surgery isn't a side offering at Align—it's our life's work.
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We evolve with the community.
Care and language change over time. We are dedicated to staying current, listening, and adapting.
Who Might Consider Facial Masculinizing Surgery?
Facial masculinizing surgery may be a meaningful option for transmasculine individuals, nonbinary patients, and other gender-diverse people seeking masculinizing facial changes. You may be considering broader structural changes in areas such as the jaw, chin, brow, or forehead, or exploring whether more targeted procedures better fit your goals.
Facial Masculinizing Surgery by Facial Region
Facial masculinizing surgery can involve one or more areas of the face, each with its own role in contour, projection, and facial cues. Prior facial surgery, fillers, or other treatments can shape what options are available and how your treatment will be planned.
Upper Face:
Forehead, Brow, and Hairline
The upper face includes structures that can noticeably influence brow prominence, forehead contour, and hairline shape. Procedures in this region may include forehead contouring and lengthening, brow bone enhancement, and hair transplantation.
Depending on your anatomy and priorities, treatment in this area may focus on increasing brow prominence, adjusting the forehead shape, or changing your hairline placement and density.
Midface:
Nose, Cheeks, and Surrounding Contour
The midface contributes to the central facial contour, projection, and definition. Rhinoplasty can be used to adjust nasal shape or projection. Cheek contouring may involve adding volume or reducing facial fullness, including through buccal fat removal.
Lower Face:
Jaw, Chin, and Lip Area
The lower face is strongly influenced by width, projection, and side profile. Chin enhancement may involve genioplasty, implants, or fat grafting, depending on the planned structural change.
Jawline and mandibular contouring, a lip lift, or lip augmentation can also be used to reshape the lower-face proportions.
Neck and Tracheal Area
Profile work may also extend into the neck and tracheal area. Face and neck liposuction can be part of your treatment plan to address the contour beneath the chin or through the upper neck.
In select cases, your board-certified Align surgeon can create an Adam’s apple with a thyroid cartilage enhancement procedure.
Some surgeons "offer" gender-affirming surgery among many other services. For Align, it's the center of our life's work. Our 6 board-certified surgeons have committed themselves wholly to gender-affirming care and research. This means we aren't just helping patients reach their embodiment goals; we are helping to make their care better—better understood, better supported, and performed in the best way possible. Meet the specialists behind the transformations.
What Is Recovery Like After Facial Masculinizing Surgery?
Recovery after facial masculinizing surgery depends on which procedures are included and whether they are performed together or in stages. Most patients should expect swelling, bruising, activity restrictions, and a healing timeline that can vary depending on the treatment areas and the scope of the plan.
We’ll walk you through recovery in more practical terms during your consultation. This includes what the early healing period may look like, when follow-up care is typically needed, and how timelines can vary depending on treatment sequencing.
How Much Does Facial Masculinization Surgery Cost in San Francisco and Los Angeles?
Gender affirming care, including facial masculinizing surgery, is often covered by insurance. If you are using insurance, we will guide you through the authorization process and what to expect.
If you prefer to pay out of pocket, we will give you a personalized quote based on your surgical plan, including whether your facial masculinizing surgery involves one procedure or a more comprehensive combination of procedures.
Travel planning can involve a lot of moving parts, especially when you're coordinating around surgery. If you're coming to Align from outside the Bay Area or Los Angeles, we have resources specifically for you.
Risks and Considerations
As with any surgery, facial masculinizing surgery carries risks, such as bleeding, infection, scarring, healing concerns, and changes in sensation. Combined procedures may also involve a longer or more complex recovery than with a less extensive surgical approach.
It is also important to have clear expectations when considering FMS. The best outcomes come from careful planning, clear priorities, and a realistic understanding of what surgery can and cannot do.
Facial Masculinizing Surgery FAQ
Is facial masculinizing surgery one surgery or multiple procedures?
Facial masculinizing surgery can involve one or more procedures performed simultaneously or over time.
Can facial masculinizing surgery be staged over time?
Yes. FMS can be staged when it better fits your recovery preferences, priorities, or surgical planning. Some patients choose to address one region first before deciding on additional procedures.
Can I still be a candidate if I’ve had prior facial surgery or fillers?
Yes, in many cases, you can still be a candidate. Prior surgery or fillers do not automatically rule out facial masculinizing surgery, but they can affect your planning, timing, and which options are most appropriate.
When To See a Facial Masculinizing Surgery Specialist in San Francisco and Los Angeles
We recommend booking a consultation if you’re considering facial masculinizing surgery and want guidance on what it can do for you, whether your plan is best done in one stage or several, or how prior facial procedures may affect your options.
Explore Your Facial Masculinizing Surgery Options
When you’re ready, we’re here to help. Request an in-person or virtual consultation using the online form or call Align Surgical Associates to get started. We are proud to offer facial masculinizing surgery for San Francisco and Los Angeles patients, as well as individuals traveling from outside of California.
San Francisco Office: (415) 530-5335
Los Angeles Office: (310) 751-5886
