When we think of facial feminization surgery (FFS), it is often associated with transgender women who are transitioning and seeking to align their facial features with their gender identity. However, facial feminization can also be relevant and beneficial for cisgender women—those assigned female at birth—who may desire enhanced or more traditionally feminine features.
Whether due to natural genetic variation, hormonal imbalances, or simply personal aesthetic preference, some cisgender women might feel that their facial features are more angular or masculine than they would like. Just like any other form of cosmetic surgery, facial feminization for cisgender women is about personal empowerment, helping individuals feel more confident and comfortable in their own skin.
Why Might Cisgender Women Consider Facial Feminization?
Despite beauty being subjective, some facial features are traditionally associated with femininity, such as soft cheeks, ample lips, and bony cheekbones. Not all cisgender women have these traits, of course. Other factors, including genetics, age, or hormones can cause a person to have more “masculine” facial features, such as rounded cheek circumference, broad forehead, and prominent eyebrow.
A significant number of cisgender women opt for facial rejuvenation surgery to align their faces with their intrinsic femininity. A range of factors can lead to this decision:
Certain genetic traits in women result from their ancestry that lead to prominent or angular faces, which may not be considered feminine. It may result in a sense of self-consciousness, particularly when the cisgender woman is highly susceptible to softer, feminine aesthetics.
Menstrual changes can result in a more masculine appearance during puberty or other life stages due to hormonal fluctuations. Those with conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) may experience an increase in facial hair or more angular features due to elevated testosterone levels.
Our facial features undergo changes as we age. Why? This can cause cheek volume loss or a noticeable jawline in some women. While aging can happen in any age group, some women may choose to undergo feminization procedures to restore a softer, more youthful appearance.
Facial feminization surgery is not an aesthetic choice for all women, but rather a personal preference. They may desire their lips to be bigger, their cheekbones taller, or their nose to look more symmetrical and natural in order to achieve the desired facial features.
We should be aware that the decision to undergo facial feminization surgery is a matter of personal preference. Surgical procedures are designed to help women feel confident and comfortable in their appearance, rather than conforming to the beauty standards of society.
The Facial Feminization Procedures for Cisgender Women.
Depending on the individual cisgender woman’s facial structure and personal aesthetic preferences, different procedures are chosen to achieve specific goals for each woman. Some cisgender women often undergo facial feminization surgery, as depicted below.
The curvature of the forehead is a significant feature of facial structure, and having fewer wrinkles or strabber lines is often associated with femininity. Forehead contouring is the process of minimizing the prominence of the brow bone, smoothing out any lines that appear sharp and firm, and shaping the curve more delicately.
Masculine traits are often associated with a square, anatomically sound jawline, while softer, narrower jaws are seen as feminine traits. A contouring process called jawline contours is used to create a more tapered, oval-shaped jaw. The contouring of the chin can also reduce the size or appearance of a strong ‘chest’ and create softer, more harmonious lines.
Elevated cheekbones that are high are commonly viewed as an indication of feminine traits. To enhance the appearance of youthful cheeks and create a more feminine look, dermal fillers or implants can be used to fill in volume and give them definition.
Cosmetic procedures known as nose reshaping or rhinoplasty often aim to enhance the facial proportions and reduce nasal volume. This is commonly done through laser surgery. Facial feminization is often associated with the goal of creating a more feminine and graceful nose shape.
Feminine features can also be exhibited through lip enhancement. To achieve a more youthful and defined pout, lip enhancement techniques may involve the use of injectable fillers or surgical procedures.
Deciding on a hairline that is lower or receding can result in achieving ‘mensified’ and longer hairlines on the forehead. A hairline lowering operation can bring the hair line down to a more traditional, feminine form, which may result in softer skin on the face.
These procedures can be done separately, or combined into a complete facial feminization package depending on the woman’s preferences.
The Psychological Impact of Facial Feminization on Psychology.
The surgical procedure known as facial feminization is not solely about improving one’s looks; it also involves increasing oneself emotionally and having more confidence. Face feminization has been found to have significant psychological benefits for many cisgender women, who report feeling more connected to their inner self.
Greater Self-Improvement: When a woman is confident that her appearance aligns with her inner femininity, she can experience heightened self-esteem. The psychological benefits of feeling more feminine can be felt in different areas such as social interactions, work environments, and reflection.
Some women may experience a decrease in self-confidence or confidence due to certain facial features. Feminal feminization surgery can help cisgender women feel more comfortable in their own skin by softening or reshaping their facial features.
Facial feminization and cosmetic surgery are procedures that emphasize personal empowerment and autonomy. It is a very personal decision, and for some women it can be an incredible opportunity to change their appearance and feel more at ease with what they consider beautiful.
Ultimately, the aim of any cosmetic procedure is to provide you with a sense of self-assurance, confidence, and inner strength. You can experience a sense of femininity, inner strength, and outer beauty at your own pace, leading to greater happiness and fulfillment in life.