Clear answers to common questions about Facial Feminization Surgery, Facial Masculinization Surgery, top surgery, insurance, recovery, and what to expect at every stage of care.
Frequently Asked Questions About FFSNYC in New York City
Start With Clarity
Choosing gender affirming surgery is deeply personal, and it often comes with a long list of questions. Patients want to understand what procedures involve, how planning works, what recovery feels like, and how to navigate insurance and travel. You deserve answers that feel direct, respectful, and grounded in real surgical experience.
This FAQ page is designed as a broad resource for patients exploring care at FFSNYC. It covers the most common questions we hear, organized by topic so you can find what you need quickly. If you have a question that is not answered here, our team is always available to help.
Facial Feminization Surgery and Facial Masculinization Surgery
What is Facial Feminization Surgery?
Facial Feminization Surgery is a personalized set of procedures that softens facial features by refining the facial skeleton and soft tissue. It may include forehead contouring, brow work, rhinoplasty, jaw reshaping, chin reduction, tracheal shave, and other procedures based on individual goals.
What is Facial Masculinization Surgery?
Facial Masculinization Surgery is a set of procedures that enhances traditionally masculine features. This can include chin augmentation, mandible augmentation, Adam’s apple creation, and other changes that build a stronger structure and a more angular facial profile.
Is FFS one surgery or multiple surgeries?
FFS can include multiple procedures performed during one surgical plan, or staged over time, depending on your needs, insurance coverage, and recovery preferences. Your consultation helps determine what approach is safest and most effective for you.
Do I need bone work for good results?
Not every patient needs bone contouring, but skeletal work is often essential for long-term, natural-looking structural changes. If your goals involve significant feminization or masculinization, bone contouring may play a central role in achieving the most stable and balanced results.
How do I know which procedures I need?
Your plan is created through consultation, evaluation of facial anatomy, and discussion of your goals. We do not use cookie-cutter templates. The best plan is one that prioritizes facial harmony and focuses on the features that matter most to you.
Will I look “overdone” after surgery?
FFSNYC focuses on natural, refined outcomes. The goal is not exaggeration or a standardized look. Surgical planning is built around your facial structure and how you want to be seen, with results that feel authentic and balanced.
Surgical Planning and Consultation Process
What happens during a consultation?
A consultation is a planning conversation. You will discuss goals, procedure options, risks, recovery expectations, and what results may be possible based on your anatomy. Your surgeon will also explain what combination of procedures may create the most cohesive outcome.
Do you use CT scans for planning?
FFSNYC uses 3D CT scan modeling for precision planning in many cases, especially when bone contouring is involved. This helps surgeons evaluate facial anatomy in detail and plan structural changes with accuracy.
Can I have a virtual consultation?
Virtual visits may be available in some cases, especially for out-of-state patients. Depending on your surgical plan, you may still need an in-person evaluation before finalizing surgery timing.
What if I have had previous surgery elsewhere?
FFSNYC offers revision procedures for patients who want improvement, correction, or additional refinement after surgery performed elsewhere. Your consultation will include a detailed evaluation, and repeat imaging may be recommended.
How long is the wait for consultation or surgery?
Wait times vary based on the time of year and your procedure plan. FFSNYC is known for shorter scheduling timelines than many national competitors, but timing depends on surgeon availability and insurance approval.
Insurance and Financing
Does FFSNYC accept insurance?
Yes. FFSNYC works with commercial insurance plans, which is rare in this field. Coverage varies, but many eligible patients are able to pursue surgery with reduced out-of-pocket costs depending on their plan.
Will insurance cover Facial Feminization Surgery?
Some plans cover a wide range of FFS procedures, while others cover only specific components. Coverage depends on your policy and medical necessity requirements. Our team can help you understand what documentation is needed and what to expect.
Do I need letters for insurance approval?
Some insurers require letters of medical necessity or supporting documentation from qualified providers. Requirements vary by plan, and our team will guide you on what is needed.
What if insurance does not cover everything?
This is common. Some procedures may be approved while others are not. In those cases, patients may choose a combination of insurance-covered and self-pay procedures, or stage the plan over time.
Do you offer financing?
Financing options may be available for self-pay portions of surgery. Your care team can help you understand what options apply to your treatment plan.
Safety, Credentials, and Surgical Team
Who performs surgery at FFSNYC?
FFSNYC is led by a multidisciplinary surgical team. Each surgeon brings specialized expertise, allowing procedures to be performed by the provider most experienced in that area. This team model supports safety, precision, and strong aesthetic consistency.
Why does the team approach matter?
Gender affirming surgery often involves multiple areas of the face or body. Having specialists collaborate allows for more refined planning and execution, and it supports better outcomes than a one-surgeon-does-everything approach.
Where is surgery performed?
Surgery is performed in a medical setting appropriate for your procedure plan. Your team will explain exactly where your surgery will take place and what to expect on the day of your procedure.
Is gender affirming surgery safe?
All surgery carries risk, but safety is central to every FFSNYC plan. Choosing a highly experienced team, following pre op and post op instructions, and having proper medical oversight all contribute to safer outcomes.
Recovery and Healing
What is recovery like after Facial Feminization Surgery?
Recovery varies depending on the procedures performed. Most patients experience swelling, bruising, fatigue, and temporary numbness. The first two weeks are typically the most intense, with continued refinement over several months.
How long does swelling last?
Swelling often peaks in the first week and improves significantly over the first month. However, subtle swelling can last several months, especially in the jaw and chin. Final refinement may take six to twelve months, depending on your procedures.
Will I have scars?
All surgery involves incisions, but scars are placed carefully and are often hidden in the hairline, inside the mouth, or in natural creases. Scars typically soften and fade over time with proper care.
When can I return to work?
This depends on your procedure plan and how your body heals. Many patients return to desk work within two weeks, while physically demanding jobs may require more time. Your surgeon will provide guidance based on your surgery.
When will I see the final results?
Some changes are visible immediately, but final results develop gradually. Most patients see meaningful improvement within a few months, with continued refinement for up to a year.
Travel and Out-of-State Patients
Do patients travel to FFSNYC from out of state?
Yes. Many patients travel from across the U.S., including Washington, Oregon, and California. Patients often choose FFSNYC for experience, insurance access, and shorter wait times.
How long should I stay in NYC after surgery?
The recommended length of stay depends on your surgery plan. Your team will provide guidance based on procedure type, follow-up needs, and travel safety.
Do I need a support person if I travel?
For many surgeries, a support person is strongly recommended, especially during early recovery. Your team will advise whether a support person is required based on your procedure plan.
Can I fly after surgery?
Flying is often possible, but timing matters. Swelling, fatigue, and healing needs vary by procedure. Your surgeon will advise you on safe travel timing.
Choosing FFSNYC
What makes FFSNYC different from other practices?
FFSNYC combines high-volume experience, a multidisciplinary surgical team, natural results, 3D CT scan planning, commercial insurance acceptance, and an organized patient experience. We focus on refined outcomes that feel authentic, not standardized.
Will my surgery plan be customized?
Yes. Every plan is built around your facial structure, goals, and anatomy. We do not use a one-size-fits-all approach.
Do you focus on natural results?
Yes. FFSNYC prioritizes natural feminization and masculinization that preserve individuality and support facial harmony.
