Facial Masculinisation Surgery

What is facial masculinisation surgery (FMS)?

Facial masculinisation surgery enhances and reshapes facial structures to produce a stronger, more traditionally masculine appearance while preserving individual identity. It is a gender-affirming surgical suite for transgender men and some non-binary individuals seeking alignment between facial features and gender expression.

Frequently Asked Questions

    • Transgender men and non-binary individuals pursuing masculine facial characteristics

    • Patients in good physical and psychological health with realistic expectations

    • Those who may or may not be on testosterone therapy (hormone treatment can influence soft-tissue results but is not required)

  • FMS is tailored to bone structure and aesthetic goals. Common components include:

    • Forehead and Brow Augmentation: Bone contouring or implants to create a prominent supraorbital ridge and lower brow position.

    • Cheek Reduction: Reduces midface fullness for a flatter, angular contour.

    • Rhinoplasty: Narrows and straightens the nose, often increasing projection or dorsal height for a stronger profile.

    • Jaw Augmentation: Implants or bone reshaping to widen the jaw and create square, defined angles.

    • Chin Augmentation (Genioplasty): Strengthens chin projection and width for a balanced, masculine lower face.

    • Thyroid Cartilage Enhancement (Tracheal Augmentation): Builds or accentuates an Adam’s apple using cartilage grafts when desired.

    • Facial Fat Grafting or Liposculpture: Adds volume to masculine zones (jawline, chin) and reduces fullness in typically feminine regions (cheeks, lips).

    • Hospital stay: 1–2 nights depending on surgical extent

    • Swelling and bruising peak within 7–10 days, subsiding over several weeks

    • Return to light activity within 2 weeks; full recovery in 6–8 weeks

    • Temporary numbness, tightness, or asymmetry can occur during healing

    • Sharper, more angular features with increased definition of jaw, chin, and brow

    • Scars are well hidden along the hairline, natural creases, or inside the mouth

    • Final results visible after several months, once residual swelling resolves

    • Permanent transformation consistent with bone structure and soft-tissue adaptation

    • Bleeding, infection, or delayed wound healing

    • Temporary or permanent nerve changes (numbness or altered sensation)

    • Asymmetry or implant displacement

    • Prolonged swelling or contour irregularities

  • Results are stable and permanent once bone and soft tissues settle. Testosterone therapy may further enhance definition through muscle and fat redistribution. FMS often yields high satisfaction by aligning facial identity with lived gender, improving both confidence and social comfort

Dr Katie-Beth Webster offers Facial Masculinisation Surgery consultations in Melbourne, with appointments available in Box Hill and East Melbourne.

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