Facial feminization

    Facial feminization describes changes a person may seek for a more feminine facial appearance. Priorities differ, and there is no single feminine face. Care may involve hair, skin, soft tissue or bone, depending on individual goals.

    Last reviewed: November 20265 sources

    What you may notice

    • Interest in changing the brow or hairline
    • Goals involving the nose, cheeks or lips
    • A wish to change jaw or chin contours
    • Distress about particular facial features

    Why it can happen

    Facial appearance reflects inherited bone structure, soft tissue, skin and hair. Gender-related perceptions also vary across cultures. Feminizing hormones can change skin and facial fat distribution but do not substantially reshape mature facial bones.

    What may help

    Options may include hair removal or restoration, selected injectables and surgery. If hormone therapy is chosen, evolving soft-tissue changes may influence planning. Procedures have different limits and risks, including scarring, altered sensation and functional problems. A tracheal shave changes neck contour and can affect the voice; it is not voice-feminization surgery.

    When to consult

    Consult clinicians experienced in gender-affirming care for individual planning and procedure-specific consent. Discuss effects on breathing, sensation, teeth or voice where relevant. Surgery is optional, and no particular combination of procedures is required.

    Related options

    11 options

    Surgical procedures

    Evidence and sources

    1. Coleman E, Radix AE, Bouman WP, et al. Standards of Care for the Health of Transgender and Gender Diverse People, Version 8. Int J Transgend Health. 2022;23(Suppl 1):S1-S259. doi: 10.1080/26895269.2022.2100644.
    2. National Health Service. Gender dysphoria and incongruence [Internet]. London: National Health Service; 2026 [cited 2026 Nov 7]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/gender-dysphoria-and-incongruence/
    3. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Gender surgeries [Internet]. Arlington Heights (IL): American Society of Plastic Surgeons; [cited 2026 Nov 7]. Available from: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/reconstructive-procedures/gender-surgeries
    4. UCSF Gender Affirming Health Program. Information on estrogen hormone therapy [Internet]. San Francisco (CA): University of California, San Francisco; [cited 2026 Nov 7]. Available from: https://transcare.ucsf.edu/article/information-estrogen-hormone-therapy
    5. Johns Hopkins Medicine. Facial feminization surgery [Internet]. Baltimore (MD): Johns Hopkins Medicine; [cited 2026 Nov 7]. Available from: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/expert-qa/facial-feminization-surgery