Facial masculinization

    Facial masculinization describes changes a person may seek for a more masculine facial appearance. Goals may involve facial hair, the nose, brow, jaw or chin. There is no single masculine face or required set of treatments.

    Last reviewed: November 20265 sources

    What you may notice

    • Interest in a different jaw or chin contour
    • Goals involving the brow or nose
    • A wish for more facial hair
    • Distress about particular facial features

    Why it can happen

    Bone, muscle, fat and hair contribute to facial appearance. Testosterone can increase facial hair and change skin and fat distribution, with variable results. It does not reliably reshape mature facial bones, and individual effects cannot be selected precisely.

    What may help

    Depending on goals, options may include supervised hormone care, hair transplantation, selected fillers or surgery. Hormones are optional and have effects beyond the face, some permanent. Facial surgery can affect sensation, dental structures or nasal breathing. Implants add risks such as infection, movement and later revision.

    When to consult

    Consult clinicians experienced in gender-affirming care to discuss realistic changes, alternatives and procedure-specific risks. Existing dental, jaw or breathing problems should be assessed as part of planning.

    Related options

    7 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. Overview of masculinizing hormone therapy [Internet]. San Francisco (CA): University of California, San Francisco; [cited 2026 Nov 7]. Available from: https://transcare.ucsf.edu/guidelines/masculinizing-therapy
    5. Johns Hopkins Medicine. Facial masculinization surgery [Internet]. Baltimore (MD): Johns Hopkins Medicine; [cited 2026 Nov 7]. Available from: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/expert-qa/facial-masculinization-surgery