![]() Face Factsby Sheila Kirk, M.D.Cosmetic Surgery, particularly the techniques that are performed to change the face and skull is something many, many individuals would like to take advantage of. Few, however, will ever indulge themselves with this and even less will take this step because generally most procedures are not covered by managed care and third party payers. It's all out of pocket. There are a number of surgical techniques offered by very skillful plastic and reconstructive surgeons. These doctors are very adept, perhaps the most innovative and talented of all who practice in various surgical specialties.
Changing Major FeaturesIt has been long appreciated by anthropologists and artists that there are distinct differences in facial and skull characteristics between genetic males and genetic females. In particular, females have a more pointed chin and less nasal prominence than do males. In addition, the forehead is quite different. The brows and mid-portion of the forehead differ. In the male, the forehead is concave-with a depression. In the female, it is convex-with a slight bulge. This and other protrusions and shallows of the skull affect the drape and contour of the skin. To change the forehead in particular can be most helpful in establishing a feminine facial appearance.Several different approaches may be considered by the cosmetic surgeon when modifying the forehead. To change the distance between the eye brows and the scalp hair line (to shorten that distance,) to de-emphasize the brow and lastly to give the forehead the typically female convex appearance is the intent. Bone contouring, placement of substances in the male forehead depression and scalp advancement with brow elevation are part of the surgical procedures done to accomplish these aims. Changing the lower jaw angle and increasing cheek prominence are decided improvements for that female look. When cheeks are modified, it is usually done to make them more prominent. This is accomplished by bone cutting and bone segment repositions at times, but more often implants are used. They are placed through the mouth avoiding scars.
The male chin is wider than that of the female. The female chin will be more pointed or narrowed and tends to be shorter vertically. Techniques to change this include bone cutting and repositioning as well as implants. The angle of the mandible, the lower jaw, is for some their most obvious male facial characteristic. Techniques to reduce musculature attached to the lower jaw bone and to lessen the bulk or thickness of the bone itself are employed. This is surgery that takes time to do and to recover from. One must go to sleep for this procedure while some facial techniques could be done with local anesthesia and sedation. Generally, hospital stay is necessary after this operation while other surgical care can be done on an outpatient basis. Many MTF individuals can do nothing about their height or shoulder width. They can alter their walk and other aspects of body movement and language. To change facial characteristics can be a very great help to their appearance. Facelifts, reducing wrinkles, forehead lifts and eyelid surgery is all a part of it to be sure. Taking away fat deposits, tightening the lower facial and neck tissue and shaving the trachea (Adams's Apple) are often necessary adjuncts to the overall process but assessment and change of bony configurations is a must in many instances. The nose is often changed in shape and contour and the cosmetic effect can be combined with methods to improve breathing as well. A number of other cosmetic surgical considerations exist whether or not an individual is planning for genital reassignment. They include breast augmentation, tummy tucks, removal of fat deposits (often done with suction techniques) and hair transplants. Body and extremity contouring procedures are remote possibilities. These include rib removal to accentuate the female torso appearance and hip, thigh and leg reduction procedures, or even hip and buttock augmentation. In many instances, these operations are not feasible and when performed can be failures. A great deal of consultation is necessary for such alteration. A word of caution. Free silicone to augment and to contour is very dangerous and unrewarding over time. Don't consider it! Some doctors still employ this approach to feminize. Avoid them and the temptation to use this approach. The face and the hair are the regions that draw initial and long-lasting attention. If at all possible, considerations to change these areas are important ones. They can be costly decisions but the psychologic advantage to the person wanting to feminize can't be emphasized enough. A beautiful face can be important-and after all it's only money! For additional information about cosmetic surgery, other transgendered medical issues and concerns or to find a competent, reliable physician or surgeon near you, please feel free to contact me at SheilaKirk@aol. com. If you have further questions on transgender medical care or would like to learn of an experienced health care professional in your area, please feel free to contact me.
Phone: (412) 781-1092 Fax: (412) 781-1096 mailing address: Sheila Kirk, P.O. Box 38114, Blawnox, Pa 15238-8114 |