Facial feminization surgery (FFS) is a highly customized collection of procedures designed to soften traditionally masculine facial features and create a more feminine appearance. For many transgender women and non-binary individuals, FFS plays an essential role in aligning external appearance with gender identity, promoting emotional well-being and self-confidence.
Dr. Ali Totonchi is a board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon with years of experience performing facial gender-affirming procedures. He offers a full range of FFS options to patients in Cleveland, Westlake, and Lyndhurst, tailoring each surgical plan to the patient’s unique goals, facial structure, and transition journey. His approach is highly specialized, artistic, and deeply compassionate.
Facial feminization surgery is not one standard procedure — it is a suite of cosmetic and reconstructive techniques selected and performed based on each patient’s specific needs. The goal is to reduce or reshape features that are typically considered masculine (such as a prominent brow, square jawline, or wide chin) and enhance features considered more traditionally feminine, like fuller cheeks, a smaller nose, or a refined jawline.
While FFS is most often performed for transgender women as part of male-to-female (MtF) transition, any person seeking softer facial features may benefit from these procedures.
Real Dr. Totonchi Patient, Before & After Facial Feminization *
You may be a good candidate for facial feminization surgery if:
Patients are encouraged to discuss their transition goals openly with Dr. Totonchi, who will help design a treatment plan that reflects both their anatomy and aesthetic vision.
Dr. Totonchi offers a full range of surgical options to address the upper, middle, and lower thirds of the face. These may be performed as a single-stage surgery or in multiple sessions depending on patient goals and anatomy.
Frontal bossing reduction – Shaves down the brow ridge for a smoother forehead
Forehead reconstruction with plating or forehead III procedure – For more advanced reshaping and frontal sinus setback
Hairline advancement (scalp advancement) – Reduces forehead height and feminizes the hairline
Brow lift – Elevates the eyebrows for a softer, more open expression
Hair transplant to improve the hairline
Midface and Nose Procedures
Rhinoplasty – Refines and resizes the nose to align with feminine proportions
Cheek augmentation (malar fat grafting or implants) – Adds fullness and roundness to the midface
Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) – Enhances the eyes by removing excess skin or under-eye bags
Chin contouring or reduction (genioplasty, osteoplasty, shaving) – Narrows and softens the chin
Jaw contouring (mandibular angle shing/bone removal or V-line osteotomy) – Reduces jaw width for a more tapered appearance
Lip lift and lip augmentation – Shortens the distance between the nose and upper lip and adds fullness
Facelift and neck lift – Tightens facial skin and improves contour
Tracheal shave (tracheoplasty) – Reduces the prominence of the Adam’s apple
Recovery from FFS depends on the number and type of procedures performed. Most patients require 2 to 3 weeks of initial downtime, especially when combining procedures like:
Forehead contouring
Rhinoplasty
Brow lift
Chin surgery
Swelling and bruising are expected to peak within the first week and then gradually resolve. Rhinoplasty may involve the use of a splint and nasal stents for up to two weeks. If performed alone, procedures like tracheal shave have minimal downtime.
Dr. Totonchi provides detailed aftercare instructions and ongoing follow-up appointments to ensure safe and comfortable healing.
Facial feminization surgery is highly individualized, and pricing depends on the combination of procedures selected, surgical time, and anatomical complexity. Below are typical starting prices for popular procedures performed by Dr. Totonchi:
These estimates include surgical time but do not reflect anesthesia, facility, or post-op care fees, which will be outlined during your consultation. Patients often combine multiple procedures into a single surgical session to reduce overall cost and recovery time.
Dr. Totonchi combines surgical expertise, artistry, and empathy to deliver gender-affirming results that are both safe and beautiful. As a board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon, he has performed a wide range of FFS procedures and understands the emotional importance of facial harmony during and after the transition.
His offices in Cleveland and Westlake welcome patients from all over Ohio and beyond. Whether you’re early in your journey or ready to schedule surgery, Dr. Totonchi and his staff offer a supportive and affirming environment every step of the way.
