Facial Feminisation Surgery (FFS)

Facial Feminisation Surgery (FFS) is a group of surgical procedures that modify facial features perceived as masculine toward features perceived as feminine — forehead, brow, nose, jaw, chin, lips, and neck, individually or in combination. Performed by Dr Shehab Jabir, Consultant Facial Plastic Surgeon, at our CQC-regulated Baker Street facility. No referral required.

Facial Feminisation Surgery (FFS) London

Facial Feminisation Surgery (FFS) is a group of surgical procedures that modify facial features perceived as masculine toward features perceived as feminine. Procedures may address the forehead, brow, nose, cheeks, lips, jaw, chin, and neck — individually or in combination — to produce a more harmonious, feminine facial appearance.

FFS is performed on transgender women and non-binary individuals as part of gender-affirming care, and on cisgender women seeking feminisation of facial features they experience as too masculine. The appropriate combination of procedures is determined entirely by each patient’s specific anatomy and goals — there is no standard FFS package.

At Centre for Surgery, FFS is performed by consultant plastic surgeons on the GMC Specialist Register at our CQC-regulated Baker Street facility. The service is led by Dr Shehab Jabir, Consultant Facial Plastic Surgeon, who specialises in comprehensive FFS planning and all component procedures. A two-week cooling-off period applies after your consultation. 0% APR finance is available through Chrysalis Finance.

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Our FFS surgeon — Dr Shehab Jabir

is a Consultant Facial Plastic Surgeon at Centre for Surgery in London, specialising in facial feminisation surgery. He has extensive expertise in complex facial procedures designed to create softer and more feminine facial features, with a focus on achieving natural, harmonious results.

Dr Jabir takes time to understand each patient’s specific goals and anatomy, and develops an individualised surgical plan accordingly. His background in facial plastic surgery encompasses all FFS component procedures: , , , , , and , which can be performed individually or combined as part of a comprehensive FFS plan.

Patients value his measured approach, clear communication, and attention to surgical safety. Dr Jabir has built a reputation as a trusted FFS surgeon both within the UK and for patients travelling internationally for gender-affirming facial surgery.

What is Facial Feminisation Surgery?

Facial Feminisation Surgery describes a collection of surgical procedures that modify the bony and soft tissue structures of the face to achieve a more feminine appearance. The differences between a typically masculine and typically feminine face are largely structural — forehead shape, brow position, nose profile, jaw width, chin shape, and cervicomental angle — and FFS addresses these differences through targeted surgical correction.

FFS is highly individualised. No two patients need the same procedures. Some patients need only one or two targeted interventions (for example, forehead contouring combined with rhinoplasty); others benefit from a more comprehensive combined approach addressing multiple facial zones. The appropriate plan is determined at consultation through a detailed clinical assessment of your specific anatomy.

The upper face is the most diagnostically important zone in facial sex recognition — forehead shape and brow position are the features most immediately identified as masculine or feminine. The male forehead is typically more prominent with a stronger brow ridge; the female forehead is more vertical and smooth. Upper face FFS typically includes forehead contouring (brow ridge reduction) and/or brow lift, often combined with hairline lowering.

The mid face encompasses the nose, cheeks, and orbital area. Rhinoplasty feminises the nasal profile by reducing dorsal height, refining the nasal tip, and narrowing the alar base. Cheek augmentation (implant or fat transfer) creates higher cheekbone prominence. Upper blepharoplasty or canthoplasty can soften the periorbital area.

The lower face and jaw are major gender markers. Jaw contouring reduces the width and squareness of the mandibular angle. Chin recontouring produces a narrower, more rounded chin profile. These bony changes are complemented by lip lift (shortening the philtrum and increasing upper lip show) and tracheal shave (reducing Adam’s apple prominence).

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FFS procedures available at Centre for Surgery

The following procedures are performed as part of FFS at Centre for Surgery, individually or in combination:

The male brow ridge (supraorbital rim) is typically more prominent than the female. Forehead contouring reduces this prominence by reshaping the frontal bone, producing a smoother, more vertical forehead profile. This is the most impactful single procedure in upper face feminisation.

Reduces forehead height by advancing the hairline forward. Appropriate for patients with a high or masculine hairline contributing to an elongated forehead appearance.

Elevates the brow position to a higher, more arched configuration associated with feminine facial proportions.

Feminises the nose by reducing dorsal height, refining the nasal tip, narrowing the alar base, and adjusting the nasolabial angle. Often one of the highest-impact procedures in overall FFS results.

Upper blepharoplasty and canthoplasty (almond eye surgery) can modify the shape and position of the eye opening to create a softer, more feminine periorbital appearance.

Reduces the width and squareness of the jaw angle — one of the most visible markers of facial masculinity. The mandible is reduced through intraoral incisions with no visible external scarring.

Produces a more rounded, narrower, or shorter chin profile in place of the broader, more square male chin configuration. Performed through intraoral incisions.

Shortens the philtrum (the distance between nose and upper lip) and rolls more upper lip tissue outward, creating more defined lip fullness and upper tooth show — a characteristic of feminine facial proportions.

Reduces the prominence of the thyroid cartilage for a smoother, less pronounced neck contour.

Higher, more prominent cheekbones are a recognised feminine facial feature. Cheek augmentation can be achieved with implants (permanent) or facial fat transfer (uses own tissue).

All component procedures have their own dedicated treatment pages with full procedural detail, recovery information, and pricing.

Who is FFS appropriate for?

FFS is appropriate for any adult patient whose facial features they experience as more masculine than they wish, and who wants to address this through surgery. This includes:

There is no requirement for any particular referral pathway, diagnosis, or documentation to access FFS at Centre for Surgery for adults over 18. Patients come to consultation with their own goals and their own understanding of what they want to change. Your surgeon’s role is to assess your specific anatomy and advise on which procedures can achieve what you’re looking for — not to assess whether your reasons for wanting FFS are sufficient.

Standard fitness for surgery criteria apply: good general health, no uncontrolled medical conditions affecting anaesthetic risk, non-smoker or willing to stop, BMI within a range appropriate for the planned procedures. For bone procedures (forehead contouring, jaw contouring, genioplasty) a minimum of 6 weeks’ smoking cessation is required.

FFS can produce significant, lasting changes to facial appearance — but within the limits of what each patient’s anatomy allows. Your surgeon will give you an honest assessment of what the planned procedures can and cannot achieve for your specific face at consultation.

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Preparing for FFS

Once the two-week cooling-off period has passed and your procedure date is confirmed, our pre-operative assessment team will confirm your medical fitness for surgery.

For all TIVA procedures: no food for 6 hours before surgery; clear fluids (water, black tea, black coffee) only up to 2 hours before. Your pre-operative nurse will confirm your specific fasting times.

Wear comfortable loose clothing. Do not apply any facial products on the day. Arrange a responsible adult to collect you and stay with you for the first 24 hours. Arrive one hour before your scheduled surgery time.

FFS involving multiple procedures can be performed in a single combined operation, or split across two staged sessions — typically upper face in one and lower face in another. Combined surgery means one anaesthetic and one recovery period but longer operating time (up to 5 hours for comprehensive FFS). Staged surgery means two recovery periods but shorter individual procedures. Your surgeon will discuss the most appropriate approach at consultation based on the scope of work planned.

Recovery after FFS

FFS recovery varies significantly depending on the procedures performed — soft tissue procedures (rhinoplasty, lip lift, tracheal shave) have faster recovery than bone procedures (forehead contouring, jaw contouring, genioplasty).

Return to desk work: 7–14 days depending on the specific procedures. Bruising and swelling visible for 2–3 weeks; significantly improved by 3–4 weeks. Avoid strenuous exercise for 4–6 weeks. Final results at 3–6 months as all residual swelling resolves.

Return to desk work: 2–3 weeks. More pronounced and longer-lasting swelling — particularly after jaw and forehead work; significant improvement by 4–6 weeks, residual swelling continuing to resolve for 3–6 months. Mandatory liquid or soft diet for 1–2 weeks for jaw and chin procedures. Avoid strenuous exercise for 6 weeks.

Recovery reflects the most demanding procedure in the combination. Plan for 2–3 weeks before returning to desk work, 6 months for the final settled result.

Our nursing team calls regularly during the first two weeks. 24/7 surgeon-led clinical support is available for the first 48 hours. Follow-up appointments include wound check at 1 week, surgeon review at 6 weeks, and 3-month assessment.

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How much does FFS cost in London?

FFS pricing at Centre for Surgery reflects the premium positioning of the service — a named specialist FFS consultant (Dr Shehab Jabir), GMC Specialist Register credentials, TIVA anaesthesia, and a CQC-regulated private hospital at Baker Street. Pricing is higher than volume providers and is set to reflect the surgical expertise required for complex bone and soft tissue procedures.

When procedures are combined, the total cost is less than the sum of individual prices — theatre time, TIVA, and aftercare are shared. Indicative ranges for common FFS combinations:

These are indicative ranges. Your full itemised quotation is provided after your in-person consultation with Dr Jabir, based on the specific procedures planned for your anatomy.

FFS is a niche subspecialty requiring expertise across bone surgery, rhinoplasty, and soft tissue procedures simultaneously. Dr Jabir is one of a small number of UK surgeons who performs the full range of FFS component procedures. The combination of named specialist consultant, GMC Specialist Register credentials, CQC-regulated facility, and the Baker Street location places CFS pricing in the upper range of the London market — deliberately, and appropriately.

FFS within NHS gender dysphoria pathways is available in principle but involves waits of 12–18 months or more. Centre for Surgery offers self-funded access with no referral required and surgery typically schedulable within weeks of consultation.

0% APR finance is available through Chrysalis Finance for FFS. Given the higher costs involved, finance is available across longer terms than standard procedures. Call to discuss your specific plan.

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Why choose Centre for Surgery for FFS?

All FFS at Centre for Surgery is performed by consultant plastic surgeons on the GMC Specialist Register for plastic surgery — members of BAPRAS and ISAPS. The FFS service is led by Dr Shehab Jabir, Consultant Facial Plastic Surgeon, who specialises in comprehensive FFS planning and all component procedures.

Forehead contouring, rhinoplasty, jaw contouring, genioplasty, lip lift, tracheal shave, brow lift, hairline lowering, blepharoplasty — all performed by the same surgical team at the same facility. This allows genuinely integrated treatment planning rather than referral between different surgeons for different components.

Surgery takes place at our purpose-built private hospital at , regulated and inspected by the — with our aftercare programme specifically rated "outstanding" (the highest rating available).

All procedures requiring general anaesthesia use TIVA (Total Intravenous Anaesthesia) — the safest form for day-case facial surgery. Faster recovery, less nausea, quicker discharge.

Adults over 18 can self-refer for FFS consultation at Centre for Surgery — no GP referral, no gender clinic letter, no diagnosis required. You can book a consultation directly.

A mandatory two-week cooling-off period applies after every consultation before surgery is booked. Standard practice, not optional.

Our postoperative support programme was described as ‘outstanding’ by the CQC. 24/7 surgeon-led support for the first 48 hours. Wound check at 1 week. Surgeon review at 6 weeks. 3-month assessment.

Your initial consultation is £100, redeemable against the cost of your procedure.

FFS Before & After

Before and after photographs from FFS cases at Centre for Surgery are available to view at your in-person consultation. All patients whose images appear in our gallery have given written consent for their photographs to be used for educational purposes.

Individual results vary significantly depending on the specific procedures performed, the degree of correction required, and each patient’s baseline anatomy. FFS results are permanent — bone and soft tissue changes are durable.

You can browse our full range of procedure results at the .

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Risks of Facial Feminisation Surgery

FFS carries the general risks of any surgical procedure, plus specific risks related to each component procedure. The overall risk profile depends on which procedures are performed and whether they are combined.

Bruising and swelling (expected, not complications); haematoma; infection; wound breakdown; anaesthetic risks; asymmetry; unsatisfactory aesthetic outcome requiring revision.

Non-union of osteotomy sites (more common in smokers — strict smoking cessation required); hardware prominence or discomfort from titanium fixation; over-correction that is difficult to reverse; sensory nerve changes (temporary or permanent altered sensation in the face, particularly lower lip and chin for jaw/chin procedures).

Revision rate for rhinoplasty is higher than most facial procedures — approximately 10–15% of patients have a minor revision. Breathing changes, asymmetry, visible scarring (open rhinoplasty approach), prolonged swelling particularly at the nasal tip.

Dysphonia (temporary voice changes) if the vocal cords are inadvertently affected — risk minimised by correct surgical plane. Visible scarring in the submental area (the incision is placed in a natural skin crease).

Each procedure carries specific nerve risk in the anatomical area operated on. Temporary sensory changes are common after most FFS procedures and typically resolve within 2–6 weeks. Permanent significant nerve injury is rare with correct surgical technique.

All risks are discussed in full at consultation. Your surgeon will give you a realistic assessment of the risk profile for your specific planned procedures.

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Further reading

FAQs

What To Expect

Your first step is a face-to-face consultation with Dr Shehab Jabir at our Baker Street clinic. FFS consultations are typically 45–60 minutes. No referral is required — you can book directly. Dr Jabir will examine your face clinically, assessing each zone — forehead and brow prominence, nose profile and width, jaw angle width, chin shape and projection, lip-to-nose distance, and neck contour — and give you an honest assessment of which procedures would produce the greatest improvement for your specific anatomy. Many patients come to consultation knowing which features they want to address. Others want an expert assessment of where to focus. Both are equally valid. Dr Jabir will give you a clear account of what each procedure can achieve, the appropriate technique, recovery, and pricing — and help you prioritise based on your goals, anatomy, and budget. If you are on hormone therapy, bring a full medication list. If you have had previous facial surgery, bring any relevant records. Clinical photography is taken from multiple angles for surgical planning. A mandatory two-week cooling-off period applies before surgery is booked. The initial consultation fee is £100, redeemable against procedure cost. You are welcome to return for further consultations at no additional cost.

Once the two-week cooling-off period has passed, our pre-operative assessment team will confirm your medical fitness for surgery. For bone procedures (forehead contouring, jaw contouring, genioplasty): stop smoking at least 6 weeks before surgery — smoking significantly impairs bone healing and increases infection risk. For soft tissue procedures only: minimum 2 weeks' cessation. Stop aspirin, ibuprofen, and anti-inflammatory medications at least 2 weeks before surgery. Review all supplements with your surgeon. Avoid alcohol for 48 hours before. Discuss your hormone therapy with your surgical team — do not stop prescribed medications without guidance from both your surgical team and prescribing clinician. For bone procedures: prepare for a liquid or soft diet period in advance — stock smoothies, soups, protein shakes, and soft foods before your surgery date. For all TIVA procedures: no food for 6 hours before surgery; clear fluids (water, black tea, black coffee) only up to 2 hours before. For local anaesthetic procedures: eat normally. Wear comfortable loose clothing. Do not apply any facial products on the day. Arrange a responsible adult to collect you and stay with you for the first 24 hours. Arrive one hour before your scheduled surgery time.

Arrive at our Baker Street clinic one hour before your scheduled surgery time. Our admission nurse will check identification, review consent documentation, and record baseline vital signs. For TIVA procedures, your anaesthetist will review you for fitness. Dr Jabir will confirm the operative plan, obtain final written consent, and mark the surgical sites. For combined FFS sessions under TIVA: a cannula is placed and anaesthesia administered by your consultant anaesthetist. For isolated soft tissue procedures under local anaesthetic: local anaesthetic is infiltrated to the relevant areas. Dr Jabir performs the planned procedures in a logical sequence — typically upper face first, then lower face — within the single operating session. Each procedure follows its own technique: Prescription Hair Tonic for Hair Growth forehead contouring, the brow ridge is reshaped through an incision in or near the hairline; for jaw contouring, the mandibular angle is reduced through intraoral incisions; for rhinoplasty, open or closed approach depending on the planned correction; for lip lift, the incision is placed at the base of the nose; for tracheal shave, a small submental incision accesses the thyroid cartilage. Operating time ranges from 1–2 hours for single soft tissue procedures to 4–6 hours for comprehensive combined FFS. Most FFS is performed as a day case. Some patients with very extensive combined procedures may stay overnight — this will be discussed and planned in advance. You are discharged with post-operative medications, written instructions, and a direct 24/7 emergency contact number.

24/7 surgeon-led clinical support is available for the first 48 hours via a direct emergency contact number. Soft tissue procedures only: days 1–7 rest at home with head elevated; bruising and swelling normal; return to desk work 7–14 days; avoid strenuous exercise 4–6 weeks; final results at 3–6 months. Bone procedures: days 1–14 significant swelling and bruising expected — more pronounced than soft tissue procedures; mandatory liquid or soft diet for jaw and chin procedures; return to desk work 2–3 weeks; avoid strenuous exercise 6 weeks; full bone healing 6–8 weeks; final settled result 3–6 months. Comprehensive combined FFS: plan 2–3 weeks before returning to desk work; 6 months for the fully settled result. All FFS: sleep with head elevated for 2 weeks; avoid direct sun on healing scars for 3 months; no smoking for at least 4 weeks after surgery; no aspirin or anti-inflammatories for 2 weeks after surgery. Our nursing team calls regularly during the first two weeks. If anything concerns you, same-day clinical review is available. Wound check at 1 week. Surgeon review at 6 weeks. 3-month assessment with clinical photography. All FFS results are permanent — the structural changes made during surgery are lasting. The final result continues to improve as all residual swelling resolves over the months following surgery.

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