Facial Masculinization Surgery (FMS) is one of the essential gender-affirming surgical procedures in the transgender male population as well as non-binary individuals AFAB who desire a more masculine facial appearance. With increased awareness and better access to care, the question of how much FMS costs, what it involves, and what to expect before, during, and after the procedure is becoming more and more common.
The very detailed guide here covers everything from the planned procedures to the recovery times and cost comparisons and helps you to be informed in making the right choices for your transition journey.
What is Facial Masculinization Surgery?
Facial masculinization surgery is the use of a variety of different methods to change the shape of the face and the features to a more masculine one. This may mean the addition of bone structure, the sharpening of angular contours, the creation of a more defined jaw and brow, and so on.
Usually, FMS is a combination of surgeries on which one can have the jaw contouring, chin augmentation, brow bone enhancement, rhinoplasty, and other procedures. The end result is the masculine appearance that fits one's gender identity.
Understanding Masculine Facial Anatomy
Generally, the face of a male is characterized by sharper contours, squarer angles, and more bone projecting towards the front. These features of human anatomy serve as a guide for surgeons in FMS planning. The main masculine features are:
- Pronounced brow ridge
- Straight or wider nasal bridge
- Square, angular jawline
- Chin with strong projection
- Flatter midface with less cheek-roundness
- Lower or straighter hairline
By understanding the differences, patients can express their ideas clearly when consulting. Quite a few surgeons employ 3D imaging software to demonstrate the results and alter the plan according to the patient’s inherent anatomy.
Why Facial Masculinization Surgery is Done?
FMS is performed in order to achieve a more masculine-appearing face and it has a number of advantages.
For a variety of reasons, people choose FMS, including:
Facial gender affirmation is a surgical procedure that changes the face to match the gender identity of the person, which helps a lot in reducing gender dysphoria. The confidence level of the person gets better when the facial structure is created in a way that matches the personal identity, which, in turn, helps the mental and emotional well-being to get better. Masculine facial features, generally, tend to be the major factors, through which people perceive one another, in their daily lives. Voice, muscle mass, and body fat can be changed by testosterone, but the bone structure cannot be masculinized.
If not, individuals with gender dysphoria may develop serious mental health problems.
Which Physician Performs FMS Procedures?
Facial masculinization surgery is normally performed by
- Craniofacial plastic surgeons
- Oral and maxillofacial surgeons (OMS)
- Facial Plastic Surgeons Experienced in Gender-Affirming Care
The best FMS surgeons are specialists in transgender healthcare and have performed many multi-procedure facial transformations.
Who is a Good Candidate for Facial Masculinization Surgery?
Transgender men and transmasculine individuals may desire FMS. Cosmetic surgery to enhance facial masculinity may also be desired by cisgender men.
Criteria for surgery may vary from one surgical practice to another, but typically, you may be a good candidate for FMS if:
- You are of consentable age to undergo the surgery
- You're mentally well enough to consent
- Your bones in the head and face have already been fully developed,
- You don't have a health condition that would make surgery particularly risky
For this operation, a psychiatrist, a general practitioner, or both may have to give you the green light.
Facial Masculinization Surgery Cost
The cost of facial gender-affirming surgery changes significantly, sometimes by several thousand dollars, based on the location of the operation.As per average calculations, FMS is thought to be the main reason for a financial expenditure of around $20,000 to $60,000, i.e., depending on the number of procedures, the surgeon's skill, and the country where you get your treatment.
| Country | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| USA | $30,000 - $60,000 |
| UK | $24,000 - $53,300 |
| Canada | $20,000 - $45,000 |
| Thailand | $15,000 - $30,000 |
| Mexico | $12,000 - $25,000 |
| Turkey | $10,000 - $20,000 |
How to Prepare for the FMS Procedure?
While getting ready for the facial masculinization surgery, you might be instructed to:
- Get lab testing or a medical or dental evaluation
- Take certain medications or adjust your current medications
- Quitting smoking
- Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and herbal supplements because these may increase bleeding.
Usually, facial masculinization surgery is done in a hospital or an outpatient surgical facility and will most likely require general anesthesia. Other supplementary operations can be performed on an outpatient basis, depending on how much masculinization is required. The choices of procedures will be based on the needs of your operation, as well as your desires and the doctor's professional opinion.
Common Techniques Performed
Brow Bone Augmentation & Hairline Repositioning
The presence of a prominent, protruding brow bone is a common effect of a first, testosterone-dominant puberty. Patients who have a flat forehead or brow bone can elect to have the shape of their forehead augmented with implants. Augmenting the brow bone can result in a more conventionally masculine look. This procedure can be done by creating an incision at the hairline or the scalp.
Rhinoplasty
A rhinoplasty can augment the size of the nose bridge and give the tip of the nose a more prominent position. Cartilage grafts, most often taken from the ribs, may be required in order to enlarge the nose. Rhinoplasties can also help patients achieve a more symmetrical nose and alter its structure to correct any functional (i.e., breathing) issues.
Jaw and Chin Augmentation
Patients may elect to have the jaw and/or chin augmented by the placement of implants. Your surgeon will make incisions inside your mouth, along the bottom gums, through which the implants are placed.
Once your jaw has healed from surgery, these will increase the size of the jaw, making it more prominent and angular in appearance.
Buccal Fat Removal
By removing the fat pads in the cheek using small incisions in the mouth, patients can achieve a more sculpted and angular contour to the cheeks. This may be a good option for patients wishing to reduce the fullness in their midface region.
Tracheal Augmentation
A thyroid cartilage enhancement (also known as Adam’s Apple Augmentation) is a technique that involves making the appearance of an Adam’s Apple. This is achieved by taking cartilage from the ribs to create a natural Y-shaped cartilage implant that mimics the appearance of an Adam’s Apple. In some cases, a silicone implant may be used. This procedure is performed in a way to not alter the vocal cords. Also, this procedure often involves creating a small incision in the neck or under the jaw. The latter creates a far more concealable scar.
Non Surgical Options
Non-invasive treatments may offer temporary or subtle masculinization for individuals who are not ready for surgery.
Common choices are:
- Dermal fillers
- Botox for jaw reshaping
- Fat-dissolving injections
- Stencil laser hair removal patterns to create the effect of stubble outlines
The exact procedures and techniques depend on the features of the face that you want to change.
FMS Procedure In Detail
Usually this is how the following operations go:
- Adam’s apple surgery: A surgeon can make an Adam’s apple on your neck by using cartilage from different parts of the body.
- Cheek surgery: A surgeon can make the cheeks more angular by implanting or by fat grafting.
- Forehead surgery: This may include making the forehead bigger or leveling the brow ridge.
- Jawline surgery: Your surgeon could use implants to make your jawline look more angular. They could also make your chin look more prominent.
- Nose surgery: An otolaryngologist can make your nose bigger or wider by using bone grafting or cartilage from other parts of the body.
Before having a surgery, the surgeon and the team of carers will definitely give you a full briefing about the surgery and the expected results.
Risks of FMS
The risks are different for each exact procedure. Some general risks may be:
- Anesthesia side effects
- Bleeding
- Facial swelling (edema)
- Infection
- Implant migration where an implant moves from its original place
- Nerve damage
- Numbness
- Unsatisfactory Results
Recovery Process
The recovery is gradual and may take several months.
What to Expect After Surgery
- Swelling and bruising 2 - 6 weeks
- High swelling around jaw and chin
- Temporary numbness or constriction
- Return to work in 3 - 6 weeks
- Results in fullness in 6 - 12 months
Tips for Easy Recovery
- Elevate the head
- Follow a soft diet if jaw work is performed
- Avoid strenuous exercise for 6 weeks
- Apply cold compresses
- Attend all follow-up appointments
- If the cuts are internal, provide oral/mouth care as instructed
FMS Diet and Nutrition for Faster Healing
Proper nutrition is a major factor that can definitely speed up the healing process. Here are some of the choices that have been suggested:
- Protein-packed foods
- Water-rich foods and electrolytes
- Oranges, strawberries, kiwi, and other vitamin C-rich fruits
- Good fats like avocado and nuts
If you happen to be undergoing jaw surgery, make sure that the foods you eat are soft. Also, during the very first stage of the recovery period, it would be better to avoid alcohol, smoking, and caffeine.
Facial Masculinization Surgery Results
Results will differ depending upon your individual anatomy and the surgeries executed. Most people experience a sharper, more angular face, masculine brow, jawline, and chin, increased confidence, reduced gender dysphoria and long-lasting or permanent changes.
Your final appearance will settle over a period of several months.
Facial Masculinization Surgery is more than just a transformation through a set of cosmetic surgeries. The majority of trans men an non-binary people, a change that profoundly reflects and enhances their inner reality.
By acquiring knowledge of various operations, costs, how to prepare and recovery time, you will have the authority to make the correct decisions and to be able to confront them with confidence.
While thinking of FMS, don't forget that this path is only yours. There is certainly no “right” or “wrong” mixture of operations; the best way is the one that makes you feel most at ease with your own self. Don't rush, but rather take time to figure out your objectives, check out the results of the people before and after the surgery, and meet with the surgeon you trust, who not only understands your identity and respects your transition, but also has a lot of experience in gender-affirming facial surgery.
Sometimes, the recovery can be quite an ordeal, particularly in the first days when swelling and bruising are intense. However, it is a gradual healing process, and the majority of patients state that, ultimately, the more masculine facial features they achieve are a source of happiness, harmony, and relief and thus, the journey is worth it. This way of healing can also be better supported by friends, family, or community members who can provide emotional and physical support.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the cost of facial masculinization surgery?
As a rule, it is between $20,000 and $60,000, based on the operations, surgeon, and place.
2. Is FMS funded by insurance?
Occasionally. The coverage is determined by your insurance provider and whether FMS is regarded as a medically necessary procedure.
3. How long does the recovery take?
The majority of the people recover enough to be able to go back to their normal daily activities within 3-6 weeks and the complete results can be seen within 6-12 months.
4. Are the changes permanent?
Most of the alterations to the bone and cartilage are permanent.
References
Ferguson, Sian. “Everything You Need to Know About Facial Masculinization Surgery (FMS).” Healthline, 21 Feb. 2024{: rel="nofollow"}
Gender Confirmation. “Facial Masculinization Surgery (FMS): Comprehensive Guide.” Gender Confirmation, 25 July 2025{: rel="nofollow"}
American Society of Plastic Surgeons. “Facial Masculinization Surgery Procedure Steps.” American Society of Plastic Surgeons{: rel="nofollow"}
Dr. MFO Official Website. “How Much Is Facial Masculinization Surgery Cost? Country by Country Price Comparison.” Dr. MFO Official Website, 28 Dec. 2023{: rel="nofollow"}
