Best Clinics for Facial Feminization in South Korea

Why is Facial Feminization Surgery done?

Facial feminization is a surgical procedure that changes the features of the face to lessen masculinization. You will be the perfect candidate for facial feminization if you are:

• Transgender
• Cisgender
• Assigned male at birth
• Suffering from gender
• Non-binary transgender

However, there are some contraindications of facial feminization

• Age 18 or below
• Have bad mental health
• Have dangerous disorder
• Unrealistic expectation

Preparation for Facial Feminization Surgery

Preparing the body for surgery is important to lessen unwanted complications. The preparation for facial feminization surgery FFS consists of the following steps:

Consultation with a Plastic Surgeon:

Consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon or a specialist experienced in FFS. During this consultation, discuss your expectations, health issues (if there are any), or any concerns.

Medical Evaluation:

South Korean plastic surgeons will put you under medical evaluation to determine your overall health and fitness for surgery. Your surgeon will review your medical history and may require specific tests.

During the consultation, your surgeon will develop a personalized surgery plan, including rhinoplasty, brow lift, chin reshaping, etc.

Lifestyle Changes:

Maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and managing stress. A good overall health condition can make you recover better after the surgery.

If you smoke or consume alcohol, consider quitting or reducing these habits well before the surgery, as they can slow down the healing.

How is Facial Feminization Surgery done in South Korea?

Facial feminization consists of numerous procedures that are performed based on need. Following are all the possible procedures that can be done during FFS in South Korea.

Forehead Contouring

Men have broader and thicker brow ridges. During forehead contouring, the brow bone is either wholly removed in case of small protrusion or its prominence is decreased.

Moreover, if the protrusion of the brow bone is large, then the brow bone is removed, reshaped, and replaced again in the sinus cavity.

Rhinoplasty

It is performed to give the nose the ideal shape a woman wants: a thin bridge and protruded tip. During the surgery, the nose bone is removed, then its reshaping takes place, which involves reducing the width of the bridge and tip. Lastly, it is replaced in the cavity.

Cheek Augmentation

Since cheeks in women are fuller and more prominent, unlike in men, surgeons position silicone implants under the cheek or remove some fat from the patient's body and place it in the cheek. This procedure is termed cheek augmentation.

Hairline Lowering

The hairline in females is lower, unlike in men. Thus, the plastic surgeon cuts the hairline without damaging hair follicles to enhance feminization. Consequently, the hairline comes down, and hair starts growing. Moreover, you can opt for a hair transplant if you have thin hair and baldness.

Lip Augmentation and Lift

In females, lips are supposed to be closer to the nose, unlike in males. Moreover, the upper lip of the female is fuller and has more curls. Therefore, in facial feminization surgery, the surgeons perform lip augmentation and lift by making incisions in the nostrils. Plus, lip fillers are added if required.

Jaw Reduction

Broad and square-shaped jaws give a masculine appearance. Thus, a plastic surgeon removes a few or more layers of jaw bones by making an incision via the mouth. This process does not leave scars.

Tracheal Shave

The tracheal shave is included in facial feminization surgery FFS, which aims to reduce the size of the trachea. To do so, the surgeon makes an incision below the chin and eliminates some of the cartilage of Adam's apple. This procedure does not leave any visible scar.

Chin Reduction

To increase feminization, the surgeon decreases the size of the chin and makes it more pointed.

Soft Tissue Procedure

This procedure is optional since it does not enhance feminization to a great extent. Soft tissue procedure includes the eyelid, eyebrows, and face lifting.

Facial Feminization Surgery

Recovery After Facial Feminization Surgery

To speed up your recovery after FFS, South Korean Plastic Surgeons will suggest you to follow these post-procedure steps:

Immediate Postoperative Period:

Expect swelling, significant bruising, and discomfort in 2-3 weeks.

Hospital Stay:

Length of stay may vary depending on the extent of surgery and individual needs, but usually, patients are kept at the clinic overnight to monitor. Medical staff will provide necessary care and monitoring during the hospital stay.

Swelling and Bruising:

Swelling can be most noticeable in the first 4-5 days but may persist for several weeks. Cold compresses and prescribed medications can help manage swelling and discomfort.

Diet and Nutrition:

Following a soft diet is recommended for 2-3 weeks after the surgery to avoid putting pressure on surgical sites. Maintain proper hydration and adhere to dietary restrictions or recommendations from your surgeon.

Rest and Sleep:

Adequate rest and sleep are essential for the healing process. Meanwhile, sleep with your head elevated to reduce swelling.

Follow-Up Appointments:

Multiple follow-up appointments with your surgeon will be necessary to monitor your healing progress.

Pain Management:

Your surgeon will prescribe appropriate pain medications to manage any discomfort.

Return to Normal Activities:

The duration until you can resume work and regular activities can vary, depending on the extent of the surgery and your healing rate. It can range from 2 weeks to 4 months.

Avoiding Sun Exposure:

Protect surgical sites from sun exposure by applying sunscreen or wearing protective clothing, as sunlight can exacerbate scarring.

Scar Care:

Follow your surgeon's post-operative recommendations for scar care, which include keeping incision areas clean and applying topical ointments.

Risks of Facial Feminization Surgery

Facial feminization surgery has some risks since it consists of several procedures. Any damage to the implants and lifted skin can cause adverse outcomes. Following are the complications of the facial feminization surgery FFS

• Infection
• Hair loss
• Negative reaction to anesthesia
• Edema
• Nerve damage during jaw and chin reduction
• Bleeding
• Numbness
• Scarring due to incision

Why Should I Visit South Korea for Facial Feminization Surgery?

Visiting South Korea for facial feminization surgery (FFS) has become a popular choice for many people, and there are several reasons why South Korea is known for its excellence in plastic surgery:

• In South Korea, there are many good plastic surgery clinics, such as JK Plastic Surgery Center, VG Plastic Surgery Clinic, and ID Hospital.
  • These clinics are famous for giving excellent care to patients.
  • They use advanced technology, like 3D modeling with AI, to show how the surgery will look.
  • They also offer procedures like fat grafting and cosmetic fillers. Most importantly, these clinics make sure their patients are happy and satisfied.
• South Korean plastic surgeons like Dr. Bae Jun Seong, Dr. Jae Jang Lee, Dr. Seung Min Lee, and Dr. Kwon Soon Hong are popular for their expertise and skills in FFS.
  • They have gained international recognition for their work, and many patients worldwide seek their services.
• The high success rate of FFS in South Korea (around 98-99%) is proof of the surgeons' skill and experience and the quality of care provided.
• Many clinics in South Korea have dedicated services for international patients.
  • They offer assistance with travel arrangements, language translation, and personalized care to ensure a comfortable experience for those coming from abroad.
• The cost of facial feminization surgery in South Korea is much lower, around 40-50% cheaper than in the USA and Europe.
• Korea also offers a cultural experience for visitors. You can explore its rich history through museums, a variety of cuisines, and modern attractions while recovering from surgery.

Best Clinics for Facial Feminization Surgery Clinics in South Korea

• VG Plastic Surgery Clinic is a famous plastic surgery clinic known for its personalized 1:1 custom-made system, advanced anesthesia protocols, and recovery care.
  • The hospital limits daily surgery appointments to three patients so that each patient receives the undivided attention of the hospital staff.
• TN Plastic Surgery Clinic is popular for cosmetic surgery and beauty treatments. T
  • he hospital offers facial feminization surgeries like blepharoplasty, jaw reduction, etc.
  • They cater to about 3,400 people yearly, including many from the United States, China, and Japan.
• JK Plastic Surgery Center is the most famous plastic surgery clinic in South Korea.
  • The clinic offers all types of facial feminization surgeries and has been accredited twice in a row for providing excellent services to national and international patients.
  • They've conducted over 100,000 successful nose, lip, face, and breast surgeries with no reported complications.

Best Doctors for Facial Feminization Surgery Clinics in South Korea

• Dr. Kwon Soon Hong is an experienced JK Plastic Surgery Clinic plastic surgeon. He is a significant member of many plastic surgery associations and has also been active in research work.
• Dr. Kim Yong Woo is a highly experienced plastic surgeon with nine years of expertise in the field. He currently practices at VG Plastic Surgery Center.