Facial Feminization Surgery Recovery: What's It Like To Recover From FFS?

Recovering from Facial Feminization Surgery largely depends on which procedures are done. Considering this variation, complete recovery can take anywhere from a few months to a year. It's important to recognize that final FFS results will not be apparent until your healing is fully complete. You'll need to be patient as the natural healing process takes time.

When you undergo FFS you'll likely wake up in an elevated position with bandages and support garments placed around your face to minimize swelling. These will stay on for about a week. You can expect the first day or two of recovery to be challenging.

Normally, you'll stay in the hospital for about 24 hrs following surgery so that you can stay under observation. After your release, it's recommended that you stay somewhere close to the hospital for the early part of your recovery.

You will be given specific post-op instructions that will include details about how to care for your wounds, how to reduce the risk of infection, symptoms to watch out for and when to follow up with your surgeon. Unless otherwise directed by your surgeon, you'll be able to shower 2 days after your surgery.

Initially, your face will be swollen and feel tender and tight. This is normal and the severity of your symptoms will decrease daily. Dr. Toby Meltzer, who specializes in Facial Feminization Surgery, says that swelling on the face peaks two to three days after surgery.

Despite the swelling and pain you may experience, you should be able to eat normal, soft foods, including yogurt, soup, and scrambled eggs. However, if you had any surgery on your mouth such as fat grafting performed on your lips, jaw surgery, or a Genioplasty, you may have difficulty talking and eating comfortably for a little while. If you had a Rhinoplasty, you may find breathing and swallowing uncomfortable, comparable to having a bad head cold.

You'll need pain medication for four to six days post-operatively to ensure you stay comfortable during recovery. Normally, Tylenol is sufficient. Your surgeon may also recommend taking Arnica Montana to help reduce bruising and swelling.

Recovery has been fantastic... I'm bouncing back faster than I'd ever expected. The pain is non-negligible but well managed. Sometimes, I can feel tiny spaces between the soft tissue and bone where things are still snapping back together. I have nerve damage that numbs my scalp and parts of my lower front teeth, with small patches waking up periodically. It'll probably heal completely in time. — Olivia

When I woke up from the procedure, I was consumed by an unforgettable level of pain. All I wanted to do was scream, but I couldn't open my mouth just yet because my jawbone had been shaved down and was being held together by screws. — Serena Daniar

Pain Management Tip: The experts at FACIALTEAM recommend manual lymphatic drainage—a gentle massage technique—as well as hilotherapy or cryotherapy and acupuncture to help reduce pain after FFS.

You may experience some itching around incisions during recovery. In the normal healing process, the body releases histamine in response to the wound. Taking an anti-histamine medication can provide relief. (Be sure to clear all medications with your surgeon.)

By 10 days post-op, you can resume normal activities. However, you should avoid bending over, doing any activities that increase your heart rate or blood pressure, and lifting anything heavier than 20 lbs. Light walking is recommended. You can return to work after two to three weeks. It's a good idea to work up to this gradually based on how you're feeling and your surgeon's recommendations.

After three weeks, bruising should be gone but there may still be some swelling. Dr. Thomas Satterwhite, a Plastic and Craniofacial Surgeon who performs FFS in San Francisco, says that 80% of the swelling will go down within 3 months.

After six months had passed and all of my swelling subsided, I was finally able to see how much softer and more refined my features were. It wasn't a drastic change, but it was a powerful one. — Serena Daniar

Your surgeon will advise you to hold off on any heavy exercise for 6-8 weeks post-operatively.

To minimize poor scarring, you should avoid direct sun exposure on your face for a year. Be sure to wear a hat and always use sunblock.

What I also wasn't expecting was the amount of support I needed to go through this. Make sure you build your tribe, and there are people who can be there for you [during recovery from FFS]. — Carlisha Gizelle Brown

Recovering from Facial Feminization Surgery is a long process. You won't get to see your final results for 6-12 months! While you wait though, you may start to be able to see subtle shifts in your facial appearance that will hint at your final results, and your patience will be rewarded!