Facial Feminization » FFS Surgeons
Dr. Cassie Nghiem
Facial Feminization Surgery in Washington D.C.
Dr. Cassie Nghiem, MD is an Ivy League-educated and fellowship-trained plastic surgeon in Washington, D.C. who specializes in Gender-Affirming Surgery, including Facial Feminization. She works closely with her patients to deliver the best quality care that is aligned with their goals. Known for her exceptional surgical skills, Dr. Nghiem's patients also love her friendly personality and kind demeanor. More than half of her patients are transgender or non-binary.
Education and Training
- Undergraduate honors degree, Dartmouth College
- Master's degree in Physiology, Georgetown University
- Medical degree, University of Michigan
- Six-year Integrated Plastic Surgery Residency, Chief Resident, University of Rochester
- Additional one-year fellowship training in aesthetic plastic surgery
Facial Feminization Surgery Procedures
Feminizing Rhinoplasty is a key FFS procedure because the size and shape of the nose can influence how one's gender is perceived. Generally, male noses have more cartilage making them broader and thicker, while female noses tend to be smaller and narrower with a slightly concave bridge and the tip directed upwards. The goal of Feminizing Rhinoplasty is to make the nose smaller and more refined.
The lip area begins just under the nose and extends to the lower edge of the bottom lip. While there are variations in the shapes and sizes of lips that aren't specifically defined by gender, some qualities of this part of the face are perceived as more feminine. For example, women tend to have a shorter distance between the bottom of the nose and the edge of the upper lip. A Lip Lift can address this by removing skin between the nose and the upper lip. By shortening this distance, the upper lip also becomes more full.
In addition to these procedures, Dr. Nghiem also offers Breast Augmentation and Body Feminization (sculpting/contouring).
Surgeries are performed at George Washington University Hospital and Glen Echo Surgery Center.
After your surgery, you'll see Dr. Nghiem for regular follow-up appointments to ensure the best possible results.
Costs and Financing
If you're paying out-of-pocket, you'll receive a detailed estimate after your consultation that will include the cost of your procedure, plus anesthesia and operating room fees, and any needed post surgical compression garments.
Dr. Nghiem accepts CareCredit and United Medical Credit, which are medical financing plans that work much like credit cards.
Dr. Nghiem also accepts insurance from most commercial health insurance companies, including Aetna, Anthem, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Blue Cross Federal, Cigna and United Health Care. If your insurance covers Facial Feminization Surgery, you'll need to provide a letter of support from a mental health provider to get insurance approval.
Dr. Nghiem does not accept Medicaid at this time.
Surgery Requirements
- Smoking cessation is required at least one month before and after surgery to ensure optimal healing.
- Blood tests may be required based on age and medical history.
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