Facial Feminization » FFS Surgeons

Dr. Christopher Salgado

Experienced Facial Feminization Surgeon in Miami

Dr. Christopher Salgado, MD is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Florida who has deep expertise in Gender Affirming Surgery. In practice for more than 20 years, Dr. Salgado performs all aspects of male-to-female surgery, including Facial Feminization Surgery.

After many years in academic practice, Dr. Salgado opened his private practice in Miami in 2019. More than 3/4 of his patients are transgender and all the staff at Constructive Surgery has completed comprehensive training in transgender health care and follow WPATH guidelines for patient care.

FFS in Florida

Dr. Salgado performs the following FFS procedures:

• Hairline Correction
• Forehead Recontouring
• Brow Lift
• Rhinoplasty
• Cheek Implants
• Lip Lift
• Chin Recontouring
• Jaw Recontouring
• Tracheal Shave

Factors such as age, length of time on HRT and ethnicity will all be considered when determining which procedure(s) would be right for you.

Dr. Salgado also offers non-surgical solutions for Facial Feminization, including Botox and Dermal Fillers which help you look younger and fill out the lips and cheeks.

Dr. Salgado also performs Orchiectomy, Vaginoplasty, Breast Augmentation and Body Contouring, giving patients the opportunity to experience a continuity of care throughout their surgical transition.

Dr. Salgado is affiliated with Palmetto General Hospital and Coral Gables Hospital, in Miami, Florida. Out-patient surgeries take place at Sky Surgery Center in Miami.

Education, Training and Experience:

• Bachelors in Anatomy and Physiology, Boston University
• Medical Degree and General Surgery training, Georgetown University in Washington D.C.
• Plastic Surgery residency, University of Rochester
• Fellowship in Microsurgery, I-Shou University, Taiwan
• Served as a reconstructive surgeon in the U.S. Army for 4 years
• Assistant Professor of Plastic Surgery at Cooper University Hospital in New Jersey, 2005-2007.
• Assistant Professor of Surgery in Department of Plastic Surgery at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, 2008-2010.
• Associate Professor of Surgery at the University of Miami, 2010-2013.
• Professor of Surgery and Interim Chief of Division of Plastic Surgery at the University of Miami, 2013-2019.
• Board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons and a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Dr. Salgado is an active researcher who has authored over 120 peer-reviewed scientific articles. He is on the editorial board of the Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery and is a reviewer for Seminars in Plastic Surgery among others. He has edited three books, including the essential Gender Affirmation: Medical and Surgical Perspectives, published by Thieme in 2017. He has presented many times at WPATH, EPATH and ASPS conferences and has been featured in top news outlets around the world, including CNN, Channel 7 News, The Miami Herald, NBC 6 and Univision.

Relevant Publications by Dr. Salgado:

Feminization and Masculinization of the Neck
Salgado CJ, Nugent AG, Satterwhite T, Carruthers K, Joumblat NR. Clinics in Plastic Surgery. Volume 45, ISSUE 4, P635-645, October 01, 2018.
Facial stigmata associated with one’s assigned gender can be very distressing for the gender dysphoric patient. The lower face and neck contain several structures that play a significant role in their ability to “pass” as their desired gender. Clinical recognition and modification of these structures will allow the patient to have facial and neck features that are consistent with their desired gender. This article reviews the techniques of mandibular angle contouring, genioplasty, chondrolaryngoplasty, facelift, and neck lift as they pertain to the feminization and masculinization of the face and neck of the patient with gender dysphoria.

Feminizing the Face: Combination of Frontal Bone Reduction and Reduction Rhinoplasty [FULL TEXT]
C. J. Salgado, H. AlQattan, A. Nugent, D. Gerth, W. Kassira, C. S. McGee, and L. Wo. Case Rep Surg. 2018; 2018: 1947807.
FFS improves mental health and quality of life in transgender patients. The nose and forehead are critical in facial attractiveness and gender identity; thus, frontal brow reduction and rhinoplasty are a mainstay of FFS. The open approach to reduction of the frontal brow is very successful in the feminization of the face; however, risks include alopecia and scarring. Endoscopic brow reduction, in properly selected patients, is minimally invasive with excellent outcomes avoiding these risks. Since both reduction rhinoplasty and frontal brow reduction are routinely performed in FFS, a combined approach provides superior control over the nasal radix and profile when performing surgery on the frontal bone region first followed by nose reduction.

Surgery Costs
Unfortunately, many insurance company exclude coverage for Facial Feminization Surgery. Dr. Salgado is dedicated to acquiring insurance coverage for his patients and every effort will be made to ensure you get the best coverage possible. Dr. Salgado accepts Blue Cross Blue Shield, Florida Blue, United Healthcare, Cigna, Aetna, Molina, AvMed and Medicare.

For patients paying out-of-pocket, exact pricing can only be determined following a consultation. Pricing includes surgeon's fee, OR/anesthesia fee and facility fee. Dr. Salgado accepts cash, credit card, check and medical financing (ex. CareCredit).

Surgery Requirements

• One support letter from a qualified mental health professional for Bottom Surgery.
• Medical clearance if there are significant co-morbidities.

Booking a Consultation
Dr. Salgado offers virtual and in-person consultations for a fee of $200. The wait time for a consult is 2 months, with surgery dates booked 4-8 months after consultation. Se habla español. Falando português.

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