Facial Feminization » FFS Surgeons

Dr. Michelle Lee

Ivy-league Trained Plastic Surgeon in Los Angeles With Experience in Facial Gender Confirmation Surgery

Dr. Michelle Lee, MD is a board-certified and fellowship-trained plastic surgeon who is highly experienced with aesthetic and reconstructive procedures for the breast and face. Widely regarded as one of the finest plastic surgeons in the Los Angeles area, Dr. Lee has the skill and artistry to produce natural-looking results for trans women seeking Facial Feminization Surgery.

After graduating from UCLA with a Bachelor's Degree in English Literature and Piano Performance, Dr. Lee embarked on a decade-long career as a concert pianist, honing her artistic approach and her ability to perform at the highest level under pressure. Dr. Lee earned her medical degree at the University of Pennsylvania on a merit scholarship, an honor given to only a handful of medical students in the country. She then completed a rigorous six-year integrative plastic surgery residency at Case Western Reserve University--one of the best private research universities in the country--as well as fellowship training in aesthetic and reconstructive breast surgery at Harvard Medical School's Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston.

Dr. Lee founded PERK Plastic Surgery in Beverly Hills in 2019, after relocating her practice from Chicago. Adored by her patients for her excellent bedside manner and highly proficient skills, Dr. Lee has unanimous 5-star reviews across all major surgeon review platforms. Dr. Lee has patients from around the country who trust only her to perform facial procedures.

Dr. Lee is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons and an active member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. She serves on the editorial board for the Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Journal. Her original research has been published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the flagship journal in the field, and other esteemed academic publications. Dr. Lee has also authored multiple textbook chapters focusing on optimizing outcomes in breast surgery, rhinoplasty, and facial rejuvenation. She has presented at surgical conferences around the world and was the recipient of the 2015 Rollin Daniel Award for best presentation in Rhinoplasty at the Annual Rhinoplasty Society Meeting.

Facial Feminization in Los Angeles

Facial Feminization refers to a group of facial surgery procedures, as well as nonsurgical treatments, that transform more masculine looking facial features to bring them closer in shape, size and proportion to typical female facial features. Dr. Lee offers Hairline Correction, Brow Lift, Rhinoplasty, and Lip Lift procedures for her transgender patients. She also uses nonsurgical treatments to further augment feminization of the face.

Arisce is a world-renowned transgender supermodel who made history as Spiegel catalog's first transgender covergirl, had her very own spread in Vogue Germany and starred in the Oxygen television show Strut. Dr. Michelle Lee's treatment plan for Arisce's Facial Feminization included Botox injections to the masseter muscles to give the appearance of a V-shaped jawline and Feminizing Rhinoplasty. "Everything's changed," says Arisce. 'The way people approach me, the way people look at me. I'm presenting to the world how I feel on the inside and that's amazing."

Dr. Lee is an Asian plastic surgeon of Chinese descent and is passionate about preserving cultural and ethnic heritage, especially when performing facial procedures for ethnic clients.

Dr. Lee is affiliated with Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, California. Surgeries take place at Summit Surgical Center in Beverly Hills.

Surgery Requirements
Although Facial Feminization procedures do not require referral by a mental health professional, these professionals can play an important role in helping patients make a fully informed decision about the timing and implications of FFS in the context of the social aspect of transition.

While not explicitly required, it is recommended that patients having Facial Feminization undergo feminizing hormone therapy—unless medically contraindicated—for a minimum of 12 months prior to surgery to allow time for fat to shift around the face.

Smokers must quit at least 6 weeks prior to surgery.

Financing & Insurance
Dr. Lee accepts cash, credit card, check and medical financing (ie. CareCredit.)

Booking a Consultation
Exact pricing for Facial Feminization procedures can only be determined following a consultation. Dr. Lee offers virtual and in-person consultations for a fee of $300. (The consultation fee goes toward the cost of your procedure.) When you arrive for your consult, you'll be welcomed by the friendly, professional and efficient team at PERK. Dr. Lee will go above and beyond in answering your questions and will thoroughly explain the risks and benefits, what your recovery will be like, and the expected outcomes for your procedure(s). To book your consult, please contact Dr. Lee here.

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