Skip to content

Facial Feminization » FFS Surgeons

Dr. Paul Mittermiller - Facial Feminization Surgery in Los Angeles
  • Private Insurance
  • Medicaid (CA only)
  • Medicare

Contact Dr. Mittermiller

Dr. Paul Mittermiller

Fellowship-Trained Craniofacial Surgeon in Los Angeles

Dr. Paul Mittermiller, MD, is a board-certified plastic surgeon with advanced fellowship training in craniofacial and gender-affirming facial surgery. Based in Santa Monica, California, he is one of the few surgeons in the United States who has completed specialized training in both craniofacial surgery and Facial Feminization Surgery (FFS). Dr. Mittermiller’s practice focuses exclusively on gender-affirming facial procedures, helping transgender, nonbinary, and gender-diverse individuals achieve their aesthetic and identity goals.

Dr. Mittermiller joined Align Surgical Associates in 2023, where he provides personalized surgical care with a commitment to excellence in facial harmony and function. His work is backed by peer-reviewed research and academic recognition, including publications in top journals such as Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

Education and Training

  • Yale University – B.S. in Biomedical Engineering
  • Surgical Robotics Internship – Pre-medical research in Germany
  • University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) – M.D.
  • Stanford University – Residency in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
  • New York University (NYU) – Fellowship in Craniofacial Surgery
    • Participated in the first successful face and double hand transplant
    • Specialized training in Facial Feminization Surgery
  • Returned to Los Angeles to work alongside Dr. Kyle Keojampa, a high-volume FFS specialist

Professional Memberships

  • World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH)
  • American Society of Maxillofacial Surgeons
  • California Society of Plastic Surgeons
  • American Society of Plastic Surgeons
  • AO – Craniomaxillofacial
  • The Rhinoplasty Society

FFS in Los Angeles

Facial Feminization Surgery (FFS) is a collection of procedures designed to soften typically masculine facial features and enhance feminine contours. FFS may be sought by transgender women, nonbinary individuals, and cisgender women looking to feminize their appearance. Dr. Mittermiller offers comprehensive FFS options that are customized to the individual’s facial anatomy, identity, and goals.

Hairline Modification: Adjusts the hairline to create a rounder, more feminine forehead using scalp advancement or grafting techniques.

Brow Lift & Brow Bone Reduction: Elevates the eyebrows and reduces the brow bone prominence for a smoother and more open upper facial appearance.

Orbital Rim Contouring: Softens the bony area around the eyes to provide a wider, more delicate look.

Cheek Augmentation: Enhances midface femininity using implants or fat grafting to add volume and projection to the cheeks.

Rhinoplasty: Refines the nose’s size, shape, and angle to better complement feminine facial proportions.

Lip Feminization: Includes lip lifts and augmentation to achieve fuller lips with increased upper dental show and a more feminine curve.

Jaw Contouring & Genioplasty: Narrows and reshapes the jawline and chin for a tapered, softer lower face.

Tracheal Shave: Also called chondrolaryngoplasty, this procedure reduces the prominence of the Adam’s apple.

Surgery Requirements

  • Must be 19 years of age or older
  • Must have a diagnosis of gender dysphoria from a qualified mental health professional
  • One or two letters of medical necessity required depending on insurance
  • Must have been on hormone therapy for at least one year, unless clinically contraindicated

Insurance & Medicaid

Dr. Mittermiller accepts a range of private insurance plans and some managed Medi-Cal plans. A managed Medi-Cal plan is a form of Medicaid in California where private insurance companies contract with the state to administer benefits. These plans often require patients to use a network of approved doctors and facilities and may need referrals or prior authorization for specialty care.

Note on Coverage: Facial Feminization Surgery is often not covered by insurance or may only be partially covered. Coverage depends on your specific plan and provider. To verify coverage, patients should:

  • Call the member services number on their insurance card
  • Ask whether gender-affirming facial surgery is included in their policy
  • Request written documentation of coverage terms
  • Check for preauthorization and documentation requirements

Booking a Consultation

Every face is unique, and so is every surgical plan. Dr. Mittermiller offers both virtual and in-person consultations to assess your goals and recommend personalized treatment options. His approach prioritizes natural, affirming results tailored to each individual.

More information about Dr. Paul Mittermiller »