Facial Feminization Surgery is the procedure of converting Masculine facial structure into a Feminine facial structure.

Deciding on a treatment plan is essential as there are various stages and this procedure is combined of different operations based on your needs. We will help you to decide and personalize your procedure to fulfill your expectations.

Below you can find the most frequently asked questions and their answers for the Facial Feminization surgeries in general and by following the links you can access to the questions and answers with regards to each of the operations.

Please check on the FAQ and if you still haven't found what you're looking for, then please don't hesitate to contact us.

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Consultation

 

What happens during my consultation: During your face-to-face FFS consultation, the surgeon will discuss your case at length and address any questions and concerns in detail. We offer our honest opinion from a clinical and aesthetic perspective. However, the patient’s requirements and objectives are also a very important consideration.

Your health and realistic goals are our main concern when carefully considering your case. An exhaustive evaluation is necessary in order to build a personalized treatment plan for FFS surgery that will meet your needs. This may mean several consultations via email, Skype and finally meeting in person to discover the best plan for you. Therefore, it is our policy not to publish “cookie-cutter style” facial feminization cost lists, as each case, and face, really is unique.

Don’t forget to prepare a list of questions!

 

How can I book different type of consultations: We will probably ask you to arrange an online Skype or WhatsApp availability to have a Face-to-face consultation and only after that stage if you desire to continue, we will arrange an appointment at our hospital in Istanbul.

Personal data is confidential under EU privacy and data protection laws and will not be shared with third parties without express consent.

 

Photos: Either send us a direct e-mail at contact@ayazmedicare.com or fill in the contact form on our web-page trying to tell us as much as you can with regards to what operations you desire and send us your face photos (hair pulled back) from different angles for a preliminary examination. Please make sure that the camera is at the eye level and photos are well lit and in focus and keep a blank facial expression (no smiles or facial expressions). Please try to send photos with no make-up or glasses. Please make sure that your contact details are correct so that we can get in touch with you.

 

Where and when can I have face to face consultation: (ONLINE) SKYPE or WHATSAPP VIDEO CONSULTATION

During your 30–40-minute meeting with the FFS surgeon, the primary aim will be to clarify your expectations and questions regarding facial feminization. Please feel free to ask any question you have. This service is FREE.

 

FFS Consultation in Istanbul: Another alternative is to welcome you to meet our surgeons and staff in Istanbul, Turkey at any time of year. Please contact us to make an appointment for an FFS consultation and intensive evaluation. At the time being our in-house face-to-face consultation fee is €120.

 

We believe in the importance of a meticulous orientation process for those researching FFS. For this reason, the online consultation is free while in-house face-to-face consultation is €120.

 

How much does the consultation cost? FFS consultation when attending an appointment at the hospital is €120 and online consultation is free as part of our policy to eliminate barriers to accurate information on facial feminization surgery.

Our budgets are personalized according to the individual needs of each patient, since each FFS treatment depends on an individuals" needs and objectives. For this reason, we do not publish a list of prices although facial feminization costs usually run between 8,000 and 25,000 euros, depending on the treatment and duration of the surgery.

 

How can I request a FFS consultation in Istanbul? 

*Fill in the form with the required details (*) on our contact page..
*Call or send a message to +44 746 408 5948
*Contact us by e-mail at contact@ayazmedicare.com with your full name and mobile phone number.
*Our face-to-face facial feminization consultations are held at a JCI accredited, State of the Art Private Centre in Istanbul.

 

Can I bring with me someone to the appointment? Yes. We actually encourage you to bring your someone of your choice with you to your appointment.

 

How long will my appointment last? Most in-person appointments in Istanbul last one hour or possibly longer depending on the complexity of the case. Video conferences and consultations held abroad usually last around 30-40 minutes.

 

What should I bring with me to my appointment? If you have dental or cranial X-rays, it would be very helpful to bring them or send them in advance. Bring a list of questions so you don’t forget anything. There is no pressure to book and the consultation is completely free of charge, whether it is a first, fifth or check-up consultation.

 

How do I get to the hospital in Istanbul? We will guide you to the nearest hotel to your hospital. Depending on the package you prefer, we will be happy to arrange all your transfers. 

 

Will I have problems communicating in Istanbul? A translator in English can be provided at your arrival. Our surgeons are generally bilingual. We will also try to arrange a translator in your language if English is not sufficient.

 

Where can I stay while in Istanbul? Accommodations? Depending on which hospital you will be operated on, we will suggest the closest hotel. You may chose our all-inclusive package which also cover your accommodation. Hotel prices vary depending on the season, the highest being from June to August. There are a number of other options available for every patient's budget, ranging from luxurious 4-star hotels with views of the sea or the city to apartments equipped with kitchenettes. The arrangements and costs of housing, meals and international/national travel are the responsibility of the patient (while not in the hospital), unless otherwise indicated.

 

What do I need to provide for my surgery? The date of the surgery will be decided together with you, but it will not be definite until you provide your airline ticket and make a deposit payment towards your operation.

 

My surgery is scheduled. What is my appointment itinerary? We will provide a detailed schedule in advance, so you know exactly where you should be and when. All local transportation for appointments can be provided.

 

Section 1: FFS Surgery

 

Smoking: As smoking counteracts the wound healing process, we strongly recommend not smoking for 3 weeks before and 3 weeks after the surgery.

 

Health: Please notify us of any health conditions you may have and any medications you take, which will be kept confidential. HRT does not need to be suspended before surgery since we will administer an anti-thrombotic agent to counteract the clotting effects of the hormones.

 

Swelling and bruising: We use a special cooling mask placed immediately after surgery and kept in place almost constantly for the first 48 hours. This mask maintains the surface tissues at the optimum temperature to reduce swelling and bruising and alleviates discomfort resulting from the operation.

Once back at the hotel, follow our directions for cooling to alleviate any swelling. Use the compression bandages as directed for this purpose. Bruising and swelling will peak 2-3 days after the surgery and will subside about 7-10 days later. Some swelling may be evident for several weeks after surgery, especially when bone reconstruction surgery is involved.

 

However, any residual swelling that lasts for more than a month is not noticeable to others. During this time, we recommend that the patient take it as easy as possible and avoid over-exertion.

 

Emotions: Every surgery, big or small, has its mental toll on a person. We advise you to be strong and resilient during the transition period and think about the end-result.

 

Lumps and Scabs: Tightness, hardness and lumpiness around the face, jaw, and neck is common and will subside over time. After 24 hours, manual lymphatic drainage is administered to aid tissue recovery. Do not pick or remove any scabs or crusting.

 

Pain: The pain is surprisingly moderate with facial feminization. Most patients will experience discomfort more than pain, which is usually easily controlled with normal pain killers. However, if you continue to experience pain, you should contact us. Pain medication is generally not needed after one week.

 

Numbness: A total or partial lack of feeling near the treated area is normal and will gradually improve with time, usually between 3-6 months. In some cases, this may take up to one year

 

Bleeding: You may experience light bleeding in or around the incision areas, which is not a problem. However, if you find any large and/or hard collections of blood or experience excessive bleeding, please alert our office as soon as possible.

 

Medications: We will provide you with a postoperative medication packet with antibiotics and pain killers, modified according to each patient’s needs. Other complementary medicines or ointments will be recommended as needed. We suggest you consult your physician before resuming any discontinued medications.

 

Cleaning external incisions: If you have sterile strips covering the wound or a bandage, do not touch them and keep them dry. To clean your face, use a gentle soap. With clean hands, simply apply it to your face, avoiding the incisions. Rinse your face as normal with cool water and carefully dab it dry with a clean cloth. Allow it to air dry completely or use a hairdryer on a cool setting. Any remaining moisture in the wounds should be removed by dabbing them with gauze and a small amount of 60% alcohol. When thoroughly dry, you may opt to use an antibacterial ointment to keep the incisions clean and soft, which helps them heal quickly. Never pull the skin and be gentle! Keeping the incision areas as clean as possible will also help us remove your sutures more easily. If necessary, we will see you for wound care in the clinic.

 

Personal Hygiene: You may shower 24 hours after your surgery. Baths are acceptable, if they are short and not too hot, but avoid soaking any of the treated areas in water. Your incisions can get wet but should not be soaked for long periods. Do not bend over to wash your hair; instead, tilt your head back in the shower. When washing your hair, always gently massage towards your incisions, never away. Do not be alarmed if the wound bleeds a little while washing your hair. Be gentle with your face and scalp, especially when towelling dry and do not apply pressure to the scalp. Only use a hair dryer on the low, cool setting for the first 8 weeks after the surgery. If you are candidate for a Simultaneous Hair Transplant (SHT), please follow the specific postoperative instructions.

 

Movement and Food: At the hospital, once the catheter is removed (if it is used), you may try to get up gently and eventually take short slow walks in the hallway, unless your doctor says otherwise. During the first week after surgery, you should rest as much as possible. However, it is good to take short, low-impact daily walks once you feel better. You also should avoid bending over at the waist for the first six weeks after surgery to minimize the amount of blood flowing to the area. Instead, bend at the knees and/or turn your entire body if necessary. Keep your head elevated at all times. Avoid excessive chewing by consuming soft foods like fruit shakes, yogurt, soup, eggs, pasta, rice, or pudding following surgery. With forehead reconstructions, you should not blow your nose for 2 weeks and sneezing should be done with your mouth open.

 

Eating: It is not advisable to eat solid food during the 8 hours before surgery. The last meal before fasting should be light to ensure an empty stomach. It is best to limit your intake to soft foods at room temperature or cooler. Do not drink liquids during the 8 hours prior to surgery. Soft drinks, tea, coffee, and sodas, which may delay clotting or wound healing, should also be avoided the day before.

 

Sleeping: When sleeping, use two pillows to prop up your head and support your neck, trying to keep your head slightly higher than your heart. Do not sleep on your side for one week and if necessary, place pillows on the sides of your face to keep yourself from turning your face while sleeping.

 

Work and Play: We highly recommend total rest and relaxation for two full weeks following surgery. If you give your body ample time to recover and relax physically, emotionally and mentally, you’ll heal faster in the long run. A positive mentality has also been proven to aid healing, so practice your new smile!
 

Physical activity that raises your blood pressure or produces sweating should be resumed carefully and slowly after 6 weeks. Travelling is permitted after one week, but ask for help with any heavy luggage. After two weeks, you may resume high-demand driving, sedentary work, and light exercise like slow walking. Intense exercise (running, Pilates) may be resumed 6 weeks after your surgery, depending on your recovery. Yoga, especially upside-down poses, should be avoided for 8-10 weeks. Ask us if you plan to do any high-impact or heavy contact activity soon.

 

Beauty: Do not use hot hair rollers or get your hair cut, permed or coloured for six weeks. You can apply light makeup gently after 1 week. Take care with heavy ear jewellery. Strong anti-ageing skin treatments should be avoided for 3 months and electrolysis can be restarted 6 weeks after surgery.

 

Sun: Avoid sun exposure to the surgical area for six weeks and use sunscreen, even on cloudy days, on the incisions for at least one year. This will improve the quality of the scar and help it fade over time. Sun exposure causes skin damage, which leads to early signs of aging.

 

Support: Our patient coordinators will take care of you from the first contact to long after your surgery. They’ll help you with logistical details such as accommodation and organizing appointments as well as airport transfers. They’ll also give you a mobile phone so you can reach them at the touch of a button, 24 hours a day.

 

Should I bring someone to my surgery? Yes, it is preferable to come with a close relative or friend during your stay in Istanbul.

 

How long will I be in the hospital? Most patients must spend one to two nights in the hospital after their surgery. After this, staying in Istanbul is our first recommendation during the healing process (around 7 days).

 

How do I reach the doctor after hours if there is an emergency? During your post-surgical hospital stay (24-48 hours), the patient care nursing team will be in contact with your patient coordinator and one of the surgeons on your team. If there is an emergency (severe problems breathing, excess bleeding, heart palpitations, etc.) while you are staying in Istanbul, you can contact the patient coordinator, or the emergency number (which will be given to you) at any time.

 

How soon after FFS can I travel? There are usually a number of follow-up appointments after your surgery you need to complete before leaving town. We usually recommend not travelling for at least 7 days after your FFS.

 

What happens if I need to see the doctor when I get to my country? First, contact us during our office hours or after office hours. We collaborate with several doctors in different countries who can help you. If we do not know a doctor in your area, we advise you to consult your personal physician. After your visit, we will discuss the problem with your physician and recommend the appropriate treatment. In extremely rare cases, you would have to come to Istanbul.