The most significant concern of those who consider facial feminization surgery is whether they will have visible scarring. Since the face is the most visible body part, it is essential to have confidence in the facial reconstructive process.
At Solomon Facial Plastic, our cosmetic surgeons can deliver the natural-looking results you desire without the existence of scars after surgery.
Facial feminization surgery (FFS) in Canada may be invasive. The procedure involves modifying the facial bones by making incisions in the surrounding soft tissue. We seek to reduce invasive surgery by ensuring you obtain natural results, and minimize the existence of scars after treatment.
Three Types of Scarring from Facial Feminization Surgery
Visible Scars
If you are considering facial feminization surgery in Toronto, you should know that visible scarring is easily noticed and cannot be hidden. Of course, nobody wants this to occur. Today, individuals desire an unoperated, natural appearance. However, some conventional FFS methods may involve having visible scars.
An example is scalp advancement and hairline-lowering procedures. Both of these involve incisions directly at the person’s hairline. Aside from the potential for not properly correcting the M-shaped man-to-woman hairline, resulting scars may still be visible.
An incision at the top of the forehead makes scars noticeable, so they are avoided. We only use hairline incisions as a last resort when they are the only possible solution, which is rare.
Hidden Scars
Hidden scars are not visible, as the cosmetic surgeon hid them using natural methods. Our cosmetic surgeons strive for scars that are easily disguised or hidden. We have excellent methods of achieving this outcome, like making incisions behind your hairline or using coronal incisions that access brow bossing, which patients can later conceal with hair.
With Adam’s apple reductions or tracheal shaves, precise micro-incisions are made in a crease under your chin or higher on the neck. Lip lift scars are placed on the natural crease above your upper lip (under the nose) to decrease visibility.
Invisible Scars
These are scars that you cannot see from the exterior. They are achieved when incisions are conducted internally (like the mouth) to avoid generating an external scar. This technique is performed with chin feminization and jaw reductions, incorporating intraoral incisions in the mouth.
Care After Facial Feminization Surgery
After your facial feminization surgery in Toronto, you must practice excellent skincare for your incisions to decrease recovery times. This will allow the scars to fade and heal properly. The following tips will help you know what to expect.
General Scars
Refrain from picking or removing any scabs, as scars will fade with time. They may undergo a maturation process that can take years to diminish fully. Ensure you use Steri-Strips to cover bandages and wounds so that they remain dry completely. Also, avoid touching them.
Other tips to consider post-facial feminization surgery include:
- Ensure you clean incisions daily using saline solution/soap and water. Gently dry the area afterwards.
- Light bleeding may occur around or in the incision. While this isn’t cause for concern, immediately contact our office if you experience excessive bleeding or see hard or large blood collections.
- Once 24 hours have lapsed, manual lymphatic drainage is done to help with tissue recovery.
- After one week, you can use Rosa Mosqueta/rosehip oil when the sutures are removed. You should apply it every morning and evening using a gentle massage. The oil should be used for 3–12 months.
- You can use Dermatix or a similar silicone-based scar-reduction gel two weeks after we remove your suture. Alternate using scar gel and rosehip oil. For example, scar gel can be applied during the morning and rosehip oil at night. Use your scar gel for 3–12 months to make the scar less noticeable.
- Avoid using electrolysis/laser hair removal for three weeks before FFS to eliminate the potential for improper healing that can result in scars. You can resume them six weeks after your surgery.
- Use +50 SPF sunscreen on the scars for at least one year on cloudy and sunny days. Do not sunbathe or have sun exposure to the areas for six weeks.
- Use healing creams to keep your scar supple and well-hydrated.
Hair Transplant
You can wash your hair using Betadine Shampoo two days after we remove your stitches. This prevents infection 14 days after facial feminization surgery. After two weeks, you can use baby shampoo or pH-neutral products as directed.
You can thoroughly massage the scar while shampooing. This can soften the scabs until they come off. If the wound bleeds while you wash it, there is no cause for alarm. Regular shampoo can be resumed four to six weeks after FFS.
Chin or Jaw Reduction
Intraoral incisions heal quickly when given the proper care. To do this, gently clean your incisions using a soft toothbrush (provided) and your medication. This should be done for two to three weeks post-op, and is best done after you brush your teeth. Regular toothpaste can be used, and slight incision bleeding is normal.
After you brush, use antiseptic mouthwash three times daily (chlorhexidine diluted in water, Perio-Aid, or a sterile saline solution). This will help prevent infections that delay healing.
Healing After Facial Feminization Surgery
Although techniques exist to aid scars in healing after facial feminization surgery, some people search for different remedies. Understanding the healing process before considering treatments is helpful.
- Inflammation phase: The immune system produces a visible reaction in response to bodily injury. You may see inflammation, redness, heat, and different numbness or pain levels. Wound and scab care are a priority to prevent infection.
- Proliferative stage: Internal healing begins with forming granulation tissue (collagen) and producing new blood vessels to deliver nutrients and oxygen. It also assists in eliminating waste. Increased blood flow gives skin a bright pink colour. Lymphatic drainage massages can encourage the process. Otherwise, the area should be protected from sun exposure, which affects the scar pigmentation.
- Maturation: This is the longest phase, and it starts several weeks after the completion of the proliferative stage. It may take up to two years for scars to settle. During maturation, new blood vessels disappear, and colour fades. Collagen type changes, resulting in a loss of skin elasticity. This can cause typical feelings of rigidity or stiffness around scar tissue.
Contact Solomon Facial Plastic for Facial Feminization Surgery in Toronto
If you are considering facial feminization surgery in Toronto or are concerned about scarring, book your appointment with one of our board-certified cosmetic surgeons to consider your options.
We can be reached at 855-519-2799, or you can complete our online form.
Dec 24th 2024