In just two weeks, I embark on a transformative journey through Facial Feminization Surgery (FFS), a significant milestone in my gender transition. This involves a series of surgical enhancements: contouring the forehead, reducing the browbone, inserting cheek implants, and refining the chin and jawline. Although the outcome won’t render me unrecognizable, the modifications will undoubtedly be distinct.
Facing this surgery, the uncertainty looms large. I’m stepping into the unknown, unsure of my post-surgery appearance, the intensity of pain, or the recovery duration. Friends with similar experiences have shared mixed insights—some recount a challenging recovery, while others, referencing my swift bounce back from a gastric bypass in July 2022, predict a smoother process for me. I’ve initially set aside a week and a half for recovery, though this may extend based on my pain levels. Conversely, my ADHD might propel me back into work earlier than planned, especially since I work remotely.
FFS was an unforeseen path for me. Unlike the deliberate planning behind my top and bottom surgeries, FFS seemed out of reach due to its elective nature and frequent exclusion from insurance coverage. It’s a stroke of fortune that my current employer began covering it last year. Despite being correctly gendered in public with minimal effort, a glance in the mirror confronts me with a reflection that feels incongruent with my identity. The past 12 years of hormone therapy haven’t softened my facial features as I had hoped, making this surgery a step towards aligning my physical appearance with my internal sense of self.
But this is merely the beginning. June will see me undergoing reconstructive breast surgery to prepare for implants in the fall, and a face and neck lift is slated for the summer. Discussions about my bottom surgery are pending, with hopes for its completion in 2024.
March 13th, 2024, a day shy of my 44th birthday, marks the commencement of a thrilling yet daunting chapter as I navigate through my gender-affirming surgeries over the coming 12 to 18 months. I’m grateful for my supportive partner, who will be by my side in the hospital and throughout my recovery at home.
Completing these surgeries in North Carolina, my birth state, symbolizes a rebirth for me. Yet, my sights are set beyond, as I plan to relocate to Baltimore, MD, in the summer of 2025, embracing the next phase of my journey.
If you’re interested in following my journey, I’ll be posting pictures as I recover exclusively on this blog, so subscribe and be notified when I post updates!
For more information on Facial Feminization Surgery, see this article at Johns Hopkins Medicine
In lieu of flowers, cards, and gifts this year, I ask that you take a look at my surgery needs list or send an Amazon gift card to paige@paigejulianne.com.