Facial masculinization surgery strengthens and defines the facial features that convey masculinity — a prominent brow, a defined jawline, a stronger chin. For trans men and transmasculine individuals, FMS can bridge the gap between the effects of hormone therapy and the facial structure you see in your mind, creating a face that truly feels like yours.
What Is Facial Masculinization Surgery?
Facial masculinization surgery is a personalised set of procedures that augment or reshape the facial skeleton and soft tissues to create a more angular, traditionally masculine appearance. Common targets include the brow ridge, forehead, jawline, chin, cheeks, and nose. Testosterone therapy often strengthens the jaw and thickens the skin over time, but certain skeletal features — such as a flat brow or a narrow chin — may not fully respond to hormones alone.
Your surgical plan is developed through careful analysis of your bone structure, soft-tissue distribution, and aesthetic goals. Our partner surgeons combine implant-based augmentation, bone recontouring, and soft-tissue sculpting techniques to deliver results that look natural and proportionate to your overall build.
Common Concerns Facial Masculinization Surgery Can Address
- Flat or underdeveloped brow ridge that lacks masculine projection
- Narrow or rounded jawline that does not convey the angularity you desire
- Weak or recessed chin that undermines facial balance
- Soft or rounded cheek contour rather than high, defined cheekbones
Are You a Good Candidate?
- Transgender men or transmasculine individuals seeking more defined facial structure
- In good overall health with stable hormone therapy (if applicable)
- Non-smoker or willing to quit at least four weeks before surgery
- Realistic expectations about what surgical augmentation can achieve
Techniques & Options
FMS draws on a range of augmentation and contouring techniques, each selected based on the specific region of the face being addressed and the degree of change desired. Unlike feminization, which often involves reducing bony prominence, masculinization typically builds volume and projects angles. Facial proportions are evaluated using imaging and cephalometric measurements, and the combination of approaches that will produce the most balanced result is mapped out before surgery.
The core techniques include:
Custom Alloplastic Implants
Patient-specific implants made from silicone or porous polyethylene (Medpor) are designed using 3D CT scan data to fit precisely over the existing bone. They are commonly used to augment the jaw angles, chin, and cheeks, providing permanent structural enhancement.
- Custom-designed for exact anatomical fit using 3D imaging
- Provides permanent volume and projection without bone grafting
- Placed through concealed incisions inside the mouth or under the chin
- Can be revised or removed if needed in the future
Bone Recontouring & Advancement
For patients who prefer to modify their own bone rather than use implants, the surgeon can perform sliding genioplasty to advance and widen the chin, augment the brow ridge with bone cement or custom PEEK implants, and contour the forehead for a more angular profile.
- Uses the patient's own skeletal structure for a fully natural result
- Sliding genioplasty simultaneously advances and widens the chin
- Brow bone augmentation creates a stronger supraorbital ridge
- Results integrate with natural bone over time
Fat Grafting & Soft-Tissue Sculpting
Autologous fat transfer harvests fat from the body and injects it into targeted facial areas such as the cheeks, temples, and jawline to add masculine fullness. This technique is often used to complement implant-based augmentation or as a standalone approach for subtle enhancement.
- Uses your own tissue with no risk of rejection
- Adds natural-feeling volume to cheeks, jawline, and temples
- Can refine contour irregularities after implant placement
- Minimally invasive with small liposuction donor sites
Recovery Timeline
Days 1–3
Swelling and bruising are most pronounced during this phase, concentrated around the jaw, chin, and brow. Numbness in the chin and lower lip is common after jaw or chin augmentation and resolves gradually. You will rest in hospital with IV pain relief and head elevation. Your care coordinator will visit daily.
Days 4–7
You will be discharged to recovery accommodation with oral medication and a compression garment for the jaw. Swelling begins to migrate downward and bruising shifts to yellow and green tones. A soft diet is recommended if jaw implants were placed or bone work was performed.
Weeks 2–4
Bruising resolves and swelling reduces substantially. You will attend follow-up appointments for suture removal and progress assessment. Most patients feel comfortable resuming light activities and being seen socially by the end of week two, though strenuous exercise should be avoided.
Months 2–6
The stronger, more angular contours of your masculinized face become fully visible as residual swelling resolves. Sensation returns gradually to any numb areas. The augmented structure is typically apparent by four to six months, with implants fully integrating into their permanent position.
What to Expect
Safety & Risks
Facial masculinization surgery involves implant placement and bone modification under general anaesthesia. While complications are uncommon when performed by experienced surgeons, all surgical procedures carry some degree of risk.
- Prolonged swelling or bruising
- Temporary or lasting numbness in the chin or lower lip
- Implant malposition or asymmetry requiring adjustment
- Infection around implant material (rare)
- Bone resorption beneath implants over time
- Unfavourable scarring at incision sites
Before confirming your surgical plan, a detailed review of your medical history and facial skeleton imaging takes place. Every potential risk relevant to the specific procedures you are having is discussed openly, and you will have time to consider the information and ask questions before making any decisions.
How Much Does Facial Masculinization Surgery Cost in Thailand?
Our pricing is transparent and all-inclusive — your quote covers everything from surgeon fees to hospital stay.
Facial Masculinization Surgery
All-inclusive surgical package- Board-certified surgeon fee
- Anaesthesia & operating theatre
- Hospital stay & nursing care
- Post-operative medications
- Follow-up appointments
- Dedicated care coordinator
Common Questions About Facial Masculinization Surgery
Everything you need to know before your procedure
Dr. Kanokwan Pattanaporn
MEDICALLY REVIEWEDDr. Kanokwan Pattanaporn
MEDICALLY REVIEWEDGender Affirmation Surgeon · Bangkok
Last reviewed: February 25, 2026
Medical References
- Tawa P et al. Facial Masculinization Surgery: A Review — Journal of Craniofacial Surgery (2021)
- Morrison SD et al. Facial Gender Confirmation Surgery: A Systematic Review — Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (2016)
- WPATH Standards of Care Version 8 (2022)
- Yaremchuk MJ. Mandibular Augmentation — Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (2000)
Medical disclaimer: Content on this site is provided for informational purposes and should not be treated as medical advice. Outcomes, timelines, and eligibility differ from person to person. Speak with an experienced gender-affirming surgeon before proceeding with any procedure.
What's Included
- Board-certified surgeon fee
- Anaesthesia & operating theatre
- Hospital stay & nursing care
- Post-operative medications
- Follow-up appointments
- Dedicated care coordinator
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Speak with our care coordinators for a free, no-obligation consultation and personalised quote.
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