Gene K. Lee, MD, MPH
Facial Feminization Surgery in Beverly Hills, CA
Facial feminization surgery (FFS) refines facial structure to reflect a softer, more traditionally feminine aesthetic. At LA MÔEM Plastic Surgery, Gene K. Lee, MD tailors each treatment plan to the individual, combining select procedures to create natural, balanced results rather than a single standardized approach. Trained at USC, Harvard, and Washington University, Dr. Lee brings a reconstructive surgeon’s precision and an artist’s eye to gender-affirming facial care. The practice is located in Beverly Hills and welcomes patients from across Los Angeles and beyond who are looking for a thoughtful, discreet surgical experience.
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What Is Facial Feminization Surgery?
Facial feminization surgery describes a set of procedures that soften traditionally masculine facial features, including the brow, nose, jawline, lips, and cheeks, into a more feminine profile. It’s often part of a broader gender-affirming journey for transgender and non-binary patients, though anyone seeking a softer, more refined facial appearance may be a candidate. Because facial structure varies so widely from person to person, no two treatment plans are identical; the right combination depends on your goals, your existing anatomy, and how much change you’re comfortable making at once.
Which Procedures Are Used in Facial Feminization?
Gene K. Lee, MD draws from a focused set of facial procedures to feminize the face, recommending only what best serves each patient’s goals:
- Rhinoplasty — narrows the bridge, refines the tip, and softens the overall nasal profile
- Lip Lift — shortens the space between nose and lip for a fuller, more youthful upper lip
- Endoscopic Brow Lift — raises and softens brow position to open the eye area
- Facelift Neck Lift — refines jawline definition and smooths neck contour
- Eyelid Surgery — opens and softens the eye area for a more approachable expression
- Facial Fat Grafting — restores volume to the cheeks for a fuller, softer contour
- Chin refinement (genioplasty) — reshapes and narrows the chin for better facial balance
These procedures may be performed individually or combined into a single surgical plan, depending on the extent of change you’re looking for.
Am I a Candidate for Facial Feminization Surgery?
Good candidates for facial feminization surgery are typically in stable general health, have realistic expectations, and can describe the facial features they would like to soften or refine. During consultation, Dr. Lee takes time to understand your goals, medical history, prior facial procedures, hormone therapy plans if applicable, and any personal or professional milestones that may affect your timing. This helps him recommend a surgical plan that feels both medically appropriate and personally aligned.
Facial feminization surgery does not require hormone therapy beforehand. Some patients pursue surgery before starting hormones, others after, and some choose not to pursue hormone therapy at all. Dr. Lee will work with the timeline that fits your life while helping you understand what each procedure can realistically achieve.
How Is My Treatment Plan Personalized?
Every consultation begins with a conversation, not a checklist. Dr. Lee reviews your facial structure, goals, and timeline, then recommends only the procedures that support the outcome you’re after. His approach favors natural, well-balanced results over dramatic change, enhancing your features rather than replacing them. Patients who prefer a single, focused change and those pursuing a more comprehensive transformation are both accommodated with the same level of attention.
Can Facial Feminization Be Combined With Other Procedures?
Many patients pair facial feminization with body or breast procedures as part of a broader gender-affirming plan. Dr. Lee also performs breast augmentation and body contouring, and can help sequence multiple procedures across one or more surgical stages based on your recovery needs and goals.
How Long Does Facial Feminization Surgery Take?
Surgical time depends on how many procedures are combined. A single procedure, such as a rhinoplasty or lip lift, may take one to two hours. A combined plan involving several procedures typically runs longer and may be staged across two surgeries, scheduled months apart, to keep recovery manageable and results predictable.
Meet Gene K. Lee MD, MPH
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
At LA MÔEM Plastic Surgery, Dr. Gene K. Lee combines advanced surgical training with a thoughtful, ethical approach to aesthetic care. Known for his natural-looking results and deep respect for each patient’s unique goals and cultural identity, Dr. Lee creates personalized treatment plans focused on safety, integrity, and long-term satisfaction. When you choose Dr. Lee, you’re choosing a surgeon who values your trust and is dedicated to helping you look and feel your best—authentically.
What Happens During a Consultation?
Your first visit at LA MÔEM Plastic Surgery is designed to be private, thorough, and collaborative. Dr. Lee will discuss your goals and medical history, evaluate your facial structure, and explain which procedures may apply to your anatomy. He will also review expected results, recovery considerations, potential costs, and whether your plan is best completed in one stage or phased over time.
What Is Recovery Like?
Recovery depends on which procedures are combined. Bruising and swelling are most noticeable during the first one to two weeks, when most patients return to light activity. Residual swelling can take two to three months to fully resolve, with final results settling over the following months. Dr. Lee’s team provides a detailed recovery plan specific to your procedures, along with follow-up visits to monitor healing.
Why Choose LA MÔEM Plastic Surgery?
La Môem Plastic Surgery offers facial feminization in a boutique Beverly Hills setting where privacy, individualized planning, and respectful care are central to the experience. Dr. Lee is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon who avoids one-size-fits-all packages, instead building each plan around the patient’s anatomy, goals, comfort level, and recovery needs. From consultation through follow-up, the practice focuses on helping patients feel informed, supported, and confident in each stage of care.
Ready to talk through your options? Contact LA MÔEM Plastic Surgery or call (310) 919-0777 to schedule a private consultation with Gene K. Lee, MD.
Los Angeles Facial Feminization FAQ
Is facial feminization surgery only for transgender patients?
No. While FFS is a common part of gender-affirming care, some patients pursue these procedures simply to soften their facial features, regardless of gender identity.
How many procedures should I expect to combine?
It depends on your goals. Some patients choose a single procedure, such as rhinoplasty or a lip lift, while others combine several for a more comprehensive change.
Will my results look natural?
Yes. Dr. Lee’s approach favors subtle, balanced changes that read as authentically you rather than visibly “done.”
Do I need to be on hormone therapy before surgery?
No. Facial feminization surgery is not dependent on hormone therapy. Dr. Lee will build a plan around your personal timeline.
How long is recovery?
Recovery varies by procedure and combination, generally ranging from one to several weeks before returning to normal activity, with final results settling over the following months.
Does insurance cover facial feminization surgery?
Coverage varies by insurer and individual policy. The practice can help you understand your options during your consultation.
Will I have visible scarring?
Incisions are placed along natural creases or hairlines whenever possible, so scarring is typically minimal and well-concealed once healed.
How do I get started?
Schedule a consultation with Gene K. Lee, MD to discuss your goals and receive a personalized treatment plan.