Does facial feminization surgery hurt?
One of the biggest concerns trans women express in regards to Facial Feminization Surgery is: ‘It looks painful! Will it hurt?’ It’s normal to worry, it’s a major surgery after all. But luckily, as most patients report it, the swelling and bruising make it look far more dramatic than it is. Even though every person experiences their recovery differently, the pain is made very manageable.
FFS Generally Causes More Discomfort Than Pain
Most people expect pain after their Facial Feminization Surgery and they mentally prepare for that to great lengths. But experience tells us that the discomfort is what really bothers patients most.
One would imagine that waking up from the surgery and going through the first night has to be a painful process. But in reality, there is a lot of numbness, and the feeling of sedation lingers. And since any other potential pain during the entire stay is managed with medication, patients generally don’t experience pain at that time.
What Kind of Discomfort Can FFS Cause?
Depending on the procedures one has had, there will be a degree of swelling and of numbness. These cause the largest amount of discomfort.
The main reasons for discomfort due to numbness and swelling:
. One may experience heavy swelling around the eyes, causing the patient to not be able to see properly the first few days.
. One may have a large amount of swelling on the lips, causing the patient to not be able to close the mouth and/or properly swallow. It can be very uncomfortable.
. One may experience the sensation of not being able to breathe properly. This is what generally causes the most panic. After a rhinoplasty, for example, one is forced to breathe through the mouth. When waking up from surgery, this can lead to a feeling of anxiety. The patient feels confused and forgets about the obstruction in the nose for a few seconds before realizing they can breathe and that all is fine.
. Some parts of the face may feel extremely tight and you may not have a lot of sensation in it, which can feel quite odd when talking and trying to use facial expressions.
Pain after Facial Feminization Surgery
You won’t feel anything during facial feminization surgery itself. This is because your doctors will use general anesthesia while the procedure is being performed, all under close supervision by an anesthesiologist.
After your surgery is complete, it is normal to experience some discomfort associated with swelling, bruising and inflammation. This usually peaks 2 to 3 days after surgery when the occurrence of mild pain is closely controlled with analgesics.
Fortunately, most patients report that the pain after FFS is no worse than a headache or hangover. You are prescribed painkillers to take for a few days after the operation, but in many cases, a basic analgesic like paracetamol/acetaminophen is enough to manage any discomfort. Need something stronger? You will be told what to take, if needed, to get you through the most difficult bit, usually over within a few days.
Facial feminization surgery patients usually feel well enough to leave the hospital a couple of days after the operation, although that may seem impossible in the initial hours when still recuperating from the immediate effects of general anesthesia. It is surprising how well most patients perk up once 24-48 hours have passed and they begin to walk and eat again!
The Few Things That Can Cause Pain After An FFS
Touching the parts of your face where there have been incisions;
Mild pain when putting on or removing the facemask;
There’s a link between pain and psychology. The more you are able to find ways to relax and to keep stress levels low, the smoother your recovery will be, and the less pain you will experience.
About Iranian Surgery
Iranian surgery is an online medical tourism platform where you can find the best plastic and cosmetic surgeons in Iran. The price of Facial Feminization Surgery in Iran can vary according to each individual’s case and will be determined by an in-person assessment with the doctor.
For more information about the cost of Facial Feminization Surgery in Iran and to schedule an appointment in advance, you can contact Iranian Surgery consultants via WhatsApp number 0098 901 929 0946. This service is completely free.
Source:
https://facialteam.eu/blog/how-to-reduce-pain-after-facial-feminization-surgery
https://2pass.clinic/en/article/is-facial-feminization-surgery-painful