Facial Feminization Surgery

Dr. Kriya Gishen is a board-certified craniofacial plastic surgeon whose private practice focuses on facial feminization surgery (FFS). She completed her fellowship in craniofacial reconstruction, facial feminization and facial aesthetics at UCLA, one of the oldest and most renowned craniofacial programs in the world and the only program with a facial feminization–specific fellowship. Patients travel from across the country for FFS with Dr. Kriya because they want a surgeon who specializes in the bone structures that define facial gender.

With her background as a sculptor, Dr. Kriya combines artistic vision with surgical precision and plans every FFS procedure with CT-based virtual surgical planning. She also serves as voluntary faculty at UCLA, training residents alongside leaders of the craniofacial field. Her practice is located at 9730 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 200, in Beverly Hills. Meet Dr. Kriya.

Facial feminization surgery (FFS) is a collection of surgical procedures that reshape masculine facial features into softer, more traditionally feminine proportions. Unlike temporary solutions such as makeup or fillers, FFS makes permanent structural changes to the bone and soft tissue of the face. A plan may include forehead contouring, hairline lowering, feminizing rhinoplasty, cheek augmentation, a lip lift, chin and jaw contouring, a tracheal shave and facial fat grafting.

For a deeper introduction, read what facial feminization surgery involves and Dr. Kriya's view of how masculine and feminine facial features differ.

Facial feminization surgery is designed for people who want to refine masculine facial features and achieve a more feminine appearance, including:

• Transgender women seeking facial harmony and relief from gender dysphoria by aligning facial features with their gender identity.
• Nonbinary individuals who want androgynous or feminine facial traits that affirm their identity.
• Cisgender women with masculine features who want to soften specific traits.

Good candidates are in good overall health, are nonsmokers, have realistic expectations and are emotionally prepared for the change. Learn more about whether FFS is right for you and how age affects FFS planning and results.

What sets Dr. Kriya apart from other FFS surgeons is her rare combination of artistic training and craniofacial expertise, with fellowship training specific to facial feminization. Her background as a sculptor brings an understanding of form, proportion and beauty to every procedure, and her UCLA craniofacial fellowship provided advanced training in facial bone surgery, the foundation of effective feminization. Read more about why craniofacial expertise matters in FFS.

Dr. Kriya uses virtual surgical planning with CT scans to design every FFS procedure around each patient's anatomy. Every surgical step is customized, because no two faces should be treated the same, and the goal is always a natural result that looks authentically like you.

Forehead Contouring and Brow Bone Reduction

Prominent brow ridges are softened and reshaped for a rounder, smoother forehead. This involves reducing the brow bone, reshaping the frontal sinus and, when appropriate, a brow lift to raise the eyebrows.

Hairline Lowering

A lower, more feminine hairline creates balance and proportion, and it is often combined with forehead contouring. Read about hairline lowering surgery and how it compares in hairline lowering vs. a hair transplant.

Feminizing Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty refines the nose by reducing its size or width, softening and lifting the tip and narrowing the bridge for a more delicate profile. See how subtle changes in feminizing rhinoplasty make a significant difference.

Cheek Augmentation

High, full cheeks are a hallmark of a feminine face. Enhancement with implants or fat grafting creates a lifted, youthful midface.

Lip Lift and Augmentation

A lip lift shortens the space between the upper lip and the nose, while fillers or fat grafting add volume. Fillers are part of Dr. Kriya's non-surgical rejuvenation options.

Chin and Jaw Contouring

Chin and jaw contouring softens angular features by narrowing and reshaping the chin into a heart-shaped contour and refining the jawline. Learn more about jawline and chin contouring for FFS.

Tracheal Shave (Adam's Apple Reduction)

A tracheal shave removes cartilage to reduce the prominence of the Adam's apple for a smoother neck profile. It is frequently combined with lower-face procedures.

Facial Fat Grafting

Fat grafting restores fullness to areas that have lost volume for a softer, more youthful look.

For an overview of how these procedures fit together, read FFS procedures, recovery and results and the latest innovations in facial feminization surgery.

Every FFS plan begins with a detailed consultation where Dr. Kriya:

1. Evaluates your features: using CT imaging and virtual surgical planning, she identifies which features to refine based on your bone structure.
2. Listens to your goals: she takes the time to understand your personal vision of femininity.
3. Designs your surgical plan: each plan is built on a CT scan of your own face, so every surgical step is tailored to your anatomy.
4. Supports you every step of the way: from consultation through recovery, the care team keeps you informed and cared for.

See what happens during an FFS consultation.

Many of Dr. Kriya's FFS patients live outside Southern California. If you are planning to travel for surgery, tell the care team when you reach out. They coordinate scheduling, pre-operative requirements and insurance authorization, and will help you plan your consultation, surgery date and time near the Beverly Hills office around your recovery.

The practice's insurance coordinators verify benefits and obtain prior authorizations for patients across the country. Blue Shield of Illinois, Blue Shield of Texas and Premera are among the plans that tend to approve FFS faster. Read the guide to insurance coverage for FFS, and budget for travel and lodging using the FFS cost guide.

Recovery depends on the procedures performed. Here is a general overview:

• First week: swelling, bruising and mild to moderate discomfort are normal. Rest is essential, and the care team provides detailed post-operative guidance.
• Weeks 2 to 4: most patients see swelling subside significantly and return to non-strenuous activities.
• 3 months and beyond: results continue to emerge as bone and soft tissue heal, with final results at 6 to 12 months.

Dr. Kriya schedules follow-up appointments to keep your recovery on track. For more detail, read the full FFS recovery timeline, tips for managing pain and swelling and post-operative care after FFS.

1. Facial feminization fellowship training: Dr. Kriya completed her craniofacial fellowship at UCLA, the only program with a facial feminization–specific fellowship.
2. Craniofacial expertise: she is a board-certified craniofacial plastic surgeon specializing in facial bone surgery, the cornerstone of effective FFS.
3. Art and science: she trained in both the biological sciences and the visual arts at Brown University and brings a sculptor's eye to surgical planning.
4. Virtual surgical planning: she uses CT-based virtual surgical planning to customize every procedure to the patient's anatomy.
5. Personalized, inclusive care: every patient is treated with respect, compassion and individual attention in a welcoming, affirming environment.

Whether you live in Los Angeles or are planning to travel for surgery, Dr. Kriya Gishen and her team are here to guide you with expert care and a deeply personal approach.

Request a consultation or call (310) 890-7262.