Dr. de Clermont-TonnerrePlastic Surgeon

Paris 16th & Pontoise (95)

Facial Feminisation Surgery (FFS)

Facial feminisation surgery — Paris 16th & Pontoise

Facial feminisation surgery (FFS) encompasses a set of surgical procedures designed to soften and feminise facial features — forehead, nose, jaw, chin, Adam's apple — within an MtF transition. Often a fundamental step in the transition pathway, it is performed by Dr. de Clermont-Tonnerre with compassion and expertise, in coordination with the multidisciplinary team.

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Step by step

How the procedure works

1

Multidisciplinary consultation

Complete morphological assessment, discussion of feminisation priorities, coordination with the medical team (psychiatrist, endocrinologist) for patients pursuing ALD 31 coverage.

2

Surgical planning

3D imaging, digital simulation, definition of the personalised surgical plan and operative timeline. Detailed quote and coverage assessment.

3

Surgery

Procedures as planned: feminisation rhinoplasty, forehead ridge reduction, chin/jaw feminisation, chondrolaryngoplasty if desired — under general anaesthetic.

4

Hospitalisation and follow-up

Hospitalisation of 1 to 2 nights depending on procedures. Close follow-up consultations, swelling management, support throughout recovery.

Practical information

Duration2 hours – 5 hours depending on procedures
AnaestheticGeneral
Hospital stay1–2 nights
Time off work3–4 weeks

Benefits

  • Feminised features in harmony with gender identity
  • Major positive psychological impact on quality of life
  • Multiple procedures can be combined in a single session
  • Care provided by a compassionate multidisciplinary team
  • Pathway supported under ALD 31 French social security coverage

Risks

  • Prolonged swelling lasting several weeks
  • Residual asymmetry depending on procedures performed
  • Temporary changes in skin sensitivity
  • Each procedure carries its own specific risks
  • Final result visible at 6–12 months

Reimbursement

French Social Security Coverage

Certain FFS procedures are partially reimbursed under ALD 31 (Affection Longue Durée — long-term condition status for gender dysphoria): rhinoseptoplasty when a septal deviation is documented, and chondrolaryngoplasty. Other aesthetic feminisation procedures remain the patient's responsibility. Dr. de Clermont-Tonnerre will assist you in optimising your coverage during the consultation.

What you can expect

Expected results

FFS profoundly transforms the perception of the face by feminising bone structures and soft tissues. The final result is visible at 6–12 months, once swelling has fully subsided. The impact on quality of life and psychological wellbeing is often described by patients as one of the most significant changes in their transition.

Before / after photos

Before and after photographs are available during the consultation at the Paris 16th practice. They will allow you to evaluate results and define your personal objectives.

Frequently asked questions

Which procedures are included in FFS?+
Facial Feminisation Surgery (FFS) can include: forehead and brow ridge reduction, feminisation rhinoplasty, chin and/or jaw feminisation (genioplasty, mandibular angle reduction), chondrolaryngoplasty (Adam's apple reduction), and scalp advancement. Procedures are selected during the consultation according to your priorities.
Is a medical protocol required for FFS?+
Coverage under ALD 31 (long-term condition status for gender dysphoria) is recommended in order to benefit from partial reimbursement of certain procedures. Dr. de Clermont-Tonnerre works in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team including a psychiatrist and endocrinologist for patients who wish to pursue this pathway.
Is FFS reimbursed by French national health insurance?+
Certain FFS procedures can be partially reimbursed under ALD 31: rhinoseptoplasty when a septal deviation is documented, and chondrolaryngoplasty. Purely aesthetic procedures remain the patient's responsibility. A full coverage assessment will be carried out during the consultation.
How long is the recovery period?+
Recovery varies according to the procedures performed. A work absence of 3 to 4 weeks is generally recommended. Swelling may persist for several weeks. The final result is achieved between 6 and 12 months post-operatively depending on the procedures.
Can all procedures be performed in a single operation?+
In most cases, it is possible to combine several feminisation procedures under a single general anaesthetic, reducing the number of hospital admissions and optimising overall recovery. Feasibility is assessed during the consultation.
What does a complete FFS typically include?+
FFS is a modular set of procedures. The most frequently performed are: forehead and brow ridge reduction, feminisation rhinoplasty (nose refinement, tip and bridge modification), genioplasty or chin reduction, mandibular angle reduction and chondrolaryngoplasty. Scalp advancement may complement the result. The programme is defined during the consultation taking into account your morphology and priorities in your transition.
Is FFS reimbursed through ALD 31?+
Certain procedures may benefit from partial coverage under ALD 31 (long-term condition status for gender dysphoria): rhinoseptoplasty when a functional septal deviation is documented, and chondrolaryngoplasty. Other aesthetic feminisation procedures remain the patient's responsibility. Dr. de Clermont-Tonnerre will help you optimise your coverage file from the very first consultation.
Is hormone therapy required before FFS?+
There is no strict hormonal prerequisite for FFS. Some patients undergo it at the beginning of their transition, others after several years of oestrogen therapy. Hormone therapy can soften certain features (skin, fat distribution) but does not alter bone structures. FFS can be adapted to any stage of the transition, in dialogue with your medical team.
Can FFS and chest feminisation be combined in the same session?+
Combining FFS and breast augmentation under the same general anaesthetic is technically possible in certain cases, subject to a reasonable operating time and a favourable anaesthetic assessment. Feasibility is evaluated on a case-by-case basis during the consultation. Combining procedures reduces the number of hospital admissions and optimises overall recovery.
What is the recovery time after a full FFS?+
After an FFS including several procedures (forehead, rhinoplasty, jaw), expect 3 to 4 weeks off work. Facial swelling is significant during the first two weeks, then gradually subsides. Light make-up is generally possible from the third week. The final result — bone and soft tissue — is visible between 6 and 12 months post-operatively.
What results can I expect from FFS?+
FFS transforms the overall perception of the face by acting on bone structures and soft tissues. The result is natural and harmonious: the aim is not to erase the personality of the face but to feminise its proportions. The impact on daily life — social integration, psychological wellbeing, identity affirmation — is often described by patients as one of the most significant changes in their transition.
Does FFS change the voice?+
FFS does not directly affect the voice. Chondrolaryngoplasty (Adam's apple reduction) reduces the prominence of the thyroid cartilage but does not modify the pitch or vocal cord vibration. Specialist speech therapy or vocal feminisation surgery are two complementary approaches, distinct from FFS, to be considered according to your needs.
Where are the scars after FFS?+
FFS scars are strategically placed to remain discreet: within the hairline for forehead reduction and scalp advancement, inside or at the base of the nostrils for rhinoplasty, under the chin for genioplasty. Chondrolaryngoplasty leaves a very small horizontal scar in a neck crease. In the vast majority of cases, these scars are barely visible with time, especially with good healing and sun protection.

Patient testimonials

The FFS performed by Dr. de Clermont-Tonnerre was a transformative step in my transition. He truly understands the specific issues faced by trans women and provides exemplary compassionate care.

Emma

A surgeon who truly listens. My face finally reflects who I am. I recommend Dr. de Clermont-Tonnerre to all trans women looking for a compassionate specialist in Paris.

Lucie

Beautiful, natural result. Dr. de Clermont-Tonnerre coordinated with my medical team throughout. A well-supported medical transition.

Sofia

Practice — 56 Avenue Victor Hugo, 75016 Paris, France