Developments in facial feminization surgery.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Facial feminization surgery (FFS) is being performed by facial plastic surgeons with increasing frequency. As insurance companies expand benefits to cover these procedures, more and more institutions are developing programs to treat transgender patients. The purpose of this review is to summarize recent literature on the subject so that those interested in this subject may have a framework to analyze these works.

RECENT FINDINGS: The most significant findings are that FFS does appear to be safe with low complication rates, despite long operative times due to multiple procedures performed. Much of the recent literature is reviews of each practice's techniques. This is valuable to educate those interested in beginning to perform these surgeries. Further, these reviews can eventually be compiled into a standard of care. Virtual surgical planning is currently being used by some departments, but its value is yet to be determined.

SUMMARY: FFS is performed with increasing frequency. Current literature reviews best practices with the goal of eventually establishing a standard of care.