Facial Feminization » FFS Surgeons

Dr. Johnson Lee

Facial Feminization Surgeon in Beverly Hills

Dr. Johnson Lee, MD is a Johns Hopkins–trained, board-certified plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills who specializes in facial feminization surgery (FFS) and other gender-affirming procedures for transgender women. With nearly a decade of experience performing gender-affirming surgery, Dr. Lee focuses on refined facial procedures that soften facial features and bring them into closer alignment with a patient’s gender identity.

His work emphasizes natural-looking results and individualized surgical planning. Dr. Lee entered the field of gender-affirming surgery through his involvement in the LGBTQ+ community and continues to provide care grounded in respect, affirmation, and open communication. He works closely with each patient to develop a surgical plan that reflects their goals, anatomy, and long-term transition journey.

Education, Training and Surgical Background

Dr. Lee earned his Doctor of Medicine from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, one of the most respected medical institutions in the world. He completed his integrated plastic surgery residency at Albany Medical Center in New York, where he trained in both reconstructive and aesthetic surgery at a high-volume academic center.

Following residency, Dr. Lee pursued advanced fellowship training in oculoplastic and aesthetic surgery under the direction of renowned plastic surgeon Dr. Mark Codner in Atlanta. This specialized training focused on procedures involving the eyelids, brow, and upper face—areas that play a central role in facial feminization surgery.

Dr. Lee has also participated in international clinical training and research at institutions including Chang Gung Hospital in Taiwan, MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, and the Villa La Paz Foundation in Peru.

He remains active in the surgical community through academic collaboration and publishing. His work has been featured in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open, where he contributed instructional material demonstrating advanced eyelid surgery techniques.

Dr. Lee performs surgery in Beverly Hills and is affiliated with Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles.

Facial Feminization Surgery

Facial feminization surgery focuses on modifying facial features that influence how gender is perceived. Dr. Lee approaches facial feminization as a coordinated set of procedures designed to create overall harmony rather than isolated changes to individual features.

His surgical philosophy emphasizes soft-tissue facial feminization, using precise adjustments to facial structure and contour to create subtle but meaningful feminizing changes.

Procedures frequently included in facial feminization planning include brow repositioning, hairline modification, lip reshaping, and hair restoration to soften facial framing.

Upper Face Feminization

The upper third of the face plays an important role in gender perception. Adjustments to the brow position, forehead contour, and hairline can significantly influence how the face is read.

A brow lift can elevate and reshape the brow position, opening the eyes and creating a more feminine upper facial appearance. This procedure can reduce heaviness in the brow region and soften the overall expression.

Hairline advancement lowers and reshapes the frontal hairline by advancing the scalp forward. This reduces forehead height and helps create a rounder, more feminine hairline contour.

Hairline Feminization and Hair Transplant

Hairline shape and density are key elements of facial feminization.

Hair transplantation can refine the hairline and improve density along the temples and frontal hairline. Strategic follicle placement softens the frame of the face and creates a more rounded, feminine contour.

Hair transplantation is often used alongside hairline advancement or other facial procedures to improve density and achieve a more natural hairline shape.

Lip Feminization

The relationship between the upper lip and the nose influences facial proportions.

A lip lift shortens the distance between the base of the nose and the upper lip, increasing tooth show and enhancing lip definition. This subtle adjustment can contribute to a more youthful and feminine lower face.

Other Gender-Affirming Procedures

Although Dr. Lee’s practice is strongly focused on facial feminization, he also performs other feminizing procedures for patients seeking a comprehensive transition plan.

• Breast augmentation
• Body contouring and body feminization
• Buttock augmentation
• Rib remodeling for waist contour refinement

Rib remodeling is offered for carefully selected patients seeking additional waist definition as part of a broader body feminization plan.

Consultations with Dr. Lee

Dr. Lee offers both virtual and in-person consultations for patients interested in facial feminization or other gender-affirming procedures.

The consultation fee is $250. Typical consultation wait time is approximately two weeks, with surgery dates often available 4–6 weeks after consultation.

Between 50–75% of Dr. Lee’s patients are transgender or nonbinary, and his practice is structured to provide an affirming and supportive environment.

Gender-affirming practices include:

• Intake forms allowing patients to self-identify name, pronouns, and gender identity
• Use of chosen name and pronouns in all communication
• A nondiscrimination policy inclusive of gender identity and expression
• Staff training in transgender cultural competency
• Gender-neutral restroom access

Languages spoken in the practice include English and Spanish.

Costs, Financing and Insurance

Most gender-affirming procedures performed by Dr. Lee range between $8,000 and $25,000 for cash-paying patients, depending on the procedures performed and whether surgeries are combined.

A consultation is required to provide an individualized price estimate.

The practice accepts:

• Cash
• Credit cards
• Medical financing (including CareCredit)
• Insurance

Dr. Lee is in-network with Blue Shield of California and accepts many Blue Cross Blue Shield plans. The practice also works with Aetna and other insurers.

BCBS Medicare plans may be accepted, and Medi-Cal may be available on a case-by-case basis. Out-of-state Medicaid plans are not accepted.

The office also has a dedicated insurance concierge to assist patients with pre-authorizations and insurance coordination.

Surgery Requirements

Dr. Lee is a member of the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) and follows WPATH standards of care for gender-affirming surgery.

Each patient undergoes an individualized evaluation before surgery. Pre-operative requirements are determined based on the patient’s medical history, physical examination, and surgical plan.

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