Facial Feminization » FFS Surgeons
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Dr. Nicholas Bene
Facial Feminization Surgery at Stanford Medicine in Palo Alto
Dr. Nicholas Bene, MD is a fellowship-trained Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon and the Director of Gender Affirmation Surgery at Stanford Medicine. His practice includes the full range of gender-affirming procedures, with advanced expertise in Gender-Affirming Facial Surgery.
A graduate of Tufts University School of Medicine, Dr. Bene completed residency in Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery at Lahey Clinic in Boston, followed by advanced fellowship training in Gender Affirmation Surgery at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU). There, he trained with leading specialists in both plastic and craniofacial techniques, refining his approach to facial surgery through principles of proportion, precision, and preservation of identity.
Dr. Bene's full credentials and surgical offerings are available on his TransHealthCare.org surgeon profile.
Facial Feminization Surgery (FFS) involves reshaping bone and soft tissue to create a more feminine facial contour while maintaining natural harmony and expression. Dr. Bene’s reconstructive training means he plans each facial surgery with an engineer’s understanding of structure, reshaping bone and soft tissue with precision for a natural result that preserves movement, sensation, and balance. His techniques draw upon craniofacial surgery principles and microsurgical nerve mapping to safeguard sensory nerves, muscle dynamics, and structural integrity.
FFS Procedures and Techniques
Dr. Bene provides the full spectrum of gender-affirming facial procedures, customized to each patient’s facial anatomy and goals.
| Focus Area | Common Procedures | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| Forehead & Brow | Frontal sinus setback, orbital contouring, brow lift, hairline advancement | Soften brow ridge, elevate and feminize brow position |
| Eyes & Nose | Blepharoplasty, rhinoplasty, periorbital refinement | Brighten eye contour, refine nasal profile |
| Midface & Cheeks | Fat grafting, malar augmentation | Restore youthful volume and curvature |
| Jaw & Chin | Mandible contouring, genioplasty, jaw and implants | Narrow and smooth jawline, balance facial proportions |
| Lips & Neck | Lip lift, tracheal shave (including the scarless transoral approach) | Shorten upper lip, refine neck contour, achieve gentle facial slope |
Planning Your Surgery
Facial Feminization Surgery is a highly individualized process. During consultation, Dr. Bene takes time to understand your goals, review your facial anatomy, and discuss how different procedures can contribute to a cohesive result. Every consultation is a collaboration, centered on informed decision-making.
Planning may include:
- Computed Tomography (CT) scans to produce three-dimensional images of the face
- Reviewing facial proportions and desired changes
- Using the 3D models and software to create a personalized surgical sequence (single-stage or staged)
- Discussing recovery timelines and aftercare expectations
Consultation appointments with Dr. Bene are typically available within one to two months, and surgery dates are generally scheduled three to six months in advance. He accepts most major insurance providers, including UnitedHealthcare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Aetna, Medicare, and Medicaid.
Surgery requirements:
- Minimum age: 19 years
- Letter of support from a qualified mental health provider
- No required cessation of hormones before surgery
- Smoking/vaping cessation at least 2 months before and after surgery