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Facial Feminization » FFS Surgeons

Dr. Nick Esmonde

Facial Feminization Surgeon In Portland

Dr. Nick Esmonde, MD, MPH is a fellowship-trained Gender Surgeon with The Meltzer Clinic in Portland, Oregon who has extensive knowledge about gender-affirming facial surgery and works almost exclusively with transgender and non-binary patients. Dr. Esmonde offers the full spectrum of Facial Feminization Surgery (FFS) procedures.

Education & Training

  • Bachelor of Science, University of Oregon
  • Master of Public Health and Doctor of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU)
  • Internship in plastic and general surgery, OHSU
  • Plastic surgery residency, Transgender Health Program, OHSU
  • Gender Surgery Fellowship, The Meltzer Clinic

After completing his fellowship with Dr. Toby Meltzer and Dr. Ellie Zara Ley, Dr. Esmonde joined The Meltzer Clinic as a full-time Associate Surgeon.

Dr. Esmonde performs the following FFS procedures:

  • Upper third: Hairline Correction, Forehead Recontouring, Brow Lift
  • Middle third: Rhinoplasty, Cheek Implants, Lip Lift
  • Lower third: Chin Recontouring, Jaw Recontouring
  • Neck: Tracheal Shave

Dr. Esmonde operates at Legacy Good Samaritan in Portland.

Facial Feminization Surgery Cost
Out-of-pocket costs for FFS range from $10,000 to $100,000, depending on the number of procedures performed. While insurance companies often classify FFS as elective cosmetic procedures, FFS can be covered if you can provide documentation that asserts that the procedures are medically necessary.

Dr. Esmonde accepts cash, credit cards, medical financing as well as insurance. Dr. Esmonde is in-network with Kaiser Washington and has also worked successfully with Pacific Source, BCBS and Washington Medicaid (Apple Health). Single case agreements with other insurance companies can also be setup.

Surgery Requirements
Dr. Esmonde follows WPATH guidelines for surgery:

  • You will need to provide one referral from a qualified mental health professional, unless otherwise specified by insurance.
  • Smoking cessation.

Booking a Consultation
Dr. Esmonde is available for telehealth and in-person consultations in Portland. The consultation fee is $100. Contact his office to arrange your consultation.

More information about Dr. Nick Esmonde ยป

FFS Research by Dr. Esmonde

The Role of Facial Gender Confirmation Surgery in the Treatment of Gender Dysphoria.
Esmonde N, Najafian A, Penkin A, Berli JU. J Craniofac Surg. 2019 Jul;30(5):1387-1392.
Despite evidence of the efficacy of FGCS, there remains some extant controversies to address, such as reimbursement for these procedures, categorization of aesthetic versus functional surgery, and evaluation of outcomes. This review provides a discussion of these topics, as well as the historical and psychosocial issues specific to transgender patients that surgeons should know when providing FGCS.