Facial Feminization » FFS Surgeons

Dr. Steven Ovadia, MD, is a board-certified plastic surgeon with advanced training in both craniofacial plastic surgery and gender surgery. At Ovadia Plastic Surgery, he performs Facial Feminization Surgery (FFS) for patients in New York City, New Jersey, and those traveling from elsewhere in the United States and internationally.

His background is particularly relevant to FFS: after completing a fellowship in Complex Gender Surgery and Microsurgery at Johns Hopkins, Dr. Ovadia pursued a second fellowship in Craniofacial and Pediatric Plastic Surgery, where he gained advanced experience in facial surgery and craniofacial reconstruction. Together, these fellowships give Dr. Ovadia advanced training in both gender surgery and the craniofacial techniques used in Facial Feminization Surgery.

Dr. Ovadia previously served as Director of the Rutgers Center for Transgender Health at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, where he helped lead a multidisciplinary transgender health program.

He is Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH).

Facial Feminization Surgery with Dr. Ovadia

Facial Feminization Surgery can involve changes to both the facial skeleton and soft tissues. Dr. Ovadia performs individual FFS procedures as well as combinations of procedures based on the areas a patient would like to address.

Forehead Contouring & Frontal Sinus Setback

Forehead contouring is an important component of FFS for many patients because differences in the brow and frontal bone can strongly influence the overall appearance of the upper face.

Dr. Ovadia performs forehead contouring and frontal sinus setback, drawing on his craniofacial fellowship training and experience with facial skeletal surgery. Depending on the patient’s anatomy and surgical plan, forehead surgery may be combined with procedures such as brow lift and hairline advancement.

Jaw, Chin & Facial Contouring

Dr. Ovadia also performs skeletal contouring of the lower face, including jaw and chin contouring. These procedures can alter the width, projection and shape of the lower face and may be performed alone or as part of a broader FFS plan.

Soft-tissue procedures available as part of facial feminization include facial fat grafting, cheek augmentation and lip lift, while rhinoplasty can address the proportions and contours of the nose in relation to the rest of the face.

Additional FFS procedures include:

• Cheek Augmentation
• Lip Lift
• Tracheal Shave

Patient Experience

“I cannot recommend Dr. O highly enough. From the initial consultation to post-op care, he and his team were incredibly supportive, professional, and compassionate. Dr. O truly listened to my goals and made me feel safe and affirmed throughout the entire process. My FFS experience has been truly life-changing, and I am thrilled with my results.” — Valeria A., Google Reviews

Gender-affirming surgery is a primary focus at Ovadia Plastic Surgery, and approximately 50–75% of patients are transgender or gender-diverse. Staff are trained to use each patient’s chosen name and pronouns during scheduling, consultations and follow-up care.

English and Spanish are spoken at the practice.

FFS Consultations

Dr. Ovadia offers in-person, virtual and phone consultations.

Consultation fee: Free
Typical wait for consultation: 1–2 weeks
Typical wait for surgery: Approximately 6 weeks

Dr. Ovadia sees patients in Lower Manhattan, New York, and Millburn, New Jersey. Patients traveling for FFS can contact the office for information about accommodations, transportation and other local resources.

Insurance & Payment

Dr. Ovadia is in-network with New Jersey Medicaid (fee-for-service) and Medicare. His practice also regularly works with New Jersey Medicaid managed care plans and major commercial carriers including UnitedHealthcare (including Oxford Health Plans), Aetna, Cigna, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Emblem.

Insurance coverage for Facial Feminization Surgery varies by plan and procedure. After consultation, the office verifies benefits and assists patients with prior authorization.

Cash, credit cards and checks are also accepted.

Surgery Requirements

• Dr. Ovadia follows WPATH Standards of Care for gender-affirming surgery.
• Smoking cessation is required before surgery and throughout the perioperative period.
• Other requirements may vary depending on the FFS procedures planned.

More information about Dr. Steven Ovadia »