The Fine Art of Facial Feminization

For transgender and non-binary people, transition is a liberating experience, but it can also be difficult to navigate, especially when so many of the medical options seem to carry such high price tags (for example, facial feminization surgery, or FFS, which is invasive and typically costs tens of thousands of dollars). Fortunately, there are also cost-effective options, which achieve natural results and don’t require going under the knife.

Recently, Ever/Body Nurse Practitioner, Stacy Garrity, welcomed a visit from the trans/nonbinary writer and influencer, Preston Souza (they/them). Following a thorough and complimentary consultation, Garrity was able to help Souza come several steps closer to achieving a physical appearance that more adequately reflects their unique gender identity.

“In the past, when I’ve gone to medical spas, [they] often feel cold and judgmental for a trans person like me,” says Souza. “So it was incredibly refreshing to walk into Ever/Body and feel such a pleasant and welcoming atmosphere and staff.”

During their consultation, Souza states, it was immediately apparent that Stacy knew what she was doing. “Stacy not only made me feel comfortable sharing [about my insecurities], but she listened and provided me with a detailed plan that was specific to my needs and goals,” they say.

For Souza, Stacy’s first recommendation was Botox injections, both above the brows for a non-surgical brow-lift and in the jaw to relax the muscles and soften the jawline. Second was dermal filler in the cheeks in order to accentuate the cheekbones, the lips for a fuller and therefore more feminine appearance, and the chin. Along with Botox, dermal filler in the chin creates a pointed rather than square angle, giving the face a more triangular or heart-shaped appearance.

Confident that they were in capable and caring hands, Souza decided to go for it. “After Stacy did the first injection of filler, I looked at myself in the mirror and got emotional,” says Souza. “Little did I know, when I looked over at Stacy, she too was crying. All in all, the day of experience was one that I’ll likely never forget.”

Two weeks post-treatment, the dermal fillers and Botox have fully settled and Souza is thrilled with the results.

“What Ever/Body and what Stacy gave me were options, knowledge, and choices that I didn't know existed in terms of where I want to go with my transition. I left there with a genuine peace of mind.”

Souza also left with a better idea of what to expect for their transition in the future. “What I enjoyed most about Stacy was her ability to create a long-term plan that addressed my goals for non-surgical feminization.”

“I’ve never felt or looked better,” Souza added. “I feel more myself now, two weeks after my treatment, than I have my entire life.”

To read more about Souza’s Ever/Body experience, check out their article for the online beauty blog, Very Good Light.