What does "Typical Components of Facial Feminization" mean?

[Cecilia]

I cannot decide if they mean facial surgery, laser, electrolysis, etc.   Here is what BCBS says in my Trans Toolkit:

 

Facial Feminization (typical components of facial feminization) or Masculinization may be considered MEDICALLY NECESSARY when ALL of the following candidate criteria are met:
 The candidate is at least 18 years of age,
o If the candidate is less than 18 years of age, then the treating clinician must submit information indicating why it would be clinically inappropriate to require the candidate to meet this criterion.
 The candidate has been diagnosed with gender dysphoria (ICD-9 code 302.85 gender identity disorder), including meeting ALL of the following indications:
o The desire to live and be accepted as a member of another sex other than one’s assigned sex, typically accompanied by the desire to make the physical body as congruent as possible with the identified sex through surgery and hormone treatment
o The new gender identity has been present for at least 12 months
o The gender dysphoria (ICD-9 code 302.85 gender identity disorder) is not a symptom of another mental disorder.
 The candidate has completed a minimum of 12 months of successful continuous full time real-life experience in their new gender, with no returning to their original gender
o If the candidate does not meet the 12 month time frame criteria of 12 months of successful continuous full time real-life experience in their new gender noted above, then the treating clinician must submit information indicating why it would be clinically inappropriate to require the candidate to meet these criteria. When submitted, the criteria of 12 months of successful continuous full time real-life experience in their new gender may be waived.

[VickySGV]

The BCBS and other plans I know about do not cover electrolysis or laser depilation treatment of the chin and neck areas just by themselves.  There could be exceptions, but your doctor would have to really present a case for another abnormality.

Tracheal Shaves, and facial bone and skin contour modification that are the more usual components of FFS that could include a subdermal scraping of the hair follicle roots that would remove the facial hair that way are the most likely to be covered if your surgeon in team work with your Gender Therapist to recommends and justifies them as "medically necessary". 

 

 

[Guest Vicky]

After the FFS, are there any scars visible? Even so desirable to undergo a facial feminization, sounds so scary...

Hugs,

 

Vicky

[Jani]

From my limited experience, scars or cut lines are minimal and disappear quickly.  My trachea shave scar was small and faded quickly.  A girlfriend who lives close by recently had the full suite of procedures so I'll know more soon.  I think it just sounds scarier than it is. 

Jani

[VickySGV]

22 minutes ago, Vicky said:

After the FFS, are there any scars visible? Even so desirable to undergo a facial feminization, sounds so scary...

Most surgeons use natural skin fold areas to make incisions so the scar will blend into the tissue. I had a Lipoid Tumor removed from my forehead many years ago and there is no visible scar from it left. The scar is a tiny line I cam feel in the bottom of the crease, but anyone else can see it.   I have also had some recent biopsies done on small growths and for two months or less, you could see the incision site, but mostly because of the suture holes and not the incision.  The younger you are the less chance of lasting scaring.

[Cecilia]

On 6/16/2017 at 2:38 PM, VickySGV said:

The BCBS and other plans I know about do not cover electrolysis or laser depilation treatment of the chin and neck areas just by themselves.  There could be exceptions, but your doctor would have to really present a case for another abnormality.

Tracheal Shaves, and facial bone and skin contour modification that are the more usual components of FFS that could include a subdermal scraping of the hair follicle roots that would remove the facial hair that way are the most likely to be covered if your surgeon in team work with your Gender Therapist to recommends and justifies them as "medically necessary". 

 

 

I called BCBS MA,  and they said electrolysis was a standard component of their transgender services.   I'm not sure what to do beyond having called them. 

 

 

[VickySGV]

1 hour ago, Cecilia said:

I called BCBS MA,  and they said electrolysis was a standard component of their transgender services.   I'm not sure what to do beyond having called them. 

That is wonderful to hear, I am glad I was wrong about the MA BCBS thing.  I would call your primary care physician or even the person handling your Gender Counseling and get them to send a referral to the provider of the electrolysis and if you are sure you want it, go for it.

[Cecilia]

On 8/9/2017 at 3:20 AM, VickySGV said:

That is wonderful to hear, I am glad I was wrong about the MA BCBS thing.  I would call your primary care physician or even the person handling your Gender Counseling and get them to send a referral to the provider of the electrolysis and if you are sure you want it, go for it.

 

Hi Vicky. I just feel like they got it wrong, you know?   I think I want to call them back and ask again. LOL  

[Jani]

Cecilia this is good news and you got it just by reaching out and asking.  As Vicky suggests, have your doctor or counselor make the referral for you and then look for a place to have the work done.  It will take some time so don't expect to be hairless quickly!

Jani