Effect of Facial Feminization Surgery (FFS) on Eyelid Anatomic Features

Abstract

Facial feminization surgery (FFS) improves gender dysphoria. The brows and eyes are crucial in perceived gender, yet brow and eyelid surgeries are relatively under-utilized. This study aimed to determine rates of brow and eyelid surgeries as part of FFS and characterize pre- and post-operative periocular features. We conducted a retrospective review to identify all patients with the diagnosis of gender dysphoria who underwent FFS at a single academic institution from 2019-2022. Thirty-four patients comprising 38 surgical cases were included. Twelve (35%) eyelid surgeries and 27 (79%) brow lifts were performed. Baseline eyelid measurements did not differ between brow lift and non-brow lift cases. Those undergoing brow lift and eyelid surgery were older in age (p=0.022), had a higher rate of negative canthal tilt (p=0.050), and smaller baseline margin-reflex distance 1 (p=0.014) than patients who had brow lift alone. Brow lift increased tarsal platform show (p=<0.001) and lash-to-brow distance (<i>p</i>=<0.001), and upper blepharoplasty increased tarsal platform show (<i>p</i>=0.01). Rates of brow lift are high at our institution, and patients are appropriately selected for eyelid surgery in FFS. Brow lift and upper blepharoplasty can feminize anatomical features when using standards described for cisgender cohorts. The impact of periocular features on gender perception in transgender patients warrants further study.