Facial Feminization Surgery

Neck width reduction

Neck width reduction is a surgical procedure sometimes performed on transwomen to make the neckline and appearance more consistent with female features.

In some trans women, the upper part of the neck may appear wider because of the muscles and bone structure. This can cause the neck to have a more masculine appearance. Neck width reduction aims to reduce the visible width of the neck and create a more streamlined and feminine appearance.

Procedure

The surgical procedure for neck width reduction can involve several techniques, depending on the patient's individual needs and anatomy. A common technique is to remove some of the muscle mass in the neck, particularly the sternocleidomastoid muscle, which often contributes to the wider neck. This can be accomplished through an incision in the skin under the chin or behind the ear. The muscles are then adjusted to create a more refined contour and make the neck appear slimmer.

The benefits of neck width reduction in trans women can vary depending on the patient's individual needs and aesthetic goals. Some possible benefits include:

• Optimized gender affirmation: For many trans women, having a wider neck can be a source of dysphoria. By refining the neckline and reducing the width, neck width reduction can help create an appearance more in line with the desired female gender identity, contributing to overall gender affirmation.
• Improved harmony/balance: A wider neck can sometimes create an imbalance between the face and neck, potentially making the face appear less feminine. By refining the neckline and reducing the width, better harmony and balance between the face and neck can be achieved, which in turn can result in a more feminine appearance.
• Perfected aesthetics: A neck width reduction can contribute to a more streamlined and elegant neckline, which can be aesthetically pleasing. It can improve the overall appearance of the upper body and help create a more feminine neck and jawline.