For patients in South Africa

Facial masculinisation surgery in Turkey from South Africa: a plain guide

Facial masculinisation surgery (FMS) is a set of procedures that add structure and definition to the face, most often at the jawline, chin and cheeks. Many people have it as part of gender-affirming care; others have it for structural facial changes. This page explains the options and what to plan from South Africa.

What facial masculinisation surgery can include

The surgeon chooses from these procedures, alone or together:

• Chin implant — a biocompatible implant that increases chin projection and strengthens the lower face
• Cheek implants — add structure and projection to the mid-face
• Rhinoplasty — changes the shape of the nose to suit the balance of your face
• Temporal brow lift — adjusts brow position to give a flatter, more horizontal brow line
• Deep plane facelift — repositions deeper tissues to help define the jawline and overall structure

Procedures can be done separately or combined, depending on your plan.

Who it may suit

• People seeking gender-affirming facial surgery, or who want more defined facial features
• People whose facial structure is less defined than they would like
• People in stable general health, and non-smokers or those able to stop before surgery
• People with realistic expectations of what surgery can change

Planning includes your medical history, an examination, imaging or facial analysis and your goals. You will be asked to stop smoking, avoid medicines that increase bleeding and arrange help for recovery.

The operation and recovery

FMS is done under general anaesthetic. Incisions are made in discreet places such as inside the mouth or at the hairline; bone and soft tissue are shaped or implants placed, and the incisions are closed. Expect swelling, bruising, tightness and some numbness; keep your head raised. Initial recovery takes several weeks, and the result continues to develop over time.

Risks include infection, bleeding, scarring, nerve sensitivity or numbness, and asymmetry. Write down the details of any implant used, and take that record home.

Your wider care

Hormone treatment, mental health support and any other ongoing gender-affirming care stay with your own team at home; surgery in Turkey does not replace them. Tell us about any hormones or other medicines you take, and tell your team at home about your plans.

Planning the trip from South Africa

• Flights: direct flights from Johannesburg and Cape Town to Istanbul take around ten hours, then a short domestic flight to İzmir, where treatment takes place
• Visa: South Africans apply for an e-Visa online before travelling; see the e-Visa guide
• Fitness to fly: the surgeon decides when you can fly, so book a return ticket you can change; expect some swelling on the journey
• Sun: healing scars and bruised skin need protecting from strong South African sun; ask the surgeon what to use and for how long
• Time difference: İzmir is one hour ahead of South Africa, which makes follow-up calls easy
• Cover: medical schemes generally do not cover elective surgery abroad, so check with yours; travel insurance usually excludes planned surgery

Follow-up at home

Follow-up continues by photograph, message and video call with the same team. Medical complications and clinically necessary revisions within one year are covered by our treatment guarantee, which does not cover preferring a different look when the result is within what was discussed. Keep your GP informed and take your discharge notes home. See the clinic facts page and our complaints process; the full procedure page is facial masculinisation surgery.

What we will not do

We will not confirm a plan before a surgeon has reviewed you, promise a particular result, or operate if your health makes it unsafe. We make no assumptions about your identity or goals; you tell us the terms you use. A long journey is no reason to add more procedures than the surgeon judges safe.

FMS is one part of our gender-affirming surgery guide. You may also want to read about Top surgery in Turkey, Body masculinisation surgery in Turkey and Facial feminisation surgery in Turkey.

Frequently asked questions

Which procedures are part of facial masculinisation surgery?

Options include a chin implant, cheek implants, rhinoplasty, a temporal brow lift to give a flatter brow line, and a deep plane facelift to define the jawline. The surgeon recommends a combination after reviewing your face.

How long does facial masculinisation surgery take?

It depends on how many procedures are done together; a combined plan can take several hours.

How long should I stay in Turkey before flying home to South Africa?

The surgeon decides, based on what was done and how you are healing. The flight home takes around ten hours, so book a return ticket you can change.

Are the results permanent?

Many surgical changes are long-lasting, but your face will continue to age naturally.

Will my medical aid cover facial masculinisation surgery abroad?

South African medical schemes generally do not cover elective surgery abroad, and standard travel insurance usually excludes planned surgery. Check with your scheme and insurer directly before you book.

Start with a free online consultation. Planning the trip? Read the guide for South African patients and the e-Visa guide.