#facial changes

Me at 27

nobody “requires” FFS, but some people prefer to have it because they don’t feel satisfied with their post-hrt appearance.  Similarly, nobody “needs” FMS, but some people get it because they don't’ feel satisfied with their appearance.  (i looked into jaw implants and beard implants, but decided the cost wasn’t worth it for me). HRT don’t generally do a whole lot to feminize or masculinize the facial appearance (IMO).

 for women, it tends to fill out the soft tissue and make things rounder and leading to softer skin.  For men, it tends to make things leaner and create a “broader midface” as well as changing facial hair.  I’ve also heard quotes from people on T who claim that their ears, nose, jaw, and adams apple have grown but none of these things have been shown in studies (and most of these things also change as teenaged girls age to mid-late 20s women).  

If you decide, after 5+ years on HRT that you’re not satisfied with the results you see on HRT, it might be reasonable to consider whether or not FMS is a good option for you.  Changes do take time, so give yourself plenty of it.  

could be several things: 

T does make changes in the face, but all studies show that it’s not structural (unless you’re a young teen and still can be growing) but as a result of fat deposit changes.  these changes are generally that the nose tends to narrow along the nostrils, and also that the midface (cheekbone to cheekbone) tends to widen (think of what a stereotypical rugby or american football player looks like, versus a runner).  There isn’t a consistent increase in chin length/shape/size but that doesn’t mean that this isn’t the way it is changing on your particular body either!  since you’ve mentioned that you’re also getting your beard, it could be the trick of the beard making the chin look more prominent.  I know that for myself, when I wear a beard versus when I don’t, I get read more age-appropriate because of my still-delicate features- they seem too teen-ish for my 35-year-old face.  The beard, for me,  helps improve the facial shape and make it look more age-appropriate. 

Our facial structure also changes as we age, regardless of hormone profile. Although one year might feel like a little time to make a big change, it could be the case that your body was just set to get this chin around this age regardless.

We may never have the answer why your chin is more impressive now than before. Just because something doesn’t happen commonly enough to be written in literature doesn’t mean it’s definitely not happening to YOU.  if you’ve noticed a particular change, document it, and keep track of the change (good or bad).  sometimes our own self-reported case studies are the start of good evidence toward things that cisgender providers have overlooked. 

Unfortunately, no. While we can give you a general idea of what will change, the specifics of what that will mean for you are unpredictable. T generally causes thickening of the brow ridge, squaring of the jaw, and the growth of facial hair - facial hair in particular can REALLY affect the look of your face! I have sideburns now and they are doing very exciting things to my appearance.

This isn’t something I’ve personally experienced, and from hearing other people’s experiences of facial changes I believe it’s uncommon. I won’t say impossible, because subcutaneous fat deposits could shift to make them appear thinner in relation to the rest of your face, but I wouldn’t guarantee it as an outcome.