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Passing as male after FFS? [2007]

A reader notes:

I’ve had an FFS consultation and would really, really, like to get facial surgery.  I need to work as a male for 4 more years until I retire and then can go full time.  (I’m 51) The surgeon has told me that passing as a male should not be a problem, but he seems to do such a wonderful feminization job that I’m afraid that I won’t be able to remain employed as a male after surgery.  It looks like you had similar concerns during your transition.  Do you think it’s possible to get FFS and still pass as a male on the job?

My reply:

Yes, I think it’s quite possible to pass as male after surgery. I could pass as male right now if I really wanted to. You may need to take extra steps. I found that I needed to use my male voice when I encountered people I didn’t know to avoid being ma’amed, but if you get the surgery and hold off on a face lift, the jaw work won’t be noticeable to most.

The main thing is to overcompensate after face work: masculine clothes, no brow plucking, no earrings or painted nails, etc. The longer you go, the more likely you’ll get ma’amed now and then, but with a conscientious effort on your part, the only thing you might need to do is explain away a nose job or something.

For most people, it comes down to whether you want people to notice or not. If you make a serious effort to pass as male, you’ll be fine. FTMs at all stages of transition do it all the time.

This is talk, not advice. See Terms of Use for details.

[note: this page was ported verbatim from tsroadmap.com and is presented for historical purposes. It may not reflect current views of the author or any people and organizations mentioned.]

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http://www.tsroadmap.com/notes/index.php/site/comments/passing_as_male_after_ffs/