A strong jawline, a defined chin, and a masculine facial structure—facial masculinization surgery (FMS) helps bring these features to life. For transgender men and non-binary people, facial surgery means regaining self-confidence and feeling at home in their own skin.
But how much does it cost? And what goes into the price? Drawing on Bookimed's research and internal data, this guide will break it all down: real price ranges, what’s included, how to budget, and ways to make it more affordable.
Key Takeaways
➤ Average cost of FMS worldwide: $10,000–$30,000.
➤ FMS cost in the United States: $20,000–$50,000.
➤ FMS cost in the United Kingdom: $15,000–$40,000.
➤ FMS cost in Turkey: $5,000–$15,000.
➤ FMS cost in Thailand: $10,000–$20,000.
🛡️Insurance: Only 3 US states explicitly cover FMS under Medicaid; 13% of private insurers cover key procedures.
💳 Financing options: Medical loans, HSAs/FSAs, grants, and crowdfunding.
Table of Contents
- Factors Affecting Facial Masculinization Surgery Cost
- How Much Does Facial Masculinization Surgery Cost Worldwide?
- Cost of Facial Masculinization Surgery by Procedure
- Non-Surgical Options for Facial Masculinization
- What Does the Cost of Facial Masculinization Surgery Include?
- Does Insurance Cover Facial Masculinization Surgery?
- How to Pay for Facial Masculinization Surgery?
- Is Facial Masculinization Surgery Worth the Cost?
Factors Affecting Facial Masculinization Surgery Cost
The cost of facial masculinization surgery isn’t a set number—it varies based on multiple factors. Here’s what influences the total price:
1. Number and type of procedures
Facial masculinization surgery (FMS) isn’t one surgery but rather a combination of procedures tailored to your face and goals. Some patients only need jaw augmentation, while others undergo a full transformation with brow bone augmentation, rhinoplasty, and cheek implants. The more procedures involved, the higher the cost.
2. Surgeon’s experience and reputation
Highly skilled, board-certified surgeons with extensive experience in gender-affirming procedures typically charge more. However, their expertise can mean better results, lower complication rates, and a smoother recovery—making the investment worthwhile.
3. Geographic location
Surgery costs vary significantly by region. Major cities and high-demand surgeons have higher fees, while procedures in medical tourism destinations like Thailand or Mexico offer options that are 50%-70% more affordable without sacrificing quality.
4. Hospital and facility fees
Beyond the surgeon’s fee, there are costs for operating rooms, anesthesia, and medical staff. Some clinics offer all-inclusive packages that cover these expenses and other perks like free transfers, while others bill them separately.
5. Pre- and post-operative care
Consultations, lab tests, imaging (like CT scans), and post-surgery follow-ups add to the final price. Some surgeons include these in their fees, while others charge separately for each visit.
How Much Does Facial Masculinization Surgery Cost Worldwide?
In the United States, the average price ranges from $20,000 to $30,000, but extensive procedures involving the entire face can exceed $50,000. On the other hand, Turkey offers the same surgical procedures for $5,000 to $15,000.
Moreover, medical tourism destinations like Turkey and Thailand offer all-inclusive packages. Even with travel expenses, patients can save up to 70% compared to the US.
You can compare prices in the most prominent destinations in the table below:
Country | Average Total Cost |
|---|---|
USA | $20,000 – $50,000 |
UK | $15,000 – $40,000 |
$10,000 – $20,000 | |
$5,000 – $15,000 |
The lower cost in medical tourism hubs is due to lower operational expenses, government-backed medical tourism incentives, and a high volume of specialized clinics competing in the market.
❗ According to Bookimed’s Finance Policy, all prices presented on the website reflect the clinics’ official rates without hidden costs.
Cost of Facial Masculinization Surgery by Procedure
You can estimate costs more precisely by considering the specific procedures you want or your surgeon recommends for your facial features.
Facial masculinization surgery focuses on modifying any of the three facial regions:
- upper third;
- middle third;
- lower third.
Many of these procedures overlap with facial feminization surgery (FFS). However, facial masculinization aims to enhance prominence and create sharper, more structured facial features rather than softening them.
Upper third of the face
- Purpose: Strengthens the brow ridge for a more angular, masculine look.
- What it does: Places implants to create a prominent brow ridge—a key masculine facial feature.
💰 Forehead augmentation cost by country:
Country | Cost Range |
|---|---|
USA | $8,000 – $15,000 |
UK | $6,500 – $12,000 |
$2,000 – $3,000 | |
$1,500 – $3,000 |
2️⃣ Hairline repositioning
- Purpose: Raises the hairline to create a higher forehead.
- What it does: Adjusts the hairline position by removing excess hair or reshaping the scalp.
💰 Cost comparison by country:
Country | Cost Range |
|---|---|
USA | $9,000 – $15,000 |
UK | $6,500 – $13,000 |
Thailand | $3,500 – $7,300 |
Turkey | $3,500 – $7,000 |
Middle third of the face
1️⃣ Nose surgery (rhinoplasty)
- Purpose: Reshapes the nose to make it broader and more angular. Male noses have a wider bridge, a straighter profile, and a more defined tip.
- What it does: Builds up the bridge and width of the nose using implants, cartilage, or bone grafts.
💰 Rhinoplasty cost comparison by country:
Country | Cost Range |
|---|---|
USA | $11,000 – $18,000 |
UK | $8,000 – $13,000 |
$3,000 – $5,500 | |
$2,500 – $5,500 |
2️⃣ Cheek augmentation (buccal fat removal)
✅ Purpose: Reduces fullness in the cheeks for a more sculpted, angular face.
🔹 What it does: Removes buccal fat to create a hollowed, angular facial structure.
💰 Buccal fat removal cost by country:
Country | Cost Range |
|---|---|
USA | $2,000 – $5,000 |
UK | $4,500 – $6,500 |
$1,000 – $2,500 | |
$1,500 – $2,300 |
Lower third of the face and neck
1️⃣ Jaw and chin augmentation
✅ Purpose: Strengthens the jawline and chin for a wider, more chiseled appearance.
🔹 What it does: Uses implants to increase jaw width and chin projection.
💰 Jaw and chin augmentation cost by country:
Country | Cost Range |
|---|---|
USA | $8,000 – $15,000 |
UK | $5,700 – $9,000 |
$1,500 – $3,000 | |
$2,000 – $4,500 |
2️⃣ Adam’s apple augmentation (thyroid cartilage enhancement)
- Purpose: Creates a visible Adam’s apple, a secondary male characteristic. Hormone replacement therapy alone is usually not enough to develop this feature.
- What it does: Inserts a Y-shaped implant or cartilage from the rib cage to increase the size and projection of the Adam’s apple.
💰 Adam’s apple augmentation cost by country:
Country | Cost Range |
|---|---|
USA | $3,500 – $6,000 |
UK | $2,800 – $5,000 |
$1,500 – $3,000 | |
$2,000 – $4,500 |
Non-Surgical Options for Facial Masculinization
Surgery isn’t the only way to achieve a more masculine appearance. Dermal fillers, Botox, and facial hair transplants offer effective, low-commitment alternatives for enhancing facial features. While the effects are temporary, they can be an excellent option for trialing changes before committing to surgery or for those who prefer subtle, gradual transformations.
Dermal fillers for jawline, chin & nose
A well-defined jawline, prominent chin, and broad nose are classic masculine features. If your face lacks these naturally, dermal fillers can create the illusion of stronger bone structure.
Dermal fillers can:
- Sharpen the jawline.
- Enhance the chin’s projection.
- Reshape the nose bridge (non-surgical rhinoplasty).
⏳ How long the effect lasts: 6–18 months, depending on the type of filler and metabolism.
💰 Filler cost comparison by country:
Country | Cost per Session |
|---|---|
USA | $1,500 – $2,500 |
UK | $800 – $2,000 |
$300 – $800 | |
$250 – $700 |
Botox for brows
A straight, lower-positioned brow creates a more traditionally masculine appearance—and Botox can help achieve it.
🔹 How it works: Small amounts of botulinum toxin (Botox, Dysport, Xeomin) are injected into the forehead to relax the muscles. This allows the brows to shift into a flatter, more horizontal position.
⏳ How long the effect lasts: 3–6 months.
💰 Botox cost comparison by country:
Country | Cost per session |
|---|---|
USA | $300 – $1,000 |
UK | $250 – $800 |
$200 – $600 | |
$150 – $300 |
Facial hair transplant
Not all trans men can grow thick facial hair, even with hormone therapy. A facial hair transplant is a permanent solution for a full beard, mustache, or sideburns.
🔹 How it works: Hair follicles are extracted from the scalp and transplanted onto the face, where they grow just like natural facial hair. The transplanted hairs shed within the first few weeks but regrow permanently after 6–12 months.
💰 Beard hair transplant cost by country:
Country | Cost Range |
|---|---|
USA | $7,000 – $15,000 |
UK | $4,000 – $9,000 |
$2,000 – $4,000 | |
$2,000 – $3,500 |
What Does the Cost of Facial Masculinization Surgery Include?
In the United States and the UK, the advertised price may cover only the surgeon’s fee and doesn’t always include such essential costs as:
- anesthesia fees;
- hospital/surgical facility charges;
- pre-op tests and consultations;
- post-op care & follow-up appointments;
- medications & compression garments.
Since these expenses can add up, your consultation is the perfect time to ask for a detailed quote that outlines exactly what’s covered and what you’ll need to pay separately.
In Turkey and Thailand, clinics provide all-inclusive packages that cover all of the above elements, as well as:
✅ hotel accommodations (5–14 days);
✅ airport & clinic transfers;
✅ personal medical coordinator;
✅ private nursing care;
✅ translation services.
All-inclusive packages for gender-affirming surgery ensure patients encounter no hidden expenses and receive comprehensive gender-affirming care at a lower total cost.
Does Insurance Cover Facial Masculinization Surgery?
Insurance coverage for facial masculinization is inconsistent. Some policies cover it as a medically necessary gender-affirming surgery, while others classify it as cosmetic and deny coverage.
In the US, Medicaid coverage depends on the state—only 3 states explicitly cover gender-affirming facial surgery. Commercial insurance policies are more likely to mention facial gender-affirming procedures, but only 13% cover procedures like jawline contouring, forehead augmentation, and rhinoplasty.
If your health insurance covers FMS, you must provide documentation proving that your procedure is medically necessary. Common requirements are:
✔ Must be 18+ and diagnosed with gender dysphoria
✔ At least 12 months of hormone therapy (unless contraindicated)
✔ Mental health conditions must be well-managed
✔ The requested procedures must correct facial features significantly different from typical male characteristics.
✔ A letter of support from a mental health professional, signed within the past 12 months.
Always check directly with your insurance provider to understand what procedures they can cover and what documentation they require.
How to Pay for Facial Masculinization Surgery?
Creating a more masculine facial appearance can be a significant investment, and not all patients have insurance coverage. If you’re paying out of pocket, there are several ways to make the procedure more accessible.
1. Payment plans & medical loans
Surgeons and clinics may offer monthly payment plans through in-house financing or third-party medical lenders like CareCredit. Loans often come with interest rates, so check the terms carefully before committing.
2. Health Savings Accounts (HSA) & Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
If your employer offers an HSA or FSA, you may be able to use pre-tax dollars to pay for FMS—but only if your plan covers gender-affirming surgery.
3. Crowdfunding & grants
Patients can turn to crowdfunding platforms like GoFundMe or Fundly to raise money for their surgery. Some non-profits also offer grants for gender reassignment surgery, including:
✔ Jim Collins Foundation
✔ The LOFT’s TransMission program
4. Medical tourism
Traveling abroad for FMS can significantly reduce costs. Turkey and Thailand offer all-inclusive packages. Treatment costs 50%–70% cheaper than in the US or UK, even after factoring in travel.
5. Negotiating with your surgeon
Some clinics offer cash discounts or lower rates for upfront payments. Others may be willing to set up interest-free payment plans if you ask.
Tip: Patients booking through Bookimed have access to exclusive discounts and package deals that aren’t available to the general public. Bookimed’s medical coordinators can help negotiate better pricing with partner clinics.
Is Facial Masculinization Surgery Worth the Cost?
Whether facial masculinization surgery (FMS) is "worth it" really depends on your personal goals and how important the changes are to you. However, most transgender people report satisfaction with gender affirmation surgery–99.7%, to be exact.
Consider these benefits of gender-affirming facial surgery before making a decision:
✅ Proven results. The same techniques used in cisgender masculinization surgery have been successfully adapted for transgender men. Studies show they deliver predictable results and don’t result in serious complications.
✅ Alignment with gender identity. Seeing a face that matches your true self in the mirror can be a powerful, affirming experience. FMS procedures help create harmony between your outward appearance and gender identity.
✅ Mental health outcomes. Untreated gender dysphoria can contribute to depression and anxiety. Research shows that gender-affirming surgeries lead to a 42% reduction in psychological distress and a 44% decrease in suicidal thoughts.
✅ Greater social comfort & safety. In a world where transphobia still exists, looking more traditionally masculine can increase personal safety and ease social interactions. After FMS, patients feel more comfortable, confident, and secure in public spaces.
Related Articles
- Johns Hopkins Medicine. Facial Masculinization Surgery. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/facial-masculinization-surgery
- Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery. (2021). Insurance Coverage of Facial Gender Affirmation Surgery: A Review of Medicaid and Commercial Insurance. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33722109/
- Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery. (2023). Regret after Gender-Affirming Surgery: A Multidisciplinary Approach to a Multifaceted Patient Experience. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36727823/
- Journal of Craniofacial Surgery. (2019). Facial Masculinization Surgery and its Role in the Treatment of Gender Dysphoria. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31299718/
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. (2021). Mental health benefits associated with gender-affirming surgery. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/hsph-in-the-news/mental-health-benefits-associated-with-gender-affirming-surgery/