Facial Feminization Surgery

Q: Dr. Eppley, I have some questions about facial feminization surgery. I was wondering the prices of the surgery and whether insurance many cover some of them. I am a 32 year transgender male to female.

A: As you know Facial Feminization Surgery is a compilation of a variety of facial procedures which differs amongst each patient. The first step is to determine which facial features would benefit most by changes and establish a priority list of what the are from most important to least important. This requires considerable input by the patient themselves. You probably have a good feel for the facial areas that you think would make the biggest difference in a more feminine facial appearance. I would ask that you listen for me the top three in your assessment. Once we have a list of procedures then you can be provided pricing.

As for insurance coverage for facial feminization surgery, that is very rare…but I have seen it occur. The way to determine if insurance would potentially cover any of these procedures is to file a predetermination letter. It is up to the insurance company, not the surgeon, to make that decision. All I do is provide them with the information needed. That required information would be the following; a set of facial photographs, documentation from a physician/ therapist that states that these procedures are medically necessary and the patient is a good psychological candidate to do so and a list with procedure codes of the facial operations needed. The latter is my my responsibility as well as the composition of the letter, the fist two are your responsibility to get to me.

Dr. Barry Eppley
Indianapolis, Indiana