As we see more brave transgender women living in their truth, and as we become more accepting as a society, we’re also seeing a shift in the world of aesthetics. Treatment lists now come with facial feminisation categories to make it easier for those looking to alter their masculine facial features, and align with a more traditional feminine appearance.

“Facial feminisation involves understanding the differences in bone structure between typically male and female anatomy as well as soft tissue structures, and sometimes the skin and hair characteristics, to rebalance facial proportions to align more closely with female gender norms," shares Aesthetic Doctor Dr David Jack.

"The primary goal is to reduce features that are typically associated with masculinity—for example, a strong jawline, prominent brow ridge, and a broad, square chin, and instead create features that are perceived as more delicate and feminine. Think a more tapered jaw, a rounder forehead, and higher cheekbones. Such procedures are highly individualised, depending on the patient's specific facial anatomy and their personal preferences.”

However, it’s not just trans women seeking these non-surgical, and thus more accessible treatments. “There’s also a rise in cisgender women seeking out feminisation treatments, in a bid to soften and feminise specific features like the nose, jawline, and lips, as well as reduce facial hair growth,” shares Etre Vous Expert, Aesthetician and Ace Skin Health Clinic Founder, Corina Mihalache.

Which non-surgical facial feminisation treatments have made it into our experts' ‘top picks?'

Neuromodulators for jawline contouring

Technology: Botulinum toxin injections

How it works: Botulinum toxin is injected into the masseter muscles, which are the primary muscles responsible for chewing. In patients with a strong, square jawline, these muscles can be overdeveloped, often due to stress. The toxin works by temporarily reducing strength of the muscles, leading to a reduction in size and softening the appearance of the jawline, creating a more tapered, V-shaped contour that's more typically feminine.

Number of sessions: Most patients require three treatments, three months apart, then top up treatments every four to six months to maintain results.

Why it helps with facial feminisation: By reducing the bulk of the masseter muscles, this treatment effectively softens a strong, square jawline, one of the most prominent masculine facial features.

Why it’s a top pick: Jawline contouring is a non-invasive, quick, and effective way to feminise the face without surgery. I love it for its simplicity and the dramatic difference it can make with minimal downtime.

Dr David Jack 

Electrolysis for permanent hair removal 

Technology: Electrical current

How it works: Electrolysis involves inserting a needle into the hair follicle and passing an electric current through said needle, which destroys the follicle and the small capillaries that supply the root with blood, thus preventing further hair growth.

Number of sessions: When I work with transgender women, I usually recommend starting with a comprehensive laser hair removal treatment. This usually involves around six to ten sessions four weeks apart to significantly reduce the mass of facial hair. Once the laser treatment is complete, I recommend a series of electrolysis sessions. People then usually require six to twelve treatments once a month, making this a long-term process that can take up to two years in total to achieve complete hair removal, as hair grows in cycles and some follicles may require multiple treatments. Even after the initial treatments, maintenance or top-up sessions are often necessary to control new hair growth that may occur over time.

Why it helps with facial feminisation: For many transgender women and some gender assigned at birth women, removing facial hair is a crucial part of feeling more feminine.

Why it’s a top pick: Electrolysis is a game changer for many transgender women and cisgender women with stubborn facial hair. It is a non-invasive, highly effective treatment that I use to remove all types of hair, including grey, red or blonde hair, and it’s the only permanent hair removal device on the market.

Corina Mihalache

Dermal fillers for cheek and lip enhancement

Technology: Hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers

How It works: Dermal fillers are injected into the cheeks and lips to add volume and definition. In the cheeks, fillers can be placed along the cheekbone more laterally (i.e. on the side) compared to what would be done for male cheek enhancement, to enhance the lateral prominence of the cheekbones, creating a more lifted and feminine contour. In the lips, fillers add fullness and shape, emphasising the classic feminine aesthetic of fuller, more rounded lips.

Number of sessions: Results from dermal fillers typically last 12 to 18 months, depending on the product used and the area treated. Touch-up sessions are recommended to maintain the desired look.

Why it helps with facial feminisation: Enhancing the cheekbones and lips helps create the high, defined cheekbones and fuller lips characteristic of a feminine face. This treatment also helps to counteract the natural loss of volume that occurs with ageing, making it popular among cisgender women as well.

Why it’s a top pick: Dermal fillers offer immediate results with minimal downtime, allowing for precise sculpting of the facial features. I particularly appreciate the versatility of this treatment in addressing multiple areas of the face, offering significant feminisation with just a few strategically placed injections.

Dr David Jack 

RF microneedling to improve skin texture

Technology: Radio frequency energy and needling

How it works: An important aspect of femininity is smooth, radiant skin. RF microneedling uses specially designed needles that are insulated except at the very tips, where they emit radio frequency energy. Traditional microneedling simply punctures the skin to boost collagen and elastin. However, RF microneedling needles penetrate the skin, delivering energy at a targeted depth chosen by your practitioner. The heat the energy produces creates a controlled and precise trauma within that microscopic area, stimulating your body’s natural healing process, triggering collagen and elastin production in all skin tones, with minimal risk of hyperpigmentation or damage.

Number of sessions: For optimal results, three to six sessions at intervals of four to six weeks are generally recommended. The results gradually improve over time as the collagen continues to build up.

Why it helps with facial feminisation: Combining two powerful technologies, this treatment greatly improves skin texture (think acne scarring), tightens skin and improves the appearance of enlarged pores.

Why it’s a top pick: By smoothing rough texture and shrinking pores, RF microneedling gives the skin a softer, more delicate appearance, which is the key to feminisation.

Corina Mihalache