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Posted by: Dr. Amir Dorafshar, M.D., FACS

Whether patients need HRT before FFS is a question our Chicago, IL team answers for every new patient. One of the most frequently asked questions prospective patients have about facial feminization surgery is whether hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a prerequisite. The straightforward answer is no — at Evolve Your Life in Chicago, IL, candidacy for gender affirmation surgery is based on your individual goals, health history, and facial anatomy. Patients travel to our Chicago practice from across the United States regardless of their hormone therapy status.

What Actually Matters for FFS Candidacy

That said, Dr. Amir Dorafshar may ask patients to temporarily pause or reduce HRT dosage in the weeks immediately before and after surgery for safety reasons related to blood clotting and healing. This is a standard pre-surgical precaution, not a disqualifying factor — and our team communicates these guidelines clearly for all patients, whether local or traveling from another state.

What matters most is that you have a clear sense of your goals. During a consultation, Dr. Dorafshar will review your facial structure across the upper third, middle third, and lower third of the face, use CT imaging to plan your surgery, and discuss realistic timelines, recovery, and payment plans. Virtual consultations are available for out-of-state patients.

Book Your Consultation in Chicago, IL

For a deeper understanding of the procedure, read our full guide: Understanding Facial Feminization Surgery: A Guide. Schedule a consultation at Evolve Your Life — our Chicago, IL team welcomes patients from across the USA.

Amir Dorafshar, MD, FACS is a globally recognized, board-certified plastic, aesthetic, and reconstructive surgeon specializing in aesthetic surgery, craniofacial reconstruction, microsurgery, and facial gender-affirming procedures.

He earned his medical degree from the University of Manchester, UK, and trained at UCLA, the University of Chicago, and Johns Hopkins Hospital. He previously held the Endowed Chair, Professorship, and Residency & Fellowship Program Director role at Rush University Medical Center.

A facial transplantation pioneer, he has co-authored 230+ peer-reviewed articles and co-edited major surgical textbooks. He is currently Chief of Plastic Surgery at OSF St. Francis Hospital and President & CEO of Evolve Your Life, Chicago.