A plasmonic transducer includes at least two metal elements with a gap therebetween. The metal elements are placed along a plasmon-enhanced, near-field radiation delivery axis. Cross sections of the metal elements in a plane normal to the delivery axis vary in shape along the delivery axis. The metal elements have a reduced cross section portion at a media-facing surface oriented normal to the delivery axis. A dielectric material surrounds the reduced cross section portion of the plasmonic transducer at the media-facing surface, and reduces deformation of the metal elements proximate the media-facing surface at elevated temperatures.