Forensic Implications of Facial Feminization and Masculinization Surgeries in Health Sciences

Abstract

The present study provides a theoretical and reflective approach to the forensic aspects and considerations in the recognition and identification of transgender individuals who have undergone FFS and FMS. Individuals who are characterized by strong and persistent identification with the opposite sex (gender dysphoria) often seek plastic surgeons for sex reassignment and/or to accentuate gender-specific facial features, surgically modifying facial features, wishing to be accepted in society as part of antagonistic sex. Facial feminization surgery and facial masculinization surgery are surgical procedures intended to remodel and restore the soft tissues and facial bone characteristics in order to give trans women's faces a more feminine appearance. These surgeries could have forensic ramifications because of the challenges in determining the patient's gender in the event that forensic facial reconstruction is required to identify the patient and, subsequently, those who have had this kind of surgery. Such consequences, although important, are little considered in scientific studies. Thus, this study brings a theoretical and reflective approach to forensic aspects and considerations in human recognition and identification of transsexual individuals who underwent feminization to masculinization facial surgeries.