Transsexual research : FTM faces

Research

This research attempts to quantify the startling changes that occur in the facial appearance of female-to-male (FTM) transsexuals when they take testosterone as part of their gender reassignment. Using a hand held infra-red laser scanner and a virtual reality environment - 3D transsexual facial images are compared with photographs of subjects before they start transition.

Not much is understood about how testosterone works in FTM bodies. The impact this has on transsexual lives is significant, as effective medical assistance is limited by lack of information.

Research results may contribute to a better understanding of how hormones, bones and muscles work together in the creation of masculine faces, as well as offering insights into the growth and repair of bones in all humans, both young and old. The effects of androgen influence in menopausal women may also be better understood. In addition, it will contribute to human identification data used in mass disaster and human rights investigations. An important aim is to provide information vital to a predictive face-change-model for FTM transsexuals beginning their journey into the complex world of gender transition.