Being pretty or stunningly beautiful is not really an aim of FFS, unless you have a very feminine face and well developed other feminine features (such as a fantastic body, hips etc)
I have a few friends who are extremely pretty BUT still get read, because they suffer physically in other areas (such as height, one is 6ft 3 ins or size of hands, feet etc.) We have already said through this topic that FFS is part of the package that should include voice, hair removal, mannerisms etc.
No matter how convincing we look physically, without the upbringing of a young girl and the conditioning that goes with that, we will eventually make mistakes (or rather display some male mannerisms) that can give us away.
In general I would think in most peoples requirement of FFS is to feminise the face such that that first look by anybody remains that, a first look, no second look, no lingering and prolonged stare that can lead to the onlooker being unsure of ones Gender.
People have an expectation (in general) what Males and Females look like, all we do in FFS is further that perception. A more angled jaw, softer lines on the forehead, a slightly turned up nose, a flat forehead with eyebrows raised in the same plane, pronounced cheekbones etc...Indicate to most people Female.
Back this up further with a feminine hair style, nice jewellery and good make up and the perception is further increased... that one, first look is the most important, people form and make an opinion in seconds.
I do know people that have feminine faces and I agree that they have no requirement for FFS, they pass without issues facially.
Before FFS, I would get this frequently while out in public and it can be very disconcerting, after FFS I can say that this has not been the case. I went shopping today, jeans and T-shirt, no make up, studs as earrings, my hair tied back in a pony tail. Before FFS I would never not wear make up or a pony tail.
FFS does bring a greater confidence an acceptance in ones own ability to pass and that is the most important thing, confidence.
It is also a very personal thing and I had clear ideas of what I thought I needed to feminise my face. This was backed up by 3 of the 4 surgeons I spoke and consulted with, which again gave me confidence that I was on the right path.
Overall in my transition, FFS probably means more to me than SRS. SRS was never going to increase my ability to pass, it was just the final alignment between mind and body and was the final piece in the jigsaw to allow me to function sexually as a woman.
Every transition is different, we all set out with one aim and that is to be the women we truly are. If we can achieve that without having major surgery, that is a bonus, If we are happy and contented in our appearance that is fantastic, but many of us through the ravages of testosterone need to change and reverse that process, that is a personal choice.
Buffy
