Role of soft-tissue thickness on the reproducibility in forensic facial approximation: A comparative case study

Abstract

Forensic facial approximation plays a vital role in identifying individuals who cannot be identified using conventional approaches. The key concern is linking the hard and soft tissues while improving the precision and consistency of its varied approaches. However, forensic facial approximation has limited relevance in India due to a lack of thorough study and proficiency with a diverse population displaying disparities in facial characteristics. The current study attempts to assess the changes in facial characteristics on forensic facial reconstruction utilizing different soft tissue thickness databases while keeping the skeletal elements, technique, and operator constant. Three facial approximations were created based on three facial soft tissue thickness databases of different geographic regions within India. Visual assessment and superimposition were used to analyze the reconstructed faces and subjects. All the reconstructed faces showed a considerable difference between each other and the subject. The placement of the eyes, ears, and, most crucially, the mouth differed significantly. No approach works with the nose, eyes, mouth, and ears; even with the best practices possible, sometimes inaccurate results occur. Facial approximation should be seen as a blend of science and art based on well-documented anatomical principles.