Can Facial Transplantation Really Work?

Filed in archive Cases , News , Studies on August 21, 2008

Photo courtesy of iStockphoto, Mark Strozier

Chinese plastic surgeons have reported promising results of a two-year follow-up of two more patients that underwent human facial transplantation: one is a bear attack victim in China and the other one is a French patient disfigured by neurofibroma (a massive tumour growing on facial nerves).

Their findings reported recently in The Lancet concluded that the procedure could be successful in the short term, though not without complications such as new tissue/organ rejection just like in any other organ transplantation. Immune supression treatments are of course necessary.

However, the surgeons have made facial transplantation an option to restore facial disfigurement in people that are horribly scarred by burns, trauma (like an animal attack) or tumor.

Of course procedures such as this doesn't come without a price. And I don't mean just money- wise. The patients will never be the same again, not to mention not looking the same again. But then, it is all about giving back a life to someone else, right?

From the BBC News, I like best what Roger Green (president of the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons) said:

"This particular surgery is a way of giving back a life to a patient who has been horribly scarred by burns, trauma or a tumour.

However, we must acknowledge the long-term medical risks, such as transplant rejection and the need for life-long medication, associated with the procedure. There is also the potential of psychological impact following such a transplant."

Exactly my sentiments. In the UK, surgeons are preparing for their first facial transplants as soon as suitable donor becomes available.

For sure there are long-term impacts. Hopefully, the positive outweighs the negative.