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Updated: May 10, 2026
09:08
Facial Transplants in Xenopus laevis Embryos
Published on: March 26, 2014
Facial appearance transfer and persistence after three-dimensional virtual face transplantation
Akash A Chandawarkar1, J Rodrigo Diaz-Siso, Ericka M Bueno
1Boston, Mass. From the Division of Plastic Surgery, the Center for Surgery and Public Health, and the Division of Neuroradiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School.
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
|June 21, 2013
Summary
Facial appearance persistence is high after virtual face transplantation, while facial appearance transfer remains low. This study utilized 3D simulations to assess facial resemblance in face transplants.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Medical Simulation
- Facial Reconstruction
Background:
- Concerns exist regarding facial appearance transfer and persistence in face transplantation.
- Previous 2D simulations showed low transfer (2.6%) and high persistence (66%).
- 3D computer simulation may offer more accurate estimations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate facial appearance transfer and persistence using 3D virtual face transplantation.
- To determine the accuracy of 3D simulations in predicting outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Generated 3D virtual face models from CT angiographs.
- Performed 73 virtual face transplantations using surgical planning software.
- Evaluated resemblance to donor (transfer) and recipient (persistence) by 20 reviewers.
Main Results:
- High overall facial appearance persistence (69.2%) and low transfer (32.4%).
- Mandibular patterns showed highest persistence and lowest transfer.
- Persistence and transfer rates were similar across sexes.
Conclusions:
- Facial appearance persistence is high, and transfer is low in virtual face transplantation.
- Anatomy, not size of aesthetic units, influences appearance transfer and persistence.
- Findings may reassure face transplant recipients and donor families.
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