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Functional outcomes of face transplantation
S Fischer1, M Kueckelhaus, R Pauzenberger
1Department of Surgery, Division of Plastic Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; Department of Hand-, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Burn Trauma Center, BG Trauma Center Ludwigshafen, University of Heidelberg, Ludwigshafen, Germany.
Face transplantation (FT) significantly improves critical functions like breathing, eating, and facial sensation. This study shows FT enhances quality of life by restoring abilities previously compromised by severe facial impairments.
Area of Science:
- Reconstructive Surgery
- Transplantation Medicine
- Facial Rehabilitation
Background:
- Severe facial trauma or defects often result in profound functional impairments.
- Patients may experience difficulties with breathing, eating, speaking, and facial sensation.
- Existing treatments may not fully restore function or aesthetics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate functional outcomes before and after face transplantation (FT).
- To compile and analyze functional improvements in FT recipients.
- To assess the impact of FT on quality of life related to facial function.
Main Methods:
- Compilation of functional data from five FT recipients at our institution.
- Systematic review of all reported FT cases in current literature.
- Assessment of functional outcomes including smell, breath, eat, speak, grimace, and facial sensation.
Main Results:
- Pre-FT, patients exhibited compromised abilities in breathing, eating, speaking, grimace, and facial sensation.
- Post-FT, all functional abilities significantly improved, with patients becoming independent of tracheostomy and gastrostomy tubes.
- Across all reported FT cases, smell, eating, and sensation improved in 100% of patients; breathing, speaking, and facial expressions improved in 93%, 71%, and 76% respectively.
Conclusions:
- Face transplantation leads to substantial functional recovery and improved quality of life.
- FT effectively restores essential functions compromised by severe facial loss.
- The study highlights the significant rehabilitative potential of face transplantation.
