What is a face transplant? (Face Transplant) Let's talk about this in detail

Imagine that a person's face has been severely damaged by a serious accident, burn, or illness. Sometimes, the damage can be so severe that even the simple things we do every day, like talking, eating, and smiling, can be impossible. There are times when we become depressed and unable to face society. It is at times like these that the very complex surgery called " Face Transplant", which marks a major advancement in medical science, comes into the spotlight. Although this is a very rare procedure, it can completely change a person's life.

Who needs a face transplant?

Usually, facial damage can be repaired to some extent with things like plastic surgery. But sometimes the damage is so severe that it is beyond repair with normal reconstructive surgery. That is, if facial tissue is damaged beyond repair, a face transplant may be considered.

There may be several main reasons for this:

• Severe accidents: Severe injuries to the face from serious accidents, such as car accidents.
• Burns: Serious burns to the face from fire or chemicals.
• Medical conditions: Some types of cancer or other diseases may require the removal of parts of the face.
• Congenital malformations: Severe facial deformities present at birth.

How do I qualify for this surgery?

This is a very complex surgery, so not just anyone can do it. Hospitals and medical teams follow a very strict set of criteria for this.

What happens before surgery?

This is a long process that involves several steps. First, you have to be approved for the surgery. This involves a lot of things, such as medical tests and mental health assessments. Once you are determined to be a good candidate, you are put on a "waiting list." This means you have to wait until a matching donor becomes available.

How do I match a contributor?

A donor is a deceased person. Face donation occurs with the permission of that person's family. This is a very sensitive matter. When choosing a face that suits you, the following things are considered:

• Blood type
• Tissue type
• Skin color
• Biological sex
• Age
• Face size

When these things match up as well as possible, the surgery is more likely to be successful. Also, doctors will check to see if you have healthy skin elsewhere on your body. Do you know what that is? Use it if the transplant fails in any way.

Mental preparation

You need to prepare for this surgery both physically and mentally. Psychiatrists and social workers will talk to you and prepare you for this journey. Because starting to live with a new face is a big mental challenge.

How is the surgery performed?

Once the news of a match is received, everything happens very quickly. The surgery can take as little as 10 hours to as long as 30 hours.

Imagine, two medical teams working in two operating rooms at the same time.

1. One team very carefully removes facial tissue (skin, muscle, nerves, blood vessels, and sometimes even bone) from the deceased donor.

2. The other team will prepare you for surgery. They will remove your damaged tissue and identify the nerves and blood vessels needed to transplant your new face.

You will be given general anesthesia, so you will be asleep throughout the entire surgery. After the donor's face is removed, it is preserved in a special solution. Then, the surgeons first connect the bones. This is done using titanium plates and screws .

Then comes the hard part. Using a microscope, tiny blood vessels and nerves from the donor's face are connected to the blood vessels and nerves in your face. Finally, muscles, tendons, etc. are connected, and the skin is sewn up.

What happens after surgery?

After surgery, you will be admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). It will take some time for you to regain consciousness. Once your condition is stable, you will be transferred to the transplant unit.

• Hospital recovery: You may need to stay in the hospital for 1 to 6 weeks or more.
• Food: Initially, food is given through a tube.
• Pain: Painkillers are given.
• Rehabilitation: Physical therapists help you speak again, swallow food, and control facial expressions.
• Psychological support: Psychiatrists continue to provide support to help you adjust mentally to your new appearance.

It takes about 2-3 months for the swelling to go down. It takes about 6 months for the face to regain feeling. It can take about a year for most facial functions, such as smiling, to return. This requires a lot of patience.

What are the risks and complications?

As with any surgery, there are risks. This is a very complex procedure, so the risks are high.

If there are signs of tissue rejection, doctors will take a small piece of skin (biopsy) and then give you strong drugs through a vein (IV) to stop the rejection. If the rejection is not controlled in any way, it can be life-threatening. However, about 89% of people who have the surgery survive. Several deaths have been reported due to infections or uncontrolled rejection.