Facial transplantation: principles and evolving concepts

RS Kantar, AR Alfonso, GK Diep… - Plastic and …, 2021 - journals.lww.com
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 2021journals.lww.com
This CME article highlights principles and evolving concepts in facial transplantation. The
field has witnessed significant advances over the past two decades, with more than 40 face
transplants reported to date. The procedure now occupies the highest rung on the
reconstructive ladder for patients with extensive facial disfigurement who are not amenable
to autologous reconstructive approaches, in pursuit of optimal functional and aesthetic
outcomes. Indications, contraindications, and donor and recipient considerations for the …
Summary
This CME article highlights principles and evolving concepts in facial transplantation. The field has witnessed significant advances over the past two decades, with more than 40 face transplants reported to date. The procedure now occupies the highest rung on the reconstructive ladder for patients with extensive facial disfigurement who are not amenable to autologous reconstructive approaches, in pursuit of optimal functional and aesthetic outcomes. Indications, contraindications, and donor and recipient considerations for the procedure are discussed. The authors also review logistical, immunologic, and cost considerations of facial transplantation. Surgical approaches to allograft procurement and transplantation, in addition to technical and anatomical nuances of the procedure, are provided. Finally, the authors review aesthetic, functional, and psychosocial outcomes that have been reported to date.
Lippincott Williams & Wilkins