A face transplant is a complex transplant surgical procedure. In this process, doctors used specialized techniques in order to restructure the face of a patient. The facial tissues are replaced with a deceased donor tissue. A variant of this activity known as vascularized composite tissue allotransplantation (VCA). It involves the transplantation of facial skin, nose, lips, expression muscles, and nerves, producing sensation and facial support bones. Those who have had severe face injuries may find their quality of life significantly improved by this innovative reconstructive procedure.

This is a difficult transplant process that requires weeks or months of advance planning. The benefits of this facial surgery include restoring a more normal appearance. It can increase the acquirer’s pride and self-image. After a successful process, they can participate in regular social activities without fear of embarrassment. Although VCA is a groundbreaking advancement in cosmetic surgery, there are dangers and results associated with it. Including the potential for donor tissue rejection and adverse effects from suppressive medications.

Types of Face Transplant Surgery

The procedure depends on the patient’s requirement and the extent of the facial disfigurement.

1. Partial face surgery

In this case, a plastic surgeon replaces some part of the face, such as the skin, muscles, nerves, or bones.

2. Full face graft

Replaces the whole face of the patient, including the skin, muscles, nerves, bones, and blood vessels

3. Ablative surgery

A plastic surgeon will completely restore the face by transplanting normal tissues.

For Whom is a Face Transplant a Good Option?

This surgery is best for patients who are victims of facial damage, burns, or congenital deformities. It can improve a patient’s appearance and functional abilities as well as.

Perfect candidate for a face transplant must fulfill these criteria:

They should be 18 – 60 years of age.
People should have no history of HIV or Hepatitis disease.
For at least five years, he or she should have no history of cancer.
It should be possible for patients to take immunosuppressive medications.
Be willing to avoid pregnancy for one year.
Do not use tobacco products.

Why is it Performed?

A face transplant will only be recommended by your doctor when your deformed face cannot be repaired. These may include:

Severe burn marks on your face.
When you have very bad congenital facial defects.
To reduce facial trauma and disfiguration.
You were in an accident and severely injured your face.

Advantages of Face Transplant Surgery & Its Cost In India

The cost of the face transplant surgery procedure depends on the factors like which type of procedure, expertise of plastic surgeon, overall medical condition and hospital care.

However, this types of surgeries involves a lot of benefits these are as follows:

This surgery can restore the physical functionality of the face.
It helps in restoration of appearance.
Less pain and discomfort.
Increased quality of life.

Risks of Face Transplant Surgery

This surgery also carries some risk of problems like other surgeries. Some of these hazards are related to the surgical operation itself, such as

Infection
Bleeding
Blood clots

Other complications may include:

Immune system attack on the transplanted tissue.
Various signs of infection.
Immunosuppressant drugs
Side effects of drugs.
Identity issue.

Procedure of Face Transplant Surgery

This VCA is a complex and intricate process that involves replacing a few parts or all person’s faces with donor tissues. The complete treatment can take between 15 and 26 hours. It may depend on the complexity of the situation. The surgery is highly specialized which is performed under a team of doctors. This team includes plastic surgeons, neurosurgeons, and transplant experts.

Here is the brief overview of this surgery:

1) Preoperative evaluation

A full medical assessment is performed to establish the patient’s eligibility for surgery, which includes:

Physical examinations
Imaging studies
Psychiatric assessments

2) Donor selection

The recipient’s face is matched with the benefactor based on size, age, gender, tissue type, and blood type. Two surgical teams operate at the same time when a perfect donor has been found. One team will prepare the donor’s face, and the other team will prepare the acquirer.

3) Organ procurement

This process involves physically removing a deceased donor’s tissue, conserving it, and transporting it to the potential recipient’s transplantation hospital.

4) Recipient preparation

The receiver undergoes medical optimization and may be administered immunosuppressive drugs to prepare for organ approval.

5) Surgical procedure

All the damaged facial tissues are removed and replaced with tissue from a donor body. These both activities are performed under general anesthesia. This process ensures that the transplanted tissue receives ample amounts of blood flow.

6) Nerve repair and revascularization

Doctors use a microscope to attach the giver’s nerves and blood vessels to the taker’s body. This step is crucial, in order to ensure that the transplanted tissue receives blood and can operate properly.

7) Skin closure

After the completion, the surgical cuts on the face are closed. The patient has been extensively observed in the ICU for several days.

8) Recovery

During this period of time, patients undergo physical therapy to regain facial movement and sensation.

9) Long-term care

To prevent the transplanted tissue from being rejected recipients must take immunosuppressive medicines for the remainder of their lives. These medications impair the immune system, making it less capable of detecting tumors and battling infections.