The Process

The first step in the process is to determine whether are not a patient is a candidate for a face transplant (see candidacy for face transplant section). Once it has been confirmed that the best reconstructive option for the patient is a face transplant and there are no restrictions based on health, psychological, or socioeconomic factors, the initial work up is started. This includes numerous imaging studies to determine the tissue that needs to be removed and replaced, which may or may not include bone. These images are then manipulated to create models and cutting guides that will aid during the procedure. Laboratory studies are performed as well to assess the patient’s overall health and immunologic markers. The patient is then placed on a transplant list and once a suitable donor is found consents are obtained from the donor family. The donor will like-wise undergo numerous laboratory and imaging studies. The imaging studies are examined and models and cutting guides are matched from the recipient so that the tissue can be transferred as seamlessly as possible. Furthermore, a prosthesis is created to match the tissue removed from the donor so that it can fill the void left from the surgery so that the patient can still have a proper funeral. Once the tissue has been adapted and reconnected to the recipient, the patient is closely monitored in the ICU for graft failure and rejection.