Restoration of facial form and function after severe disfigurement from burn injury by a composite facial allograft

Am J Transplant. 2011 Feb;11(2):386-93. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-6143.2010.03368.x. Epub 2011 Jan 7.

Abstract

Composite facial allotransplantation is emerging as a treatment option for severe facial disfigurements. The technical feasibility of facial transplantation has been demonstrated, and the initial clinical outcomes have been encouraging. We report an excellent functional and anatomical restoration 1 year after face transplantation. A 59-year-old male with severe disfigurement from electrical burn injury was treated with a facial allograft composed of bone and soft tissues to restore midfacial form and function. An initial potent antirejection treatment was tapered to minimal dose of immunosuppression. There were no surgical complications. The patient demonstrated facial redness during the initial postoperative months. One acute rejection episode was reversed with a brief methylprednisolone bolus treatment. Pathological analysis and the donor's medical history suggested that rosacea transferred from the donor caused the erythema, successfully treated with topical metronidazol. Significant restoration of nasal breathing, speech, feeding, sensation and animation was achieved. The patient was highly satisfied with the esthetic result, and regained much of his capacity for normal social life. Composite facial allotransplantation, along with minimal and well-tolerated immunosuppression, was successfully utilized to restore facial form and function in a patient with severe disfigurement of the midface.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Burns, Electric / pathology
  • Burns, Electric / surgery*
  • Facial Injuries / pathology
  • Facial Injuries / surgery*
  • Facial Transplantation / adverse effects
  • Facial Transplantation / methods*
  • Facial Transplantation / pathology
  • Facial Transplantation / physiology
  • Graft Rejection / etiology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Rosacea / etiology
  • Rosacea / pathology