2022 Volume 38 Issue 3 Pages 80-84
The world's first facial allotransplantation was performed in France in November 2005. Between 2005 and March 2022, 47 cases of surgery were performed. Currently, whole face transplantation is performed, in which soft tissue and facial bone are transplanted simultaneously. Facial allotransplantation surgery has emerged as a new technique for reconstruction of severe facial injuries that are limited by conventional free flaps, local flaps, and skin grafts. However, recipients need to take lifelong immunosuppressive drugs, and cases that die younger than the average life expectancy are increasing. In addition, the number of patients who receive a second face transplant is increasing because the face that was transplanted was rejected by an immune response. In this paper, we discuss the present situation based on the literature and reports from overseas media. Currently, the surgical procedure of allogeneic face transplantation has become established; however, it is essential to improve financial problems, patient’s mental care, and long-term maintenance of transplanted tissue for the future development of facial allotransplantation
