Plastic Surgery News: World's First Full Facial Transplant a Success!
Tuesday, August 17th, 2010, 7:55 pmPlastic surgery isn't simply designed to make people feel better about their appearances when there's something about themselves physically they feel needs enhancing; it can change lives. Facial reconstructive surgery helps patients who have suffered a severe trauma or genetic disfigurement that has altered the overall structure of their face. These individuals don't just look different aesthetically, simple functions that are managed by the face can be affected like swallowing, blinking and even breathing. So for those who assume plastic surgery is simply about vanity; think again, because it can change lives.
Just ask Oscar (last name not released to the media), the recipient of the first full facial transplant surgery in April that has been in the news since being released from the hospital at the end of July. Although he still has months of physio therapy ahead of him, this patient is already finding the results to be life changing. This patient who couldn't breathe or swallow on his own since a 2005 accident with a loaded gun is already speaking and eating. He's also had facial hair growth which is a sign of a successful transplant.
Because of the severity of Oscar's disfigurement prior to surgery, the facial reconstruction involved providing him with new skin, bones, teeth and more. By the time his recovery is complete, this patient is expected to recover about 90% of his facial function which will put him miles ahead of where he was prior to surgery.
The best part of this story, is that Oscar is only 31 years old, and has a long life still ahead of him and he'll finally have the opportunity to live his life normally once again.
Tags: benefits of plastic surgery, facial transplant, full face transplant, life changing plastic surgery, medical advancements in plastic surgery, plastic surgery news, reconstructive surgery
Category: Plastic Surgery News