Some issues in facial transplantation

Human facial transplantation, a form of composite tissue allotransplantation, has now become a clinical reality. We carried out the world's second partial facial transplantation in April 2006. We reviewed some issues associated with facial transplantation, especially focusing on the individual who underwent the transplant in our department. We discussed surgical indications, techniques, risks versus benefits, informed consent and psychosocial, societal and financial issues of facial transplantation. In our opinion, with the progresses in composite tissue allotransplantation, partial or full facial transplantation is becoming a timely and effective remedy for the significantly disfigured patients. However, there are a lot of problems unsolved, and as we have performed the transplant on only three individuals, no long-term outcome data are available. Facial transplantation needs further research.