Face transplant before and after images show remarkable transformations for patients with severe facial injuries or disfigurements. One notable example is Patrick Hardison, a firefighter who suffered severe burns that left his entire face and scalp covered in scar tissue. His face transplant surgery, one of the most extensive performed, took over 24 hours and included transplanting facial and scalp tissue from a donor. Before the transplant, his face was severely disfigured; after the surgery, the new face closely restored both appearance and functions such as blinking and smiling. This procedure significantly improved his quality of life and social interaction.

Another example is Katie Stubblefield, who, after a severe self-inflicted facial injury, received a total face transplant involving transplantation of the scalp, forehead, eyelids, eye sockets, nose, cheeks, jaws, teeth, nerves, muscles, and skin. The outcomes showed significant functional and aesthetic restoration, with ongoing rehabilitation lasting months to regain facial movement and sensation.

The face transplant procedure includes removing damaged tissue, connecting blood vessels to restore vascularization, and grafting nerves and muscles to restore sensation and movement. Post-surgery rehabilitation involves physical therapy, speech therapy, and psychological support to help patients adjust to their new appearance and functions. The recovered face is usually a unique blend of the donor and recipient features, not simply a copy of the donor’s face.

Here is a brief summary in table form with some examples:

Patient| Cause of Injury| Procedure Details| Outcome Highlights
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Patrick Hardison| Severe burns (firefighter)| Extensive face and scalp transplant| Restored appearance, facial movement, social reintegration
Katie Stubblefield| Self-inflicted gunshot| Total face transplant including jaws, eyes, nerves, muscles| Restored facial function, sensation, and major aesthetics
Rafael (Spain)| Neurofibromatosis (genetic)| Partial face transplant| Significant improvement in facial structure and function
Carmen Blandin| Chemical burn (acid attack)| Face transplant| Restored appearance, improved facial function

Face transplant surgeries are complex, ranging from 10 to 36 hours, requiring lifelong immunosuppressive medication and close monitoring to prevent tissue rejection and complications. Rehabilitation can last from six months to a year or more, focusing on regaining facial movements, sensation, and psychological adjustment.

These before and after transformations highlight the dramatic and life- changing impacts of face transplants, offering a second chance at normalcy and improved quality of life for patients with severe facial injuries.