Face transplantion is a hot news item these days. For the first time in History a face transplant has been successfully performed in real Life. Due to my field of study I have been drawn to the discussion about when to perform and when not to perform such procedure.
It has been brought to my attention that everyone has opinions and thoughts on the subject; however none of these is based on facts or scientific studies. The box-office hit “Face Off” has suddenly become the guide and the bible in realizing an existing notion. While scientists are only engaged in the functionality of the matter, in this stage, we need a mouth for speech and to consume nourishment etc.
However while visiting my native Iran, I observed a trend of nose-jobs and Band-Aids as a symbol of affluence and wealth. I was shocked to find out that wearing a adheasive tape, which was done in large numbers, was seen as fashionable and nothing out of the ordinary. I did not like the idea of the supposed to be a status symbole?
To be frank after having followed the development in the field of transplants, especially in the case of facial transplants, I believe there is reason for concern taking in consideration the number of people dissatisfied with their facial traits, such as is exemplified in Iran. Are so many people truly dissatisfied with the shape of their nose? Or was it merely the latest fashion rage?
Plastic surgery and transplantations are a great method of treatment for those whom have been facially disfigured by fire, disease or accidents. However in the medical sense there is no direct necessity for performing such procedures, in the majority of the cases there is no life threatening condition.
Although in some case the disfiguration is of such serious nature that it constitutes a life threatening situation as was the case with the lady who received the first transplantation in France. In this particular case the patient in question had sustained such serious injuries due to being attacked by her dog. Her Nose and mouth were simply missing! I am very happy to see that she can now drink a glass of water, this testifies of the force of science. The actual functionality!
For example is the case of a person who suffers so heavily that the person in question gets isolated or considers suicide as a viable option? The pro's and con's of the transplantation should be weighed very carefully such an operation, as is the case with all organ transplants, it caries considerable risks.
Risks
There is an ever present chance of complications and the patient has to be medicated for the rest of their natural life in order to minimize the chance of the body rejecting the transplanted organ. These medications are not without side-affects such as shortening the natural life span of the patient. It is extremely difficult to recover a face if the body rejects the transplanted skin. Not mentioning the fact that we yet have to explore the psychological ramifications of having to go trough life with what is essentially a dead person's face.
No Comparison
It must be noted that Patients who have undergone facial transplantation do not miraculously start looking like their Donors, seen as our looks are for the most part determined by the bone structures and facial muscles. So before considering a plastic surgery maybe some of us should consider to seek for mental help, such as therapies and talk about your motivation. Well I hope that you are not thinking that I am against the plastic treatments. I am not convicting my line of work or any other surgery!!
We are proud to have the science to make a change and the fact is we come very far at it. We did study hard to get where we are now and to tell my side of the story!
Sepideh Nahrvar is a student in surgical assistance at Erasmus academic Hospital in Rotterdam, the Netherlands
