Spanish Doctors Perform First Full Face Transplant

An unnamed Spanish farmer, who accidentally shot himself in the face with a shotgun five years ago, has received the first full face transplant in the world. The shot destroyed his face from his eye sockets and downwards; miraculously, however, his eyes and vision were not damaged.

The team of 30 doctors performed the transplant at Vall d’Hebron University Hospital in Barcelona. The doctors operated for more than 20 hours. During the procedure the farmer received new facial skin and muscles. He also was given a new jaw, cheekbones, nose, lips, teeth, and eyelids. All of the donated parts came from a dead donor. It is reported that it took four hours to remove the face from the dead man. The name of the donor has not been revealed. However, it is said that the man is of similar weight, height, facial proportions and skin tone as the farmer.

The head of the transplant team, Dr. Joan Pere Barret said they transplanted the face like a mask onto the farmer. He now has a totally new face from his hairline to his neck. The transplant took place last month although it was just recently revealed. The doctor said the patient is recovering well. He is walking around his room and he is able to watch television.

British experts said this is probably the most complext and difficult face transplant ever completed. There have been ten partial face transplants throughout the world; however, this is the first complete one and the most complex.