Face allotransplantation and burns: A review

Anna Arno, J. P. Barret, Rachael A. Harrison, Marc G. Jeschke

    Research output: Contribution to journalReview articleResearchpeer-review

    20 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Burns may represent one of the main indications for face allotransplantation. Severely disfigured faces featuring a devastating appearance and great functional impairments are not only seen as burn sequelae but also occur as a result of other traumatic injuries, oncological surgical resections, benign tumors (eg, neurofibromatosis), and major congenital malformations. To date, 20 human face composite tissue allotransplants have been performed with success. Despite the initial scepticism about its applicability, due mainly to ethical and technical reasons, the previous worldwide cases and their associated positive outcomes, including acceptable immunosuppressive regimens, excellent aesthetic and functional results, and good psychological acceptance by the recipient, enable the conclusion that face composite tissue allotransplantation has become another therapeutic strategy in the reconstructive surgical armamentarium, which bears special consideration when dealing with severely disfigured burned patients. The aim of this review is to describe the basics of face composite tissue allotransplantation and give an overview of some of the cases performed until now, with special attention paid to debating the pros and cons of its applicability in burn patients. © 2012 by the American Burn Association.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)561-576
    JournalJournal of Burn Care and Research
    Volume33
    Issue number5
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 1 Sept 2012

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