Indications for Face Transplantation

Abstract

Severe face deformity is one of the most devastating disabilities of human beings. In the majority of cases, this disability produces a myriad of symptoms, including depression, social isolation and suicide ideation. In comparison to other extreme disabilities, such as amputations, spinal cord injuries or cerebrovascular disease, where compassion and sympathy are common reactions in those that relate with the patients and in society in general, catastrophic face deformities produce anxiety, rejection and fear in those that are confronted with them. Physicians that care for this people ordinarily listen to histories of rejection and isolation feelings, fear to expose oneself to society for being “ugly” or “anger gazes” and even increpations such as “how one dares to walk on the street with such a face” or “you are scaring my children”.