Attitudes toward face transplantation in Asia: A survey of Taiwanese population

Abstract

Severe facial disfigurement caused by major burn, trauma, gunshot, or even tumor ablation is particularly challenging for reconstructive surgeons (Pomahac et al., 2011;Siemionow, 2017). These patients usually have suboptimal functional and aesthetic results even after multiple reconstructive procedures (Siemionow & Ozturk, 2012;Sosin & Rodriguez, 2016). Advances in transplant immunology and surgical techniques have made face transplantation become a clinical reality in recent years (Siemionow, 2017;Siemionow & Ozturk, 2012;Sosin & Rodriguez, 2016). To date, more than 40 face transplantations have been accomplished worldwide since the first face transplantation performed in 2005(Devauchelle et al., 2006Sosin & Rodriguez, 2016). Most reports demonstrated satisfactory aesthetic outcomes with an enhanced quality of life and social reintegration