 |
|
|
|
|
July 26th, 2010
10:36 AM ET
Full face transplant patient appears in publicThe world's first full face transplant recipient, identified only as Oscar, appeared in public for the first time at a press conference held at a Spanish hospital on Monday. In March, University Hospital Vall d'Hebron performed the transplant in an operation that took 24 hours. Oscar, whose face was severely injured in an accident, had undergone nine failed operations before being considered for the transplant. Surgeons transplanted the entire facial skin and muscles, nose, lips, maxilla, palate, all teeth, cheekbones, and the mandible through plastic surgery and micro-neurovascular reconstructive surgery techniques, according to the hospital. CNN: Spanish doctors conduct full face transplant Although this is the first total face transplant, there have been partial face transplants in France, the United States, China and Spain.
Next entry »Bipolar answers for kids tough to find
« Previous entryNew therapies slow vision loss in diabetics
|
  About this blog
Get a behind-the-scenes look at the latest stories from CNN Chief Medical Correspondent, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Senior Medical Correspondent Elizabeth Cohen and the CNN Medical Unit producers. They'll share news and views on health and medical trends - info that will help you take better care of yourself and the people you love.
 |
|
|
|
Seeing the patient with a full face transplant is not only remarkable....but a bit bewildering. Not knowing how extensive the
facial injuries were I can only comment on how much of a sucess this has made him feel...Society is so tuned into looking
at the face and judging those who are not up to the standards of beauty that is understandable that this person has remain
hidden for so long. I applaud him for coming out of the shadows and showing the entire world that he can live a normal life
even with what others may call a flaw..
I can't believe all of the mean and cruel comments I am seeing!!! What if that were you??? I bet it wouldn't be so funny then!!! Some people people have no heart!!!
You can imagine the extent of the accident based on what was transplanted: upper jaw, lower jaw, cheek bone, lips, nose, all the facial muscles and of course, the skin covering all that.
OMG, I'm on here everyday and it never ceases to amaze me as to how many a- holes there are in this country. How could you be so mean as to make fun of this person? I really hope you immature @$%^%%$&$&*&$&*)@!@!@#$ feel really good about yourselves
very, very well said
The internet is not real in terms of socialization. Applying social norms to the internet is odd. Hence, I think the patient has a face that is a moral and social good. The patient looks like a character from the Peanuts as well. The face appears like a caricature. In all, I hope great things for the human being.
I totally agree with you on this one! Somebody with some sense for a change!
"Society" isn't so much "tuned" to looking at the face... as humans are biologically predisposed to view the faces of others and process facial information in great detail.
Lindsay: because posting is essentially anonymous, it allows people to express the cruel, mean thoughts they keep inside at other times.
Most people would secretly make fun of this man, because he looks strange. They would not make fun of him to his face, but they would behind his back. This is a universal human truth, not a new trend.
@Kraig – this is the internet. Why are you expecting there to be any sense of social normalcy here when the only identifying factor is a handle/avatar. On the internet it can be hard to distinguish between a 13yr old and a 30yr old when it comes to comments. If you think this is bad I would suggest that you don't wander too far off of CNNs site. The internet is an ugly place.
some people view these advances in medical ability and technology as something to be marveled. however, we are allowing people to cheat death and live beyond their natural selection. This is problematic and defies the laws of nature and the world we live in. I don't blame this person rather the doctors that are keeping people alive longer and longer beyond their life cycle.
I prah at mey people are kind to him when he goes about his daily life. This person and I have something in common. I was born very unattractive. Its true. In school, middle and high school, The boys would call me a dog, the girls would stare and laugh at me. I couldnt wait till the day I never had to see these people again. But it still goes on, when I go the grocery store or any place. People are just plain cruel
to ddddddddd:
Your comment about natural selection and the law of nature obviously shows that you know nothing about evolution or what the term "natural selection" really represents. You should definitely try to understand what natural selection is and not throw the term around in such a way. Someone getting into a horrific accident has nothing to do with evolution and natural selection! It's purely something that happens, not something that is determined by the fitness (and when I say fitness I am talking genome here) of the individual. You are ignorant, What is wrong with you? This person has every right to live a full life, even after a near death accident, they are not cheating death or defying "natural order".
I agree. Imagine walking out in front of that huge audience and all of those flashing cameras just be judged all over again. He's a very brave man! Best wishes to him!!
Thank you for posting such a smart and well written comment. I'm so used to reading ignorant comments on these pages that your was a breath of fresh air. I agree with everything you said.
I'm also pleased to see this man with a new face. I know there are a lot of insensitive people out there... but imagine your worst nightmare, you're in an accident. Not only is your face such an important gathering of function... talking, eating, smiling, expressing, breathing, but it's also the way all people will judge you for your entire life.
I'm sure this man is dealing with a tremendous amount of swelling and congestion, I'm sure the pain is more than notable. Please people making rude comments, try to put yourself in his place, if only for a moment. I bet you'd give every bit of money you ever had, for just a normal life.
@ EM – natural selection doesn't have to pertain strictly to Darwinism. If you can not continue living through your bodies natural process of healing your time is up. Accident or no accident. All though the accident may not be something of a direct natural occurrence it's the point of having doctors reconstruct and prolong the life of someone who should have naturally died due to their injuries. that is the point I'm making, I'm sorry your stupidity inhibited you from understanding that.
@ddddddddddddd
Yes, we are altering the course of evolution, but did you consider that our advancements in science and technology are part of our evolution? The brains that allowed us to develop modern medicine aren't cheating death or natural selection. Rather, it's a trait that has been selected for. Because we have intelligence and ingenuity we survive. Instead of perishing from an infection or genetic disorder we live. Perhaps we're increasing the frequency of formerly detrimental genes, but evolutionarily speaking, if an organism with such a trait is able to survive and reproduce, it's not detrimental. Without our intelligence our species would be going in a different direction, but you can't claim that one is more natural than another.
@dddddd: You still don't understand. The guy lived. He survived 1) the accident; 2) numerous surgeries. Yes, medicine and surgery helped save him but his body was capable of being saved. To me, that is an evolutionary success. That his body could be put through so much and yet still function. When you consider how many people die from stress related illnesses and injuries, this guy is a walking homo-superior. Anyway, if you truly feel that way then I suggest you start forgoing brushing your teeth, applying band-aids, and washing your hands. Who needs that when we're all busy keeping the human race strong?
Very brave to go out in public under cameras after such a surgery. Your face is wonderful and I hope it makes you feel awesome, you deserve it.
I think it's amazing and wonderful that medicine and technology can do this for somebody. This person went through a horrific accident and having no remnants of a face, is now able to lead somewhat of a normal life. We just had a shotgun blast victim here in Oregon that received a new partial face transplant. Good luck to these people and may they live long, full lives.
Did the donated parts for the surgery come from a single donor? If so, does the paitent resemble the donor? Just curious. Fascinating story!
There are so many muscles in the face that it is amazing to consider it can be reconstructed. This is not as simple as reattaching one bicep to the bone. I am sure he considers this to be a dramatic success from what must have been a horrific burn or scarring accident.
Amazing! It looks like there might be some nerve damage, but i'm sure it's a vast improvement. They may not be able to repair all the muscles in the face yet. Can't wait to see what the coming years will bring.
How sad, that people would poke fun at someone who has gone through something you will never be able to understand. I wish those who make horrible comments could, in fact, experience a fraction of what this man experienced. Then maybe you'd get it.
I agree whoe heartedly. My best wishes go out to this individual anyone else who may one day need this procedure.
Well said. I agree it is remarkable and I can't for a moment imagine the pain he has been through and the amount of courage he must have. I am so glad he was able to receive this amazing procedure.
I think people turn to humor when they're facing something they have a hard time with. It's a reflexive, sort of nervous thing. I doubt anyone here feels unsympathetic for this guy and what he's obviously already been through and will now have to go through.
Or, at least feel some empathy and compassion, without actually having to go through it themselves.
Bravo. Well said.
NO Alfred, these punks on here mean every bad thing they say. Call it like it is. People in this country are mean and nasty. Been dealing with it for 40 years, and Caron I agree.
The internet has provided endless opportunities for anonymous cyberbullying. YouTube is a prime example... videos are full of racist, sexist, homophobic, ableist, ageist, etc etc etc comments that NOT ONE of the bullies would DARE say to another human's face, or say at all if it wasn't 100% anonymous. People who cyberbully are cowards, point blank.
Truly amazing. Skin and facial muscles and that which goes along with them are impressive enough, but the extent of this transplant is unbelievable. I hope it all works out well for this person. It must take one heck of a cocktail to keep his body from rejecting it.
Wow, thats amazing. Looks good.
I can't even fathom the horror this poor man has been through. I'm so happy for him that this was available to give him back some semblance of a real life. It's a miracle. I'm sure there is lots of therapy to learn how to use those new muscles in his future. It appears he's still having some swelling issues which is understandable. I am certain he will continue to improve and they will tweek the issues to perfect his new face. What a brave man.
We see it as brave. He may feel it as a gift.
It is remarkable .....and Congrats Oscar I am totally proud of you showing the success you and docters have established!
Certainly, some idiots may make comments on the expression on the mans face, but realize, the amount of surgery and what was done to help this poor man. The amount of surgery was amazing. It is unfortunate that many people look at anything less than perfect as inferior.
There's no 'like' button like on Facebook so....thumbs up on your comment 🙂
he definitely doesn't seem poor
Is wonderful to see how his face has been constructed after such a terrible accident. Before he didnt even have eyes, mouth or a nose. What a transformation.
That is one of the beauties of medicine in Europe. Wish our medicine was as cheap as is in Europe and as good. Same for our terrible education. Sad that all European nations are ahead of us in so many things except for making arms and invading other nations.
You're thinking of the awesome movie that is Face/Off with Nick Cage and John Travolta!
What's scary, gross, and otherwise are the negative comments. Wow!
It's crazy to see what they can do. Now it looks like he has a ways to go to teach his new facial muscles to contract (ie close his mouth, etc) but hopefully they can continue to improve on it! That's awesome!
Best of luck to this fellow, but I wish the story had told us more. He "appeared in public for the first time at a press conference," tends to suggest that there were some questions and answers, but none of that is reported. Why not?
CNN has become the Readers' Digest of news reporting.
Arnold: 1.) Stop screaming. Writing in all-caps is screaming. Why are you screaming? 2.) This is an article about a face transplant, not conspiracy theories. 3.) Srsly, stop screaming.
I really don't like it when CNN only gives half a story. If there is a legal reason as to why they couldn't report on the Q & A of the press conference, please explain.
He looks really good!! Full face transplants are really hard to do. I know if I were without a face I would want one, even if it isn't perfect. Living without a face would feel something like walking out of the house naked with everyones eyes glued to you gawking. Oscar is really blessed and looks handsome!!!
After what this guy has been through (9 surgeries?), I think he's probably grateful to be alive and resume some of the activities he enjoyed prior to his accident, things that the rest of us take for granted every day. I don't think he's comparing his new face to Don Draper's. God bless him. Reminds us to not be so quick to judge others on their appearance.
Good Job .... Hey People a little respct with your comments , the doctors did a great Job .
Oscar, u look great! God is really so good, He not only saved you from that accident but He gave you the best doctors who not only did their job great..but great great great!
God bless you,Oscar.. and we are all so proud of you..
i think that this guy is a hero to those who have horrific facial injuries, and those of you who are unable to muster up some human compassion are a complete waste of space on this planet.
I am marveling at the extent of medical technology and skill that such an advancement is possible.
I am humbled by the human spirit as evidenced by this young man.
The small trials of my day just shrunk in size. Blessings to all involved and thank you, CNN, for sharing this story with your readers.
For those low-life trailer trash who make such obscene comments at such a successful but tragic event, perhps your comments would not be so cruel if the victim was your child. You should thank whatever God to whom you pray such an event never happens to you.
Go have another beer and watch some more Nascar and stop reading the news, it overheats your brain.
Not everyone who watches Nascar is as ignorant and closed-minded as those who chose to show their stupidity with negative remarks. Please rethink your own prejudice and stop equating narrow-mindedness with Southern or Nascar.
v shiloh:
Only people who watch Nascar, live in trailers, and drink beer can be insensitive? I agree with you that some comments made have been outright stupid...but check your own before criticizing others
Hey watch out bud – I watch NASCAR, drink beer and have two advanced degrees. Why are you so angry? Anyone can be a cruel, mean idiot. Be careful what you say – you may appear to be one.....
You were doing great until you decided to slam all who happen to drink beer and/or watch NASCAR. I happen to do both and don't consider myself ignorant, though that term can apparently be used to describe you.
Okay the guy doesn't look like a super stud and the concept is downright creepy in a lot of ways. But let's put things in context. His original face was destroyed, as in blown off. The guy couldn't speak, nor eat or breathe on his own. With the surgery talk again and he can breathe on his own, eat soft foods and drink liquids on his own and at least gain some semblance of a normal life. He still has a long way to go for therapy and over time his muscle control should improve and if so some of that slack jawed look should go away. But even without that it's a success because the guy can at least regain a lot of semblance of his life back.
clever.
His mouth is open because all the nerves still need to 're-learn' how to operate with the muscles. It's the same with people who have limbs severed and then re-attached. It's going to take months and months of therapy before he'll be able to control facial muscles. I agree with "ashamed"..give this poor guy a break! Better yet, thank whatever God(s) you believe in that you are lucky enough to be able to go out in public with the face you have, because considering some of the comments I've read; I don't think you could tolerate the alternative!
Some people in this forum need more than a face transplant, they need a Brain transplant, only an IDIOT will make comments like: "What is that Thing" or "Why such a long face, buddy" or worse: "Wonderful.He's a handsom guy.Good luck". I hope you will never be in the same situation of that brave boy.
People, where is your humanity? Pray that neither you or a loved one has to face such a challenge. My heart aches for this man. I will ask God to bless him in his recovery, and at the same time ask God to help you find grace and kindness.
I second that.
what an idiot you must be ! Do you even know what a face transplant is? Go hide yourself and read a book or something
Where is the before picture?
look in th mirror
I cannot believe how many trolls, a**holes and would-be comedians have come out of the woodwork here to "comment." This is a human being whose life was destroyed. What if this were your son or father or YOU? Not so funny then, right?
Anonymity is the drug that gives too many people testes they would NEVER have among a crowd.
The depth of human depravity knows no bounds. But the humanity of Oscar overshadows all the foolishness.
When all is said and done, He looks good. One day many of the insecure stuck in the house kids that are scared to go out and have nothing better to do than to post comments here will be in a position of life or death decisions to save a loved one and will be tormented by the things they say, Making you Uglier then you say Oscar is. GOOD JOB .
Just the thought of the pain involved in recovery from full mouth reconstruction, and then, if that wasn't enough, having to learn all over again how to control everything so that you can eat and drink is beyond my comprehension. Be childish and make fun of the man, but he has gone through more than I would wish upon any human being. He's a stronger person than I will ever be.
I hope one day you are in the same situation and someone says that about you. Heartless, crass and undeserving.
What a complete jerk! I can't believe some of the comments I'm reading here. Some people have absolutely no compassion for someone who has had such a horrible ordeal. It's not even funny to make fun of this person. Just sick, sick, sick.
Where is your brain?
This technology is still in its infancy. Unfortunately, this face transplant looks strange. The man ALMOST resembles Michael Jackson if you ask me. Not trying to be rude.
At least this guy can go to the market and shop without any trouble.
Only to narrow minded self absorbent people like you.
You might rethink that, if you literally had no face.
I think even more incredible than this individual, his experience and the medical science behind this is the range of responses above.....from the incredible assholes to the heartfelt responses. We, humans, are all over the map with respect to our capacity for both kindness and cruelty. We are mere elements in a petry dish -still very early in our evolution....we simply don't have our shit together. We truly only use one sense....vision, because we use that (as a majority) to judge and accept – or not – all that we behold.
Wow, no wonder our world is so screwed up when people can joke around about something like this. I'm sure the ones who have commented in a jokingly manner look like models and have high paying jobs, right? Yeah, I didn't think so. You're the type of people that I hope my son never comes across and are the ones who were bullies in school cause you actually have no self-esteem and have to down others to make yourself feel good. As others have stated, I hope you never have to endure the pain this man has obviously gone through and I'm also sure that none of you have families of your own which is good cause I would hate to see that this kind of thing ever happened to your child or that you ever taught your child to laugh at people like this.
More likely, those commenters are the ones who were bullied.
Will he have to be on anti rejection drugs the rest of his live?
Yes.
also anti religion drugs, since God did this to him in the first place.
I wasnt trying to be rude, I just wondered what he looked like before.
poor guy. looks like hes crying
You ; sir are an idiot
Will he have to be on anti rejection drugs the rest of his live???
Yes. Most definitely.
That's a pretty impressive level of recovery and healing for only a few months! Hope he continues to progress well.
To the snide comment people that have nothing good to say about this, gentleman. Give your head a shake. Who do you think you are! Just be greatful you are not in his shoe and have not gone through the many painful proceedures like he has. Maybe one day you will, and maybe it will damage your face and looks. Maybe someday people can laugh and comment on your looks. Or better yet win a Darwin Award for us for us! Now that would be poetice justice
To the gentleman that has had this procedure, and not knowing the story of his accident. Medically this unbelivable recontruction that has been accomplished. Congratualtions, on hopefully a full recovery from such a remarkable proceedure. I hope this brings confidence, strength and success in your new start on life.
What a sad situation this poor guy has been put into. The doctors have done well, but will his new face take more of shape etc as he learns to use it, I wonder.
If they posted a before pic, there would be less disrespectful comments. good job docs.
Fewer, not less.
Fewer, less... the words are the same. You have confused my little mind with your post, David.
This man has incredible courage. He will need it, to withstand the comments of the cowards who will make fun of him.
Wow, this is a miracle. As technology and medicine improves, face transplantation will improve. For now, Oscar is a hero and i wish him the best.
No, clearly YOU need the brain transplant. He has courage that will no doubt withstand your cowardess.
Man, they've got a long way to go with this.
So sad. Not just that he needs physical therapy but probably mental as well. Gotta be strong
I read in an article about another transplant patient that psychological counseling was also part of the process to make sure that they really wanted it and were prepared for that side of the adjustment.