Facial Allograft Donation: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of the Experiences of Family Members.

Facial allograft transplantation can be regarded as a particular and complex type of donation because of its perceptibility and the importance of the face as an identity characteristic. As research on this topic is currently lacking, the objective of this study is to explore the experiences of the family members of the donor in facial allograft donation. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted separately with the donor's family members and analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Six themes were identified: (1) Contrasting facial donation to that of more commonly donated organs; (2) Consenting to facial donation; (3) Expectations towards the recipient of the facial graft; (4) Expectations and consequences of restoration of the donor's face; (5) Relationship with the medical team during the process; and (6) Media attention. The findings of our study help to better support donor families through the facial donation process and to improve facial transplantation procedures.

[The art of facial prosthetics]. / Kunst verankerd in het gelaat.

BACKGROUND: Anaplastology is the discipline devoted to the construction of epithesis. An epithesis is a prosthesis that replaces soft tissue. This offers a solution for patients with a facial defect. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 78-year-old woman, who had undergone ablative surgical treatment for a squamous cell carcinoma of the left ear, was left with a large defect in the mastoid region. This defect had a severe impact on her psychosocial functioning. For this patient an episthesis was constructed to replace the left ear. After this, her psychosocial problems were greatly improved. CONCLUSION: A nearly-realistic episthesis can reduce the negative psychosocial effects of facial mutilation. The construction requires multidisciplinary treatment. In order to achieve the optimal result, an anaplastologist must have well developed artistic capacities. Feeling for detail, form and colour are essential. Modern 3D technology contributes to a more precise, quicker and cosmetically high-quality result.