Face Necrosis From Bacterial Infection... World’s First Face Transplant From an Assisted-Death Donor Succeeds

Performed at Vall d'Hebron University Hospital in Spain
Strict conditions on blood type, face size, and more

A groundbreaking surgery has been carried out in Spain to transplant the face of a patient who chose assisted dying. It is reported that around 100 specialized medical staff took part.

According to the British outlet the Daily Mail on the 3rd (local time), the operation was performed at Vall d'Hebron University Hospital in Barcelona. The hospital told the outlet, "This surgery was a complex procedure involving the transplantation of composite tissue from the central area of the face," adding that "around 100 specialists, including psychiatrists and immunologists, participated in the operation."

Carme, a patient who successfully underwent a face transplant. Screenshot from the Daily Mail

Attending physician Elisabeth Navas stressed, "The donor showed a level of maturity that is beyond words. It is astonishing that someone who decided to end their life also chose to give another person a second life."

The recipient of the transplant, Carme, is a patient who, in the past, suffered tissue necrosis of the face after being bitten by an insect and subsequently infected by bacteria. After the accident, it is reported that essential abilities for daily life, such as speaking, eating, and seeing without assistance, were all diminished.

However, her condition has gradually improved since receiving the donor’s face. Carme told the Daily Mail, "When I look in the mirror at home, it feels like my face is becoming more and more natural," adding, "My recovery is going smoothly." She continued, "My biggest wish is to smile naturally again like before and to move my facial muscles freely," and added, "I have always liked to smile. I still smile now, but it still feels unfamiliar."

Face transplantation is an extremely demanding procedure, as the donor and recipient must have the same sex and blood type, and their facial size must be almost identical. This operation became possible when a donor who chose assisted dying last year was matched with Carme in a dramatic turn of events.

Meanwhile, Spain has permitted assisted dying since 2021. The medical team said that the assisted dying patient who decided to donate their face to Carme did not reveal their identity, but felt great happiness in knowing that by donating their face, organs, tissues, and other body parts, they could help many people.