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Integrated 3-D Imaging Facilitates Human Face Transplantation
Face transplantation is a lengthy, complicated procedure that
involves reconstruction of multiple tissues by a team of
surgeons; © panthermedia.net/Giordano Aita Devastating injuries
or defects of the face are extremely challenging, if not
impossible, to satisfactorily reconstruct by traditional
surgical techniques. In face transplantation, facial tissue from
a donor is transferred to reconstruct the defect, restore
essential life-sustaining functions − such as breathing, chewing
and speaking − and, above all, re-establish normal human
appearance. "This surgery is for patients with devastating
injuries to the face, who have lost their ability to smell, eat
and engage socially and have no other conventional treatment
options," said Doctor Vijay S. Gorantla of UPMC. Clearly
defining and understanding the complex tissue deficits and
defects that accompany devastating facial injuries like elec