The First Face Transplant Patient in the World from France is recovering well. Doctors report that she is very pleased with her new face and has expressed gratitude for their efforts.
“The first words she said were Thank you,” said Bernard Devauchelle, one of the surgeons involved in the operation, during a press conference in Lyon, France.
He noted that the patient was awake 24 hours after the surgery and experienced no postoperative complications. She was able to eat and speak earlier this week.
“She has seen her new face and appears very happy,” said Jean-Michel Dubernard, another surgeon on the team. “The patient’s condition is quite good, both physically and psychologically.”
This female patient hails from Lille, but her identity has been kept confidential. Doctors mentioned that there is still a risk of complications, such as tissue rejection and potential cancer due to the medications used to prevent the immune system from rejecting the new facial parts.
According to the doctors, the patient will need to undergo physical therapy, speech therapy, and possibly psychological counseling, and it may take several months for her face to regain full sensitivity.
“She has been eating, drinking, and speaking clearly. Before the surgery, she had no lips, which made it very difficult for her to breathe, eat, or drink,” Jean-Michel Dubernard stated.
