Derek Pfaff’s 50-hour face transplant gives him a new beginning after he spent ten years recovering from a life-altering suicide attempt. His hope for the future and his face structure were both restored by the Mayo Clinic surgery.
Nearly ten years after suffering terrible facial injuries in a suicide attempt, 30-year-old Derek Pfaff of Michigan achieved a remarkable medical milestone by receiving a life-altering face transplant at the Mayo Clinic.
In addition to improving his appearance, the innovative 50-hour procedure, which was carried out by a group of 80 doctors, has given him a new lease on life.
Pfaff’s adventure started in 2014 when a life-altering event occurred. Before being referred for a face transplant, the only practical way to restore his facial structure, he had 58 reconstructive surgeries after losing his nose, jaw, teeth, and portions of his forehead.
His nose, upper and lower jaws, eyelids, and the muscles necessary for facial expressions were among the 85% of his face that was restored during the February transplant. The scientists used microsurgery procedures and sophisticated 3D-printed guidelines to make sure Pfaff’s new face worked flawlessly, even enabling him to cry and smile naturally.
Pfaff describes the change as nothing less than a miracle. He remarked, “I feel like a person again,” recalling his initial impression of his new face precisely ten years after his attempt.
He now takes medicine to avoid transplant rejection and works with speech therapists.
Pfaff is currently working to increase awareness of suicide and utilize his story to give hope. When he said, “The sun will rise tomorrow,” “Stay positive, no matter what.”
Experts emphasize the need of addressing mental health through empathy and support, making suicide prevention initiatives crucial on a global scale.
