Face transplant success

[Batgirl]

By Nicole Martin in Valenciennes
(Filed: 03/12/2005)

The surgical team who performed the world's first face transplant say the 15-hour operation has "far surpassed" its expectations.

Isabelle Dinoire, 38, lost her chin, lips and part of her nose when she was mauled by her labrador-cross at home in Valenciennes, northern France, in May. In addition to the skin, her surgeons restored veins, arteries, muscles and nerves - some the size of a "string on the end of a runner bean".


A 3D model of the reconstruction of the woman's nose, lips and chin

Bernard Devauchelle, who led the team, said it would take six months for Miss Dinoire to regain proper feeling and movement in her new face. Computer imaging indicates that she will not resemble her donor - an unidentified brain-dead woman - but will be a hybrid of the two.

Prof Devauchelle said: "She will have to reappropriate her face. She is doing well, physically, immunologically and psychologically."

Doctors bandaged Miss Dinoire in such a way that she was unable to see the extent of her injuries during the seven months leading up to her operation at Amiens hospital.

Before the transplant she found it hard to breathe, eat or drink. Since the surgery, the divorced mother of two teenagers has been able to drink coffee and fruit juice, her doctors said.

Telegraph