16 Nov NYU Reports Most Extensive Face Transplant To Hero Firefighter

Patrick Hardison was severely injured in September 2001 in Mississippi, while attempting to rescue a woman in a burning home. He had dozens of surgeries as he continued to try to work and care for his five children. These surgeries grafted skin from his legs onto his entire scalp and face.

Patrick Hardison before surgery (left) and in November 2015, nearly three months after the surgery.

Mr. Hardison was referred to Dr. Eduardo D. Rodriguez, of NYU Langone Medical Center for consideration of facial transplantation.

Three months August 14, 2015 ago Dr. Rodriguez were able to give Patrick a new face, scalp, ears and ear canals, new eyelids and the muscles that control blinking.

Liveon-NewYork coordinated the difficult search for a perfect match, including light skin color, similar bone structure, no antibodies that would cause rejection and same blood type. A donor was identified on August 12 2014, a young man who was killed in a cycling accident. The donor’s mother generously agreed to the donation. The donor’s other organs: heart, liver, kidneys, bone and eyes were also generously donated.

There is an animation of the transplant procedure and more information regarding NYU Langone’s facial transplantation program here (link).

Last Updated on November 16, 2015 by Marie Benz MD FAAD