An American man who suffered severe damage to his face after attempting to take his own life, unable to withstand the stress of studying, found a new life after undergoing facial recognition surgery.
Local media, including CNN in the U.S., reported the story of Derek Pfaff (30), who had a new face after receiving 85% of his face transplanted with donor tissue.
Derek, from Harbor Beach, Michigan, was a college student who excelled in academics and even served as captain of the football team. However, on the night of March 5, 2014, due to academic stress, he took the extreme step of shooting himself with a gun.
At that time, he pointed a shotgun at his head and pulled the trigger. After discovering that the home’s gun cabinet was open, father Jerry Pfaff looked around the house and found his son lying unconscious in a snowbank next to the garage. Derek was rushed to the hospital and received treatment.
“I don’t remember anything,” Derek said. “I don’t remember anything until the moment I pulled out the gun, went outside, and shot myself.”
Fortunately, Derek survived, but his face was seriously damaged by the gunshot wound. He lost his nose, lips, teeth and part of his forehead. He lost his sense of smell and was unable to breathe through his nose, smile, or blink his eyes. I had difficulty chewing and swallowing food, so I ate through a tube.
Afterwards, Derek underwent facial reconstruction surgery 58 times, but there were limitations. He was missing his nose, jaw, teeth, eyelids and part of his forehead bone, and had difficulty chewing and speaking.
Lisa Pfaff, Pfaff’s mother, said, “The medical staff said there was no further treatment that could be done, saying, ‘the only thing left was a face transplant surgery.’ My son was always an active and sociable child, so I was shocked by what he did at first, but then I couldn’t stop him.” I felt guilty that I couldn’t do it. But when I thought about it, everything happened quickly like a whirlpool, and all I could do now was for my family to work together and get through this time well,” he recalled.
Pfaff decided to undergo face transplant surgery at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota.
Face transplant surgery refers to transplanting donated skin, such as the nose, lips, and eyes around a brain-dead person, to a person who has lost part or all of their face. It is a high-level surgery in which an incision is made from the donor’s forehead to the chin, the blood vessels, nerves, and muscles under the skin are separated, and then they are connected in turn to the blood vessels, nerves, and muscles of the patient who will receive the facial transplant.
The medical staff performed virtual surgery using 3D printing technology and digital technology, accurately planning which part of the bone to incise and at what angle. The donor and Derek’s facial nerves were precisely connected so that the nerves function naturally when Derek smiles. It took over 9 months just to plan and practice for the surgery.
Last February, when a donor appeared, Derek was able to receive a face transplant. The surgery took more than 50 hours and more than 80 medical staff were involved. The transplanted areas included part of the forehead, nose, cheekbones, teeth, upper and lower jaw, eyelids, mouth, facial muscles, and skin of the face and neck.
About 85% of Derek’s face was replaced with donor tissue. Thanks to this surgery, Derek can breathe through his nose for the first time in 10 years. It has become possible to express emotions with the face, such as joy, laughter, sadness, and disappointment.
The hospital did not allow Derek to see his new face for a month after the surgery. They took away cameras, cell phones and iPads and blocked the bathroom mirror. During this period, he recovered and received psychiatric counseling.
Derek finally faced himself in the mirror on March 5th. It was exactly 10 years since the day I attempted to choose the extreme. He was thrilled and said, “I feel like I have become a person again, and I feel like I have been given a second chance.”
Derek will need to take immunosuppressants for the rest of his life to reduce rejection after the transplant. He exercises twice a week and also receives speech therapy.
Even in this situation, Derek decided to look at life positively. Derek emphasized, “A new sun will rise tomorrow,” and “No matter how difficult the situation is, you must know how to overcome it and maintain a positive attitude.”
He went on to say, “I hope people are aware of suicide,” and said he plans to actively participate in suicide prevention campaigns and share his story with the world.
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How does 3D printing technology improve outcomes in complex surgical procedures like facial transplants?
Interview: The Transformative Journey of Derek Pfaff—An Insight into Facial Transplant Surgery
Editor (Time.news): Good day, everyone! Today, we have an inspiring story to share—a tale of resilience, transformation, and groundbreaking medical science. Joining us is Dr. Sarah Thompson, a leading expert in facial reconstructive surgery and transplantation. Thank you for being here, Dr. Thompson.
Dr. Thompson: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to discuss such a significant and uplifting case.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. The story of Derek Pfaff is heartbreaking yet inspiring. He experienced extreme academic stress that led to a tragic attempt on his life. Can you shed some light on the psychological factors in such cases and the importance of mental health support for students?
Dr. Thompson: Absolutely. Derek’s situation highlights a critical issue—mental health among students. The pressure to excel academically can be overwhelming, and sadly, in some cases, it leads to extreme actions. It’s vital for institutions to not only promote academic success but also foster environments where students feel safe to discuss their mental health challenges. Access to counseling and support systems is crucial.
Editor: Well said. After surviving his attempt, Derek faced significant physical challenges due to his injuries. He underwent numerous surgeries with limited success before finally opting for facial transplant surgery. What are the typical challenges patients face after such traumatic injuries?
Dr. Thompson: Patients like Derek often face severe limitations in basic functions such as speaking, eating, and breathing. The psychological toll can be just as debilitating—loss of identity, self-esteem, and social interactions can profoundly affect their mental and emotional well-being. It’s a multi-faceted recovery process that requires not only surgical intervention but also extensive psychological support.
Editor: It’s incredible that Derek underwent 58 reconstruction surgeries prior to his successful face transplant. What makes facial transplant surgery different from conventional reconstructive procedures?
Dr. Thompson: Great question! While conventional surgeries aim to reconstruct damaged areas using techniques like grafting or flap surgery, facial transplants involve the transfer of living tissue from a donor. This means not only restoring form but also function—particularly crucial nerves and blood vessels. It’s a highly complex surgery, demanding extensive pre-operative planning, as seen in Derek’s case.
Editor: Speaking of planning, the use of 3D printing technology and digital modeling was pivotal in Derek’s surgery. Can you elaborate on how these innovations enhance surgical outcomes?
Dr. Thompson: 3D modeling allows us to visualize and simulate surgical procedures before they happen. We can practice the operation on a precise replica of the patient’s anatomy, which reduces risks during the actual surgery. In Derek’s case, this technology ensured that the integration of his nerves and blood vessels was executed as seamlessly as possible, facilitating a natural functioning of the new tissue after surgery.
Editor: Fascinating! The surgery involved over 80 medical staff and lasted more than 50 hours. What does such a large team collaboration entail in the operating room?
Dr. Thompson: It requires meticulous coordination and communication. Each team member has specialized roles, from anesthesiology to surgical nursing, and we work as a cohesive unit. Every detail is critical, as the complexities of transplant surgery mean that even small oversights can have significant consequences. It’s a testament to the expertise and dedication of the healthcare team.
Editor: In the months leading up to the surgery, Derek and his family experienced a whirlwind of emotions. For families supporting someone through such a challenging time, what can you advise?
Dr. Thompson: Open communication is vital. Families should engage in honest discussions about fears, hopes, and expectations. It’s essential for them to seek support for themselves as well, as caregiving can be emotionally taxing. Equally important is to celebrate small victories along the way—each step forward can help build a sense of hope and resilience.
Editor: Derek’s story is a testament to the power of hope and the advancements in medical science. how do you view the future of facial transplant technology and its potential for helping patients like Derek?
Dr. Thompson: The future is incredibly promising. As technology continues to evolve, we’re likely to see improved surgical techniques and better biocompatibility of donor tissues. This could lead to more successful outcomes for patients. Moreover, raising awareness about organ donation and mental health can help support not only individuals recovering from trauma but also the community as a whole.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Thompson, for sharing your expertise and insights. Derek’s transformation is a powerful reminder of resilience, and it shows how far we’ve come in the realm of medicine. We hope stories like his encourage more conversations around mental health and the support systems we need in our society.
Dr. Thompson: Thank you for highlighting this important narrative. It’s been a pleasure discussing it. Let’s continue to advocate for mental health and medical innovation together!
Editor: Until next time, everyone—let’s keep the conversation going!