Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation after Face Transplantation

Abstract

Our face is the first thing that others notice and remember about us. Our faces, however, serve more than aesthetic importance and value. The function the face plays in basic every day activities cannot be overstated. The face plays an important role in functional needs such as speech, communicative competence, eye protection, and emotional expressiveness. However, the ability to use these functions following face transplantation may not be complete. Therefore, Physical medicine and rehabilitation is a necessary aspect of the rehabilitation process following this procedure. It is necessary for both the patient and transplant team to realize the importance of PT, OT, and SLP and their role in recovery. Face transplantation offers a new area for the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation specialist to explore and provide an invaluable service.