Health3 min(s) read
A former fireman who was left with horrific injuries was given life-changing surgery after receiving a face transplant, but what has come of him since?
Patrick Hardison was left seriously injured after tackling a blaze in New York back in September 2001, just days before the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
Hardison, now 41, was left with significant facial disfigurement, meaning he had no eyelids, ears or lips.
A roof collapsed on the firefighter after he entered a burning home during a rescue search.
As such, Patrick sustained facial deformities, as well as burns across his neck and upper torso.
Patrick has since undergone over 70 surgeries in an attempt to give him a better quality of life and rectify some of the damage caused to his appearance, but - despite extensive surgeries - he was unable to make a full return to living a normal life.
As such, Patrick was referred to Dr Eduardo Rodriguez, a specialist plastic surgeon, along with a team of 100 physicians at the Helen L. Kimmel Professor of Reconstructive Plastic Surgery.
While operating in two adjoining operating theatres, one team worked to remove the face of the donor, while the other team focused on removing Patrick's face and the burns on his scalp, successfully transplanting the new face.
This surgery, which symbolizes a considerable development in cosmetic surgical healthcare, recorded several firsts including transplantation of the ears, ear canals, selective bony structures (chin and entire nose), 3D printed patient-specific cutting guides, as well as precise placement of patient-specific metal plates and screws.
Yet, it was the transplantation of the donor's eyelids and blinking mechanisms that were cited as the major accomplishments, with Patrick in potential danger of losing his sight.
Discussing his new face, Patrick said: "I am deeply grateful to my donor and his family.
"Even though I did not know who they would be, I prayed for them every day, knowing the difficult decision they would have to make in order to help me.
"I hope they see in me the goodness of their decision.
"I also want to thank Dr. Rodriguez and his amazing team.
"They have given me more than a new face."
"They have given me a new life... I am very excited to share my story to help others.
The leading surgeon Dr Rodriguez also paid tribute to Patrick and his team of surgeons before reflecting on the completed operation.
He commented, "His surgery sets new standards in facial transplantation and will serve as an amazing learning tool.
"I am particularly encouraged with the success we have achieved in transplanting David's eyelids and blinking mechanisms to Patrick.
Over a decade after the life-altering surgery was completed, Patrick has gone through the normal aging process, and has spoken about how his family setup has aided his recovery from the operation.
"You got to have a good family," Patrick said in an interview with MyFace.
"That's all I've ever wanted out of life, as a family.
"You've got to have good people and a good support system at home."
