From Concepts to Reality: The Concurrent Development of Facial Transplantation From Animal Models

Facial transplantation represents a pivotal advancement in reconstructive surgery, aimed at restoring function and esthetics in patients with severe facial deformities resulting from traumatic injuries. Initiated by the first successful procedure in 2005, vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA) has evolved through extensive preclinical research using animal models. These models have been instrumental in addressing the technical feasibility, refining immunological protocols, and advancing surgical techniques used in modern human facial transplantation. In this article, we aim to review the trajectory of facial VCA development, underscoring the essential role of animal research in the field’s advancement and the translational application of these findings to human procedures.