Facial Tissues Donation and Facial Transplantation: Knowledge Evaluation of the Population about this New Procedure

Abstract

Background: Face transplantation is a complex procedure on a medical, moral and psychological point of view. Therefore, provides many benefits in improving aesthetic function and social integration. We evaluate the knowledge of the population about the donation and transplantation of facial tissues. Methods: A questionnaire was administered to 430 people, randomly selected, with twenty-one years of age or older, collected in all regions of the city of Botucatu. The evaluation of the objective responses in the different issues was accomplished by establishing a frequency distribution data. The descriptive questions were analyzed by reading them. Results: Between participants, 65.8% did not have knowledge about the possibility of facial tissue donation, however, 90.1% of them knows that face transplantation is indicated in cases of facial deformities, 51.7% are able to donate tissues of the face, 67.7% are not aware how their families would react against its manifestation in life to donate face tissues, 84% have no knowledge about the implications on the funeral ceremonies. Of participants, 359 would accept to live with another face if necessary and 375 would support any family members in being a donor. Conclusion: The population showed a limited knowledge about the donation and transplantation of face tissues, but would accept to live with it if necessary and support family members in being donors. They considered the donation an important act and required more information on the subject.