Derek Pfaff becomes one of fewer than 60 people worldwide to receive a successful face transplant
A 30-year-old Michigan man, Derek Pfaff, has joined the ranks of fewer than 60 individuals worldwide who have undergone a successful face transplant. After surviving a suicide attempt that left him with severe facial trauma, Pfaff’s life took a transformative turn earlier this year following a groundbreaking surgical procedure.
Performed at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, the surgery spanned over 50 hours and involved the expertise of more than 80 medical professionals. The complex operation marked a significant milestone in the world of reconstructive surgery and gave Pfaff a chance to rebuild his life.
“In the last 20 years, only slightly more than 50 face transplants have been performed globally,” noted the Mayo Clinic, underscoring the rarity of this achievement.
A decade of surgeries leads to a life-changing decision
Before undergoing the face transplant, Pfaff had spent 10 years enduring 58 reconstructive surgeries, which left him unable to eat solid food or engage in casual conversations with friends and family. The absence of a nose further complicated his life, making it impossible for him to wear glasses.
“After my last surgery, the doctor told my parents there was nothing more they could do except refer us to a place for a face transplant,” Pfaff shared in a video released by the Mayo Clinic. “This surgery has transformed my life. I feel so much more confident.”
Grateful for his second chance, Pfaff said, “I’m going to keep sharing my story with others to help as many people as I can. I lived for a reason. I want to help others. I am so grateful to my donor, his family, and my care team at Mayo Clinic for giving me this second chance.”
The extensive reconstruction
According to medical experts, approximately 85% of Pfaff’s face has been reconstructed using donor tissue. The surgery included the replacement of his upper and lower eyelids, jaws, teeth, nose, cheek structure, and neck skin.
The success of the operation has been hailed as a testament to the advancements in reconstructive and transplant medicine.
The night that changed everything
Pfaff’s journey to recovery began with a tragic moment. On March 5, 2014, during college spring break, 19-year-old Pfaff attempted to end his life at his family’s home.
“I don’t remember anything,” he recalled. “I don’t remember getting the gun, going outside, shooting myself, or the weeks afterward.”
Shortly after 1:30 a.m., his father, Jerry Pfaff, discovered the family’s gun cabinet open and found Derek lying unconscious on a snowbank near the garage. Rushed to the hospital, Pfaff defied all odds and regained consciousness, though the physical and emotional scars were profound.
A miraculous survival and a new chapter
Reflecting on her son’s survival, Lisa Pfaff, Derek’s mother, described the experience as miraculous. “The doctors told us there was no way Derek was going to make it,” she said. “It’s a miracle he lived.”
Now, with his life transformed by the face transplant, Pfaff is determined to use his story to inspire others facing similar struggles. His resilience and the groundbreaking surgery have offered hope to countless individuals, highlighting the power of medical innovation and human determination.