After a serious gunshot wound, Derek overcame ten years of challenges and regained facial function.
American Derek Pfaff, 30, has experienced a decade of challenges after an accident which left him with serious facial damage. At age 19, Derek impaired essential functions such as blinking, breathing through his nose, smiling and swallowing after a shot was fired in his face. During this period he underwent 58 reconstructive surgeries, but was unable to completely restore his facial functions.
In February 2024, he underwent a face transplant performed by the Mayo Clinic team, a procedure that involved more than 80 professionals and lasted about 50 hours. The surgery, which replaced around 85 per cent of his face – including his maxilla, mandible, teeth and nose – gave Derek the ability to smile, speak and breathe normally.
“I was under a lot of pressure in college and I don’t remember making the decision to take my own life. When I woke up in the hospital, I thought I had been in a car accident. I survived for a reason and I want to help other people. I am so grateful to my donor, his family and the team at Mayo Clinic for giving me this second chance,” Derek said in a statement.
Rare procedure
Despite the visible improvements in Derek’s appearance, the surgeon in charge, Samir Mardini, emphasizes that the main goal of the surgery is not aesthetic. “This is not an intervention aimed at aesthetics, but at the recovery of vital functions, such as smiling, speaking and breathing,” he explains.
Face transplants are still extremely rare and complex procedures, performed fewer than 60 times worldwide since the first case 19 years ago. The Mayo Clinic has distinguished itself as one of the pioneering institutions in this area, developing specific programs since 2016.
After the transplant, Derek underwent further surgery to fix his eyelids, tongue and facial nerves, which are essential for full recovery of function. Today he is able to express emotions such as happiness and sadness, which seemed impossible after the 2014 accident.
A new life
Derek, who has become an advocate for suicide prevention, shares his story to raise awareness of the importance of seeking help. “This surgery transformed my life. Now I feel more confident, with the intention of building a family and continuing to help as many people as possible,” he says.
According to Mardini, the impact of a face transplant goes beyond functionality: “While other transplants save lives, a face transplant restores life.”
Nearly nine months after surgery, Derek celebrates not only his physical recovery, but also his mission to inspire others with his journey of overcoming and hope.
Seek help
If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, remember that you are not alone. Talking about what you’re feeling can be the first step to finding help and support. Reach out to friends, family, or mental health professionals.
Call 188 (Life Enhancement Center – CVV) or seek specialized help.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
