Face Transplant Surgeons Plead For Privacy

British 'chequebook journalism' could jeopardize procedure
By Sam Biddle,  Newser Staff
Posted Jul 8, 2007 3:56 PM CDT
Face Transplant Surgeons Plead For Privacy
Combo of pictures (dated, at L 06 February 2006, at R from November...   (Getty Images)

Doctors are preparing to execute Britain's first face transplant, but first they must face off with relatives of potential patients and the media eager to buy their stories, the Guardian reports. The press has fixed it eyes and nose on the upcoming operation, but surgeons say publicity for patients seeking it could both nullify their fully-informed consent and delay completion.

A relative of one patient seeking a new kisser had attempted to sell the tale to a tabloid, and surgeons are begging other families not to follow suit. Isabelle Dinoire, the recipient of the world's first face transplant, remained entirely anonymous in France until the surgery had been completed. (More plastic surgery stories.)

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