Hardison’s experience is unique for many reasons. One of which is the unlikelihood of receiving a donation like he did. Even for registered organ donors, families still have to give approval before a face is removed for transplant. While Rodebaugh’s family was willing, the idea of removing a loved one’s face post-mortem is too much to ask for many.
Current replacement masks for deceased face donors are made of hard silicone and are only 75 percent accurate to the face they are replacing.
“The silicone masks we use today are archaic.”
Dr. Eduardo Rodriguez is seeking to change that.
