Originally from Ostrava, Professor Bohdan Pomahač became a global name after leading the first full face transplant in the U.S. at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. His patients were not seeking beauty — they were burn survivors and accident victims. He gave them back the ability to smile, express emotions, and live without fear.
Pioneering Achievements in Facial Transplantation
Professor Bohdan Pomahač is a Czech-born plastic surgeon renowned for his groundbreaking work in facial transplantation. He led the team that performed the first full face transplant in the United States in 2011, marking a significant milestone in reconstructive surgery. These procedures not only restored physical appearance but also vital functions such as eating, breathing, and emotional expression .
Innovations in Limb Preservation
Beyond facial transplants, Dr. Pomahač has contributed to advancements in limb preservation. He developed a portable device capable of keeping amputated limbs viable for 12–24 hours, extending the critical window for successful reattachment. This innovation holds significant promise for both civilian trauma care and military medicine.
Leadership and Recognition
Currently, Dr. Pomahač serves as the Chief of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery at Yale School of Medicine, where he continues to advance the field through clinical practice and research . His work has earned him numerous accolades, including the Medal of Honor from the President of the Czech Republic in 2015 and the Gratias Agit Award in 2019 .
So next time someone brings up Czechia just for its beer or fairytale castles, don’t forget to add this: it’s also home to Czech Plastic Surgery and doctors who are out there changing the world.