A touching meeting with Uğur, who received her father's face transplant
13 years ago in Turkey, the first face transplant was performed, and Uğur Acar (33) met with the daughter of the donor Ahmet Kaya (35), Emine Kaya, on the anniversary of the operation. After an emotional video call, Acar cut a cake to celebrate the 13th year of his second life.
Uğur Acar, born in the village of Gebece in Manavgat and suffering facial burns in a house fire when he was one month old, started his new life after the first face transplant in Turkey, performed on January 21, 2012, by Professor Dr. Ömer Özkan and his team at the Akdeniz University Hospital. Due to the burns on his face, Acar had to interrupt his education but finished high school through distance learning. In 2022, he obtained his diploma and passed the Public Personnel Selection Exam (KPSS). After passing the exam, Acar became a permanent staff member at Akdeniz University, where he continued his treatment. While working at the university, he also prepared for university exams, and 13 years after his face transplant, his life was completely changed.
MY FATHER'S FACE LIVES ON IN UĞUR
Uğur Acar, who has never lost contact with the family of the donor Ahmet Kaya, frequently communicates with them. He regularly makes video calls and always asks if they need anything. Emotional moments are sometimes shared during the video calls with Ahmet Kaya’s daughter, Emine. Emine said, “When I see my father's face on Uğur, I pray. We have now become a family with Uğur. He always helps us. When we communicate with him, we feel happy. My father passed away 13 years ago, but his face still lives on in Uğur.”
Acar mentioned that he always supports the Kaya family, whom he considers his own family. He said, “I call them, and they are always happy to talk. May God be pleased with our brother Ahmet Kaya, he gave me a second chance at life. It has been 13 years, but we haven't cut ties with the family.”
HE MUST PAY ATTENTION TO HIS HEALTH
Professor Dr. Ömer Özkan, the head of the team that performed the transplant, stated that the operation they performed 13 years ago was a first in Turkey and attracted great attention at the time. He shared that Uğur Acar's health is closely monitored. “Uğur must pay attention to his health. Factors such as his nutrition and sleep schedule are very important. Unfortunately, organ donation rates are still not at the levels we want. Face transplants are one thing, but donations for organs such as liver, kidneys, uterus, and heart are still at very low levels,” said Professor Özkan.
He also emphasized that Acar’s continued communication with the donor’s family is a beautiful gesture and that transplants can change people’s lives and give them a second chance.
A special cake was prepared for the 13th anniversary. After blowing out the candles on the cake, Acar thanked the Rector of Akdeniz University, Professor Dr. Özlenen Özkan, and Professor Dr. Ömer Özkan.
