Successful full face transplant for US man

A 37- YEAR-OLD MAN injured in a 1997 gun accident has been given a new face, teeth, tongue and jaw in what doctors say is the most extensive face transplant ever performed.

University of Maryland Medical Centre officials announced yesterday that Richard Lee Norris is recovering well after last week’s surgery, beginning to feel his face and already brushing his teeth and shaving.

He has also regained his sense of smell, which he had lost after the accident.

Mr Norris has spent the past 15 years living as a recluse, and the transplant will give him his life back, said Dr Eduardo Rodriguez, the lead surgeon.

He said: “Before, people used to stare at Richard because he wore a mask and they wanted to see the deformity.

“Now, they have another reason to stare at him, and it’s really amazing.”

It was the 23rd face transplant since doctors began doing the procedure seven years ago.

The 36-hour operation was the most extensive as it included transplantation of the teeth, tongue, upper and lower jaw and all facial tissue from the scalp to the base of the neck, Dr Rodriguez said.

The first full face transplant was performed in France in 2005 on a woman who was mauled by her dog.

Officials provided little detail on Mr Norris or the circumstances of the accident.

Dr Rodriguez said: “This accidental injury just destroyed everything.

“He wants to make up for all of that.”