THE RECIPIENT OF the world’s first full face transplant has appeared in public for the first time, thanking his doctors and his donor’s family.
The 31-year-old Spanish man, identified only as Oscar, underwent a 24-hour operation in Barcelona involving 30 experts. The man was involved in a shooting accident five years ago which seriously damaged his face.
His entire facial skin and muscles needed to be replaced, as did his teeth and jawbone. Doctors says he should regain up to 90% of his facial functions, but will need more physical therapy.
Previous face transplant operations were only partial transplants.
Oscar, the man who underwent a full face transplant in April, appears in public for the first time.
'Oscar's' injuries before the face transplant.
Computer generated image showing the steps of the procedure involved.
Computer generated image showing the reconstruction of the patient's face.
The operation was carried out by a team at the Vall d-Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona.
