Seven Months Later, Face Transplant Patient Doing Well

A Virginia man who received a full-face transplant seven months ago eats primarily by mouth, and can taste and smell, the University of Maryland Medical Center announced Tuesday.

Richard Lee Norris of Hillsville, Va., received the transplant during a 36-hour procedure in March, which medical staff said was the most comprehensive yet. The doctor in charge of the surgery said the team had wanted to restore Norris' face "in the most aesthetic manner possible."

The transplant included the replacement of teeth, tongue, skin and both jaws, as well as underlying nerve and muscle tissue from scalp to neck.

"For the past 15 years I lived as a recluse hiding behind a surgical mask and doing most of my shopping at night when less people were around," Norris said in a release from the university.

He had been injured in a gun accident in 1997.

"I am now able to walk past people and no one even gives me a second look," he said in the release. "My friends have moved on with their lives, starting families and careers. I can now start working on the new life given back to me."

Norris now spends his time fishing and golfing. He was quoted as saying he is regaining his speech, and can smile and show expression. He still attends physical therapy and speech therapy.

http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/Face-transplant-patient-doing-well-after-7-months-174425191.html