A man who underwent a 25-hour face transplant after he shot himself in the head has revealed the amazing results of his surgery.
Following the suicide attempt in 2016, Cameron Underwood lost the majority of his lower jaw, his nose, almost all his teeth and suffered severe damage to his maxillary region and palate.
The 26-year-old had tried conventional reconstruction surgery before discovering Dr Eduardo Rodriguez at NYU Langone Health in Manhattan, New York.
Now, nearly 11 months after the operation, Mr Underwood is hoping to return to the life he had before his injuries. He said the first time he saw his new face was "breathtaking".
He said: “I am so grateful to have a face transplant because it gives me a second chance at life.
“Even though I’m still recovering and gaining back sensation and mobility, mostly with my lips, I’m still very happy with the results.
"I have a nose, and a mouth so I’m able to smile, to speak and eat solid foods again.
“I was overwhelmed with excitement.”
The welder and machinist had suffered with depression since his early teens when he tried to take his own life.
It was the third transplant performed by Dr Rodriguez and his team, and had the shortest period of time from injury to transplant than any previous case.
Mr Underwood's mother, Beverly Bailey-Potter, said: “When we read about what Dr. Rodriguez had done for his other patients, we knew he was the only person to whom we would trust Cameron’s life.
"We were willing to travel the long distance.”
The surgery required the use of 3D surgical planning and a 3D printed mask of the donor’s face – a new approach for the team.
The procedure included transplanting and reconstructing, the upper and low jaw bones, including all 32 teeth and gums, the roof of the mouth, the lower eyelids and cheeks, and the nose and sections of the nasal passage.
Dr Rodriguez led a team of more than 100 medical professionals to complete the operation, which began on January 5.
He said: "When we first met Cameron, we were confident we could improve his appearance and, more importantly, his function and quality of life.
"Advances in medical technology allow us to more rapidly evaluate donors and recipients for face transplant, and to perform surgery more safely and efficiently.
“But, in the end, it's all about the patient. Cameron has pu in the work and has made the necessary commitments.
“Having already done two face transplants, we identified even before we entered the OR where we could reduce surgical time
"This is critically important, not only from a fatigue factor for the surgical team, but also for Cameron's recovery.
“A shorter surgery often translates into less risk of complications."
The donor was 23-year-old student William Fisher from New York.
His mother, Sally, said in a statement: “My son’s death was a tragedy. I am thankful that, in honouring his decision, we were able to give life to others.”
Mr Fisher, who registered as an organ donor in his teenage years, was identified as Mr Underwood’s donor the day before the life-changing surgery.
