Recluse gets life back with face transplant

AFTER 15 years of wearing a mask and living as a recluse, an American man disfigured in a gun accident has been given a new face, nose, teeth and jaw in what his doctors said is the most extensive face transplant ever performed.

Richard Lee Norris, 37, of Hillsville, Virginia, is recovering well after last week’s surgery, beginning to feel his face and already brushing his teeth and shaving, University of Maryland Medical Centre doctors said. He has also regained his sense of smell, which he had lost after the accident.

Mr Norris, who was selected from among five possible candidates for the surgery, has been living as a recluse, doing his shopping at night. It is hoped the transplant will give him his life back, said Eduardo Rodriguez, the lead surgeon.

He said: “It’s hard not to stare. 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.”