Here are some photos from TIME Photos which show the transformation of Richard Lee Norris’s faces before and after the first-ever facial transplant.
According to TIME, the Office of Naval Research has funded work into vascularized composite transplantation that led to a vascularized composite allograft – a face transplant – for a 37-year old Virginia man at the University of Maryland a week ago. There are some 200 U.S. veterans who might benefit from such an operation.
Richard Lee Norris of Hillsville, Va., in a 1993 prom photo.
Photo of Richard Lee Norris after the gun accident
Norris, a victim of a 1997 gun accident, has lived as a recluse with his parents in southwest Virginia, since the accident, generally going out only at night.
A CT scan of Norris’ shattered face.
Photo of CT Scan after surgery
A CT scan of Norris’s face after surgery, which included replacing both jaws, teeth and tongue, at the University of Maryland. A 150-strong medical team performed the 36-hour operation.
Richard Lee Norris photo after the face transplant
Norris after the March 19-20 surgery at the University of Maryland Medical Center. Doctors say his new face doesn’t resemble the anonymous donor. “It’s a combination of two individuals, a true blend,” Dr. Eduardo Rodriguez, the lead surgeon, said, according to the Associated Press.
Absolutely amazing. Major kudos to the research scientists, doctors and surgeons who worked hard at making this a success. Hopefully many more will come.
Motley News 
Leave a reply to Rachael Black Cancel reply