Virginia man recuperating from full face transplant - latimes.com

Norris, 37, of Virginia was disfigured in a gun accident and had been wearing a mask for 15 years, living the life of a recluse, according to the medical center where the procedure was performed. During 36 hours of surgery, he received a new face, nose, teeth and jaw, according to the hospital.

The patient continues to recuperate, a hospital spokeswoman said by telephone Wednesday.

When doctors announced the surgery Tuesday, they said Norris had been living as a recluse. A week after the surgery, he has begun to feel his face, is brushing his teeth and shaving, and has regained the sense of smell.

“It’s a surreal experience to look at him. 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,” Dr. Eduardo Rodriguez, the lead surgeon, told reporters at a news conference after the operation. “Now, they have another reason to stare at him, and it’s really amazing.”