A man who underwent the world’s first full facial transplant has had his first shave in five years, the surgeon who operated on him said. Dr Joan Pere Barret said the patient, who is in his 30s, received a new beard from a donor as part of his new face.
In an operation at Barcelona’s Vall d’Hebron University Hospital lasting 24 hours, the patient now has a new nose, lips, tear ducts, cheekbones and jaw.
Dr Barret said the procedure had been a success and if all went well, the man could be back at work in five months after living for half a decade as a recluse.
The patient, who is believed to be a farmer who got shot in the face by an accident, has not spoken or eaten a proper meal for the last five years.
Dr Barret, 42, told The Daily Telegraph: "Many people with facial disfigurement feel very isolated, as in this case.
