Cameron Underwood, 26, from California shot himself in the face during a suicide attempt in June 2016, destroying most of his face.
He was missing the majority of his lower jaw, every tooth, but one, his nose, and suffered severe damage to his maxillary region and palate.
Cameron, a welder and machinist who suffered from depression, tried several attempts at conventional reconstruction surgery before discovering Dr. Eduardo Rodriguez at NYU Langone Health in Manhattan, New York.
Cameron'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.”
Now, nearly 11 months after the 25-hour operation, Cameron is working to live the life he once knew by being outdoors, playing sports and spending time with friends and family.
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.”
Cameron said it was "breathtaking" the first time he saw his new face, adding: “It was overwhelming with excitement.”
Rodriguez said: “For all of us it’s really remarkable to be a part of this and make this happen.
“There’s no way we could have ever taken him back to a normal life without a face transplant.”
Rodriguez led a team of more than 100 medical professionals to complete the operation, which began on January 5.
It required the use of 3-D computer surgical planning and a 3-D printed mask of the donor’s face – a new approach for the medical 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.
The donor was 23-year-old student William Fisher from New York.
William’s 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.”
Fisher, who registered as an organ donor in his teenage years, was identified as Underwood’s donor the day before the life-changing surgery.
On Thursday, Cameron thanked Rodriguez, NYU Langone Health, his family, along with William and the Fisher family.
Cameron said: “I will always honour Will’s legacy."
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