Underwood had tried to kill himself after suffering from depression.
Who is face transplant Cameron Underwood?
Cameron Underwood worked as a welder and machinist but suffered from depression.
He suffered a self-inflicted gunshot to the face in 2016 in a suicide attempt and the damage left him missing most of his lower jaw, nose and all of his teeth except one.
Cameron had tried conventional reconstruction surgery before undergoing the procedure with Dr Eduardo Rodriguez at NYU Langone Health in Manhattan.
Cameron 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.”
Underwood added: “I have a nose, and a mouth so I’m able to smile, to speak and eat solid foods again.”
What did he look like before and what's his recovery like?
Rodriguez led a team of more than 100 medical professionals to complete the operation, which began Jan. 5 and 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.
Due to the extent of Underwood’s injuries, Rodriguez and his team had to graft the entire mid and lower components of the skull and face of the donor, 23-year-old William Fisher of Manhattan.
Cameron underwent the 25-hour operation 11 months ago.
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 passages.
He has now found a new lease of life, playing sports and has even gone skydiving after surgery.
Cameron said: “I will always honour Will’s legacy.
“I’d like to say that there have been so many amazing advances in surgery. I’m living proof of that. But it only happens because of special people like Will and his family.”
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