BALTIMORE (AP) - A 37-year-old Virginia man injured in a 1997 gun accident is the recipient of what University of Maryland physicians say is the most extensive face transplant ever performed.
University of Maryland Medical Center officials announced Tuesday that Richard Lee Norris of Hillsville is recovering well after last week's surgery and is already brushing his teeth and shaving.
Dr. Eduardo Rodriguez says this 36-hour procedure, which included teeth, tongue and upper and lower jaw, has given Norris his life back.
The procedure was the 23rd face transplant performed around the world. Rodriguez says this one is the most extensive because of the inclusion of the tongue and teeth and because the incisions are farther back and less visible.
