Face transplant patient reveals his remarkable recovery

A man who had gruelling face transplant surgery has revealed his “breathtaking” transformation. WARNING: Graphic images

WARNING: Graphic images

A man who underwent gruelling face transplant surgery earlier this year has revealed his new self to the world today.

Cameron Underwood, 26, from California struggled with depression and alcohol abuse which resulted in him attempting to take his life in June, 2016.

The suicide attempt destroyed most of his face but miraculously, he survived.

Cameron Underwood, pictured in May 2015, almost 12-months before he attempted to take his own life. Picture: Underwood family

Cameron was missing the majority of his lower jaw, every tooth but one, his nose, and suffered severe damage to his maxillary region and palate.

Formerly a welder and machinist, Cameron had attempted several reconstructive surgeries before he discovered Doctor Eduardo Rodriguez at the New York University Langone Health in New York.

The suicide attempt destroyed most of Cameron’s face and several attempts at conventional surgery did not help. Picture: NYU Langone Health

His mother, Beverly Bailey-Potter, said she had read an article in People Magazine about NYU’s face transplant program, and decided to make some inquiries for her son.

“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,” Beverly said.

“We were willing to travel the long distance.”

Cameron’s face transplant was completed during a 25-hour reconstructive surgery. Picture: NYU Langone Health

Beverly Bailey-Potter pictured with her son following his face transplant. Picture: Underwood family

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.

“I am so grateful to have a face transplant because it gives me a second chance at life,” he said.

“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 seeing his new face for the first time was “breathtaking”. Picture: NYU Langone Health

Cameron said it was “breathtaking” the first time he saw his new face, adding: “It was overwhelming with excitement.”

According to Dr Rodriguez, when he first met Cameron, he was convinced he could help him regain his quality of life.

“For all of us it’s really remarkable to be a part of this and make this happen,” he said.

“There’s no way we could have ever taken him back to a normal life without a face transplant.”

Progress of Cameron Underwood’s transplant

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Rodriguez led a team of more than 100 medical professionals to complete the operation, which began on January 5.

It required the use of 3D computer surgical planning and a 3D 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, the nose and sections of the nasal passage.

Beverly Bailey-Potter, Cameron Underwood, and his donor’s mother, Sally Fisher. Picture: Monica Schipper

Cameron’s donor was 23-year-old aspiring writer and filmmaker William Fisher from New York.

William had also battled with mental illness for several years before his death.

His 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.”

The late William Fisher, 23, was Cameron’s face donor. Picture: Fisher family

William, who registered as an organ donor in his teenage years, was identified as Underwood’s donor the day before the life-changing surgery.

Today, Cameron thanked Rodriguez, NYU Langone Health, his family and William and the Fisher family.

“I will always honour Will’s legacy,” he said.

— If you or someone you know needs help, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14. For help with depression, please see Beyond Blue for a list of organisations that can help.

This story originally appeared in The Sun and was republished here with permission.