First Face Transplant in the United States

There are various accidents and tragic incidents that can cause serious facial injuries resulting into a deformed face. The skilled doctors & surgeons, advanced medical devices, proper medication and most importantly gracious donors have made it possible to do a face transplant.The first US face transplant was revealed on Tuesday May 4th ‘09. 46 year-old Connie Culp's face transplant surgery has given her a second chance to lead a normal life. Her husband Thomas shot her in her face in 2004. She was left with shattered nose, cheeks, the roof of her mouth and an eye. Her face was disfigured in this tragedy. Her husband was sentenced to 7 years of imprisonment.

The donor (name not publicized) has given a new life to Connie Culp, a mother of two children. Culp was excited to get back her nose. In an interview to the media she thanked the donor’s family “I think it’s more important that you focus on the donor family that made it, so I could have this face.”

The reconstructive surgeon who performed this operation with her team is Dr. Maria Siemionow. Dr. Siemionow replaced 80% of Culp's face with the tissues and bones of the dead donor. Surgeons used donor tissues to replace her nose, mouth, lips and chin that were severely damaged in the brutal act of violence.

Culp’s psychiatrist said that a remark by a kid kept haunting her "You said there were no real monsters mommy and there's one right there.” Culp stopped the kid and said “I’m not a monster. I’m a person who was shot,” and pulled out her driver's license to show the child how she used to look before.

The world's first face transplant took place in France three years back. This was done on Isabelle Dinoire, a woman who had been mauled by her dog. Since then two face transplant operations have been carried out - one on a Chinese farmer who was mauled by a bear while trying to protect his sheep, and the other on a French man who had become disfigured by a genetic condition.

Products liability lawyers said "Culp has received a new life. We are happy to read that in January, she was able to eat pizza, chicken and hamburgers for the first time after approximately 5 years. Initially she was able to eat and breathe only through the artificial pipes inserted in her body." Illinois trucking accidents lawyers said "The team of surgeons has done a commendable job. We hope Culp is able to feel a part of the society like before and forget about her past tragedy." Westchester estate planning lawyer said "The family of the face donor has helped in bringing back joy in Culp’s life. May God bless them.” Charlotte bankruptcy lawyers said “The psychiatrists say that at times these face transplants may result into disappointment, depression and grief towards the donor. The heavy medications can also have its side-effects. It’s important to have knowledge about the side-effects too.’