FOXNews.com: Virginia man, 37, receives first comprehensive face transplant

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Virginia man, 37, receives first comprehensive face transplant Mar 27th 2012, 15:15 Physicians at the University of Maryland Medical Center spoke publicly about the nation's most comprehensive face transplant during a news conference Tuesday. Richard Norris, 37, received the complete face transplant – including upper and lower jaw bones, teeth, a portion of the tongue and soft tissue from the hairline to the neck – over the course of 36 hours, starting on March 19. Norris, Virginia, who was injured in a gun accident in 1997, had lost his lips and nose and had limited use of his mouth, according to doctors. He had undergone multiple surgeries prior to the transplant. Dr. Eduardo Rodriguez, associate professor of surgery at Maryland's School of Medicine and chief of plastic, reconstructive and maxillofacial surgery at Maryland Shock Trauma Center, led the transplant with more than 150 doctors, nurses and hospital staff assisting. Rodriguez said when he first met with Norris, Norris's severe injuries prevented him from being a fully-integrated member of society. "He was living behind a mask, living as a recluse," Rodriguez said. "He did his shopping at night. He went through rigorous psychological testing, and he will continue to be followed for many years to make sure he's fully integrated into society."

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