[Sharon]

The first man ever to have a full face transplant appeared in public yesterday.

As he returned home from hospital four months after his ground-breaking surgery, the 31-year-old bravely showed his new face to photographers.

The Spanish farmer, known only as Oscar, had been horribly disfigured five years ago in a shooting accident.

This prevented him breathing normally and made it difficult to swallow or speak.

But after two years of planning, a team of 30 doctors started work on him in March, in an operation which was to last 24 hours.

The transplant, at a Barcelona hospital, included complete facial skin and muscles, eyelids, nose, lips, upper jaw, all his teeth, the palate, cheekbones and lower jaw.

As he was discharged, Oscar said: 'I'm very happy to be here and I wanted to express my gratitude to the hospital and medical team and to all donors in Spain, especially the family of the man whose face I received.'

Doctors at the Vall d'Hebron Hospital said Oscar's face does not resemble that of the donor, whose identity has not been revealed.

He has regained feeling in most of his face and is able to speak, drink liquids and eat soft foods.

His family said that he is looking forward to sitting down and eating a meal at home with them, and to hunting and fishing again, two of his favourite hobbies.

Oscar's sister, who was with him yesterday, said: 'We are very happy and content and very grateful to the hospital because now he can start his new life.

[Jordy Death]

I've heard of this procedure being done, but haven't seen any pictures...until now...

[rhino71]

Hey Oscar old buddy....been along time....you ah, look....great.

[Faline]

cool