First U.S. Full-Face Transplant

            Dallas Wiens is the first person to have a full face transplant in the United States.  Dallas Wiens is a 26-year old-father and could not be happier.

            Back in November 2008, Wiens burned the majority of his face when he leaned against an electrical wire while working in a cherry picker.  The electrical wire destroyed his nose and lips.  It also blinded him.  The accident caused Wiens to lose his left eye and has no light perception in his right eye.

            Even though he feels numb in some areas on his face, he remarked that it felt like a completely natural face.  When he was reunited with his 3-year-old daughter after the surgery she exclaimed how handsome he looked.  After all, she was the reason that he decided to get the full face transplant.  According to nypost.com Dallas Wiens said, “I could have lived like I was, no problem, if I did not have my daughter.  But I could not bear the thought of her growing up and being asked questions, ‘Why does your daddy look different?’ And dealing with that all of her childhood.”
            The donor was completely anonymous, but Dallas is  truly grateful.  He considers the transplant an amazing gift.  He talked about how he was losing his sense of smell before the surgery and when he could smell again.  Wiens remarked, “The ability to breathe through my nose normally, that in itself was a major gift.” 
            Even though doctors say he still needs to regain some nerve and muscle function, Wiens’ future looks promising.   Dallas Wiens is taking into consideration university education and he and his daughter look forward to the life ahead they have together.  

By: Elizabeth Farwell