Jan 11 2006
Professor Bernard Devauchelle, the surgeon who made history when he carried out a partial face transplant on a French woman, says she is now able to go out in public without attracting stares from the public.
Devauchelle says the woman, Isabelle, is doing well after receiving a partial face transplant in November.
Under French privacy laws the patient cannot be identified.
The woman received a new nose, chin and mouth and she is now apparently focused on the future and looking forward to returning home and leading a normal life.
She sustained her horrific facial injuries, she lost her nose, both lips and her chin, after being mauled by her Labrador while she slept.
Against the family's wishes the dog was put down.
The 38-year-old divorced mother of two received her new features from a donor from Lille, who was brain-dead.
According to Devauchelle she is now going for walks, riding a bike, chatting and eating; activities which were difficult before the surgery.
However she is still undergoing treatment at hospitals in Lyon and Amiens.
Devauchelle reportedly has plans for five more face transplants.
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