Cameron Underwood: The young man whose facial graft has returned his smile after a suicide attempt



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The life of Cameron Underwood has changed completely since the transplant of his face because, according to him, he does not receive so many "looks and questions of strangers".

"I already have a nose, a mouth and so I can smile, talk and eat solid foods again," he said.

Cameron spoke two years after filming in a suicide attempt. He lost his nose, most of the lower jaw and all but one tooth during the 2016 incident.

"I'm very grateful to have a face transplant because she gave me a second chance in lifesaid the 26-year-old at a press conference in New York, USA on Thursday.

"I was able to do many of the things I love, like being outdoors, playing sports and spending time with friends and family.

"I hope to return to work soon and eventually found a family."

In January of this year, medical staff from More than 100 people underwent 25-hour surgery to Cameron at the Langone Health Center at New York University, and his recovery was revealed this week. The operation took place only 18 months after Cameron's suicide attempt, which, according to the center, is the shortest period between injury and surgery in the history of the EE. UU

Since the first facial transplant in 2005, more than 40 have been performed worldwide.

The surgery was entrusted to Dr. Eduardo D. Rodríguez, who said that along with advances in medicine, Cameron's determination to survive had contributed to the success of the surgery.

"In the end, everything depends on the patient, Cameron did his part and made the necessary commitments," he said.

Cameron's transplant was the third performed by Rodriguez, which ensured that Cameron's relatively short period of injury was also an important factor in his recovery.

"Cameron has not lived with his injury for a decade or more, like most other people who have had a facial transplant," he said.

"As a result, he did not have to deal with a lot of psychosocial problems In the long term, they often lead to problems such as severe depression, addiction and other potentially harmful behaviors. "

During the operation, the doctor transplanted and reconstructed Cameron's upper and lower jaw, including the 32 teeth and gums. The roof and floor of the mouth, the lower eyelids and the nose were replaced and the tongue had to be rebuilt.

The center reported that the operation had been the most technologically advanced facial graft and this was the first use of a donor facial mask Printed in 3D in the USA.

"My son helps Cameron to live a better life"

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The donor of the face was Will Fisher, 23, a chess champion, writer and aspiring filmmaker.

"The death of my son has been a tragedy," said Sally, Will's mother.

"I am grateful that in following through on his decision, we can bring life to other people, and in particular the fact that Will and Dr. Rodriguez gave Cameron and his family the opportunity to do so. opportunity to recover their dreams. "

"Being part of this experience has been a source of strength for me during a very difficult time.

"I do not think that he could have survived Will 's death if he had not had Cameron … Cameron has his whole life in front of him and I love him." idea that Willie helps him to have a better life. "

In his speech at the hospital press conference, Cameron paid tribute to Will and the support of the Fisher family.

"I want Sally and her family to know how much my family and I appreciate their gift and that we will always pay tribute to Will's legacy," he said.

"There has been so much incredible progress in surgery. I am living proof of that. But that only happens thanks to special people like Will and his family. "


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