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Face-Transplant Recipient: Don't Judge People by Looks

By John Johnson,  Newser Staff

Posted May 5, 2009 6:37 PM CDT

(Newser) – The nation's first face-transplant recipient met the public for the first time since her December operation, the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports. Connie Culp, who had been shot by her husband in 2004 and essentially lost the middle of her face, has "progressed tremendously," said one of her doctors at the Cleveland Clinic. Today, Culp can breathe and eat on her own and eventually will be able to smile.

"This is not cosmetic surgery in any sense of the word," said another doctor. Culp is due for a follow-up procedure to remove excess skin, another step toward a normal face. She recalled being taunted in public before having the transplant. "When somebody has a disfigurement or doesn't look as pretty as you, don't judge them," she said. "You never know what happened to them and you never know what might happen to you."

Connie Culp, who underwent the first face transplant surgery in the U.S., speaks to the media Tuesday.
Connie Culp, who underwent the first face transplant surgery in the U.S., speaks to the media Tuesday.   (AP Photo/Amy Sancetta)
This is a  CT scan photo, supplied by Cleveland Clinic, of Connie Culp, after an injury to her face led her to become the first face transplant patient in the US.
This is a CT scan photo, supplied by Cleveland Clinic, of Connie Culp, after an injury to her face led her to become the first face transplant patient in the US.   (AP Photo/Cleveland Clinic-HO)
Connie Culp, before the shooting.
Connie Culp, before the shooting.   (AP Photo/Cleveland Clinic-HO)
Connie Culp, before and after the surgery.
Connie Culp, before and after the surgery.   (AP Photo/Cleveland Clinic-HO)
This is a  photo of Connie Culp, after an injury to her face, left, and then as she appears today.
This is a photo of Connie Culp, after an injury to her face, left, and then as she appears today.   (AP Photo/Cleveland Clinic-HO)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 8 comments
cornelison
May 7, 2009 6:51 AM CDT
Kids in high school should be taught about disabilities and injuries. I never really understood any of this until I developed a disability.
cornelison
May 7, 2009 6:48 AM CDT
Connie, you are one brave lady.
riffran
May 7, 2009 3:57 AM CDT
only seven years???? I have seen the before and after picts...and wasn't aware of the cause....My God...that dude needs life or the chair for that

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