Richard Norris face transformation before and after the accident and following the first full face transplant. In 1997, 22 year old Richard Norris experienced a life changing accident when a shotgun he was handling accidentally fired, severely injuring his face. The injury left him without lips, a nose, or most of his jaw, making everyday life incredibly difficult. For years, he underwent numerous surgeries and lived in isolation, often wearing a mask in public to avoid attention.
In 2012, Richard underwent a groundbreaking full-face transplant at the University of Maryland Medical Center, led by Dr. Eduardo Rodriguez. The 36-hour procedure was the most extensive face transplant ever done at the time. Surgeons replaced his entire face, including his jaw, teeth, tongue, and skin, using tissue from a donor. It was also the first complete reconstruction of a human face in medical history.
Richard Norris - Before the accident
After shooting himself in the face
After receiving the transplant
Latest appearance in an interview
A reveal with the donor's sister
The actual donor who died after being hit by a van while crossing the street