Connie Culp is the world’s first full face transplant. Read her inspiring story and check out her face transplant pictures and video here.
Connie Culp
Connie Culp is the first person to undergo the procedure to have a full face transplant. The Ohio resident was shot in the face by her husband, Thomas Culp, four years ago. He then turned the gun on himself, but survived. He went to prison for seven years. The gun shot resulted in the loss of bone structure in Connie’s face. Although she is lucky to be alive, she lost the bone that supported her face, had no nose, couldn’t breathe without a tracheotomy, could not smell, drink or eat. She underwent several reconstructive surgeries, but they didn’t help her much.
In December of 2008, Connie Culp became the first person in the world to receive a face transplant. Surgeons removed the skin, the bone structures underneath, the nerves, facial muscles, lower eyelids, and added the palate from a local donor. After 22 hours of surgery they had successfully attached the donor face to Connie. Doctors say Connie’s facial nerves will slowly regenerate, and will allow her to show emotion. Connie is already able to smell and taste again, and she can drink coffee from a cup, and breathe from her new nose. More importantly, her pain, which was constant before is nearly gone.
Today Connie and her new face addressed the world for the first time. She started off by saying,
“Well, I guess I’m the one you came to see today. While I know you all want to focus on me, I think it’s more important you focus on the donor family that made it so I could have this Christmas present, I guess I should say.”
You can watch her inspiring video below and check out her before and after face transplant pictures here.
Connie Culp Picture
(enlarge before and after)
Connie Culp Face Transplant Video
May 5th, 2009 at 6:10 pm
Connie was so gorgeous before the shooting. I saw the pictures after and felt so bad for her. But then I heard her speak, she is funny and full of life, she does not need pity. She is inspiring!! Let this be a reminder to everyone to look beyond the scars to see the beauty wherever it is. You Go CONNIE!!!!!
May 5th, 2009 at 9:58 pm
Wow, what a story. I wish her the best in life. I can’t imagine how difficult it must be to accept her new identity as she will see a different person in the mirror. My most sincere best wishes to her and her family.
May 5th, 2009 at 11:19 pm
So glad she’s no longer in a lot of oaion.
May 5th, 2009 at 11:21 pm
*PAIN.
May 5th, 2009 at 11:22 pm
That was supposed
to be PAIN.
May 6th, 2009 at 5:19 am
This is so sad. I feel so srry for her. Her husband is the one that should die.
May 6th, 2009 at 10:31 am
God made her a beautiful person on the inside….when she spoke I was deeply touched. I’m so sorry for everything she had to go through, but God definitely has plans for her and I am going to add her to my prayers.
May 7th, 2009 at 4:08 am
I think Connie Culp is the most beautiful woman of this century! WOW! What a story I have just read…. Connie you are my new hero! May God bless you and continue to give new found strength every second of each day. Until I just read your story I have been down and depressed in my life over the loss of my twin daughters you have restored my soul… Thank You Connie!!!!
May 8th, 2009 at 7:30 am
WOW! What a story! I feel so bad that you had to go through such pain…
I do wish her the best in life now! It will take time to heal, mentally, & physically, but God will help Connie through!! & God does have special plans in store for you…Keep your sense of humor, because believe me, it will help you through the rough times!
You are a total inspiration to ALL women!
May 8th, 2009 at 7:28 pm
What a strong woman! She’s beautiful inside and out. No matter what.
She’s got more strength than most people these days. Gods bless her!