#Face transplant after chimpanzee attack skin#

The surgery, which was performed last month, involved removing some tissue and attaching skin and underlying muscle, based on vessels and nerves that provide motor and sensory functions, Pomahac said. Nash had lost her nose, upper jaw, most of the soft tissue on her face, and both upper and lower lips. That patient died of a heart attack in a later operation. Nash is the second to receive a double-hand transplant at the same time as a face transplant the first was performed in France in 2009. She is the third person at Brigham and Women's Hospital to receive a full face transplant Dallas Wiens was the first in the United States to have such a surgery in March, also at the hospital. Nash's face transplant was different than others done before because of the extent of damage to it, the doctors said. (She) inspired the team to do everything possible, using our collective expertise, to restore her quality of life,' Plastic Surgeon Director Dr. 'To us, Charla is a courageous, strong person. Police shot Travis to halt the attack and he later died of gunshot wounds.ĭoctors say they see Nash as more than an animal attack victim.

When Nash arrived, the chimp, who had been featured in TV commercials for Coca-Cola and Old Navy, jumped on her and began biting and mauling her, causing serious injuries to her face, neck and hands. In February 2009, Sandra Herold had called her friend Nash for help in getting her pet chimpanzee, Travis, back inside her house after he used a key to escape. Surgeons also transplanted two hands to Nash, but they didn't thrive and were removed. Elof Eriksson, chief of the Division of Plastic Surgery. 'I am happy to report that the team has achieved tremendous success,' said Dr. (CNN) - More than two years after a chimpanzee mauled her, Charla Nash will once again be able to eat solid foods and regain her sense of smell thanks to a full face transplant, doctors at Boston's Brigham and Women's Hospital said Friday.