Face surgery gives patient chance of ‘normal life’

The recipient of America’s second ever face transplant has talked to the Boston Globe about the amazing face surgery that has transformed his life.

James Maki’s face was disfigured after he fell onto a live rail at Boston train station in 2005.

Mr Maki revealed in an interview with the Boston Globe that he made the decision to undergo the 17-hour procedure after hearing Dr Bohdan Pomahac speak about face transplants on television.

Moments after seeing the results of the amazing surgery for the first time, the 59-year-old told his operating surgeon: "I can’t believe you made me look so close to what I used to look like."

After the accident Mr Maki felt that he could not leave the house due to people’s reaction to his appearance, but he now wants to complete his degree and work with fellow veterans of the Vietnam War.

The decision to have surgery was easy for Mr Maki, who said: "I knew if I had the surgery I’d have a chance for a normal life again."