World's First Full Face Transplant, Revealed: 'Oscar' Speaks to Reporters

(July 26) -- The recipient of the world's first full face transplant, a 31-year-old man known only as "Oscar," has made his first public appearance.

At a press conference today, it was announced that Oscar is being released from the Vall d'Hebron Hospital in Barcelona, Spain, where the surgery and initial recovery took place.

'Oscar,' the recipient of the world's first full face transplant, appears in public for first time

David Ramos, AP

The patient, identified as "Oscar," appears in public for the first time at a press event at a Barcelona, Spain, hospital. To his left is Dr. Joan Barret, who led the 30-person team that performed the face-transplant procedure.

Oscar is not expected to regain full speaking capacity for several more months, but he did thank the doctors and his support system for their help during his ordeal.

"Friends, I want to thank the hospital coordinators, the entire medical team, the family of the donor and most of all my family who are supporting me these days," he told reporters.

Oscar, whose face was severely damaged in a 2005 hunting accident, underwent the 24-hour procedure in March. A team of 30 surgeons transplanted everything from cheekbones to musculature and eyelids, mask-like, onto his visage.

He'll now undergo months of physical therapy, but can already drink and eat soft foods, and is even shaving. Doctors expect Oscar to regain around 90 percent of normal facial function.

"I felt for him today, and we are all incredibly proud. It was a very brave thing to face everyone today," Dr. Joan Pere Barret, who led the surgical team, said.