Vermont Woman Reveals New Face After Transplant At Brigham And Women's Hospital
BOSTON (CBS/AP) — A Vermont woman who was disfigured after an attack by her ex-husband has revealed her new face.
Carmen Blandin Tarleton of Thetford, who underwent a face transplant, spoke during a press conference at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston on Wednesday.
"I have been a part of a wonderful journey for the past six years," Tarleton said. "The donor and her family have given me a tremendous gift."
The daughter of the donor joined her at the event as well as the lead surgeon who performed the procedure.
She noted the two women, both mothers, will forever be connected.
The 44-year-old mother of two underwent the transplant in February after a 2007 attack in which her estranged husband doused her with industrial strength lye, burning more than 80 percent of her body.
The hospital says more than 30 surgeons, anesthesiologist and nurses worked for more than 15 hours to replace her skin, muscles, tendons and nerves with those of the donor.
