Face Transplant Recipient Dallas Wiens Speaks (VIDEO)

Dallas Wiens, the first recipient of a full face transplant in the United States, made his debut public appearance on Monday during an interview with ABC's "Good Morning America."

Wiens, who has endured over 20 surgeries since the accident, said he agreed to the facial transplant procedure for his 3-year-old daughter, Scarlett.

"I could have lived like I was, no problem, if I did not have my daughter," Wiens said in the interview. "But I could not bear the thought of her growing up and being asked questions, 'Why does your daddy look different?' And dealing with that all of her childhood."

The 26-year-old construction worker from Fort Worth, Texas, suffered fourth-degree burns leaving him almost completely without facial features in November 2008 when his head came in contact with a high-voltage power line.

The remarkable operation, carried out in March at Brigham and Women's Hospital, gave Wiens a new nose, skin, lips, muscle and nerves from an unidentified deceased person. The transplant procedure required 15 hours of work by 30 specialists.

Wiens also spoke with the general media for the first time since his operation at a press conference held this morning.

WATCH:

Comments

[fergiesmom2]

01:17 AM on 05/10/2011

Bless them. May they have many years of love and happiness. This little girl got her daddy back....what a gift.

[Jlbeaverton]

12:41 AM on 05/10/2011

Wow, thats amazing. Stories like this should make people appreciate all the small things a little more.

[Thebullet447]

11:44 PM on 05/09/2011

It was not the courage of Dallas that carried him through this. It was the unbreakable bond between a father and daughter. The inspiration I saw was not in the fact that the surgery WAS performed, but rather the reason WHY it was performed. This man did not give a thought to himself. This was done soley for the love of his daughter. If there were a chance that an eye transplant would work for him, I would donate one of mine to him while I am still alive. My only request would to be present when he first SEES his daughter again. I could pass through the rest of my life without want. I will amend my donor card to reflect that I do so out of admiration for this extrodinary man, and father. I can only pray that my life is as rewarding as his. Dallas Wiens, YOU ARE MY HERO!

[Jake Thomas]

11:12 PM on 05/09/2011

Dallas Wiens's humility was a beautiful thing. That is probably the greatest gift he recieved, I wish him the good fortune of hanging onto that.

[riverdaughte3]

10:41 PM on 05/09/2011

This was the most inspiring video I have witnessed in a long time. I cried but I am not sure if they were tears of sympathy and compassion for Dallas or tears of joy that he has survived with a beautiful spirit and a life filled with purpose

[Hitchslap2]

10:33 PM on 05/09/2011

The most profound thing about this story, is the way his daughter didn't judge him. She simply loved her daddy from the inside out without reservation. Society at large could learn from this, if they were big enough to let go of their shallow, preconceived notions.

[Avatar Jack]

09:25 PM on 05/09/2011

Isn’t it remarkable to think when your life is over, its whole meaning decimated to be able to suddenly feel the lips of your daughter against your face and the love of humanity on your breath?

http://scallywagandvagabond.com/2011/05/its-time-to-meet-americas-first-full-face-transplant/

[ALiberalKidd]

09:01 PM on 05/09/2011

Thanks, I am more enlighten

[trishamine]

08:58 PM on 05/09/2011

So happy for him and his very pretty daughter, what a sweet story...good luck.

[whitechicuva]

08:44 PM on 05/09/2011

This is the most emotional video...an inspiration to any who takes away, what is here , for the taking. I will say this...even though I will be critized,"I THANK GOD FOR THIS MAN'S MIRACLE TO BE ABLE TO HAPPEN". THE DOCTORS AND THE FAMILEY'S DONOR. BE , AS YOU ALL ARE TODAY FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIVES. THIS A REMARCABLE MAN! EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS STORY IS REMARCABLE.

[rampart231]

06:38 PM on 05/09/2011

What an excellent job the doctors did. I've seen some partial transplants that looked monstrous. I wish him a full life.

[Rod-iron-girl]

06:16 PM on 05/09/2011

I needed a dose of perspective today.

What an amazing journey. The daugher got me choked up.

Would love to see him a year from now.

[chaapai]

05:53 PM on 05/09/2011

Dear God! I cant even imagine. What an incredible young man. An angel! I simply cant believe his spirit and strength. It reminds me of the Alabama Song: Angels Among Us.

Mr. Wiens is a true inspiration.

[Prop19]

06:05 PM on 05/09/2011

An angel...? I definitely wouldn't get religion into this.

[chaapai]

06:40 PM on 05/09/2011

yes, that's a very valid point. A teacher, perhaps. I am a conflicted atheist at times. While I do not believe i a deity, I do sometimes see very special people who teach very valuable life lessons and since my ability to describe those kind of people falters… I fall back on a term like angel.

[Skhylow]

08:37 PM on 05/09/2011

If he not an Angel himself, he certainly has lots of Angels on his side helping he thru this .

[Darien Milano]

09:51 PM on 05/09/2011

I like what you write, Skhlow, you appear to have a good heart. God bless you...

Regards,

Darien

[Notsosurearewe]

05:52 PM on 05/09/2011

Ok, I admit that I cried at the end. It's good to know that he has someone who cares for him unconditionally and with so much love.

[edgarcaycedoc]

05:27 PM on 05/09/2011

I'm not much of a softie, but this incredible footage has humbled me with the courage of this man. And I can especially identify with his love for his daughter. I hope I never face such a situation, but I don't know if I would have the integrity and courage he has displayed--and all for the love of his daughter.