Walking proudly in front of reporters and cameras, Carmen Blandin Tarleton shows off her new face.
The 44-year old mother of two received a face transplant in February of this year after being burned with industrial strength lye by her now ex husband.
Tarleton said the transplant instantly relieved the pain she suffered in her neck area.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) TRANSPLANT RECIPIENT CARMEN BLANDIN TARLETON, SAYING,
"That was my biggest desire - was to have all the pain in my neck relieved and I got that instantly. I know my face will improve over the next months and in the first year, so I am not anxious or anything of that not happening. I know that's going to happen. So it's just a heaven sent - I'm so much more comfortable today than I have ever been in the last six years."
A team of doctors and surgeons worked for about 17 hours to complete the surgery.
The lead transplant surgeon said Tarleton's case was special because her immune system had alread
