Man who underwent world’s most extensive face transplant operation reveals how it has changed his life

Volunteer firefighter Patrick Hardison has told Fox News how one of the most extensive face transplants ever performed has changed his life.

Man who underwent world’s most extensive face transplant operation reveals how it has changed his life

In an attempt to rescue a woman trapped in a burning building, the father of five ran into the house in his Mississippi hometown.

The burning roof collapsed on his head, causing horrific burns. The 43-year-old recalls jumping out the window as his helmet and mask melted his face.

His eyelids, lips, nose and ears were burned, forcing Patrick to spend more than two months in a burn unit; doctors tried to replace the flesh on his face with skin from his thighs.

He was so badly burned that his fellow firefighters didn’t even recognize him. Patrick explained that he had not seen himself in a mirror for the next two months.

He undergoes a face transplant

In 2015, Patrick underwent the world’s most extensive face transplant ever attempted, giving Patrick much-needed hope. Dr. Eduardo Rodriguez performed 71 surgeries and skin grafts in total.

Rodriguez said, “Most people know I’m very clear and direct, and I tell them ‘this operation could kill you'”

When asked if Patrick had any wavering thoughts, Rodriguez replied, “Without a doubt. The morning of the operation, with all the equipment set up, I asked him one more time, ‘Are you sure you want to do this? I can cancel everything. I don’t want you to feel bad about this.'”

Once again, Patrick didn’t think twice: “I need it, let’s move on.”

Since then, Patrick’s life has transformed since the 26-hour intervention. He is currently working on a book because he wants to “show the world that you can have hope.”