I read about this sad case last week and I honestly thought the surgical outcome would be different. Is this really an improvement over how he used to look? And why do patients who receive face transplants feel the need to go public with their new faces?

A young man whose face had been disfigured by tumors proudly stood before the media this week.

“I am full of joy and happiness,” the man, identified only as Rafael, told the press. “I want to thank the family of the donor and the medical team.”

With him was his mother, Juana, and sister, Belen, as well as members of the surgical team. Doctors replaced the bottom two-thirds of Rafael’s face in January because of a congenital disease that left it deformed with benign tumors.

He appeared happy to answer questions from the press, but had a special request: Leave him alone.

“Please, after this press conference I want you to leave me, my family and my friends in peace,” he said.

If he really wants his family to be in peace, why go public?

Source NYDN