A father from California has become the first African American to receive a face transplant after 6 years of waiting to find a match.

Robert Chelsea said to Time that he rejected the first face doctors offered him in 2018 as the donor had fairer complexion than him. He also did not want to look like a ‘totally different looking person.’

Finally, in July 2019, Chelsea got a new face.

“May God bless the donor and his family who chose to donate this precious gift and give me a second chance,” Chelsea expressed.

“Words cannot describe how I feel. I am overwhelmed with gratitude and feel very blessed to receive such an amazing gift.”

Recipients of face transplants are rare group and Chelsea is rarer as he is the first and only black patient to get a transplant.

Chelsea suffered devastating injuries, including burns on his body and face, and the loss of his left ear, lips, and part of his nose. He was rather unfazed by his altered looks.

The Californian father was waiting for his overheated vehicle to cool down in 2013 when a drunk driver suddenly swerved into the left-hand shoulder where he was sitting.

In an instant, Chelsea’s car engulfed in flames and half of his body was covered in third-degree burn. The shock wreaked havoc on his digestive system and his blood pressure increased, according to Time.

Doctors gave him medications to keep his blood pressure under control but his blood was toward his heart. The tissue of his fingers, lips, and nose started to die without proper oxygen and blood.

Chelsea endured 18 surgeries to repair the damage he had suffered from the crash. Cadaver skin was used to cover his hands.

Before the face transplant, he underwent extensive psychiatric assessment to make sure that he is mentally ready to handle the experience of seeing someone’s face in the mirror.

Then Chelsea joked that he was never really fond of how he appeared before the incident.

In 2019, Chelsea finally received the call that a donor face was available and the complexion looked like his.

More than 45 doctors and nurses worked to give him a new face in a 16-hour surgery.

Dr. Bondah Pomahac, the Brigham and Women’s Hospital plastic surgeon, said: “Despite being the oldest face transplant patient at 68, Robert is progressing and recovering remarkably fast.

“We are looking forward to seeing a significant improvement in Robert’s quality of life.”

When Everick Brown, Chelsea’s godson, saw him, he knew right away that the surgery was successful. He said to Time: “He’s going to be happy…look at those juicy lips.”

Since the procedure, Chelsea’s face has bloomed with color and blood flow. His hair started to grow and he has finally gained movement. Doctors believe that he will regain sensation in his face.

“It’s the first time I’ve used the word ‘miracle,’” he expressed.

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