Rochester, Minnesota – Nearly a decade after a failed suicide attempt left him severely disfigured, Andy Sandness is celebrating a remarkable transformation made possible by one of medicine’s most complex procedures — a full face transplant.In 2006, Sandness, then 21, attempted to take his own life with a gunshot to the face. He survived, but the injury left him without a nose, jaw, or most of his teeth. Over the years, he underwent multiple reconstructive surgeries, but still struggled with both physical and emotional pain.In 2016, doctors at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota performed the hospital’s first-ever face transplant — a groundbreaking 56-hour surgery that involved more than 60 medical professionals, including surgeons, anesthesiologists, and nurses.

The donor was Calen “Rudy” Ross, a 21-year-old outdoorsman from the Midwest who died by suicide. Ross’s wife, Lilly, who was eight months pregnant at the time, honored her husband’s wish to be an organ donor. Though initially hesitant, she agreed to donate his face after learning that Sandness would retain his own eyes and forehead, meaning he would not look exactly like Ross.

The surgery gave Sandness a new nose, lips, cheeks, mouth, teeth, and jaw. “It far exceeded my expectations,” said Sandness. “Once you lose something that you’ve had forever, you know what it’s like not to have it. Getting a second chance to have it back — you never forget it.”

Since the surgery, Sandness has undergone follow-up procedures to improve his facial structure and function. He’s also working with a speech therapist to strengthen his facial muscles. Today, the 32-year-old electrician says he is finally able to live a normal life and is grateful for the gift he’s received. “I’m just another face in the crowd now,” he said with a smile. Doctors at Mayo Clinic called the results “a miracle of modern medicine,” and Sandness’s journey continues to inspire those struggling with physical trauma and mental health challenges.