A massive team of surgeons, physicians and others have just completed one of the most incredible operations in a long time: the full face transplant of a Wyoming man who tried to kill himself more than a decade ago. The Mayo Clinic announced that it successfully completed the transplant, and it has totally transformed the life of the man behind it, 32-year-old Andrew Sandness, who is now able to chew, to breathe and even to smell.

Sandness shot himself in the face at the age of 21 in a suicide attempt. The incident cost him most of his face. He said he was absolutely amazed by the outcome and grateful to those who tried to give him a normal life again, noting that he was able to eat normal food against and get some sensation back in his facial area.

It was the suicide of another man that made the face available for the transplant. It took surgeons more than 50 hours and a staff of around 40 people to make it happen.

“I am absolutely amazed at the outcome so far,” says Sandness. “I am now able to chew and eat normal food, and the nerve sensation is slowly improving, too. My confidence has improved, and I’m feeling great ― and grateful. I am so thankful to my donor and the donor’s family, and to all of the people who have supported me throughout this process.”