A Frenchwoman who became the first-ever patient to undergo a face transplant has died.
Isabelle Dinoire underwent pioneering surgery in 2005 to have a new nose, chin and lips after she was left severely disfigured following an attack from her dog.
Ms Dinoire died in April but the announcement was delayed until today to respect her family’s wishes. She was 49.
The BBC reported she died from cancer. It is understood she took strong medication after being treated for a transplant rejection.
In 2009 she told the BBC in an interview she was attacked by her Labrador after an attempt to end her life.
She said the dog had gnawed at her face in a desperate attempt to wake her after she took an overdose of sleeping pills.
The injuries she suffered were so severe doctors opted against a facial reconstruction and decided to perform a face transplant.
Ms Dinoire said she was happy with the transplant but expressed unhappiness at the level of interest in her following the operation.
Her face transplant paved the way for dozens of other procedures across the world.
