Dallas Wiens tells of joy at being able to taste lasagne after pioneering work by US surgeons
A man who lost almost all his face when he touched an electric cable while painting a church three years ago showed off the results of America's first full face transplant.
Dallas Wiens, 25, speaking with difficulty at a press conference in Boston, said his daughter had told him he looked "handsome". The work is not yet completed and there will be further surgery.
He told reporters that one of his biggest impressions after having the transplant was being able to smell and taste lasagne prepared by the hospital.
Wiens from Fort Worth, Texas, was blinded in the accident and the damage was too severe for doctors to restore his sight.
He has been given a new nose, lips, nerves, skin and muscle.
The press conference at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts was his first public appearance since the 15-hour operation was carried out in March.
"It feels natural," he said of his face. "It feels as if it has become my own."
Associated Press reported that the Pentagon had paid for the operation in the hope that the findings can help treat soldiers badly wounded in battle. The five transplants have cost a total of $3.4m (£2.1m).
The world's first full face transplant was carried out last year in Spain.