Joe DiMeo, of Clark, New Jersey, underwent the 23-hour surgery back on Wednesday, August 12.
DiMeo suffered third-degree burns over 80% of his body from a car accident in July 2018. He had fallen asleep at the wheel while heading home from his job at a lab.
Despite undergoing approximately 20 reconstructive surgeries, DiMeo had extensive injuries, including amputated fingertips, severe facial scarring, and no lips or eyelids, that affected his vision and daily activities, and severely limited his ability to live a functional and independent life.
A team of more than 140 health care professionals, including surgeons, nurses, and other staff, was led by Eduardo D. Rodriguez, MD, DDS, the Helen L. Kimmel Professor of Reconstructive Plastic Surgery and chair of the Hansjrg Wyss Department of Plastic Surgery at NYU Langone.