Transformed By a Face Transplant

In 2005 Isabelle Dinoire received the world's first partial-face transplant -- she was given new lips, a nose and mouth after she was mauled by her dog. Now she's doing well.

In 2006 a Chinese man received a partial-face transplant after he was attacked by a bear.

France is at the forefront of the field, but surgery like this has never been carried out in the United States.

The Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston has just been given permission to try and right now it is looking for suitable patients and donors. That could take months or even years.

Coler's operation took place early last year. The immunosuppressive drugs worked. His body did not reject his new face. If it had, Coler would probably be dead.

Instead, the 30-year-old hopes for a normal life. He's started work as an accountant, plans to take up basketball and tennis again and hopes to find love for the first time.

"I'd love to find a wife," Coler said. "Settle down and have children."