Turkey's first-ever face transplant patient, 19-year-old Ugur Acar, will have a shave and make his first public appearance this weekend.

Dr. Omer Ozkan, a professor from the department of plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery at Antalya University's Faculty of Medicine, told the press last week that the young patient was continuing to surprise doctors with the speediness of his post-operative recovery, adding that stubble has even begun to emerge on Acar's face.

Acar is reported to be drinking and speaking as well. The critical 10-day risk period after his transplant is now over, and according to doctors he is progressing well.

The transplant was made possible after the family of Ahmet Kaya, who was declared brain dead two weeks ago, donated all of his organs.

Two of Kaya's arms and one of his legs were donated to Atilla Kavdir, who lost his arms and right leg when he was 11 years old, and Kaya's face was donated to Acar. Kavdir's progress was set back when his body rejected the transplanted leg, leaving surgeons no choice but to amputate it.

Dr. Ozkan said Kavdir is also in good condition and he will probably be moved out of the intensive care unit by the weekend.

Cihan