Connie Culp knew of the Cleveland Clinic's interest in face transplants and approached the medical staff, doctors said at a news conference Tuesday.

CNN: The story

Connie Culp received the first near-total face transplant in the U.S. She was injured by a bullet in 2004 when her husband shot her.

CNN: Face transplant patients: Where are they now?

Connie Culp of Ohio also represented a face transplant milestone, receiving a transplant of more than 80% of her face at the Cleveland Clinic in December 2008.

CNN: Face transplant patient ready to go home