Charla Nash, 57, was attacked in Stamford, Conn., in 2009 by a friend's 200-pound chimpanzee, which ripped off her nose, lips, eyelids and hands.

She underwent a historic surgery at the Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, becoming one of only a few people in the world to have received a full face transplant, which lasted for a total of 20 hours.

"My journey to recovery continued at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. ...Here the medical team, led by Dr. Bohdan Pomahac, prepared me for a face transplant and a double hand transplant. My surgery was successfully completed a few months ago," Nash said in a 'first-ever' statement released by the hospital.

Chimpanzees are said to be eight to ten times stronger than humans.

The chimpanzee, named Travis, who mauled Nash last year, was shot and killed by police officers after the incident.

“Since February 16, 2009, I have been blessed to be in the care of many incredible doctors, nurses, and caregivers," Nash said in a statement released by the hospital

"These professionals first saved my life, then healed my wounds and strengthened me to face an uncertain future. They helped me adapt to a near impossible situation where I was unable to see, smell, and move with confidence without the use of hands," she added.

The pictures of Charla Nash were shown on the "Today" show on Thursday morning. Nash, who had a face transplant in May, didn't appear on the program because family members said she was too weak to do an interview.

"Getting my face and hands together. That would be nice," Nash said before the surgery. Her new face was revealed for the first time in photos released by the Boston hospital, showing a striking transformation.

Nash said in a statement she's looking forward to doing things she once took for granted, including being able to smell, eat normally, speak clearly and kiss loved ones.

“I’m beginning to feel my jaw and chin,” she said off air. “And I can move my mouth and smile. I still feel weak. But little by little I’m getting stronger.”

* WARNING * Photos Below Are Graphic

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The Brigham and Women039s Hospital team
The Brigham and Women's Hospital team, which included more than 30 pysicians, nurses, residents and other clinical staff, are seen working in May 2010 during a 20-hour procedure to give face transplant recipient Charla Nash a new face. Lightchaser Photography
Brianna Nash left, and Steve Nash center
Brianna Nash (left), and Steve Nash (center) visit their relative Charla Nash after surgery in an undated file photo. Charla Nash received a full face transplant in May 2010 at Boston's Brigham and Women's Hospital. Lightchaser Photography
Brianna Nash
Brianna Nash sees her mother Charla Nash after surgery in an undated file photo. Charla Nash received a full face transplant in May 2010 at Boston's Brigham and Women's Hospital. Lightchaser Photography
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Face transplant recipient Charla Nash, of Stamford, Connecticut, is pictured before her injury in this undated photograph released on June 10, 2011. Nash, mauled by a chimpanzee in 2009, has received a full face transplant, the third surgery of its kind performed in the United States, Boston's Brigham and Women's Hospital said on Friday. REUTERS
Chimp-Mauled Woman receives full Face Transplant Video Photos
Face transplant recipient Charla Nash is pictured after her injury, in this undated photograph released on June 10, 2011. Nash, who was mauled by a chimpanzee in 2009, has received a full face transplant, the third surgery of its kind performed in the United States, Boston's Brigham and Women's Hospital said on Friday. REUTERS
Charla Nash
Charla Nash is seen with her daughter, Brianna Nash (left), before her injury in a family photo. Nash Family
A combination photo shows face transplant recipient Charla Nash, of Stamford, Connecticut, before L and after her injury, in these undated photographs released on June 10, 2011. Nash, who was mauled by a chimpanzee in 2009, has received a full face tran
A combination photo shows face transplant recipient Charla Nash, of Stamford, Connecticut, before (L) and after her injury, in these undated photographs released on June 10, 2011. Nash, who was mauled by a chimpanzee in 2009, has received a full face transplant, the third surgery of its kind performed in the United States, Boston's Brigham and Women's Hospital said on June 10, 2011. Reuters
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