ERASING THE SIGNS OF VIOLENCE.Byline: - Nicole Sunkes Long after the relationship is over, victims of domestic violence often grapple with far more than the emotional repercussions repercussions npl → répercussions fpl repercussions npl → Auswirkungen pl of their ordeal. Frequently they bear physical scars that serve as ugly reminders of the past. Now battered women can receive free cosmetic and reconstructive surgery reconstructive surgery n. Plastic surgery. reconstructive surgery, n surgery to rebuild a structure for functional or esthetic reasons. to remove scars and minimize injuries caused by domestic violence under a nationwide program called Face to Face: The National Domestic Violence Project. ``These patients have a lot of emotional needs that need to be addressed,'' said Dr. Jeffrey Rawnsley, a plastic surgeon plastic surgeon A surgeon specialized in reconstruction or cosmetic enhancement of various body regions, most commonly the face–nose, chin, and cheeks, breasts and buttocks; PSs remove fat deposits through liposuction; PSs reduce scarring or disfigurement at the UCLA UCLA University of California at Los Angeles UCLA University Center for Learning Assistance (Illinois State University) UCLA University of Carrollton, TX and Lower Addison, TX Division of Head and Neck Surgery who is part of the program. ``They also have a lot of physical reminders every time they look in the mirror. We heal the outside so the inside can fully heal.'' Karen McCain of Agua Dulce was recently treated by Rawnsley to repair damage to her face, nose and mouth suffered in two brutal attacks by her ex-husband, who is serving a five-year prison sentence. The 47-year-old minister and gospel singer said her self-esteem plummeted after the injuries. ``I would look in the mirror and see my nose bumpy and the lines on my face, and it was hard to not hate myself because all I could think of was someone who hated me,'' McCain said. ``It made it harder for me to hold my head up and maintain my dignity.'' Through Face to Face, McCain had reconstructive surgery on her nose, laser resurfacing laser resurfacing Cosmetic dermatology The use of CO2 lasers and, more recently, lower temperature erbium lasers, to bloodlessly eliminate wrinkles and sun damage by vaporizing the epidermis, stimulating the dermis to produce collagen and rejuvenate the on her face, tooth replacement and teeth whitening Teeth Whitening Definition Teeth whitening is the process of using bleach or other materials to make teeth look whiter. The materials remove stains or other discoloration from the tooth surface. . The effect on her psyche has been overwhelming, she said. ``I felt like I walked into the White House and Oval Office and angels treated me with respect everywhere,'' she said of the doctor and his staff. ``They're just very, very nice.'' Under the program, the surgery is performed by facial plastic and reconstructive physicians who work on a pro bono Short for pro bono publico [Latin, For the public good]. The designation given to the free legal work done by an attorney for indigent clients and religious, charitable, and other nonprofit entities. basis. Six doctors are enrolled in the program in the Los Angeles area, Rawnsley said. The program is sponsored by the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, abbreviated as AAFPRS, is the world's largest organization of facial plastic and reconstructive surgeons. , which works with the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence to provide services to victims. To qualify for the program, call (800) 842-4546, a 24-hour toll-free number maintained by the two organizations. Callers are screened to determine if their injuries are a result of domestic violence and if they are out of the abusive relationship. As for McCain, she is looking forward to rebuilding her life. She said the surgery has played a key part in regaining her self-confidence. ``It's, I think, a little tap on my shoulder from heaven saying, 'It's OK - and you look great.' '' CAPTION(S): photo Photo: Karen McCain before she received plastic surgery to repair facial damage she suffered at the hands of her ex-husband. Tina Burch/Staff Photographer |
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