The face is often the first thing people notice when they meet someone. Imagine how devastating it is to approach the world with a disfigured face. Conrado Ramos Estrada knew how it felt. He suffered from rhinophyma.
Rhinophyma is a disease that affects the skin on the nose, but similar diseases can affect other areas of the face. It’s marked by the appearance of nodules and mottled skin. It can even affect the ability to breathe, speak, and eat.
Estrada, a 57-year-old construction worker and painter, suffered from a particularly aggressive case of rhinophyma. It left him with a large appendage dangling from his nose. It was difficult to endure the stares and hurtful comments. It adversely affected his life and self-esteem. He had difficulty breathing, speaking, and eating. It made him extremely self-conscious. He even resorted to wearing a mask.
Then a miracle happened.
Estrada happened to be part of a work crew painting the home of Dr. Thomas Romo, director of facial plastic reconstructive surgery practising at New York’s Lenox Hill Hospital. Dr. Thomas, a nose job specialist, couldn’t help but notice the horrible condition plaguing Estrada. He knew Estrada was an excellent candidate for facial cosmetic surgery. He knew it was unlikely Estrada could afford to pay for the procedure, and insurance often doesn’t cover such procedures. He decided to perform the surgery for no charge. Such generosity is not unusual for Dr. Romo who heads the Little Baby Face Foundation.
Cosmetic surgery is an important option for those suffering from some kind of disfigurement. Unappealing facial features can erode self-esteem, which can negatively impact a person’s life. Surgery can permanently correct many unattractive features. This can not only result in an improved quality of life, it can restore a person’s self-confidence.
Christmas 2021 turned out to be one of the best times of Estrada’s life. The surgery restored his sense of well-being. He now faces the future with greater enthusiasm.