More than 5000 soldiers went off to war in Iraq and Afghanistan and never came home. Even more suffer devastating injuries that change their looks and lives forever.

Now, some of the top reconstructive surgeons in the world are teaming up as part of “Operation Mend”, and the free service is rebuilding faces, one soldier at a time.

A roadside bomb in Iraq destroyed Marine Sergeant Blaine Scott's face and nearly took his life.

“Next thing you know, we're on fire trying to get out of the vehicle,” says Sgt. Scott.

His own family barely recognized him.

“I didn't want my wife to see me like this,” he says.

Three years and 25 surgeries later, the man in the mirror is starting to look more familiar thanks to Operation Mend. The program at UCLA a gives soldiers their faces back through reconstructive surgery at no charge.

This time, Blaine's nose is the focus. Dr. Timothy Miller, professor of plastic surgery at UCLA, takes a flap of skin from Blaine's forehead and flips it around to sculpt a new nose.

“We like them to appear as normal as we possibly can,” says Dr. Miller.

So far, the team has helped 30 soldiers, some who've needed 20 surgeries. It's funded by millions of dollars from private and public donors.

“My nose, I didn't have much skin there, and my nostrils were all burned, and that's probably the most recognizable thing he's done for me,” says Sgt. Scott.

An explosion shattered Army Specialist Joseph Paulk's face and his entire body in Afghanistan. He's only on his second surgery. He says it's not just helping his scars, but also his self-image.

“Being able to go out and not be as embarrassed, because I do look a lot better than I did,” he says.

To make a donation to Operation Mend, click here.

RESEARCH SUMMARY
OPERATION MEND
BACKGROUND: Reconstructive surgery can repair permanent bodily damages due to various events or injuries. Such causes may include birth defects, mastectomies in women, traumatic injuries, diseases and tumors. The American Society for Plastic Surgeons reports over 1 million reconstructive surgeries each year. Many times, insurance will cover reconstructive surgeries. Experts recommend that you ask your surgeon to take pictures and document and detail your case to send to the insurance company. Breast Reconstruction: Women who have had mastectomies may utilize breast reconstruction surgery to recreate breast size, structure and composition. Hand or Feet Surgery: These surgeries may be necessary for a variety of reasons including cancerous or noncancerous tumors, webbed toes or fingers, extra fingers or toes and carpal tunnel syndrome. Surgeries can repair strength, function and flexibility of the fingers. Wound Care: Severe burns or cuts may require skin grafts or another reconstructive method. Surgeries targeted at scars focus on minimizing scars to make the target area more consistent in structure and complexion with the surrounding skin, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Surgery After Skin Cancer: Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer, and 80 percent of skin cancer cases occur on the face, head or neck, according to The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. Two common surgeries are low risk. Most skin cancers can be removed surgically, through a simple excision, which may lead a thin scar that's hard to notice. Facial Surgeries: Cleft lip, breathing problems, chronic infections or even snoring may be fixed with a facial surgery. A cleft lip, which is the separation in the upper lip, occurs in about one out of every 800 babies. It happens when the lip and roof of the mouth do not grow as one component together. Cleft lip surgeries close the separation.
REBUILDING FACES FOR SOLDIERS: Many servicemen and servicewomen return from war with disfiguring injuries. Now, there's a unique program that's helping them get the care they need free of charge. "Operation Mend" is a program that was launched with the help of philanthropist Ronald A. Katz. It is a unique partnership between Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio and the VA-Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System. Operation Mend is funded through public and private donations. The Katz Family Foundation aims to fund all uncovered costs associated with the project, including lodging for patients and family members. So far, the UCLA team has helped about 30 soldiers, some who've needed 20 surgeries.
For More Information, Contact:
Melanie Gideon
Operation Mend Coordinator UCLA
Los Angeles, CA
310) 794-8161
http://www.operationmend.ucla.edu