Later this month, the Educational and Research Foundation for the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS Foundation) humanitarian initiative FACE TO FACE will embark on its fifth medical mission to Ukraine since the war broke out four years ago. Led by four AAFPRS facial plastic and reconstructive surgeons, an interdisciplinary medical team of nearly 20 will be stationed at a hospital in Lviv, one of Ukraine’s largest cities located approximately four hours from the Polish border. FACE TO FACE is the humanitarian and educational surgical exchange program sponsored by the AAFPRS Foundation.
The medical mission team plans to operate on 40 patients with severe facial trauma and facial paralysis as a result of devastating war-related injuries. These complex procedures—lasting up to 12-hours—will include microvascular free flap surgeries and reconstruction using 3-D, patient-specific implants. In addition to providing direct care, the surgeons will train local Ukrainian doctors in these cutting-edge techniques to build sustainable medical proficiency in the region.
“The level of facial trauma we’re seeing in Ukraine is extraordinarily complex and deeply personal for these patients. Our goal is not only to restore function and dignity through advanced reconstruction, but to train and empower Ukrainian surgeons so this care continues long after we leave,” says mission trip leader and facial plastic surgeon Dr. Grigoriy Mashkevich, who is participating in his fifth consecutive trip to Ukraine.
The FACE TO FACE humanitarian programs allow AAFPRS members to use their surgical skills and expertise to help those who are in need domestically and abroad. These physicians and support staff provide their services pro bono and self-fund much of the costs for the expensive medical supplies and equipment needed.
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