Brandy Elias was disfigured in July 2004, after the car she was driving in her homeland of Guyana was fired upon. A cousin and a friend who were in the car with Elias were killed.
Although she survived the attack, the bullets tore away her nasal cavity and left her with a shattered cheek and nasal bones.
Dr. Mark DeLacure and Dr. Minas Constantinides volunteered their services as part of the "Face to Face project," -- a free program of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. They already performed three surgeries to create her new nose using skin, blood and cartilage from her forearm.
Constantinides says after the surgery, Elias will be able to breathe through her nose and will regain her sense of smell.
"It's going to restore her ability to go out in the world and live a more normal life," Constantinides said.
The new nose, which was attached to her arm, was moved to her face during Tuesday's surgery.
Elias, who moved to the United States last year, said she can't wait to look at herself in the mirror.
TM & Copyright 2009 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO & EYE Logo TM & Copyright 2009 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Grammy Award-winning artist Alicia Keys is heating things up in Rio de Janeiro during the filming of a music video for her song "Put It In a Love Song."
E-Mail Story
Print Story
