iPhone | iPad
Android
Huawei
They stressed the importance of preventing a wider escalation of the conflict, which threatens to further endanger peace and stability in the region
KT APPDOWNLOAD
Risky Surgery Pays off as Dana Faces Life as a Normal Teenager
SHARJAH — For 14-year-old Dana Maher, undertaking a risky surgery meant being able to face life like a normal teenager. Dana was born with the genetic disorder known as Crouzon’s Syndrome that prevents the skull from growing normally and gives the face a twisted look.
Recovering from the first-ever Maxillofacial surgery performed in the country to correct the disorder at Al Qasimi Hospital, Dana, who has scored 92 per cent in her eighth grade, said on Sunday that she “wished to give back to the doctor what he had gifted her.”
Occurring in about one in 60,000 live births, the syndrome does not affect the intelligence levels but gives a person a retarded appearance.
“It was a risky 10-hour long surgery but was a success,” said Dr Mark Karas, head of Maxillofacial surgery at Al Qasimi Hospital who performed the LeFort III Osteotomy along with his team.
The disorder is characterised by abnormal growth of bones leading to wide-set, bulging eyes; eyes that do not point in the same direction; a beaked nose; and an underdeveloped upper jaw.
“We tried to enhance Dana’s collapsed mid face through the surgery,” said the doctor, adding that a skin flap gave access to her facial cavities.
Though a hipbone graft was kept ready by the doctors to build Dana’s cheekbones, they did not have to use it. “Taking Dana’s lower mandible (jaw) as a guide, we shifted her upper jaw by 10 millimetres and aligned it with the lower one,” explained Dr Karas.
According to the surgeon, a similar surgery, even rare in Europe, may cost over Dh150,000.
However, Dana still needs a nose job to add character to her face.
“This is possible only after six months,” added the doctor.”
The surgery has not affected her eyesight but Dana needs to see an orthodontist to give her a new set of teeth.
Besides enhancing her looks, the surgery has helped Dana breathing easily.
However, for the next three months, her face will be held in place by four titanium plates.
“This is done so that a relapse does not occur,” the doctor said.
Medical purposes
While the majority of people agree that cosmetic surgery should be used only for medical purposes, others say enhancing one’s looks through surgery is a personal choice.
Khaleej Times spoke to a few
on the issue:
Anne Romy, 21, a consultant, said cosmetic surgeries should only be used for medical purposes. “Such procedures have side effects. Old age means maturity and this is nothing to be ashamed of. We should all
accept nature.”
Rehab Shakil, 22, a model, said that undergoing cosmetic surgery was a personal choice. “If someone is happy doing plastic surgery, there should be no problem.
However, overdoing it and risking their health is not advisable.”
Sana Farid, 25, a relationship officer, said that defying the natural order was just not right. “Cosmetic picture perfect Barbies are a cause for concern and should be limited.”
More news from
Measures are aimed at preserving the integrity and sustainability of the nation's financial and economic system
With an election due in a year, German politicians are wary of potential job losses
"I’ve had success on these courses before—it’s always great to return to familiar ground," says the Dubai Golden Visa recipient
The deceased was a 64-year-old American woman who had been suffering from a severely compromised immune system
The Anfield youth product, linked with a move to Real Madrid, feels he is benefiting from the input of Slot
The three-day 2024 UAE Careers Fair 'Ru'ya began in Dubai on Tuesday
Expanded European events and next summer's extended Club World Cup have led to growing concerns about players' workloads