And the confidence of victims of domestic violence
October is Domestic Violence Awareness month, and the humanitarian program Face to Face has been, in part, devoted to this cause since 1992. Sponsored by the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and partnering with member facial plastic surgeons like Dr. Bustillo, Face to Face caters to the physical needs of domestic violence victims. Additionally, those affected by birth defects or traumatic war injuries also benefit from the care of the team.
Around the globe, it is estimated that nearly one-third of women will face domestic violence at some time during their life. Most commonly, these attacks are inflicted by a romantic partner. Women (and men too, though less often) often sustain facial injuries as the result of physical attacks from their partners. This care is especially important to those in regions of the world where medical care systems are primitive and members of society can be outcast due to physical abnormalities.
Dr. Bustillo travels with the Face to Face medical team to correct facial deformities and perform scar revisions, among other procedures as needed. Women who have suffered emotional devastation are continuously reminded of their horrible experiences through their visible injuries. These surgeries are a vital part of a domestic violence victim’s healing process, and can help to restore one’s self-esteem.
The doctor performs the work pro bono, and the team receives donated funds and medical equipment to carry out their mission of improving one face at a time. Additionally, surgeons of other countries are trained on how to properly perform facial plastic surgeries. This way, current victims are cared for immediately, and victims yet to be helped can receive more advanced care.
Dr. Bustillo’s participation in charitable events began during his high school years when he traveled to the Dominican Republic to build children’s schools. His work then expanded in his college years to the city of Boston where he worked to keep the homeless warm during winter months. While in medical school, the doctor was able to provide basic care to those in need in Miami, and was again able to travel abroad to Kenya to correct cleft palates when he began his own practice. Dr. Bustillo currently works with Face to Face and travels to Guatemala annually with a group of Miami physicians to supply citizens with medical care.
Andres Bustillo, MD FACS has a diverse background in medical care and has worked all over the world to deliver his expert knowledge to surgeons in training and operate on patients in need. To visit the doctor at his South Florida office to discuss a facial cosmetic procedure, call (305) 663-3380 or fill out the Contact Form so the office can reach you.