Our client stories

Alex's story

“After I contracted STREP A, I did think at times it would be impossible for me to smile again...Karen has given me a whole new sense of strength"

Meet Alex

"Karen has given me my smile back"

In November 2013 Alex caught what he thought was 'man flu'. He deteriorated over the next fortnight and was rushed to Winchester Intensive Care where he was diagnosed with Strep A. Sadly, following a move to Salisbury hospital, Alex underwent amputations of his left arm above the elbow and both legs above the knee. Six months later Alex also had his right elbow amputated. In a final blow, Alex suffered sever facial disfigurement due to the disease.

Alex had to learn to eat & drink, use a stylus to write and navigate using prosthetics as well as a power wheelchair. It had been a hugely demanding time for Alex and his family, however Alex demonstrated incredible strength & resilience, saying the only thing that made him sad was his son not wanting to hug him or kiss him as his body & face had changed so much.

Following over 20 facial surgeries Alex began a year long lip construction plan with Karen - the final piece of the jigsaw.

Treatment

Alex's procedure

Problem

Alex required facial pigmentation to reduce the appearance of scars and provide a natural looking result following his battle with Strep A.

Solution

Karen identified darker shading in the centre of Alex's lips plus vertical lines, concentrating on Alex's scars on the left hand cheek and nose, adding colour to the inside of Alex's lip. Using a technique called pointillism, Karen implanted pigment into Alex's scars and every follicle, adding freckles to minimise pigmentation. Alex visited every month for a year to achieve the final result. Karen will provide treatment to Alex for life, without charge.