Maxillofacial surgeon Iain Hutchison works with people whose faces have been severely disfigured. By pushing to improve surgical techniques, he helps to improve their lives; and by commissioning their portraits, he celebrates their humanity. NOTE: This talk contains images of disfigured and badly injured faces that may be disturbing -- and Hutchison provides thoughtful answers as to why a disfigured face can shock us so deeply. Squeamish? Hide your screen from 12:10 - 13:19, but do keep listening. Portraits shown in this talk come from Mark Gilbert.

Saving faces: A facial surgeon's craft

Facial appearance is deeply tied to how others perceive us and how we see ourselves, influencing everything from social acceptance to self-worth. Through stories of patients recovering from disfiguring injuries or illness, it becomes clear that a supportive environment can help restore a sense of normalcy even when appearance is altered. One striking example is a patient who thrived in his career and family life despite undergoing 15 facial operations over 15 years. Advances in reconstructive surgery offer hope, but the emotional impact of facial difference runs deep and transcends culture.