In a corner of the world still echoing with the aftermath of war, where destruction has touched every home and heartbreak lingers on every street, a team of surgeons is restoring more than just faces—they’re restoring hope.

This May, a dedicated group of medical professionals traveled to Ukraine on a humanitarian mission with a powerful purpose: to perform complex facial reconstructive surgeries for civilians who have suffered devastating war-related injuries. The initiative is led by former Chair and current Senior Advisor for the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Foundation’s FACE TO FACE Program, Dr. Manoj T. Abraham, MD, FACS, double board certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon, and a powerhouse team of dedicated surgeons, nurses, and support staff specializing in facial trauma. Their destination was a hospital in Lviv, a city that has become both a strategic medical hub and a refuge for thousands displaced by violence.

These missions go far beyond standard medical care. The procedures—lasting up to 12 hours—address severe trauma such as blast injuries and bone fractures caused by shelling and missile attacks. Surgeons perform intricate operations like microvascular free flap surgeries and the implantation of custom-designed, 3D facial prosthetics. These aren’t just medical interventions; they are lifelines for survivors whose lives have been forever altered.

Caption: Dr. Abraham and Dr. Winters evaluating a patient. Photo Credit: FACE TO FACE, AAFPRS

Behind Every Scar, a Story

Among the patients treated was a woman injured in a missile strike that leveled her neighborhood in Kostiantynivka. The blast left her with extensive facial trauma. For months, she lived with physical and emotional pain that words could not capture. Now, she is beginning a long road to healing—with a new face and a new future.

Another woman from Bakhmut survived a direct artillery attack on her home. The injury to her head was so severe that basic medical care was not enough. Her story is one of many—civilians caught in the crossfire, bearing wounds that are both visible and invisible to the outside world, and impossible to ignore.

Building a Future of Local Healing

This mission was not just about providing care—it was about creating a sustainable future. In addition to treating patients, the team focused on training Ukrainian surgeons in the latest facial reconstruction techniques. By sharing their expertise, they helped build a foundation for long-term medical resilience in a country that continues to face daily challenges.

“There’s an overwhelming need for advanced facial reconstruction in Ukraine,” said Dr. Abraham. “This mission is not only about performing surgeries—it’s about empowering local doctors to carry this work forward. That’s how we create lasting impact.”

Caption: Dr. Moskowitz (foreground) and Dr. Chuhai (local Ukrainian surgeon) operating. Photo Credit: FACE TO FACE, AAFPRS

A Humanitarian Legacy

Over the past several years, the ongoing war in Ukraine has left a staggering number of civilians with life-altering injuries. Traditional medical systems, already strained, have struggled to keep up with the volume and complexity of trauma cases. In response, global surgical teams have stepped in—not only to provide immediate care, but also to contribute to the long-term rebuilding of Ukraine’s healthcare infrastructure.

These missions represent a fusion of compassion and technical skill. Surgeons volunteer their time, traveling thousands of miles to serve strangers whose lives have been torn apart. Their reward is not measured in salary or recognition, but in the moment a patient sees their reflection and smiles again—sometimes for the first time in years.

Why It Matters

In the wake of war, the wounds that last longest are often the ones we cannot see. A shattered face can rob someone of their identity, confidence, and ability to interact with the world. For many survivors, facial reconstruction is not about vanity—it’s about survival.

This initiative in Ukraine is a reminder that even in the darkest circumstances, there are those who choose to show up, to help, and to heal. Their work tells a powerful story of resilience, not just of individuals, but of a nation determined to reclaim its future—one face at a time.

Because true healing begins when we choose to care.

Caption: Dr. Abraham and AAFPRS Resident Member, Dr. Ivanka Nebor – ENT/H&N resident NYMC  Photo Credit: FACE TO FACE, AAFPRS

Read on for a first-person experience from Dr. Abraham.

Q: “As a top U.S. dual board-certified facial plastic surgeon, how do you balance the urgent need to perform life-changing surgeries in Ukraine with the long-term goal of empowering Ukrainian surgeons to carry this work forward on their own? Did the approach feel different on this mission than during the previous three trips?”

A: ”It is very gratifying to see the Ukrainian surgeons we have worked with make tremendous progress in performing these complex reconstructive techniques independently after our FTF trips and in-country training.” – Dr. Abraham.

Q: How did this fourth mission differ from your past trips—not just medically, but emotionally? Did you notice any changes in the patients or local medical professionals in terms of energy, resilience, or how they’re thinking about the future?

A: ”Unfortunately, the war is dragging on and you can see this in the weariness of the Ukrainians, especially the medical personnel, on this our fourth FTF trip. They are even more short-staffed as many of them are being deployed to the front lines while they continue to have to take care of a tidal wave of injured patients with no end in sight – it is understandable why they are demoralized.  However, it is truly inspiring how they continue to soldier on and have a positive outlook with many of our patients determined to get better and return to fighting the Russians and defending their country.” – Dr. Abraham

Closing statement on behalf of AAFPRS:

“We are honored to share that our team in Ukraine received heartfelt recognition from Ruslan Prykhodko, the Deputy Minister of Veterans Affairs of Ukraine, who expressed deep gratitude for the dedication and professionalism shown during the FACE TO FACE mission. As a testament to the mission’s impact, the Deputy Minister visited the team to thank them and witness the work firsthand.

We’re incredibly proud of our members and partners who are making a life-changing difference in the lives of Ukrainian patients through compassionate, expert care.”

AAFPRS members and surgeons include:

Dr. Manoj T. Abraham – Facial plastics, Mt. Sinai/NYMC, team lead, AAFPRS Member @drmanojtabraham @nyfacemd

Dr. Shaun Desai – Facial plastics, Hopkins, AAFPRS Member @drshaundesai

Dr. John Frodel – Facial plastics, Guthrie, AAFPRS Member @johnfrodel

Dr. Ryan Winters – Facial plastics, Australia (originally from US) AAFPRS member @facesnewcastle

Dr. Grigoriy Mashkevich – Facial plastics, NYC, AAFPRS Member @dr.mashkevich

Dr. Ivanka Nebor – ENT/H&N resident NYMC (from Ukraine) AAFPRS Resident Member @ivanka_nebor

Dr. Boris Chernobilsky – ENT/H&N surgeon, NYC

Dr. Bruce Moskowitz – Oculoplastic surgeon, NYC @moskowitzbruceDr. Augustine Moscatello – ENT/H&N surgeon, Chair at NYMC @wmchealth