Each year, thousands of children experience bullying as a result of being born with facial deformities. One such example was Nadia Ilse, who had to endure numerous taunts about her ears from the day she started first grade. The Little Baby Face Foundation has come to the rescue, not only for Nadia, but for thousands of other children as well, by providing free plastic surgery to help correct these deformities.

Looking Forward to School for the First Time

As a result of receiving otoplasty surgery, Nadia, who is now 14 years old, can look forward to joining her peers at school for the first time ever. She stated that, as a result of being called Dumbo because of her ears, she had changed from being talkative and outgoing to being extremely shy, withdrawn and anti-social. “The taunting hurt so much,” she stated to CNN’s Dr. Sanjay Gupta. When the foundation heard of her plight, they not only performed the otoplasty, they also included reduction rhinoplasty and mentoplasty to reduce the size of her nose and chin, respectively. Estimated cost of the surgery was in the region of $40,000, which was fully funded by the foundation.

More Children Going Under the Knife than Ever

Thousands of children are so desperate to stop the daily taunting and bullying over their appearance that they are lining up to have the appropriate surgical procedures. Although Nadia is aware that she should have been accepted for who she was prior to having the surgery, she realized that there would be no end in sight to the bullying. She has no regrets whatsoever after receiving the surgery. “I look beautiful, this is exactly what I wanted, I love it,” she said. When asked what advice she would give to parents, she stated, “Give your children a lot of love and affection and tell them that they’re beautiful every single day.”

Transforming One Life at a Time

Although Nadia must still begin counseling to help her overcome the psychological effects of the bullying, a Little Baby Face Foundation board member, Don Moriarity, stated that her positive outlook demonstrates the group’s goal. “We like to say that Baby Face transforms the lives of these children, and gives them new found confidence,” he said. Nadia’s story emerged a few months after it was discovered that 7-year-old Samantha Shaw had otoplasty, and 13-year-old Nicolette Taylor was featured for having nose surgery in an effort to combat online harassment as well as name-calling and bullying at school.

Anti-Bullying Laws in Place

According to a report released by the US Department of Education, the majority of states now have laws in place that require schools to adopt policies against bullying. Over the past decade, more than 120 bills have been adopted in this regard. Currently, 46 states have enacted anti-bullying laws, and 36 have implemented regulations that deal with cyber bullying. In some cases, these laws and bills give schools authority to address bullying, even if it takes place off of school grounds.

While these laws may not have been enough to protect victims like Nadia, Samantha and Nicolette, it is hoped that they will offer some measure of comfort and restitution to others who are susceptible to being bullied.

Image Source: CNN


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Dr. Jeffrey Spiegel


Dr. Jeffrey Spiegel

With special expertise in all aspects of facial plastic surgery, and a particular skill for revision surgery, it’s clear why Dr. Spiegel is one of the most celebrated facial plastic surgeons in the world. If you are seeking the best possible results, or have a uniquely challenging problem, you’ve found the right doctor.

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Dr. Onir L. Spiegel


Dr. Onir L. Spiegel

Dr. Onir (pronounced “oh-near”) has years of experience in facial aesthetics and treats some of the most recognizable and famous faces. Dr. Onir started her career in oral health, earning doctorate degrees from both New York University and Boston University. She has been the recipient of numerous awards for her cutting-edge medical research as well as her technical skills in dentistry.

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Dr. Jacob Tower


Dr. Jacob Tower

A board-certified specialist in facial plastic surgery, Dr. Jacob Tower brings a thoughtful approach and an artistic eye to New England’s premier plastic surgery practice, The Spiegel Center in Newton, Massachusetts. In addition to being an in-demand surgeon, Dr. Tower is an assistant professor at the Boston University School of Medicine, a sought-after lecturer, and an expert in facial plastic surgery.

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