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A plastic surgeon has revealed for the first time how he saved the face of a model and TV presenter who was attacked with acid.
Mohammad Ali Jawad, 51, was the first to use a pioneering technique to rebuild the skin of a fresh burns victim.
A team of eight doctors from Chelsea and Westminster hospital took six hours to operate on Katie Piper in the first procedure of its kind in the world.
Ms Piper, 26, was left disfigured after her jealous ex-boyfriend Daniel Lynch hired a man to maim her. The sulphuric acid he threw at Ms Piper stripped away four layers of skin in the worst case of acid burns her doctors had seen.
Eighteen months later, she is making good progress thanks to the hospital's burns unit, which treats about 600 people a year. In his first interview, Mr Jawad told of the emotional impact of seeing Ms Piper's injuries: "It broke my heart when I saw Katie. She was so young and was there through no fault of her own." He added that the first concern had been whether was it was an alkaline burn which is worse than acid because it goes deeper and carries on "sizzling" the skin.
The treatment used by Mr Jawad involved a skin substitute or filler called Matriderm made of collagen and elastin. It is usually used by doctors as a "scaffolding" or "foundation" which improves the way the skin "accepts" skins grafts.
Until Ms Piper's operation, it had only been used to improve the appearance of existing burns, never on a patient with fresh injuries. Mr Jawad consulted surgeons around the world on the process. Facial operations are complex because patients need to retain their ability to use the face to express emotion, he said.
Mr Jawad said: "Treatments attempted in the past would not have left a facial expression. It was an even bigger dilemma when we found out she was a model." A layer of the filler, costing about £2,000 for an A4 sheet, was moulded over Ms Piper's face. The surgeons then used a graft of skin taken from her lower back. This was placed on top of the filler and stitched in place. The burns expert and plastic surgeon said he has since carried out the same procedure on at least 15 patients. Doctors in France, Spain and Italy have started using it after Mr Jawad's success.
Mr Jawad said: "There is no glamour in burns surgery. Breast reconstruction [for cancer patients] is a big deal now, but burns victims are often overlooked."
Katie: My Beautiful Face documents Ms Piper's recovery and highlights the plight of burns victims. It will be broadcast on Thursday at 9pm on Channel 4.
Reader views (52)
I was angry to know there are such animals who did that nasty things to you!. I wish you get a full recovery on your body and heart soon! And you are still so charming and inspiring. I believe you will return to your normal life and start a new happy life. The nightmare has gone and your new life is begining!
- Mingwai, St Andrews
Hi Katie - your beauty shined through from deep inside you, which nobody can take away from you - always remember that. Your exceptionally kind nature and strength of spirit has captured the nation's heart. Your love of life is inspirational as is your strength of character. You are the epitomy of 'beauty is only skin deep' and I want to thank you for showing me that. You are an extremely warm person and you have a very bright future. Use those wonderful talents and your great love of life to help those who maybe going through a similar experience. You're an angel on earth - God bless you.
- Kim Short, Yapton, West Sussex, England
My girlfiend and I watched Katie - My beautiful face last night on Channel 4. Katie, neither of us have the words to describe how we felt watching the show. The anger at what those animals did to you, no punnishment is enough. The overriding feeling we both felt was your ability,strength and courage to overcome what you have. You are an inspiration to every person in every walk of life. I personally will reflect on what you have achieved in your life, if i ever feel times are tough for me and i will be inspired by you. God Bless you and i hope you have a very long,warm and fruitful life. you deserve all the happiness life has to offer.
- Jim, Ireland
i'm just watching 'katie-my beautiful face' on e4. it is easy to say you're incredibly brave, but in your case it's so apt. to see you enjoying the little things, despite the nightmare you've been thru, is really touching, words can't really describe it. i hope i'll think of your strenght when i'm feeling down. you deserve all that life has to offer. best wishes, no words can express how much your courage has made such an impression on me......
- Mark, naas, kildare, ireland.
Katie what a wonderful lady you are. I truly wish you a happy, healthy, fulfilling future and the same for all your lovely family, you are an inspiring lady and an example to us all, a really brave young woman. Thank you for sharing your story with us all. I look forward to hearing about your wonderful future life...
- Beverley, Moira, Northern Ireland
This is my first comment on a website but I wanted to share my thoughts. I saw the documentary today on 4OD. It brought tears to my eyes. Katie - you're are so brave to go through what you did and to share your story with us. You're an inspiration, and someone I respect. Well done in moving on with your life. You're a beautiful girl and I wish you all the best in the future. Well done to Mr Jawad and his team with your brilliant skills. I have to agree with Chelsea Resident's comment above
- Ss, London
Hello Katie,
You're an amazing person and you still have true beauty, not just on the outside, but from the inside too. I have to tell you, I absolutely loved the black/white dress you wore in your documentary at your party (the one from Warehouse). You looked stunning in it! I would never have picked that off a hanger. You should be a fashion stylist, maybe even a clothes designer like VB. She wears lovely clothes too.
Anyway, I hope each new day feels a little brighter...
- Catherine, Cardiff, South Wales
your a true angel , a gift from god ,, keep up the good work,, my 4 y o daughter is a fan, ayra is her name . any help i may offer i will give it my best ..
- William Freeman, jamaica ,, new york usa
Mr Jawad being a pakistani I am proud of you for such a briliant work.
I hope she will enjoy her life very soon.
also Don't forget your country . remember to payback to your country.
I hope to see you in your homeland soon.
Regards
- Malik Imran, Pakistan
Thank you very much Mr Jawad for helping Katie. You look so charming and sexy and must be incredibly intelligent as well. I wish there were more men like you. You rock our world.
- Praya, londen
This programme was about a wonderful young lady with the most wonderful personality who has been the victim of the most horrific crime. Katie, my family watched the programme last night and we all fell in love with you. You are so brave to have allowed this programme to be made, but you must know that your story has touched so many people because of your fantastic spirit and determination. We all think you are truly beautiful in the absolute sense of the word and you deserve a future of good things, which I am convinced you will get. You and your family are inspirational and if you were my daughter I would be so proud of you. Stay positive and know that you now have the support of millions of people who watched the programme. Your beauty cannot be taken away from you, as it really does shine from inside you.
- Jam, Lancashire
Unbelievably moving and inspirational programm last night and i have to say Katie you are one brave young woman... My best wishes go to you and your amazing family and doctor and I wish you all the very best for your future. xxx
- Angela Robinson, Cheshire
i watched katie on this morning last week and also watched the documentary last night,i am glad the attackers got a prison sentence but a prison sentence is nothing compared to what katie has had to go through and still going through,katie you are still beautiful and your family are such a great support,you are so brave katie,keep strong,xxx
- M,Brown, dundee,scotland
Dear Katie, you are the most courageous and brave woman. Your documentary touched my heart. You are an inspiration to all those woman who have suffered violent attacks who need strength. I admire your determination and tenacity. I wish you a speedy and comfortable recovery and also pay homage to all those good people who have taken care of you and other burns victims. There is good in this world. It is such a shame that so pain has to be caused to show some light. Infinite blessings.
- Claire, Devon
Katie you are amazing & beautiful . enjoy life you deserve it.
- Karl, nottingham
Katie is such a brave person, I watched the documentary last night and it upset me that someone would do such a thing. She is a lovely person, all the best Katie. Your still beautiful.
- Louise,, Devon
i just wanted to say i watched the show last nite and was really touched by your storey, i still think you look beatiful and so does my boyfriend, so keep your head up girl, your an inspiration to so many people.and believe me them prats will get what they deserve one day. take care babe x
- Charlene Middleton, eastbourne, eastsussex
i watched the programme last night and it bought me to tears to see such a horrid thing happen.
i can only say im happy the men who did it and caused it are behind bars.
you're a inspiration to me & many others katie.
i still think you're beautiful, dont let it get you down .
Fiona
- Fiona, poole
What the programme last night, just have to say Katie you are one brave lady and an inspiration to us all.
stay positive you have done brilliantly.
Wishing you all the best
- Phil, poole uk
All praise for Dr Mohammad Ali Jawad and the NHS and brave Kate who in another interview said all her surgery was covered by the NHS. I worked for the NHS years ago & it is one of the best humane institutions ever implemented. Was horrified how Obama's US health reforms were opposed and the NHS used as a 'bad example' by opponents. If this had happened in the US ...
- Sven, Auckland NZ
I still think Katie is beautiful.....
- David, LONDON
I saw the show on c4 yesterday and she looked just like Kate Thornton before, She still has a cute smile even now.
- Marc, London
I was so touched by having seen Katie's documentary I think she is a brave lovely woman, those two deserve to be taken to America for a death sentence, animals like that should not be allowed to live.
- Victoria, surrey
I saw the Channel 4 programme about Katie last night and I was in tears for her. A beautiful, amazing girl and I hope she can rebuild her life. Her surgeon is a marvel. With love and best wishes for your recovery Katie x
- Sarah, Enfield
Katie, you are an inspiration to me. Even in a world so tragically unwell as this, where 1% of the worlds' population owns 40% of its wealth yet millions starve and die of preventable diseases each day; in a society dictated by a wholly corrupt monetary system and materialism...there are wonderful people like you still among us. You are truly amazing, and so beautiful inside and out. It is because of people like you that I will ever give up no matter what. Love and blessings to you Katie x
- Simon, Lincoln, England
Thanks to Dr jawad and katie the good peoples spread all over the world i thank to them. As there are many cases of acid burns in the sub continent since last decades and it had reduced a little yet but it is very injustice .My regards and best wishes for Dr Jawad and beautiful kattie.
- Sheraz Ahmad, Peshawar Pakistan
The Great Dr. Mohammad Ali Jawad. Gold bless u.
- Dan Watson, Essex UK
Katie,
I usually don't do these comment things but your story on the tele was very moving. You have come along way and are an inspiration to many people..believe it or not.
- Paul M, Essex
Im a soldier in the British Army, have been on the front line many times, seen some bad things and some friends who have never made it back. I have never met anyone in my whole life who is as brave as you. Your documentry made me weep for Katie i hope she understands she still looks so beautiful on the outside and the inside. She is a brave brave woman. Not sure if i could do it. A big hand and a big heart to you Katie and you Mr Jawad
- Leslie, Swindon
Thank you Mr Jawad for your care, skill and hard work in helping the lovely Katie.
Katie you are a brave, incredible and inspiring young lady, you are so very beautiful as a person.
Acid thrown into a female's face is a sickening frequent happening in foreign countries to punish a woman if they do not for example marry a person they have to etc. You will highlight their plight and be an inspiration to them too. Hope one day someone will lobby and condemn this wicked abuse of women. Bless you.
- Nadine Bradley, Yorkshire
hello katie, my names mark, wanted to say all the best..
- Mark, hertfordshire, united kingdom
Mr Jawad and his colleagues are amazing and and did everything they can for Katie Piper, if it wasn't for them, Katie Piper face would have been disfigured for life.
Its sucks wat Katie Piper ex boyf did to her, guys who do that to womens should be getting the death penalty, that is no way to be rude to a person who did nothing wrong.
Katie Piper is a nice person, she done nothing all, always making new friends, never jealous or paranoid at all etc.
- Newcastle Millionaire, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Katie is still very beautiful! Wish you and Dr Jawas all the best!
- Zuzana, Belfast
"Actually Graham, they both deserve death, unfortunately we live in such a 'civilised' society we don't do that sort of thing any more. A couple of years in jail, down to six months then early release for good behaviour no doubt..."
That's not entirely true. An offence of this kind would typically be classified as wounding with intent under s18 of the OAPA, which carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. It's just unfortunate in this case that the judge was a complete tool and only gave him 6 years. The judges in this country are more of a joke than the legal system.
- Luke T, Devon, England
Katie you look just as pretty, i can't believe it !!
keep strong brave lady !!!x
- Lin, Yorkshire
Mr. Jawad ...can I just say,,,you rock. More power to you and congratulations on achieving such a wonderful thing. I hope Katie makes a great recovery...
We should meet sometime?
- Zainab Ikram Siddiq, London
Mr. Jawad - you should be commended for such a great job and to Katie Piper - you are very courageous and so brave - and I wish you all the best. I hope those scum, the one that perpetrated and the one who actually did it get or got a sentence deserved. EVIL, EVIL scum.....
- Bj, Sydney Australia
I hope those evil men who did this die a very painful death. The world we live in is a terrible place filled with evil.
How brave you are Katie x
- Claire, London
More power to Dr/Mr Jawad - talk about job satisfaction !
- Squiz, Islington
Dr Jawad congratulations,a remarcable work and thanks to you many patient will benefit from the treatment. I am happy for miss katie. The ex boyfriend is just a bitter person who deserve no respect for what he did.he is insane.
well done Dr Jawad!
- Hayat Aalam, chelsea, london
i don't suppose the two absoulute losers who did this to this beautiful young girl care what so ever, recently i did a tiny poll and most prisoners couldn't care less about being in prison the animal who instigated the attack is a bully and i would imagine that men are scared of him too, not so tough though is he as he didn't have the courage to carry it out his self only brave enough to rape and plan in the dark, BOTH OF THEM losers. we just have to wait for WHAT COMES AROUND. and it will come around. good luck to katie and well done Mr Jawed.
- Delores William, catford london
She's such a pretty girl - inside and out. I hope the men who did this are having a pretty ugly time of it in prison . . .
- Roz, France
- "What happened to the ex boyfriend and the hit man? They both deserve life."
Actually Graham, they both deserve death, unfortunately we live in such a 'civilised' society we don't do that sort of thing any more. A couple of years in jail, down to six months then early release for good behaviour no doubt...
Anyway, I've no wish to dwell in bitterness in what is actually a very positive story.
Like the previous commentators, I have an enormous amount of respect both for Katie's courage for going public with her story, and for the skill and dedication of Dr Jawad.
You also have to admire Dr Jawad for choosing such a very difficult line of work, (technically and emotionally) - when no doubt he could earn a great deal more money using his skills to perform far easier breast implants and nose jobs.
Well done sir!
- John T, London
Mr Jawad..... I hope you will be blessed. Keep this up and you will be. Thanks for helping us humans. To the girl, how great this reads. Good luck
- Pj, Sri Lanka
Don't the BNP want to throw people like Mr Jawad out of the country?
What a strange notion!
- Kerry, Purley
Fantastic that this could be done for her and well done to everyone involved with helping her. I just have one question, why was it more of a dilemma because she was a model. Would someone not beautiful enough to be a model therefore not deserve to have their face reconstructed like this.
- Kathy, London
We need more Jawads? Really? After the rant last week re BNP, I think Mr Jawad is just the type of person they want to send home!!! Good to see we foreigners have some uses !!!
- Maya - London, London
Fantastic work Mr Jawad, well done, and congratulations to Katie Piper too. What happened to the ex boyfriend and the hit man? They both desrve life.
- Graham Rodhouse, Helmond, Netherlands
That poor girl, but at least she came under the care of a top surgeon..
Both of them make me feel humble
- Shelly, London
I'm very moved by Katie Piper's story, she's very brave and wish her the best in life. Even though the horrible acid attack has ruined her looks, you can still tell she's a beautiful young women.
- Ben S, London
Here, here Chelsea Resident.
Mr Jawed is an amazing man, with an amazing gift.
And Ms Piper is an incredibly brave young woman.
- Jc, London
Mr Jawad and his colleagues gets paid peanuts compared to some bankers, yet he must be able to go home at night with the greatest sense of satisfaction imaginable.
We need more Jawads and less of the greedy, short term bankers who just discredit capitalism.
Mr Jawad, you are a true humanitarian
- Chelsea Resident, London
