Through a groundbreaking oculoplastic surgery in the UAE, Jovi has regained not only a natural appearance but also the confidence that had eluded her since childhood.
The procedure has allowed her to heal from decades of emotional distress and regain a sense of completeness.
A childhood accident that changed everything
At just seven years old, an innocent game with friends took a tragic turn when a stick struck her eye, causing irreversible damage. The injury led to the removal of her eyeball, a loss that shaped her self-image for decades to come.
As she matured, the emotional scars ran even deeper than the physical ones. Jovi struggled with self-esteem, avoiding social interactions and shying away from mirrors. 'I believed there was no solution for me. I felt different, incomplete. I hated looking at my reflection and lacked confidence,' she shared.
Despite building a happy family life, the emotional weight of her condition remained. For years, she resigned herself to the belief that her situation was permanent, until she discovered a potential solution through Dr. Fairooz PM, a Specialist Oculoplastic Surgeon at Medcare Hospital in Sharjah.
A life-changing opportunity
Upon consultation, Fairooz explained that Jovi's eye socket had significantly shrunken over the years due to the absence of an eyeball, making it nearly impossible for her to wear a prosthesis comfortably.
However, with advancements in oculoplastic surgery, a new approach offered her hope, socket reconstruction to restore volume and allow for a natural-looking prosthetic eye.
'Jovi had been living with this trauma for decades, convinced that there was no viable solution. Our goal was not only to improve her appearance but also to help her heal emotionally. She deserved to see herself as whole again,' Fairooz explained.
A complex but transformative procedure
Given the deterioration of Jovi's eye socket, a highly specialized procedure was required. Fairooz recommended socket reconstruction using a Dermis Fat Graft, a technique that transplants tissue from another part of the body to restore lost volume and create enough space for a prosthesis.
'This surgery required absolute precision,' said Fairooz. 'Any miscalculation could have affected the aesthetics of her face. We carefully reconstructed the socket and deepened the fornix, ensuring the prosthetic eye would sit naturally.'
The intricate surgery lasted three hours, followed by a ten-week healing period. Once the recovery process was complete, a customized ocular prosthesis was designed to match the color and structure of her natural eye, seamlessly restoring symmetry to her face.
Beyond the medical transformation, this journey was about Jovi reclaiming her identity. Living with an eye condition for over three decades had profoundly impacted her psychological well-being. Now, for the first time since childhood, she could look in the mirror without feeling self-conscious.
'This wasn't just about physical appearance. For patients like Jovi, losing an eye isn't only a medical issue, it's an emotional struggle. Restoring their confidence is just as significant as the surgery itself,' Fairooz emphasized.
Having lived in the UAE for 17 years, Jovi was overwhelmed with emotions when she saw the final result.
'For years, I felt like people only saw what I had lost. Now, I feel like myself again. This surgery has changed my life in ways I never imagined. I can smile freely and engage socially without fear. I am endlessly grateful to for getting a fresh start,' she said.
IGIHE
