FACE TO FACE: International

FACE TO FACE: International is a humanitarian program conducted under the auspices of the Educational and Research Foundation for the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS Foundation). FACE TO FACE: International helps primarily children in other countries that have been abandoned due to their facial deformities caused by birth or trauma.Unlike other programs, FACE TO FACE: International makes the educational exchange among facial plastic and reconstructive surgeons all over the world an integral part of its program. Our surgeons are men and women who believe that a more lasting impact is made in communities when our FACE TO FACE teams work side by side with local medical personnel to manage an individual’s care. Mutual respect grows as different surgical approaches are discussed and demonstrated. Our volunteers and our hosts orally exchange case analysis and share published information. This exchange of information, knowledge, and techniques is encouraged and contributes to the long-term success of the program. The program is devoted to expanding the knowledge and improving the skills of facial plastic and reconstructive surgeons in all corners of the world.To date, it is estimated that FACE TO FACE: International has exchanged surgical knowledge, case analysis and experience with more than two thousand five hundred surgeons worldwide. Recent missions have included: Guatemala, China, Vietnam, Moldova, and Cambodia.FACE TO FACE: International appreciates donations of medical supplies and equipment, but when one of our international colleagues is in urgent need of equipment we provide funding for the purchase. FACE TO FACE provides funding to offset hospital costs in our host countries. We also need funds to develop teaching symposia and produce educational materials.