Jose Mestre Portuguese man whose face was eaten away by a horrific tumor for over 40 years Date of Birth: 01.01.1961 Country: Portugal

1. The Man Who Lost His Face
2. A Life of Suffering and Isolation
3. A Stranger's Saving Grace
4. Miracle Surgery in Chicago
5. Return to Portugal
6. Embracing the Future

The Man Who Lost His Face

Jose Mestre was born with a vascular malformation on his face that uncontrollably grew until he was 14 years old. He had never been able to see out of his left eye, due to the massive growth of blood vessels that also covered his mouth, obstructing his ability to eat and breathe.

A Life of Suffering and Isolation

As an adult, Mestre's appearance was so shocking that he avoided public places, living a life of misery. Despite his mother's tireless search for medical solutions in Portugal, Spain, Germany, and England, all diagnoses and treatment plans differed, leaving Mestre without hope. Complicating matters, Mestre's mother was a Jehovah's Witness, and their religious teachings prohibited blood transfusions, a critical component of any surgery.

A Stranger's Saving Grace

After his mother passed away in 2008, Mestre's younger sister Edith became his guardian and agreed to allow blood transfusions. A chance encounter with a British tourist who had seen a documentary about a similar case in an American hospital gave Mestre a glimmer of hope.

Miracle Surgery in Chicago

In 2010, Mestre traveled to Chicago's St. Joseph Hospital, where plastic surgeon McKay McKinnon performed three risky procedures to restore Mestre's face. The initial tracheotomy secured his airway, and 98% of the tumor was removed. A second surgery eliminated the remaining tumor and reconstructed his mouth and nose, including his tongue. The final procedure focused on skin repair to damaged tissue from the previous surgeries.

Return to Portugal

Mestre returned to Portugal with his sister after the surgeries, though his recovery will be ongoing. McKinnon believes that Mestre will be able to undergo additional reconstructive surgery in Portugal, where he can now enjoy a vastly improved quality of life.

Embracing the Future

"He used to stay in his room, and now he goes for walks every day, humming a little tune," said hospital spokesperson Margo Shafer. "It's remarkable. As remarkable as his surgeon."

McKinnon acknowledges the psychological challenges Mestre will face in adjusting to his new appearance, but he is optimistic that the tumor will no longer grow, requiring only minor surgeries on his gums and tongue in the future. For now, Mestre is simply overjoyed to be able to walk in public without ridicule or scorn.