Terry, a young man who was considered handsome before, underwent an extensive 11-hour surgery at the University of California, San Francisco medical center. The procedure involved the removal of significant facial structures, including half of his nose, half of his upper lip, muscles and bones from his right cheek, as well as six teeth and part of his hard palate. The aftermath of this surgery has left him shocked and disoriented, particularly when he noticed a tube connecting his face to his chest post-operation, which added to his fear and anxiety.

Upon waking, Terry immediately sought help from a nurse who explained to him the extent of the surgical changes made. He learned that the removal of such a substantial amount of skin would require future skin grafts to reconstruct his face, leading to uncertainty about his recovery and appearance. The emotional impact of seeing his altered reflection was overwhelming for him, causing a mix of confusion and distress as he grappled with the realities of his new visage.

As he processes these changes, Terry's situation also opens up discussions regarding cosmetic surgery and the psychological toll it can take on individuals. His experience speaks volumes about the importance of mental health support in the aftermath of major surgeries that drastically alter one's appearance, raising questions about how identity and self-image may be intertwined with physical appearance.