More than 100 survivors of domestic violence have had their faces rebuilt by Dr. Andrew Jacono, a dual board-certified facial plastic surgeon whose Park Avenue practice sits alongside a decade-spanning record of pro bono reconstructive work. His involvement runs through the FACE TO FACE project, operated by the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, where he holds the role of senior advisor.
The program pairs surgeons with survivors whose injuries left lasting physical marks. Facial scarring from abuse can complicate job interviews, unsettle new relationships, and serve as a daily reminder of violence long after it ended. Reconstructive surgery gives survivors a way to move past that visible history.
Television Brought the Work Into Public View
Dr. Jacono’s contributions to this cause reached a national audience through Facing Trauma, a documentary series that aired in 2011 on Discovery Fit & Health before moving to the Oprah Winfrey Network. Cameras followed him through operating rooms as he performed reconstructive procedures on domestic violence survivors, pairing surgical detail with the personal stories of people rebuilding their lives.
The show is credited with drawing attention to a subject rarely discussed in mainstream medical coverage. His advocacy earned a 2006 Good Guy Award from the Center for the Women of New York, and U.S. Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy commended his contributions in the Congressional Record. For nine years, Dr. Andrew Jacono chaired ABOUT FACE: MAKING CHANGES, an annual benefit supporting survivors of domestic violence.
A Career That Extends Overseas
His humanitarian record does not stop at survivors of abuse. Dr. Andrew Jacono has also performed surgery on more than 750 children in developing countries, treating cleft lips, cleft palates, and other congenital facial conditions through missions with Healing the Children and similar organizations.
He has climbed mountains including Kilimanjaro and Elbrus specifically to fund this combined mission, treating the climbs as fundraising vehicles rather than personal achievements. As Fellowship Director for the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, he continues training surgeons who may carry this work forward. Refer to this article for additional information.
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