Facing Trauma

Some plastic surgeons have the ability to rebuild lives as well as faces. One of them is Dr. Andrew Jacono, a world-class facial reconstruction surgeon who has made it his mission to serve the victims of devastating acts of domestic violence. The upcoming one-hour special, "FACING TRAUMA", follows Jacono as he helps put back together the lives of two women and one young girl who were tragically scarred by violent pasts. "FACING TRAUMA" premieres Sunday, February 20, at 10 PM (ET/PT) on the all-new Discovery Fit & Health.

Every face tells a story, and "FACING TRAUMA" shares three unforgettable tales of survival and renewal. Viewers will be unable to forget the harrowing stories of victims left disfigured from attacks by the men in their lives. Having survived traumatic, near-death experiences, these three are left with physical and emotional scars that make it impossible to lead a normal life - unless Jacono can provide them with hope and a new beginning.

""FACING TRAUMA" represents a significant landmark for the new Discovery Fit & Health, as it is the network's first original special," said Laura Michalchyshyn, President and General Manager of Discovery Fit & Health. "It's a riveting profile of three courageous women and one amazing doctor who uses his talent to restore lives. This type of storytelling featuring unforgettable characters, ripping real-life drama and emotional redemption will be a hallmark of Discovery Fit & Health."

"FACING TRAUMA" tells the story of Kristie who eleven years ago at the age of 14 came home from school and found her older sister murdered. Kristie was then brutally attacked by her sister's murderer and left for dead. Kristie survived the attack but suffered terrible scars along her neck, which have been a daily reminder of that horrific day. Taya is a five-year old adorable little girl who was born with a severely damaged right eye and oral muscle damage in her face as a result of a horrific attack on her mother while she was pregnant. The third story follows the repair of horrendous scars on the face, neck and arms of Ilianexy, who was savagely attacked with a knife by her boyfriend.

Part case study, part survival journey, "FACING TRAUMA" chronicles the stories of Kristie, Taya and Ilianexy before and after their surgery by Jacono hearing their fears and struggles and understanding their challenges of moving on and starting over. From the initial consultation to the final reveal, the special follows Jacono and his team as they work to heal both the physical and emotional scars of domestic violence. (Source: The Discovery Channel)