Faced with a potentially life-threatening situation due to a large tumor on his face, a man was warned about the severe consequences if it wasn’t surgically removed.
The new TLC series, About Face, highlights the work of Los Angeles-based plastic surgeons as they tackle difficult and intricate facial reconstruction cases. In the premiere episode, a patient named Ron consults Dr. Andre Panossian regarding a four-pound tumor that has been growing on his face for seven years.
This new series makes its debut today (October 29), offering viewers a preview of Ron’s particularly challenging case.
Ron previously sought medical opinions, but doctors were hesitant to proceed because the facial reconstruction would be extremely complex.
As Ron recounts to Dr. Panossian, according to PEOPLE: “They said that after all their tests and so forth, looking into the case, it would be a radical surgery. ‘We have never done this before. You could lose an eye. You could lose some teeth and we may not be able to reconstruct your nose’.”
Ron likened the potential surgery to something out of a Frankenstein story, which made him hesitant to undergo the procedure.
Dr. Panossian expressed understanding towards Ron’s apprehensions about the surgery.
In a confessional segment, the doctor cautions that the type of tumor Ron has ‘can be a death sentence’.
He explains: “It is intense to see such a tumor of this magnitude on a person’s face. This tumor needs to come out right now because these types of tumors can be a death sentence.”
About Face premieres at 10pm ET/PT on TLC.
The series description explains: “TLC’s new medical series ABOUT FACE, spotlights a team of elite Los Angeles-based plastic surgeons as they take on some of the most complex and medically challenging facial reconstruction cases.
“Drs. Roostaeian, Rovelo, and Panossian work at the cutting edge of reconstructive surgery, transforming the lives of patients suffering from severe facial deformities, traumatic injuries, and rare conditions, including massive tumors, extensive birthmarks, and disfiguring accidents.
“ABOUT FACE captures the emotional and physical journeys of those who’ve been overlooked, misdiagnosed, or told nothing could be done. It’s not just about changing appearances, it’s about restoring dignity, hope, and humanity. ABOUT FACE is produced by Lionsgate Alternative Television for TLC.”