A woman whose nose was savagely bitten off by a dog has revealed how surgeons used skin from her forehead to construct a new one, marking the culmination of a three-and-a-half year medical journey.
A Life-Changing Attack
In April 2022, Jordan Wilson, then 25, was visiting her brother-in-law when his girlfriend's Boerboel dog suddenly lunged at her face. The powerful animal locked its jaws onto her nose and refused to let go. The attack was so severe that her entire nose was bitten off and, it is believed, swallowed by the dog.
The 29-year-old stay-at-home mum recalls the terrifying moment, stating, "If the dog had kept on biting, I would be dead." She believes the large dog may not have intended an aggressive assault, but its sheer size and strength caused catastrophic damage, also severely injuring her right cheek.
The Long Road to Recovery
Jordan's recovery has been arduous, involving a staggering 16 separate surgeries. The complex process began with tissue expanders being placed in her forehead to stretch the skin. Surgeons then performed a forehead flap surgery, which involved taking a section of skin from her forehead, rotating it down to form a new nose, and later separating it.
For a time, because the nerve cells were still connected, touching her new nose created a sensation in her forehead. "It's really crazy how resilient our bodies are, and how the nerves eventually find their way back," Jordan remarked. Further procedures were required to thin and shape the new nose to a more natural appearance.
Moving Forward with a New Perspective
The psychological impact was profound. "Up until this year, I had a really hard time going out in public," Jordan admitted. However, she has turned a corner, recently receiving compliments from loved ones that she is starting to look like herself again.
Despite the trauma, Jordan remains an animal lover, though she is now far more cautious, especially around her two children. The dog was declared dangerous by police, but was not put down, a decision Jordan has mixed feelings about as it was not the first time the animal had bitten someone.
With several more refining surgeries ahead, Jordan shares her story online to bring awareness and comfort to others facing similar facial trauma, proving her incredible strength and positive outlook on life.
