The life-changing surgery saved the lives of a man with a bulbous nose that was so thick it made it impossible to breathe.
Conrado Estrada was a painter whose fortunes changed when he began working at the property of a plastic surgeon.
His employer was none other than Dr. Thomas Romo, the director of facial plastic reconstructive surgery at Lenox Hill Hospital in Manhattan.
Estrada, who was painting the Bronxville home of Dr. Romo, New York while Estrada painted, noticed Estrada’s appearance and offered free reconstructive surgery for his nose.
Conrado Estrada was a painter at the age of 57. His nose became large and bulbous due to Rhinophyma, making it difficult to eat or breathe. He also felt socially awkward.
Estrada was at home with Dr. Thomas Romo who is the head of Facial Plastic Reconstructive Surgery at Lenox Hill Hospital, Manhattan.
Romo made Estrada feel like he had ‘a penis under his nose’, and pulled Estrada aside as Romo was painting his house.
Dr. Thomas Romo, director of facial plastic reconstructive surgery at Lenox Hill Hospital offered Estrada his services pro bono and days later went under the knife
‘I saw this gentleman landscaping in my backyard when I noticed his severe case of rhinophyma. Romo posted on Facebook that Romo introduced himself and offered to fix his facial defect. Romo accepted.
According to him, “This was a very bad infection.” ‘It was a smoldering infection … and it would have just kept going.’
Romo made Estrada feel like he had a penis under his nose and pulled Estrada aside as Romo was painting his house.
Romo declared, “I don’t mind telling people my thoughts,”
“This must be impacting his personal life, relationships with others, ability to find work and self-esteem.
Romo was already involved in pro bono work with Little Baby Face Foundation. This foundation helps children who have facial defects.
He told The Post that not many people are able to repair this problem and his health insurance doesn’t cover it.
Romo informed Estrada that Romo was coming to his aid: “He saw me and gave me a hug.”
Estrada described Romo to God as an angel sent by God.
“They would star at me. Children would ask their mothers what happened to me — and I would get around it by using a face mask all the time,’ Estrada explained
“They would star at me. Children would ask their mothers what happened to me — and I would get around it by using a face mask all the time,’ Estrada explained.
“It was on my lips when I took the first bite and it touched the spoon every time I tried to eat.”
He would have trouble breathing due to his large nose and snore when he sleeps.
Although the cause of rhinophyma the condition is unknown, it has been classified as a form of rosacea, an inflammatory skin disease.
Estrada stated, “I spent six years visiting doctors and skin specialists. Nothing would be better.”
Estrada’s large nose made it difficult to breathe and caused him to snore when he slept. Estrada said, “I’d spent six years with doctors and skin experts and it was nothing that would make me feel better.”
Rhinophyma, which is uncommon and mostly affects men, can be very serious. The only treatment is surgery, which has no proven results.
“I had not seen a rhinophyma for maybe twenty years,” Dr. Romo said.
A few days later, the surgeon was operating in his room.
“I changed his nose and put on sterile bandages. He was thrilled, and so thankful. Romo shared his online sentiment, “There is no greater satisfaction than using my expertise and skill to improve the quality of another person’s life.”
Romo stated, “It’s more than just his face that has changed,”
You’d be wrong to think that he was awarded an Olympic gold medal. He’s smiling, his face is open, and his chest is straight. He’s a great guy!
Estrada’s face has changed, Dr. Romo stated. He would have you believe he was awarded an Olympic gold medal. He’s smiling, his face is open, and his chest is straight. He’s a great guy!
According to the doctor, “Confidence is a key ingredient in a more productive society.”
“I do everything possible to support my community.” I want my community to thrive.
Romo was frustrated that Romo’s patient had not followed his post-op instructions.
“This patient, who was extremely happy, did not stop sun exposure during the healing process. That led to his brown hyperpigmentation,” he said.
“I also want to emphasize the importance following post-op care instructions by your physician.”
Estrada has no complaints and offers a more spiritual view of the entire episode: ‘I believe God sent an angel to take care of me — and that’s how I see Dr. Romo.’