An extreme makeover for a worthy survivor

FREE VIDEO Surgeon donates services for makeover Feb. 5: Michelle goes into surgery wondering how she feels about her looks...and her life. Dateline NBC

Several years since Michelle Comeau was rushed into the operating room near death after being stabbed by an enraged boyfriend, she got ready to head back into surgery... in part to soften the scars left by that attack.  Her family has said those scars embarrass Michelle.

But Michelle is more excited about Dr. Henley’s other plans for her: a new nose, reshaped ears, and lips. Well before her operation, she told us she had complete confidence in Dr. Henley.

Sara James, Dateline correspondent: There are plenty of stories out there of people who have had plastic surgery and things have gone from "fine" to "bad." Do you have any worries of that sort?

Michelle Comeau: I think he has really great credentials. The only thing concerning me is probably the nose, I’m worried. I just hope the nose turns out good.

And on surgery day, one of Michelle’s sisters, Jamie, is also worried that the donated makeover — surgery, new clothes, makeup, and hairstyle— could wind up going too far. 

Jamie Comeau, Michelle’s sister: I’m nervous, but I think more because I’m not sure what she’s going to look like when she’s done. Not worried about the surgery part, just wondering what she’s going to look like.

The operation
Over a period of three hours, Dr. Henley pins back those “stick-out” ears that drive Michelle crazy, cuts and repositions her nose, adds tissue to her lips, and gently burns the scar on her jaw line to fade it. The more noticeable, longer scar on her chest? Dr. Henley has decided to hold off on that.

Dr. Julian Henley: We can’t make it disappear and it’s already looking good. There’s a principle in medicine: if it looks good don’t try to make it look better.

Over the next few days, Michelle keeps photographic track of her recovery. By day five, still swollen and bruised, she visits Dr. Henley with a sister in tow. Michelle is ready for the doctor to remove the cast around her nose.  She’s fretted over that change the most. 

Michelle Comeau: It looks like so much nicer than like you said on the computer. It does. It looks great.

But what does she think about the untouched scar on her chest? The one she’s struggled to hide?  Michelle wishes it weren’t there, but the changes that have been made more than make up for the disappointment.

Comeau: Honestly, I think maybe even having these other things now that I’m less self-conscious about like being able to wear my hair up and maybe being happier with the way my face will look once the swelling goes down.  I don’t think [the scar] is going to be as big of a deal.

She’s already feeling different— more positive— about herself.  And remember, this makeover is not complete. A few weeks post-surgery, the doctor and his wife have planned a special day for Michelle. A slinky outfit for a night on the town, a major redo on hair and makeup, all courtesy of local businesses. 

And when the primping is over, a new, improved Michelle is ready for her grand entrance at a party... where friends and family gather to judge the final result.

Jamie, Michelle’s sister (initial reaction): Oh my gosh, you look beautiful!

Lori, Michelle's sister: I  was hoping that I wouldn’t see a drastic change cause I still wanted to look at her and be like "that’s still my sister." And it’s very subtle and it looks wonderful!

Subtle is the key word here. Michelle’s lips are now only slightly fuller than they once were, but her wild ears have been tamed against her head. Her nose’s profile has been softened. Dr. Henley says despite what you see on makeover shows the point of most cosmetic surgery is not to make drastic changes with prominent features.

Dr. Henley: The object is to make the nose look so natural that you won’t know it’s been done.

But what about her jawline? The scar Dr. Henley did try to soften? After surgery, it looks more rough than soft. And that’s to be expected, says Dr. Henley. 

Yet a few months later, though the redness is almost gone, the scar is still there.

Just the beginning
But if anything, Michelle says the extreme part of this makeover is just beginning: not with how she looks, but with how she feels. The sudden attention from friends— new and old— has boosted her self-esteem, prompting her to finish college, to move out of mom’s house, to start thinking more seriously about her future, and more clearly about her past.

Comeau: I just never thought of myself as a victim.  And now, I see that clearly that I was.  And  I’m not ashamed to say that. 

And she’s not ashamed to admit that at times, she still feels like that victim. She worries her old boyfriend may be released from prison soon and may still be harboring a grudge. But the recent opportunities, and the surprising kindness of strangers, are helping her put life’s fears—and possibilities—into new perspective.

Comeau: It’s like someone saying, “You know, you went through something and I want to do this for you.” That alone made me feel special. I think that gives me a good feeling about the future and about things continuing to stay positive.

Dr. Henley has told Dateline he plans to offer a free makeover to another victim of domestic violence soon. And he’s not the only doctor promising that kind of help: The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery provides free surgery to domestic violence survivors nationwide.

MORE FROM DATELINE

Dateline Section Front

The Trial of Amanda Knox NBC's People of the Year: Read the interviews The Night Mary Jane Disappeared The Friday the 13th Mystery Mystery at Lost Dog Road Slideshow: Photos in the Bob Duke case When The Smoke Clears   Sneak peek: When The Smoke Clears Slideshow: The Christie Fleming murder Transcript: Dan Brown and Secrets Of The Lost Symbol Dateline Section Front   Add Dateline headlines to your news reader: