Author Question: Facial Disfigurement

Dianna Asks:

I have some ideas of my own plus other medical professionals’ input but would also like yours – what would you suggest for this:

My character has some sort of facial….disfigurement is too strong a word, but what facial features could’ve been damaged via trauma two years ago enough to change a 16-year-old’s appearance (so now she’s 18-years-old)? What ideas come to mind for you?   

Jordyn Says:

I heard a talk once on facial disfigurement and the surgeon stated that we basically identify people via a small triangle of their eyes, nose and cheeks. Even though it may not be overtly obvious, even the slightest offset to the eyes will put people off. So, maybe she was in a car accident that caused this kind of disfigurement and she mostly looks all right but just slightly off and people sense that but don't say anything. And yet, she knows they are distant for this reason.

From a pediatric perspective, there is always cleft/lip palate repair as well that generally leaves scarring as well.

Hope this helps and good luck with your novel!

**********************************************************************

Dianna Torscher Benson is a 2014 Selah Award Winner, a 2011 Genesis Winner, a 2011 Genesis double Semi-Finalist, a 2010 Daphne de Maurier Finalist, and a 2007 Golden Palm Finalist. In 2012, she signed a nine-book contract with Ellechor Publishing House. She’s the author of The Hidden Son, her debut novel. Final Trimester is her second release. After majoring in communications and a ten-year career as a travel agent, Dianna left the travel industry to earn her EMS degree. An EMT and a Haz-Mat and FEMA Operative since 2005, she loves the adrenaline rush of responding to medical emergencies and helping people in need. Dianna lives in North Carolina with her husband and their three children. You can connect with Dianna via her website.