Over the next five years, Connie endured 30 surgeries as doctors attempted to reconstruct her face.
 
See the progression of Connie's face over the years. Warning: Photos are graphic

Even after all the work she'd had done, Connie still couldn't smell, eat solid foods or breathe on her own. If she was going to get her life back, she needed something groundbreaking, which is exactly what she got.