- Dormitila Yula, a 51-year-old woman, endured years of pain and a lack of confidence after a simple pimple turned into a medical ordeal
- In 2020, she was diagnosed with a form of skin cancer and underwent extensive treatments to be cured
- While she beat cancer, her face was never the same, and she continued to hide it, covering it with bandages until she finally received a new nose
A 51-year-old woman in Nairobi has expressed her joy after years of pain, hospital visits, and a lack of confidence with her appearance.
Source: Facebook
Dormitila Yula’s painful journey began in 2017 when she popped a pimple that had grown on her nostril.
She had always experienced nasal blockage, which she had lived with, but once she popped the pimple, the wound never healed.
What happened to Dormitila Yula’s face?
It worsened by the day, and she eventually started hiding her face, as what began as a small pimple slowly turned into a medical ordeal.
She visited Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), where she underwent a series of medical tests to find out why her nose was deteriorating.
According to a post by KNH, the tests revealed she had a growth in her nasal passage.
“Doctors performed reconstructive surgery, using skin from her forehead and bone from her rib to rebuild part of her nose. While the procedure brought some relief, a persistent infection took hold in her right nostril and eye,” read part of the post.
Sadly, by 2020, the infection had spread deeper, and after extensive tests, Yula was diagnosed with Squamous Cell Carcinoma, a form of skin cancer.
Despite the heartbreaking diagnosis, Yula refused to give up. She endured two complex plastic and vascular surgeries, followed by 33 sessions of radiotherapy and 40 days of hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
“She was attended to by a team of doctors, including Adeline Vilembwa, Benjamin Wabwire, and Loice Kahoro,” noted KNH.
Despite the gruelling nature of the treatment, it worked, and the 51-year-old woman was declared cancer-free.
Although her health had improved, her battle with confidence remained. The effects of her surgeries left her feeling ashamed and withdrawn.
For eight long years, she lived with bandages on her face, hiding from the world.
In 2024, a new multidisciplinary team at KNH devised a pioneering plan to help Yula regain her former self.
They gave her a custom-made silicone prosthesis to recreate the natural contours of her nose, anchored by zygomatic implants placed securely in her cheekbone.
“This complex procedure, the first of its kind in Kenya, required two months of virtual planning and a meticulous six-hour surgery. On September 10, 2025, Yula made history as the first person in Kenya to receive this groundbreaking zygomatic implants retained nasolabial prosthesis,” added KNH.
Source: Facebook
What did Dormitila Yula say after getting new nose?
Expressing her gratitude, the 51-year-old woman noted that she was now ready to show the world her face again.
The implant had brought back her smile and confidence.
“KNH has given me a new lease on life. For eight years, I covered my face in shame. But now, I have a new nose. I can walk comfortably, go about my daily business, and sing in my church choir with confidence. I’m forever grateful,” she said.
Did Machakos University amputee get prosthetic leg?
Previously, TUKO.co.ke reported that a young lady from Machakos University gained public attention after her plea was highlighted by Nairobi county environment officer Geoffrey Mosiria.
She tearfully narrated how she lost one of her legs, stating that she needed a prosthetic leg but could not afford one.
Generous Kenyans supported her financially through an online drive, and she was able to receive the leg.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
