By Mandere Onyinkwa
For eight long years, 51-year-old Dormitila Yula kept her face hidden behind bandages.
What began as a small pimple on her nostril in 2017 slowly turned into a devastating medical ordeal that stole not only her comfort but her confidence.
When the wound refused to heal, Dormitila sought help and was eventually referred to Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH).
Tests revealed a nasal growth, and after several reconstructive surgeries, a deeper infection led to a life-changing diagnosis — squamous cell carcinoma, a form of skin cancer.
What followed was an exhausting battle marked by two major plastic and vascular surgeries, 33 radiotherapy sessions and 40 days of hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
Through it all, she endured with strength, prayer and determination, and it paid off.
Medics gave her a clean bill of health as the hospital broke the success story through their social media platforms.
“KNH has given me a new lease on life,” Dormitila said.
“For eight years, I covered my face in shame. But now, I have a new nose.” she said.
The woman went on: “I can walk comfortably, go about my daily business, and sing in my church choir with confidence.”
But it has been a journey punctuated with bends, turns and twists.
Last year, a multidisciplinary team at KNH resolved to help her reclaim her identity.
They developed an intricate plan, a custom-made silicone prosthesis anchored by zygomatic implants fixed into her cheekbones.
It was the first procedure of its kind in Kenya, requiring two months of virtual design work and a meticulous six-hour surgery.
On 10 September 2025, Dormitila became the first Kenyan to receive the groundbreaking zygomatic implants retained nasolabial prosthesis.
The complex procedure was led by consultant maxillofacial and oral surgeons Dr Adeline Vilembwa and Dr Andrew Okiriamu, with consultant prosthodontist Dr Margaret Mwasha.
Today, Dormitila’s smile tells a story of courage, innovation, and hope.
The transformation reflects her resilience but also the spirit of teamwork and medical excellence that defines KNH, the largest referral facility in Kenya.
The facility took pride in the healing of their patient as it promised to continue to demonstrate that with compassion, collaboration and advanced care, even the most daunting medical challenges can be overcome.