Reconstructive Surgery Gives Young Joshua A New Beginning

Photo Credit: The Smile Foundation

From undergoing open-heart surgery to developing deep keloid scarring on his back, young Joshua has experienced immense medical challenges from a young age. But last week was a good week, offering the 11-year-old advanced reconstructive surgery that will give him the best possible chance at long-term healing.

East London, South Africa (24 November 2025) – Six little lives in East London were changed in the most meaningful ways last week when the Smile Foundation brought Smile Weekend to Frere Hospital from 19 to 21 November 2025.

These young patients, many living with burn injuries, congenital differences, and complex keloid scarring, have carried their challenges quietly and bravely. Last week gave them access to care that can ease their discomfort, boost their confidence, and open the door to a more comfortable future.

A Chapter of Healing for Joshua

Among the children receiving care is 11-year-old Joshua from Mthatha, who has faced immense medical challenges from a young age.

He underwent open-heart surgery for coarctation of the aorta as a small child, followed by a second procedure two years ago. With his heart condition now resolved, he is an active and energetic young man, but the surgery left behind deep keloid scarring across his upper back and along the centre of his chest. Because he is prone to keloid formation, the scars continued to grow over time, causing both discomfort and emotional distress.

This Smile Week marked a new chapter in Joshua’s journey. Surgeons inserted a tissue expander beneath the healthy skin around his scars. Over several weeks, this expander will be gradually filled to stretch and grow new skin. Once enough has formed, the expander will be removed, and the newly grown healthy skin will replace the scarred areas.

This advanced reconstructive method gives Joshua the best possible chance at long-term healing with a significantly reduced risk of the keloids returning. For his family, it represents far more than surgery; it offers renewed comfort, confidence, and hope.

2 Decades of Smiles and Specialised Care

Smile Foundation has worked closely with hospitals across South Africa for over two decades to ensure that children with facial differences and burn injuries receive the specialised care they need, regardless of their circumstances.

Through surgery, therapy, and long-term support, the organisation walks the healing journey with families, from the first consultation to the first confident smile.

Smile Foundation COO Tshidi says the courage of these children is extraordinary.

“Each Smile Week reminds us why this work matters so deeply. These surgeries are not only life-changing medically, but they also give children back their dignity, their confidence, and the freedom to simply be kids. We are deeply grateful to the Frere Hospital team, as well as Dr Perks and Dr Kepler, private surgeons who generously dedicate their time and skill to helping these children, and to all our partners who make moments like this possible.”

Smile Foundation has worked closely with state hospitals across South Africa for over two decades to ensure that children with facial differences and burn injuries receive the specialised care they need, regardless of their circumstances.

Through surgery, therapy, and long-term support, the organisation walks the healing journey with families, from the first consultation to the first confident smile.