Thirteen-year-old Aliz Cservenak of Hungary has undergone years of reconstructive surgery to restore her nasal structure following severe facial damage caused by a rare infection. The treatments have allowed her to regain normal breathing and improved facial function, enabling her to lead a more typical childhood.
Aliz’s medical journey began after she contracted mucormycosis, a severe fungal infection, during an extended hospital stay in Hungary where she was receiving chemotherapy for cancer. The infection caused extensive destruction to the bones in her nose, upper jaw, and palate. With limited options available domestically—Hungarian surgeons reportedly would only perform plastic reconstruction after a patient turns 18—her family sought help abroad.
The family connected with plastic surgeon Kongkrit Chaiyasate, based in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, who agreed to take on Aliz’s complex case. Since 2019, Chaiyasate has performed multiple surgeries, including major facial reconstructive operations in 2019 and subsequent refinements in 2022 and 2023 to restore both aesthetic and functional aspects of her nose and facial structure. The most recent procedure involved skin grafts from Aliz’s hip to reconstruct the nostril and upper lip, followed by placement of a nasal stent to maintain airway patency.
Chaiyasate emphasized that the surgeries aim not only to improve appearance but also to restore essential functions such as breathing. After years of treatment, Aliz is now able to breathe through her nose, drink with a straw, and whistle—actions that were previously difficult or impossible. During a visit in early August at Chaiyasate’s clinic, Aliz and her family expressed profound gratitude for the care received, noting that the surgeries have restored her confidence and allowed her to engage more comfortably in social settings.
The refinements performed at Trinity Health Oakland Hospital in Pontiac, Michigan, were supported by hospital leadership and staff. Fabian Fregoli, the hospital’s chief medical officer and president, described the effort as closely aligned with the organization’s mission, highlighting the team’s commitment to the patient’s well-being. Nursing staff even arranged delivery of the family’s favorite cookies during recovery to provide comfort after surgery.
Aliz and her family stayed at the Ronald McDonald House in Detroit during their approximately three-week visit, taking time to explore local landmarks such as the Detroit RiverWalk. Looking ahead, Chaiyasate anticipates that Aliz will require additional revisions in her mid-teens as she grows, with potential aesthetic adjustments in adulthood.
Despite the challenges, Aliz, who will enter sixth grade this fall, reported feeling “normal” and enjoys everyday activities like shopping and spending time with friends in Hungary. Her sister, Lili Misúr, described the surgeon as more than just a medical provider, characterizing him as a vital part of their family who restored hope when local options had been exhausted.
Chaiyasate praised Aliz’s resilience and strength throughout the process, noting that her progress represents a significant achievement in complex facial reconstruction. With continued care, Aliz is expected to transition to routine follow-up and eventual aesthetic refinement, marking a hopeful path forward after years of adversity.