Operation Mend
Marine Gunnery Sgt. Blaine Scott, 35, who was burned over 35% of his body when his vehicle struck a roadside bomb in Iraq in August 2006, has a pre-surgery consultation with Dr. Timothy Miller, a professor and chief of plastic surgery at UCLA Medical Center. Under Operation Mend, Marines and soldiers who suffered disfiguring injuries in Iraq and Afghanistan receive advanced plastic and reconstructive surgery at the Westwood facility. (Spencer Weiner / Los Angeles Times)
Scott kisses his 2-year-old son, Blaine, a few days before surgery. Miller repaired a tear in the corner of Scott’s eye, decreased scarring and gave him thinner lips. (Spencer Weiner / Los Angeles Times)
Scott gets a pre-operation check from Dr. Timothy Miller and Dr. Brian Dickenson, right. UCLA is considering exanding Operation Mend to include other medical specialties and hospitals. (Spencer Weiner / Los Angeles Times)
Dr. Timothy Miller and colleague Dr. Brian Dickenson operate on Scott. Operation Mend was funded with $1 million from philanthropist Ronald Katz, who has also raised more than $10 million for the project. Operation Mend provides advanced treatment to military personnel who have undergone surgery and rehabilitation at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio. (Spencer Weiner / Los Angeles Times)
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Scott says he wants to spread the word about UCLA to fellow burn victims. “I’m calling my buddies at San Antonio and telling them, ‘Hey, check this out.’ ” (Spencer Weiner / Los Angeles Times)
