For five years, Lilly Morales had to live with the scars on her face from when she was attacked by her ex-boyfriend while living with her mother. Though insurance covered surgery on damaged muscles and nerves, facial treatment was considered cosmetic and not covered. However, thanks to a documentary set to air on the Discovery Health Channel, Morales received the surgery earlier this year, Women's eNews reports.

The documentary, which airs in December, is meant to chronicle the struggles of victims of domestic abuse who have struggled with scars or other physical disfigurement. Morales had tried to find funding for her cosmetic surgeries but had not been successful until she applied to appear on the program. Now, a board-certfied plastic surgeon will be performing her procedure and providing follow-up care.

Lost paperwork and privacy laws played a large role in the inability for her domestic violence group to reach out to pro-bono surgery groups.

"It's not that I wanted to be on TV, but this was the only way I was going to get the help I needed. I was lucky really," Morales told the website. "But now I wonder about all the
other women who don't find the help they need."

Facial aesthetic surgery can be an effective route for individuals who are looking to diminish the appearance of scars. Those considering such a procedure should be sure their surgeons are board-certified members of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.