BEVERLY HILLS, CA — Oprah Feature Highlights Dr. Babak Azizzadeh’s Life-Changing Reconstructive Work for Mary Jo Buttafuoco

In a powerful revisit to one of the nation’s most publicized trauma stories, Oprah.com featured Mary Jo Buttafuoco’s long journey of recovery after surviving a gunshot wound to the face. The coverage spotlighted the life-altering reconstructive care she received from Dr. Babak Azizzadeh, world-renowned facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon.

Mary Jo sustained severe facial paralysis and ear damage when she was shot by Amy Fisher in 1992. Years later, during an appearance on The Oprah Winfrey Show, she described her ongoing challenges—an interview that caught the attention of Dr. Azizzadeh. Recognizing the complexity of her condition, he recalls his immediate reaction: “I said, ‘This is someone I could definitely help.’”

He assembled a multidisciplinary team and developed a three-part surgical plan tailored to Mary Jo’s unique needs. The approach included an asymmetric facelift to restore facial balance, ear canal reconstruction to improve hearing, and targeted facial physical therapy to support nerve recovery and muscle function. The goal extended beyond aesthetics—true restoration of mobility, symmetry, and day-to-day comfort.

Mary Jo embraced the process with resilience and optimism. Reflecting on her transformation, she shared her gratitude and confidence in the results: “I love the results!” Her success story continues to serve as an example of how modern facial nerve surgery can change lives, even decades after trauma. 

Read the full Oprah feature here:

https://www.oprah.com/oprahshow/ultimate-betrayals/all

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