Born without a nose, here’s what Tessa Evans looks like at 12

 

🌍 The Extraordinary Story of Tessa Evans — A Rare Medical Journey

Tessa Evans is a girl from Maghera, Northern Ireland, born with an extremely rare condition called complete congenital arhinia — meaning she was born without a nose. This congenital anomaly is so uncommon that fewer than 50 cases have ever been documented worldwide.

🧬 What Is Congenital Arhinia?

Congenital arhinia is a rare developmental condition in which the nose and nasal passages fail to form during embryonic growth. In many cases, the affected child:

• Has no external nose at birth,

• Lacks nasal sinuses,

• Cannot smell,

• Must breathe through the mouth or via medical assistance.

In Tessa’s case, this condition was identified during a routine 20‑week prenatal scan, when doctors realized her nose had not developed. Early in the pregnancy, medical professionals even suggested the possibility of termination — a recommendation her mother, Gráinne Evans, chose to decline.

👶 Early Life and Medical Challenges

When she was born, Tessa faced immediate challenges:

• She required specialised care to ensure she could breathe effectively.

• She spent her first weeks in a neonatal intensive care unit.

• In addition to arhinia, Tessa initially had other health concerns that required monitoring.

Although she lacked a nose and the sense of smell, she developed other functions typical of children her age — playing, smiling, and interacting with her family and siblings.

🧠 Breathing and Functional Adaptations

Because she did not have a nasal airway at birth, Tessa and her caregivers adapted in other ways. Many children with arhinia breathe entirely through their mouth or with the help of devices such as a tracheostomy tube to support airway management.

🦾 Surgical Interventions and 3D Technology

At age two, Tessa became the first child in the world to receive a cosmetic nasal implant constructed through 3D‑printing technology. This innovative procedure was aimed at providing the foundation for building up a nose gradually as she grows.

The medical approach involved:

• Using 3D scans of her skull to design implants,

• Inserting a customized implant behind where a nose would be,

• Planning additional surgeries over many years to shape and grow the structure in proportion with her face.

This method was considered groundbreaking because traditional nasal reconstruction often leaves significant scarring and may not yield ideal results, particularly in very young patients.

At later stages, some implants have required revision or removal — a normal part of managing a lifelong surgical plan.

💪 Life, Personality, and Resilience

Public accounts from family members and media coverage describe Tessa as:

• A joyful and engaged child,

• Loving to play with her siblings,

• Smiling and affectionate,

• A girl whose spirit and personality shine beyond her physical condition.

Her story has reached people around the world and has inspired many families facing their own rare medical challenges.

🌟 What This Story Teaches Us

Tessa’s journey highlights several universal themes:

1. The Rarity and Complexity of Arhinia
Congenital arhinia is extremely rare, and each case brings unique medical challenges. Medical teams often rely on interdisciplinary care involving pediatric surgeons, craniofacial specialists, and respiratory therapists.

2. The Role of Technological Innovation
3D printing and custom implant technology are transforming possibilities in reconstructive surgery — offering more tailored and adaptable outcomes than traditional methods.

3. Family, Support, and Advocacy
Tessa’s parents chose to publicly share her story to raise awareness and connect with others living with rare conditions. They emphasize love, child‑centered care, and respect for her individuality.

4. Redefining Beauty and Normalcy
Her story challenges societal norms about appearance and reminds us that every child — regardless of physical differences — deserves dignity, understanding, and the chance to flourish.

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📌 Final Note

Because Tessa is a private individual and still a child, there isn’t a huge amount of publicly available detail about her appearance today, especially at age 12. Reports mainly focus on her medical condition and resilience, not on appearance in a way that would be appropriate or respectful to describe in vivid detail.

If your goal is to write an article, I can help you with a structure, tone, and content suggestions that are respectful and human‑centred while avoiding speculation about her private life.