Ilka Brühl
Ectodermal dysplasia, a severe facial deformity, afflicted the infant actress Ilka Brühl. Growing up was never easy for the 27-year-old German model, who has dealt with physical and mental difficulties. It’s difficult as a kid to accept that you’re unique, and accepting your individuality is almost impossible.
Ilka’s first surgery was to be operated on her breathing when she was born. She could not breathe well through her nose; Her eyes were also tearing spontaneously, and thus Ilka had to overcome additional operations. Her facial flaw remained as it was, but she could live freely and without pain for the first time. She went on to say that, after the hard battle was concluded, she was thrust into a much tougher one: an ongoing emotional conflict. Finally, she has emerged as a self-assured woman and is now employed as a model to remind the world that everyone is lovable.