Improving health outcomes
through science and education.

The REFACE Foundation and the Facial Gender-Affirming Surgery Fellowship advance surgical and scientific outcomes through evidence, access, and the training of the next generation of surgeons.

REFACE Foundation The Fellowship

REFACE Foundation

The REFACE Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to supporting research and education in regenerative technologies and improving surgical outcomes in craniofacial reconstruction.

Making Materials to Regenerate Bone

Over 5 million people receive artificial implants made of metals and plastics to replace bone every year in the United States.

Our goal is to replace these implants with regenerative materials that can help people make the bone they have lost.

Our major project is developing regenerative materials made of proteins and other molecules normally found in healing bone to help the body make more bone where it is needed.

Improving Facial Reconstructive Surgery

Over 13.8 million people each year undergo reconstructive surgery of the face and skull globally.

Our goal is to make these surgeries better by centering care on the patient.

Our major project is supporting a comprehensive preoperative program spanning nutrition, physical activity, and mental health to prepare patients for facial reconstructive surgery and help them achieve the best possible outcomes.

Donate to REFACE Open PREFACE

REFACE Foundation is recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Contributions are tax-deductible. EIN: 39-4147089.

Education

UCLA Facial Gender-Affirming Surgery Fellowship

Founded by Dr. Lee, UCLA's one-year fellowship trains surgeons in gender-affirming facial reconstruction, craniofacial principles, and multidisciplinary care. It is the first fellowship of its kind in the world.

Official UCLA fellowship page

Training and requirements

A focused year at UCLA

Fellows participate in facial gender-affirming surgery and related plastic and reconstructive surgery care, UCLA Gender Health multidisciplinary meetings, Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery conferences, and a bimonthly fellows journal club.

Fellows also deliver a resident lecture, develop the skills to supervise residents in general plastic surgery procedures, and join the attending call rotation for eight weeks during the year.

Application and contact

How to apply

Qualified applicants should submit a curriculum vitae, statement of interest, and two current letters of recommendation, together with their contact information.

Email Hugo Mannings, Residency & Fellowship Program Coordinator, and Justine Lee, MD, PhD. Fellowship office: 310-825-5582.

Fellows