Lauren was given a prosthetic ear as part of her surgery

Lauren Price, from Aberkenfig near Bridgend, was born with Goldenhar syndrome, a congenital birth defect which involves deformities of the face.

One side of her body did not develop properly but extensive surgery has completely changed her appearance.

Two of her ribs were removed and used to rebuild her cheekbone and jawline and she now has a prosthetic ear.

The surgery has helped Lauren's confidence.

She said: "I can wear my hair up and make up and act like a normal 10-year-old."

The surgeons' planning for the operations was helped by 3D imaging developed at the University of Wales Institute in Cardiff (Uwic).

The 10-year-old said she can now wear her hair up

Uwic and Morriston Hospital in Swansea's Maxillofacial Unit have worked closely over the last seven years to develop techniques in head-and-neck surgery and the use prosthetics.

On Thursday, Uwic and the hospital's NHS trust announced the creation of the Centre for Applied Reconstructive Technologies in Surgery (CARTIS) to bring together their existing facilities and expertise.

Consultant cleft and maxillofacial surgeon, Adrian Sugar, said: "This important centre is the natural conclusion of our increasing collaboration in planning and improving reconstructive surgery using 3D advanced digital technologies and in research in this field.

'Beautiful woman'

"It will enable us not only to improve care given to patients in south Wales but also to help other centres in Wales and the UK who can benefit from our expertise."

Lauren's condition, which is also known as Oculoauicular Dysplasia or OAV usually affects one side of the face only and characteristics include a partially formed or totally absent ear.

Lauren's mother, Si�n Price, said the surgery had allowed her daughter to look at the future with confidence.