People suffering from facial injuries and wearing prosthetics to replace things such as an eye or nose have had their portraits unveiled in Leeds.

A group of 15 patients treated for head and neck cancer took part in research asking them to compare the comfort of prostheses made using different methods.

As part of the study, their portraits were painted to illustrate the physical and psychological impacts of their treatment.

Following the programme, run by Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and the University of Leeds, the artworks were displayed in the Bexley Wing of St James University Hospital.

Robin Fahey, who had his nose, eyes and upper teeth removed in 2019 due to cancer, said: ‘Even though it’s not perfect, it’s my face and I’ll accept what I have and it’s up to others to accept people like me.

“With the prosthetic, people can see the person you are again instead of being, for lack of a better word, a monster, because that’s how you feel.”

Artist Alison Murdoch said painting Mr Fahey’s portrait was “life-changing”.

“When he first arrived, he was all wrapped up, practically disguised with glasses, a hat and a mask,” she said.

“He actually asked me if it was okay to remove these items, and that’s when I realized what his reality was.”

Rebecca Fogell, an NHS nurse for more than two decades, noticed a small bump near her eye in 2019 and had scans.

After discovering a tumor that had grown into his bones and nerves, surgeons removed his cheekbone and part of his nose, with his eye later having to be removed.

Speaking after four years of a “medical and emotional roller coaster”, she said: “It makes me feel like I’ve got my face back when I look in the mirror, but I know deep down it’s not not really me anymore.

“We want to work towards acceptance and in the real world, we’re not there yet.”

The research compared conventional and new digital methods of manufacturing prosthetics, with recent 3D scanning techniques proving to be a less invasive way of capturing a patient’s face.

Artificial intelligence is then used to help reconstruct the facial features, with the design then created with a 3D printer.

Dr Rachael Jablonski, who led the study, said: “We found that 90% of patients preferred digital to conventional processes due to comfort, speed, hygiene and the perceived positive impact on the results associated with digital technology.

“However, patients were also keen to ensure that they would not lose the finishing touch of the conventional approach.”

The exhibition, titled I’m Still Me, runs until January 31.

Listen to the highlights of West Yorkshire on BBC Soundsstay up to date with the latest episode of Look North or tell us a story you think we should cover here.