South Florida’s “Ultimate Makeover Project” inaugural season has come to a close. The project that kicked off in early May 2011, enlisted the help of a choice 10-member team of South Florida physicians and professionals sharing a common goal: to provide pro-bono makeovers to the less fortunate, and to raise awareness and money for select charities in the community.
Three women were selected for the project: Madai Parra, a mother of three who has wanted a tummy tuck for nearly 10 years; Tanya Jones, who has been wearing glasses and contacts since she was eight, and Diana Liu, a brain and lung cancer survivor who’s teeth were ruined during radiation and chemotherapy.
Fast forward five months and all three women are thrilled with the results. Parra, previously a size 12, is now a size 8 through surgery and dieting. Jones no longer has to wear glasses or contacts and is now able to drive at night with the help of Lasik surgery. And finally, Liu has a brand new smile after receiving full cosmetic surgery.
The selected candidates were nominated by local charities and were either uninsured or underinsured, and fell below the 200% Federal Poverty Level. Participation in this project was voluntary and all chosen candidates were extensively screened, counseled and evaluated by health care professionals before being selected for their cosmetic procedure.
The project, which focuses on deserving South Floridian women, will continue to select yearly candidates for cosmetic surgery at no cost.
Members of the Ultimate Makeover Team include: Dr. David Levens, Plastic Surgeon; Dr. Charles Nottingham, Cosmetic Dentist; Dr. Randy Burks, LASIK and Eye Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon; Dr. Jay Singer, Orthodontist; Dr. Nicholas DeTure, Periodontist; Dr. Mark Scheinberg, Cosmetic Gynecologist; Rob Samson, Personal Trainer; Alex Nottingham, J.D., M.B.A., Consultant & Coach and Dr. Amber Stirlen and Licensed Psychologist.