Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton

SAN DIEGO -- An organization comprising selected medical professionals, health and wellness experts and beauticians is reaching out to the military community with three free personal makeovers - one of which could probably be categorized as extreme:

It includes some combination of laser vision correction surgery, cosmetic surgery or dentistry, and a tailor-made mix of health and beauty services designed to make someone look brand new, according to Sarah Van Huisum, a spokeswoman for Partners in Beauty. The organization, in partnership with a military outreach called Operation Homefront, also will provide two "mini-makeovers" to two other active-duty service members or military spouses selected through an application process.

The application deadline is Oct. 10.

Van Huizum says the three selectees will be unveiled - post-makeover - at a mid-January fund-raiser for Operation Homefront.

"We're gonna be selecting people based on medical candidacy ... or hardship," Van Huizum said. "We want to have a good story to tell."

Van Huizum says $45,000 in products and services will be donated via the three makeovers. But what's offered is flexible to meet the needs of the individual selectees.

"We're really trying to individualize it for the candidates," she said. "There are no set procedures that will be performed."

But the extreme makeover can include a wide range of medical procedures, including laser vision correction, tummy tucks and plastic surgery, she said.

Partners in Beauty steers its members only to practitioners with "the best credentials," she said.

Partners in Beauty offers its members referrals to beauty, health and wellness experts, as well as product discounts, Van Huizum said. Many of the products will be donated for auction to benefit Operation Homefront at the January unveiling.

The time, date and venue for the unveiling remain unset, she said.

Prospects can log on to partnersinbeauty.com for an application. They'll be asked for medical information, what services they need and why they should be considered for a free makeover, Van Huizum said.

She offered an example of a selectee in a past Partners in Beauty outreach. She received cosmetic surgery after major weight loss left her with lots of loose, unsightly skin.

"She had lost so much weight - about 180 pounds - and ended up in almost a worse situation," Van Huizum said.

The group didn't want "all her hard work" to be in vain, she said, explaining the choice.

For more information, e-mail partnersinbeauty@hotmail.com.