A lucky winner has revealed the amazing results of her once in a lifetime prize- a course of personally tailored cosmetic surgery from one of the region's top aesthetic clinics.

Nu-Age Medical Spa of St James' Boulevard, Newcastle upon Tyne, ran the competition to find a deserving recipient for their incredible prize. Paula Dakers was among thousands of people who entered and explained how the surgery could change her life.

When I entered the competition I was at a real personal low point. Paula explains"I'd been overweight since my youth and finally decided to make a big effort and lose the extra pounds. I worked really hard but the results were nothing like I'd hoped. Instead of finally being able to wear the clothes I'd always wanted and show off a new slim figure, I was faced with a body that looked much older than I was, sagging and droopy with big folds of skin. I considered surgical solutions but I was also struggling financially and the cost was prohibitive. I felt completely trapped in my own body, with no way out and nowhere to turn. I entered the competition with the tiniest hope that it could be the answer I was dreaming of."

Paula was stunned to be the chosen winner and could barely wait to begin her journey towards the shape she had hoped for all her life.

When I found out I had won I basically cried for days, I was that happy. It took ages for it just to sink in, I couldn't believe it! I was so excited I could hardly wait for my first appointment.

Paula received a full consultation from the experts at Nu-Age, discussing the procedures that would suit her, what would happen during the operations, giving a realistic assessment of the likely outcomes, and advising on how she might feel afterwards. She elected to receive a breast uplift, tummy tuck and Liposuction on her thighs, the one place where the fat had stubbornly refused to budge.

"I was nervous, I was having surgery after all, but the staff really put me at ease. They were so reassuring and knowledgeable; I was confident that I was receiving the best possible care."

Paula's operations were performed by experienced surgeon Mani Ragbir and his team. There were no complications and following her recovery period Paula was finally able to look in the mirror and see the body that she had always wanted.

It just meant everything to me. Now I could wear the clothes I'd never dared wear before and feel proud of my figure. I had a confidence in myself I'd never had before. I felt really attractive for the first time in years.

Paula's new shape and new confidence went on to change her life in ways she could never have imagined. Within weeks she met a new boyfriend, fell in love, and moved with him to America.

"I still think I might wake up any day now, but this really is my life, my body,” she smiles. If someone had said last year that in a few months I'd be lying on an American beach wearing a bikini I would have told them they were crazy- but here I am! I am so grateful to everyone at Nu-Age. They really are amazing at what they do, and I'm the living proof of that."

David Bennison, Managing Director of Nu-Age Medical Spa said: "Paula was a pleasure to work with and we are all delighted that our intervention has made such a big difference to her. It demonstrates the different ways in which cosmetic treatments can help someone, it's not just a physical change; it's mental too. It's the relief people feel when they can finally alter something that has undermined their self-confidence for years.

I would just like to emphasise for those who may be in the same situation as Paula that cosmetic treatments have become far more affordable in recent years, and that payment plans are often readily available. So don't write off having a treatment that you really want because of the cost - at least explore your options and talk to the experts before coming to a decision.

Nu-Age Medical Spa is unique in the range of services available at our two clinics, from a relaxing massage to liposuction and face lifts. We offer expert advice on choosing a procedure and a range of affordable payment plans. For details of all the treatments available, phone 08450 36 24 36. If you would like to ask questions to the team at Nu-Age Medical Spa, please email headoffice@nu-agmedicalspa.co.uk