The difference cosmetic surgery can make goes beyond vanity. Take a cleft lip and cleft palate surgery, for example. The Philippines has one of the highest cases of the birth defect in Asia, and being born with either could lead to difficulties in eating, ear complications, and speech and language delay. That said, the condition can be easily corrected with surgery, which is where organizations like the Belo Medical Group and Operation Smile come in.
Since 2011, Belo has given free cleft lip and palate surgery to more than 150 kids through their Belo Smiles charity. Founded by Dr. Vicki Belo herself, the project is continuously expanding and aims to help even more children in the future.
IMAGE Courtesy of Belo
"[The children's] smiles mean the world to me. As someone who was bullied before, I understand the plight of children who are born different, who were treated different," the doctor says. "It has been my vision to help change lives of people. And with Belo Smiles, I am able to help these kids have a brighter future filled with more confidence."
Keep scrolling below to see the heartwarming transformations of some of the Belo Smiles kids.
IMAGE Courtesy of Belo
Ania
IMAGE Courtesy of Belo
Joneil
IMAGE Courtesy of Belo
Princess
IMAGE Courtesy of Belo
Mark
Want to know how far the charity has gone since they went the extra (s)mile? Discover more at the Belo Smiles exhibit this April 27 to 29 at the SM Mega Fashion Hall.
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