A WHOLE NEW YOU? SCV CANDIDATE SOUGHT FOR 'EXTREME MAKEOVER'.

Byline: Amy Raisin Staff Writer

VALENCIA - There was a time, not so long ago, when TV viewers marveled as a team of stylists and wardrobe specialists transformed an unsuspecting Plain Jane into a goddess using little more than a blow dryer, some make-up and a chic new dress.

In today's climate of extreme reality TV, however, airing a makeover show would be unthinkable without the most in-demand star never to get top billing: The scalpel.

Inspired by ABC's ratings-grabbing show ``Extreme Makeover,'' three local doctors are launching their own all-Santa Clarita version of the total makeover, screening applications to decide on the local man or woman who would benefit most from everything from cosmetic dentistry to a nose job and liposuction.

``I've had a lot of patients talk to me about the program and the emotional impact it had on the people on the show,'' said Dell Goodrick, a cosmetic dentist. ``The criteria is not only the aesthetic part, but also the story - people who are hiding who they really are. We're going for emotional impact.''

Together with plastic surgeon Marc Lussier and Dr. David Saadat, an ear, nose and throat specialist, Goodrick announced the launch of Extreme Makeover Santa Clarita last week at Lussier's Town Center Drive office. They will choose one or two candidates and begin the transformation in late September.

In addition to improving the patient's outer appearance, Lussier said cosmetic surgery often boosts self-confidence and enhances the quality of the patient's professional and personal relationships.

``What's magical about this event is we're going to look at their health and their appearance,'' Lussier said. ``I go to the gym, I eat right. I see this as an extension of that.''

There are some, however, who see the the concept of the extreme makeover as, well, extreme.

Courtney Jacobs, a clinical psychologist with practices in Newhall and Encino, has treated a number of people suffering from anxiety disorders and obsessive-compulsive behavior, conditions that often involve excessive attention to one's appearance.

``I keep thinking of the movie 'My Big Fat Greek Wedding,' when she gets this makeover and everything starts happening for her,'' Jacobs said, referring to the film's main character. ``It looks nice in the movies, but changing the outside doesn't necessarily mean changing the inside.

``It's pretty dramatic, the change (doctors) created'' on the reality makeover shows, she said. ``But I guess I kind of wonder whether the person they converted was actually happier after. I'm sure some people are very pleased, but there just seems to be a drastic quality about it.''

Lussier, Saadat and Goodrick will be accepting applications until Aug. 25 and plan to select one or two candidates by mid-September. They said a coming-out party will be held Dec. 7 at the Valencia Hyatt, where the results will be revealed.

For information about the event, call [phone] or log on to www.extrememakeoversantaclarita.com.

Amy Raisin, [phone]

amy.raisin(at)dailynews.com

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David Saadat, Marc Lussier and Dell Goodrick are launching ``Extreme Makeover Santa Clarita,'' in which they will transform a local resident. The deadline to sign up to go under the knife and drill is Aug. 25.

David R. Crane/Staff Photographer