Giving Back

As a facial plastic surgeon serving metro Orlando, Florida, Dr. Edward Gross feels strongly about offering his services to the men and women who need them most. Each year, he donates his time and skills to both local and national charitable organizations, offering pro bono services to deserving individuals from all walks of life.

Read on to learn about some of the causes that are close to Dr. Gross’ heart. To get to know him in person, request a consultation today or call our office at (407) 333-3040.

A Message From Dr. Gross

Primera is first and foremost a plastic surgery practice, of course. But we’re also a part of this community and we want to use our skills and services to improve the lives of the people in it.

That’s why we make time to serve the military veterans who have risked their lives to serve us. In the line of duty, many of our brave men and women have sustained disfiguring facial injuries; I am proud to help restore a normal appearance through reconstructive surgery. It is an honor and a privilege to give them back the dignity and confidence they deserve.

It’s also that same spirit of compassion that’s behind our efforts with victims of domestic violence. Like our veterans, these are people who have visible reminders of facial injuries — injuries that trigger painful, traumatic memories every time they see them. We have the important work of repairing those external vestiges, so that they can more fully heal — not just physically, but spiritually, mentally, and emotionally, too.

What follows is a closer look at some of the philanthropic programs we work with.

FACES OF HONOR

The men and women of our armed forces have chosen a truly extraordinary career path — one with a unique set of demands and risks. Dr. Gross is proud to participate in FACES OF HONOR, a national organization that offers pro bono reconstructive surgery to repair injuries incurred by military personnel while in combat.

Created by the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Inc., FACES OF HONOR matches service members to participating surgeons near them for convenient care that complements care they may receive at their local VA or DOD facilities.

FACE TO FACE

Also affiliated with the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Inc., FACE TO FACE is an outreach program that matches victims of domestic violence with local participating plastic surgeons. Dr. Gross is one of only a few plastic surgeons throughout Florida to offer his services as part of FACE TO FACE.

It is his pleasure to help these patients feel their best as they move forward with their lives. Watch one patient’s story below. *Keep in mind that each patient is unique and your results may vary.

Dr. Gross believes that his philanthropic philosophy helps not only these deserving patients, but also his cosmetic practice. By working on challenging reconstructive cases, he hones his techniques and skills, which benefits all his patients.

STOP DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Dr. Gross felt a special connection with JennyLee, a domestic violence survivor whose nose was repeatedly broken years ago by her physically abusive husband. She is hearing-impaired and recently was fitted with a cochlear implant. Dr. Gross performed a rhinoplasty to improve the appearance of her nose. Her story of domestic violence is all too common, and it is an issue that Dr. Gross feels passionate about.

She is shown in this video both before and 3 months after having the rhinoplasty procedure and describes what it’s like to finally not be asked why her nose is misshaped. “I’m forever grateful to Dr. Gross for what he’s done for me,” she says. “He really cares about women.”*

JennyLee describes how an abusive husband repeatedly broke her nose and the thankfulness she feels for Dr. Gross, whose willingness to perform a pro bono rhinoplasty restored her self-esteem and helped her create a new life. *Your results may vary.

SafeHouse of Seminole

When women and children need refuge from domestic violence in their homes, they come to the SafeHouse of Seminole. Even when fleeing the worst of circumstances, this can be a very difficult decision because of the financial implications of leaving. On holidays like Mother’s Day, this can make for a trying time, dealing with extreme circumstances without financial or emotional support.

A slideshow from the Beauty Adventure event.

As a small way to support these women, Dr. Gross and his team threw a Mother’s Day Beauty Adventure event at Primera — giving them the opportunity to feel pampered, even if only for a day.

Second Harvest Food Bank

Serving more than 550 feeding partners in 6 Central Florida counties, the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida is a vital lifeline for families in the region. Dr. Gross and the staff of Primera volunteered at the food bank, helping to organize food for future distributions.

All told, the Second Harvest Food Bank sends more than 53 million meals each year to people dealing with hunger and food insecurity. Much of that is accomplished through their partnerships with food pantries, soup kitchens, women’s shelters, senior centers, day care centers, and Kids Cafes.

The reality of food insecurity in our area.

They are always looking for more volunteers. If you would like to donate your time or start a food drive, you can contact them at FeedHopeNow.org.