EMMA Shamshoum is beaming with confidence. The secret to her outer glow is that Emma started the new year with a new body after winning our ultimate makeover competition.

The Echo teamed up with the Phoenix Hospital, in Fairfax Drive, Westcliff, to offer one of our readers the ultimate makeover.

With a prize package worth £9,000, the competition not only promised to fix hair, make-up and wardrobe, but that the winning reader could change the way they looked for ever with a cosmetic procedure of their choice.

For Emma, 37, the ultimate makeover was a boob enlargement operation and she is now the proud owner of an enhanced bustline going from a 34a to a 34c.

“I have always been very flat chested, and always felt it was the area where I wanted a bit more,”

Emma, of Broadlands, Thundersley, reveals.

“After breast feeding my two boys what little I did have disappeared completely and I was left with just hanging skin.”

Mum to Luke, three, and Luis, six, Emma had already started saving for an operation herself when she spotted the entry form in the Echo.

“I am heading towards 40 and decided this was my time to do something for myself,” she says.

“I was stuck in a rut and I wanted to change my style and have the figure to carry it off.

She had her operation before Christmas and last week underwent the last pieces of the jigsaw to a new her.

She admits to being apprehensive before the procedure.

“I was worried,” she said, “even though it was something I really wanted. But afterwards I was elated. Everyone at the hospital was amazing and I was beaming.”

Emma’s operation was carried out as a day case procedure at the hospital which meant she left the same day and could spend the two week recuperation period at home.

Emma says the operation has boosted her confidence and made her feel more feminine.

“I hated my body and had no confidence because of that. I didn’t even want my husband to look at me.

“I don’t think people realise just what an impact something like this has.

“It is something I have always wanted done, since I was a teenager.

“Now clothes fit as they should and I feel like a woman at last.”

Husband Dean and the rest of Emma’s family have been supportive about her makeover.

“It really has had an impact on the whole family,” added Emma. “Because I am happy they are happy. It definitely is something you have to think about carefully and do for the right reasons.

“But if you have something about your body that makes you really unhappy, then I don’t see anything wrong with changing it, as long as you are not doing it for anyone else and you have the support of your family.”

As well her breast enhancement, Emma also enjoyed a day of pampering, with a new hair style thanks to Sodeau’s in Rayleigh, make-up from Leigh Sanctuary and a fashion makeover from the Lemon Fox boutique in Brentwood, before a photoshoot to reveal her new look.

“Having my hair, make-up and clothes done as well really is the whole package,” says Emma.

“I felt truly pampered and the reactions I have had have been wonderful.

Charlie Wood, managing director of the Phoenix Hospital said choosing Emma from more than 100 entries had been a difficult task.

Charlie says: “It really was a very difficult decision as all of the stories we heard were very deserving.

“Emma convinced us the transformation really would be life-changing for her and bring such a benefit to her life.

“The end results have even exceeded our expectations. Emma has been a marvellous participant and it has been lovely to observe the transformation first hand.

“From the shy young girl I first met, now, to the fun loving young woman we had on the photo shoot, it was a joy to see.

“Working closely with our contributors has united to bring out and enhance all her natural features to such stunning effect.”

For Emma the change is summed up easily.

“I just feel so glamorous now and feel now I can really be the person I wanted to be.

“I really can’t thank the Echo and the Phoenix Hospital enough for making my dream come true.”