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Jacksonville Med Spa Associates of the Renaissance Center

Dr. Lewis Obi
Denise Merlo
Penny Velie

Dr. Lewis Obi M.D.

Dr. Lewis Obi, founder of the Obi Plastic Surgery Clinic, is a highly respected and experienced board-certified plastic surgeon in Jacksonville, specializing in both aesthetic and reconstructive plastic surgery services. Born and raised in Jacksonville, he received a degree in Pharmacy from the University of Florida after serving in the U.S. Marine Corp. While practicing pharmacy, Dr. Obi continued his education by completing medical school at the University of Miami. During his undergraduate and medical school education Dr. Lewis Obi graduated cum laude and received multiple honorary awards including induction into the honorary Phi Kappa Phi and Rho Chi fraternities for pre med and Pharmacy. In medical school he was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha honorary society bestowed only to the top medical students. While in medical school Dr. Obi’s thesis on the history of plastic surgery was published in the international “Medical World News”. He was also instrumental in launching the new UM-Med Apprentice medical school newspaper as well as president of his medical school fraternity all while working as a pharmacist to support his family.

He then completed a rotating internship in the U.S. Navy and became licensed to practice medicine. Residencies in general surgery and plastic surgery were followed by certification as a diplomat of the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Additional training in Cardio-vascular surgery, maxillofacial surgery and hand surgery preceded Dr. Lewis Obi entering private practice in Jacksonville. During his entire career, Dr. Lewis Obi has actively been involved with the training of students, residents and colleagues both in the field of reconstructive and aesthetic plastic surgery. He also has been involved with the publication of numerous articles, books and papers on plastic surgery. Most recently Dr. Obi was worked closely with Palomar Medical™ in developing clinical applications of lasers in the field of lipoplasty. In addition to lecturing he has trained plastic surgeons from the United States and abroad (see SlimLipo™ blogs). Professional memberships include the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, The American Medical Association, The Florida Medical Association, and the Greater Jacksonville Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Most importantly Dr. Lewis Obi was one of the early pioneers for accredited and licensed plastic surgery centers in the state of Florida. The highest and most rigorous requirement for surgery centers is the Agency for Health Care Administration or AHCA. Dr. Obi’s center was the first licensed comprehensive plastic surgery center in Florida and recently completed it’s 23rd major inspection with AHCA. The Obi Plastic Surgery Center is a 12,000 square foot facility in the south side of Jacksonville adjacent to HCA Columbia Memorial Medical Center.

Dr. Obi's surgical involvement extends outside his medical practice in Jacksonville, Florida, reaching the underprivileged in the United States, Europe, Ethiopia, the Philippines and the Caribbean. A life-long personal love of art and beauty, expressed through the international art firm of Obiarts, Inc. has won Dr. Obi a unique nomination as a Fellow to the Royal Society of Art in London. Dr. Obi and Obiarts have donated world class art to many universities and museums throughout the United States.

Dr. Obi specializes in a wide variety of plastic surgery & cosmetic surgery procedures for almost every aspect of the body. Everything from breast enlargements and breast reconstructions to non-surgical and facial rejuvenation treatments. Dr. Obi recently introduced the newest and cutting-edge in liposuction procedures to date: Lifesculpt SlimLipo Laser Liposuction. Lifesculpt SlimLipo is one of the most advanced ways to remove fat in unwanted areas by means of laser. This procedure is less-invasive as typical liposuction and it produces a quicker recovery time with the added bonus of skin tightening.

Dr. Obi’s life long personal love of art and beauty expressed through his international art firm, Obiarts, Inc., has won him a unique nomination as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Art in London (1986). During the past two decades, Obiarts, Inc. has been a source of fine art for numerous museums, universities, churches and private collectors. Artists represented include British artist Daniel Samuels F.R.S.A.(1916-1988) and American Modernist Manierre Dawson (1887-1969).

Denise Merlo

Denise Merlo is a Licensed Aesthetician with more than 10 years of experience helping our patients achieve beautiful, natural–looking results. As a dedicated Aesthetician, Denise does her utmost to ensure that the results of her work reflect the patient's aesthetic vision. Denise will plan an individualized care program that will meet your specific skin care needs.

Native to Jacksonville, Denise graduated from Advanced Career Training in 2003 as a Medical Assistant. Denise continued her education at North Florida Institute where she received her Aesthetician License. After receiving her Aesthetician License Denise went to work in Dermatology for 5 years working directly under a board certified dermatologist to specialize in various laser treatments, facial treatments, and skin care.

Joining Dr. Lewis Obi’s Practice in 2007 and working at the Renaissance Center, Denise continues to build great relationships with our patients. Since joining Dr. Obi’s team Denise has been trained on the Palomar StarLux 300 series and now the Palomar StarLux 500 series, and now the ICON system. Denise has continuous training through attending in-services and presentations through Palomar. For a list of many services that Denise provides please look at the Renaissance main page.

Penny Velie, MSN, FNP-C

With over twenty-five years in nursing, Penny has worked in the ER, OR, PACU and hospice. Clinical experience includes surgery, oncology, and pediatrics with almost ten years in the OR with Jacksonville area plastic surgeons. She is trained to perform minor surgical procedures, and has worked as a Family Nurse Practitioner in private practice for over five years.

She started a private aesthetics business and has almost ten years of experience in advanced aesthetics, working with Botox and dermal fillers, including Juvederm and Radiesse. She is trained in chemical peels, microdermabrasion, IPL and lasers.

A native of Jacksonville, Penny is a graduate of Episcopal High School. She attended FSU, graduating from the University of Phoenix with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She earned a Master of Science in Nursing from Graceland University in Independence, Missouri, one of the top universities in the country in the training of Nurse Practitioners. She is board certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and is a member of the Sigma Theta Tau National Honor Society.

Her passion is to touch the hearts, and help heal and renew the bodies, of all the patients she serves.

If you would like to learn more about our med spa associates, please feel free to email Denise at denise@obiplasticsurgery.com or fill out our contact form and one of our associates will return your inquiry shortly.