Contributing Authors
We're fantastically proud to have assembled the talent and expertise that our writers bring to this physician community.
We're always looking for those with a passion to share their expertise. If you would like to join this select group and write for Medical Spa MD, you can write a guest post or become a contributing author.
Sabine Zenker, MD
Dermatologist | Consultant L`Oréal Paris
Dr Sabine Zenker is an internationally renowned board certified dermatologist (Ludwigs-Maximilians-University Munich, 2003) and founder and owner of the Dermatology Surgery Clinic, Munich, Germany. She dedicates her daily work to medical and surgical dermatology, to cosmetic dermatology and aesthetic services.
She became an internationally respected authority on non-surgical non invasive cosmetic treatments. Her endeavour in the aesthetic medical field is to train and teach as well as to run clinical research studies on latest as well as innovative technologies.
She contributes continuously to medical journals, public press, print, TV and multimedia. She is a member of a large number of national and international societies such as DDG, AAD, ASCDAS, AAAACS, EADV, ISDS, DASIL etc. She serves as executive board member of ESCAD.
She is a regular speaker and clinical trainer on almost any recognized national and international congress in the aesthetic medical field.
Dr. Sabine Zenker is the Consultant Dermatologist L`Oréal Paris.
Alexander Rivkin MD
Director and Chief Physician, Westside Aesthetics
Alexander Rivkin M.D. is a Yale trained facial cosmetic surgeon and UCLA faculty member who focuses exclusively on providing his patients with the latest in non-invasive, non-ablative cosmetic treatments in Southern California. Dr. Rivkin is an international authority on non-surgical cosmetic treatments. He divides his time between patient care, clinical research, educating other physicians, media appearances, and lecturing at scientific conferences throughout the world.
Dr. Rivkin understands that no one relishes the thought of “going under the knife,” and believes modern medical technology can provide today’s patients with superior alternatives to invasive, painful surgery that requires a long recovery time. He has dedicated his career to developing these alternatives, creating exceptional cosmetic solutions that his patients can access without the fear which has so long been associated with cosmetic surgery.
After several years of being an Allergan Clinical Educator, Dr. Rivkin was recently honored with Black Diamond level status: recognition that he is among the top 1% of Botox providers in the world. Click here for a FREE consultation.
Dr. Rivkin is renowned for non-surgical alternatives to commonly performed cosmetic procedures. He has been featured on the TODAY show, The DOCTORS show, the Tyra Banks Show, EXTRA, Univision, PBS, KNBC-TV, KABC-TV and in numerous national publications for the innovative procedures he has invented. He was the first physician in the country to offer the Non-Surgical Nose Job, his signature method for non-invasive correction of cosmetic nasal irregularities.
Peter Ursel, MD
Founder, Kawartha Skin Care,
Dr. Peter Ursel has been treating leg vein patients in Lindsay Ontario for over 20 years, and helped pioneer endovenous laser treatments in Ontario. He started off his career in family medicine, and later became Chief of the Emergency Department at Ross Memorial Hospital.
During this time, he saw a huge need for outpatient vein treatment in his area and spent 15 years assembling the best vein treatments and bringing them to Ontario.
Dr Ursel has built a thriving 7-figure cosmetic practice in his small town of 20,000 people and is the author of Eliminate Your Varicose And Spider Veins NOW! which achieved Amazon bestseller status in vascular surgery. He is an instructor in the Medical Spa MD Training Academy.
His passion lies in marketing, and he attributes his success to being a lifelong student of direct-response marketing strategies that deliver tangible ROI. He now works part-time in his practice and spends the rest of his hours helping cosmetic clinics attract qualified patients on a consistent and predictable basis.
He enjoys mountain biking, skiing, windsurfing, and spending time at his cottage with his lovely wife and 5 children.
Brian Howard, MD, FACS
President & Owner, North Fulton Plastic Surgery
Dr. Brian Howard is board certified by both the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, placing him in a select group of medical professionals with certification in both plastic surgery and otolaryngology. His practice is primarily cosmetic in scope, including both surgical and non-surgical approaches to rejuvenation.
Dr. Howard has been working in private practice since 1998 at his office in Roswell, Georgia, outside of Atlanta, and he maintains surgical privileges at many centers throughout the Greater Atlanta metro area. He is past chairman and vice-chairman of the Department of Surgery at North Fulton Regional Hospital and also has served as the head of the Division of Plastic Surgery at the same hospital.
When not wearing his surgical cap or father-of-three hat, Dr. Howard enjoys outdoor activities in his spare time, including mountain climbing, triathlons, and white water rafting. He enjoys adventure racing, and has also climbed a number of mountains including Mount Rainier, Grand Teton, Mt. Kilimanjaro, and Mount Whitney, and is always looking for the “next adventure.”
Dr. Daniel Kaufman
Founder & Medical Director, Discreet Plastic Surgery
Dr. Daniel Kaufman is a Board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon and a Surgical Facility Inspector for American Association for the Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities. He is the founder and medical director of Discreet Plastic Surgery, PC, with offices in Manhattan and Brooklyn. Dr. Kaufman is recognized by his patients, peers, and mentors as a compassionate surgeon with artistic vision and excellent technical skills.
A Cum Laude Honors graduate from Binghamton University, Dr. Kaufman earned his medical degree at the State University of New York - Downstate Medical Center, where he was elected to the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha National Medical Honor Society. An accomplished researcher, Dr. Kaufman has published in numerous peer-reviewed medical journals, and has been invited as a speaker at major national and international scientific meetings. He also holds a Master of Science degree in Biomedical Engineering from the Polytechnic Institute of New York University, keeping him on the forefront of state-of-the-art technological advancements and emerging plastic surgery techniques.
Dr. Kaufman completed a rigorous residency training program in General Surgery at Downstate Medical Center, where he served as Chief Resident at some of New York's top hospitals. Continuing his postgraduate training as Fellow in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the renowned Montefiore Medical Center - Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Dr. Kaufman again served as Chief Resident, operating with some of the most preeminent surgeons in the country. Dr. Kaufman specializes in aesthetic surgery and body contouring, including liposuction or liposculpture, breast augmentation, breast reduction and lifting, tummy tuck, upper arm lifting, and fat grafting. He also performs cosmetic surgery of the face, neck, eyebrows, eyelids, nose, and non-operative facial rejuvenation. Dr. Kaufman is a Diplomate of the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
Seth A. Yellin, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Founder & Medical Director, Marietta Facial Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics Center
Dr. Seth A. Yellin is founder and director of Marietta Facial Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics Center and is nationally renowned for his expertise in creating a natural look when volumizing the face with injectable fillers and performing cosmetic and reconstructive facial plastic surgery. He is a double board certified Facial Plastic Surgeon and a Fellow of both the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American College of Surgeons. He serves on numerous committees for the AAFPRS and has been an oral board examiner for the American Board of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery.
Prior to partnering with Marietta Dermatology & The Skin Cancer Center, Dr. Yellin was Director of the Emory Facial Center and Chief of Facial Plastic Surgery at Emory Healthcare for more than 12 years. As an educator, he taught the art and science of facial plastic surgery at the Emory University School of Medicine where he continues to teach and mentor surgical residents.
Dr. Yellin received his medical degree from New York University School of Medicine (Alpha Omega Alpha). He underwent six years of general surgical and head and neck surgical training in New York City at Lenox Hill Hospital, Manhattan Eye, Ear and Throat Hospital, New York Hospital/Cornell Medical Center and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Dr. Yellin then completed a fellowship in facial plastic surgery in Tampa, Florida, under the directorship of Richard T. Farrior, MD, a world authority in the field of facial plastic surgery, through the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS).
Dr. Yellin has appeared on NBC, ABC, CBS, CNN and Fox Television News and has been interviewed by local, national and international publications. He travels the country and the world lecturing on facial plastic surgery. Some of Dr. Yellin’s recent book chapters and scientific articles include: Secondary Facelifting, Nasal Reconstruction, Facial Fillers and Post-Operative Care of the Aesthetic Surgical Patient.
Warren B. Seiler III, MD
Medical Director, Seiler Skin Cosmetic Laser Center & Spa
Dr. Seiler is a board examiner and the Executive Director of the American Board of Laser Surgery and is the co-author of the ABLS examination text book and board certification exam. He is also a fellow of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, an international speaker, preceptor and physician trainer for Lumenis Laser Company and he has recently been invited to become a speaker and injection trainer for Allergan (manufacturer of Botox & Juvederm).
His professional interests include skin rejuvenation, cosmetic laser and aesthetic procedures, laser facial resurfacing, and the use of laser scanning in the development of breast prosthetics for cosmetic and post-mastectomy patients in association with Contour Med. He is passionate about providing advanced injections with Botox and Juvederm. He sets himself apart from other practices by specializing solely in cosmetic laser procedures and injectables, which he performs himself.
Through his position as Executive Director of the American Board of Laser Surgery, he is currently working with state medical boards, health departments, and laser safety societies in the US and other countries to further educate patients and practitioners about safety awareness and the training necessary to obtain safe and effective patient results. Additionally Dr. Seiler has been an expert witness for multiple malpractice cases in the US regarding laser procedures.
John Di Saia, MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon | Blogger
John Di Saia MD is a board-certified Plastic Surgeon and formerly (he didn't re-certify) a board certified General Surgeon as well. He writes CosmeticSurgeryTruth.com, a blog that utilizes a dialogue of celebrity plastic surgery as an exercise for reasonable medicine in the carnival that is modern cosmetic surgery. He also serves on the California Medical Board's Expert Reviewer Program reviewing cases of proposed negligence in the field.
After completing medical school and residency at the University of California Irvine, Dr. Di Saia spent a few years as an assistant clinical professor at UC Irvine quickly moving towards private practice. His internet interest started in the creation of Plastic Surgery Interactive during his residency and evolved into active participation on internet forums at which plastic surgery topics were featured. Blogging followed in 2005 with extensions into Twitter and Facebook.
Dr. Di Saia has interacted with the media as a proponent of "common sense" plastic surgery (Eyewitness News segments and frequent OC Register quotations) as well as a defender of physicians in the business of medicine (Fox and Friends 2011.) Somewhat by coincidence, he ended up as a contestant on ABC's Wipeout in 2010 (Season 3, Episode 10) making the final twelve before elimination.
Dr. Di Saia enjoys writing and lately has been doing more than just the blog. In the past he wrote a series of short advice pieces for his local newspaper. More recently there have been pieces in both the medical press and internet-based lay press as well. As a former competitive swimmer, he likes to stay active swimming 3-4 days a week.
Stephen Weber, M.D., Ph.D.
Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon
Dr. Weber is a double board-certified Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon who practices at Lone Tree Facial Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery Center in Lone Tree, Colorado. He received his M.D. and Ph.D. degrees from Boston University School of Medicine, trained in Otolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery at Oregon Health & Science University and received his training in Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery at University of Michigan.
Dr. Weber’s practice is focused on cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the face. He is highly skilled in facial rejuvenation surgery including blepharoplasty, cosmetic rhinoplasty (nasal surgery), facelift, browlift, as well as otoplasty (ear “pinning”). Dr. Weber cares for those most in need via yearly humanitarian mission trips abroad and participation in the “Face to Face” program where local plastic surgeons donate their services to the victims of domestic violence.
He has authored over 40 publications in peer-reviewed academic journals and textbooks. Dr. Weber enjoys writing about the business and practice of medicine as well as cutting-edge technology.
In his free time, Dr. Weber enjoys skiing, mountaineering, flying, photography, travel and spending time with his family.
Dr. Calvin Lee, MD
Surgical Artist
Dr. Calvin Lee, MD is a board certified general surgeon who practices acupuncture (including cosmetic acupuncture), vein surgery, and aesthetic medicine in Modesto, CA with his wife Dr. Tammy Wu who is a board certified plastic surgeon. He also functions as the office manager of the practice. He went to Brown University for a neuroscience degree and medical school. Then his surgery residencies were at Case Western Reserve and Southern Illinois University. He is a speaker for Allergan. His hobbies include making webpages, search engine optimization, social media, violin and teaching himself piano. As a violinist, he was concertmaster of orchestras at Harvard and Brown University, won university concerto competitions, and recently soloed with orchestras in Asia. He won a online violin audition which resulted in the You Tube Symphony with a performance at Carnegie Hall under the guidance of famed conductor Michael Tilson Thomas.
Alexander Handschin, MD
Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Alexander Handschin is the Head of Department of Plastic, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery at Clinic Dr. Guth in Hamburg, Germany. He is a board certified Plastic and Aesthetic Surgeon and fellow of the European Board of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery (EBOPRAS). In addition, Dr. Handschin is board certified for both general and hand surgery. His clinical specializations include aesthetic breast surgery, facial plastic surgery and hand surgery.
Dr. Handschin graduated from the RWTH-Aachen Medical School in Germany. After that, he worked at the University Hospital of Zurich at the Division of Trauma Surgery and Transplant Surgery. He completed his specialization in plastic surgery and hand surgery at the University Hospital of Zurich, the University of Berne and the Medical School of Hannover in Germany.
Several publications in the field of plastic surgery (including breast augmentation and breast reduction techniques), underline the academic and scientific expertise of Dr. Handschin. Furthermore, Dr. Handschin has been a speaker at numerous international congresses, talking about his experience in both experimental and clinical settings. He is also an editorial board member in several journals on plastic surgery.
Dr. Handschin is an active member of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS), the Society of Plastic Surgeons of Germany (DGPRAEC), the International Society of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (IPRAS), the German Society of Senology, and Interplast Germany.
Naomi McCullum
Cosmetic Surgery Sydney
Dr Naomi McCullum is a writer, blogger and the founder of a high end boutique cosmetic practice in Sydney, which she opened in 2001.
In 2011, Dr Naomi saw the need for sharing unbiased and real information to cosmetic patients and readers online. She wanted readers to be informed about the good, the bad and the ugly in the cosmetic medical industry, so she started her blog: www.drnaomi.com.au/blog.
Dr Naomi’s popular and sometimes notorious blog has grown in readership, and gets over 400,000 page views per year. The blog is aimed at the sophisticated cosmetic patient. These readers are thirsty for relevent industry information and they appreciate Dr Naomi’s candour and content. The blog has had more than its fair share of legal issues, some of which have been related to the blog's satirical content.
Dr Naomi has a love of marketing, social media and the online world.
After graduating from Medicine, Dr Naomi joined the Cosmetic Physicians Society of Australasia in 1999, and was admitted in 2002 as an inaugural Fellow of the Faculty of Medicine, Australian College of Cosmetic Surgery.
Dr Naomi is an aesthete and her hobbies are all branches of the aesthetic tree: from beauty and design to fashion and architecture.
Douglas Key
Cosmetic Dermatologist
Dr. Douglas Key is one of the nation's leading authorities in the field of cosmetic laser medicine. In 1998, the board certified Dermatologist founded the Key Laser Institute where he provides advanced noninvasive treatments for patients seeking to prevent and reverse the signs of aging. Dr. Key received degrees from the University of California, Berkeley and the School of Medicine in San Francisco and completed Dermatology residencies at New York University and Yale University. In addition to his thriving practice, Dr. Key is a published author who frequently instructs on the use of research and technology in the prevention of age-related changes in the skin.
Paula Di Marco Young, BS, RN
Founder, Young Medical Spa | Dr. TattAway
Paula is the staff nurse and co-owner of Young Medical Spa in the Lehigh Valley area of Pennsylvania along with her husband Thomas E. Young, MD and the founder of a specialty laser and tattoo removal clinic, Dr. TattAway.
Prior to establishing Young Medical Spa, Paula previously owned a Merle Norman Cosmetics national franchise, a full-service beauty salon and spa, and a chain of tanning salons. Most recently, Paula worked for Johnson & Johnson for over 10 years and held senior management positions in the medical and sales education, and customer relationship management departments.
Her associations include the Dermatology Nurses Association, American Academy of Medical Esthetic Professionals, Association of periOperative Registered Nurses, American Nurses Association, and The Aesthetic Practice Association. Paula also holds a current license with the Cosmetology Board in the State of Pennsylvania.
She has authored articles for Medical Spa Report Magazine and training manuals for medical spas that include Advanced IPL & Laser Training, and the Advanced Medical Spa Aesthetics Training Course and Study Guide.
Beatriz H. Porras, MD
President, Skin Diagnostics, Inc.
Dr. Porras graduated from Medical School from Norte University in Colombia; subsequently she did a surgical internship and fellowship in Plastic Surgery at Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis MO. She completed her Dermatopathology training at UT Southwestern at Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas TX, where she trained with one of the best dermatologist in the world, and former president of the American Academy of Dermatology (Dr. Clay J. Cockerell). Dr. Porras was a professor of Biology at Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis, MO. and currently is the president of Skin Diagnostics Inc., where she serves other physicians by diagnosing skin diseases.
Dr. Porras has extensive research experience, twenty years ago she helped in the research and development of growth factors to promote wound healing, today growth factors are used in several medications and skin products to promote skin regeneration and rejuvenation. She has authored over 30 peer-reviewed papers in leading medical scientific journals and she has contributed several chapters in major dermatology, dermatopathology and plastic surgery textbooks. Dr. Porras is also trained in Laser Medicine and is Laser Certified.
Edward M. Zimmerman, MD
Medical Director, Las Vegas Laser & Lipo Center For Rejuvenative Aesthetics
Edward M. Zimmerman, MD, is a Diplomate of, and currently serving as, the President of the American Board of Laser Surgery.
Dr. Zimmerman has degrees from Johns Hopkins and Georgetown and he received his medical degree from The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences. He is a Fellow of the American Society of Laser Medicine and Surgery, the American Society of Cosmetic Laser Surgery, the American College of Phlebology, and both the American and European Academies of Cosmetic Surgery. He has received the prestigious Award for Academic Excellence in Cosmetic Surgery Education from the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery. He received the “Best of Las Vegas” award for Cosmetic Surgery for 2009, was selected as one of America’s Top Surgeons-2010 and 2012 by the Consumer’s Research Council of America, was elected a Lifetime member of the Cambridge Who’s Who Registry and has been a PSP “Top Doc” in 2010 and 2011. His office has been acclaimed for Excellent Customer Care by CMUS Talk of the Town - 2010, 2011, 2012.
For over 15 years, Dr. Zimmerman has cared for the cosmetic needs of the people of Las Vegas, performing in-office laser and liposuction procedures and more. His faculty appointments have included Clinical Assistant Professor, Pennsylvania State University: Adjunct Assistant Professor of Clinical Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Adjunct Clinical Supervisor, Touro University School of Osteopathic Medicine and the Faculty for the National Procedures Institute and Academy of Aesthetic Medicine. He has lectured nationally and internationally for over two decades, has hosted hundreds of physicians for preceptorships. He is the Medical Director of his newest, state of the art, state licensed, office-Las Vegas Laser & Lipo-dedicated to the full spectrum of surgical and non-surgical aesthetic procedures. He is a sought after consultant in the aesthetic industry and he is a life-long student, teacher, innovator and entrepreneur who has a passion for Aesthetic Procedures and Cosmetic Surgery.
Don Rainone
Owner & Director, Smoothskin® Cosmetic Laser Center
Dr. Donald P. Rainone is board-certified in Internal Medicine since 1991 and licensed to practice for 25 years. He comes from a diverse background that led up to his current practice, including private practice IM, urgent care, occupational medicine, administrative medicine, and an internet startup company. He has been an artist all his life and has always had an interest in cosmetic care. In 2001, Dr. Rainone opened a fully committed cosmetic private practice, Smoothskin Cosmetic Laser Center. He entered the field as a pioneer in the State of New Hampshire.
Dr. Rainone’s administrative and industrial medicine background came in handy for running a solo practice. Dr. Rainone was exposed at an early age to retail and customer service working in his family’s hair salon. He worked in cold call sales of sterilization supplies through college and medical school. It is no wonder he enjoys the business side of running a cosmetic practice and seeks to mentor others.
Dr. Rainone’s areas of expertise include laser tattoo removal, having performed 6,000 procedures. He serves as a luminary and speaker on the topic for Cynosure, Inc. He has also mastered the DermaSculpt® Microcannula technique for facial sculpting with fillers.
Pramit Malhotra MD, MS
Plastic Surgeon
Pramit Malhotra MD, MS is the founder of the Malhotra Center for Plastic Surgery a boutique plastic surgery practice. He is one of a small contingent of surgeons in the country who is a double board certified plastic surgeon and otolaryngologist. His practice management expertise is in internet marketing, patient satisfaction, and team building.
Dr. Malhotra graduated from the University of Michigan Honors College cum laude. After completing medical school at the Ohio State College of Medicine, Dr. Malhotra trained in Head and Neck Surgery with a focus on facial plastic surgery at the University of Minnesota. He served as a research fellow at the National Institutes of Health culminating in a Master of Science degree. He then served as the chief plastic surgery fellow at the University of Wisconsin.
Dr. Kevin D. Light
Cosmetic Surgery & Age Management Medicine
Dr. Kevin Light attended Michigan State University earning his Bachelors of Science degree with honors in Biochemistry. He is a Diplomat of the American Board of Osteopathic Surgery in General Surgery. He is an expert in his field and has over 28 years of surgical experience. After he left the Air Force, he practiced General Surgery. In 1997, he saw the writing on the wall and transitioned his practice to exclusively cosmetic surgery. In 2005, he began the MBA program at the University of Texas. He practiced ‘part time’ during this period as the medical director of an ‘age management clinic’. This turned out to be a blessing in disguise– it exposed him to a very powerful alternative to traditional medicine that fit quite well with his cosmetic surgical practice.
Dr. Kevin Light is a fellow of the prestigious American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery (AACS). He is an active member of the Texas Cosmetic Surgical Society, the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M) and the Age Management Medical Group.
Shervin Naderi, MD, FACS
Board Certified Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon
Dr. Naderi is an ultra-specialized facial plastic surgeon focused on Rhinoplasty and minimally invasive facial injections with two offices in the Washington D.C. area: in Northern Virginia as well as Chevy Chase Maryland.
Dr. Naderi is a Board Examiner for the American Board of Facial Plastics & Reconstructive Surgery, a consultant and instructor for Allergan and Medicis and teaches Botox, Dysport and facial dermal filler injections to other physicians and nurse injectors. He is also a consultant and peer reviewer for the State of Maryland Board of Physicians and was recognized by the National Institute of Cosmetic And Plastic Surgery Research as an outstanding cosmetic surgeon.
He has been a clinical assistant professor of Facial Plastic Surgery at the Indiana University School of Medicine Department of Head & Neck Surgery, and a guest lecturer at George Washington University School of Medicine Department of Surgery. He is the author of multiple chapters in major facial plastic surgery and head and neck surgery textbooks on nose surgery (revision rhinoplasty) and facelift surgery (rhytidectomy) techniques and has presented on the topic of lower eyelid fat transposition (blepharoplasty) surgery at the annual national meeting of the American Academy of Facial Plastics and Reconstructive Surgery.
Lila Bratani MD
Plastic Surgeon | Karlsruhe, Germany
Dr. Bratani is a German board-certified Plastic and Aesthetic Surgeon with a special training in Hand-, Reconstructive Surgery and Burns. She leads the Plastic Surgery in the private Dermaclinic, in Karlsruhe, Germany. With over 10 years of experience in Plastic Surgery, she is recognized as a member of Stanford's Who's Who for having demonstrated outstanding leadership and achievement in her field. She is also a medical manager and an esteemed health care consultant in New York, USA.
Dr. Bratani graduated from the Albert-Ludwigs University in Freiburg, Germany, where she also received her M.D. for her thesis “Erich Lexer’s contributions to Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in Freiburg”. She spent her residency in Plastic Surgery, in well known hospitals, at the Municipal Hospital of Munich-Bogenhausen and at BG-Traumaclinic of University of Tuebingen, Germany. One of her specializations was the cultivation of human keratinocytes and their grafting for severely burned patients.
Furthermore she got an American stipend for the Craniofacial Plastic Surgery fellowship at NOVA Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, USA. Here she did research on the posterior plagiocephaly syndrome and worked on a molecular study with HOXB13 genes and embryonal cleft lip repair. Dr. Bratani has been trained and practiced in Microsurgery at the University Hospital of Zurich-Switzerland and is also Laser certified. Several fellowships in advanced Aesthetic Plastic Surgery has brought her along with world renowned Plastic surgeons in Brazil, Israel, USA and Europe.
Her professional interest includes the smooth way of liposuction with 3D tightening of the skin, breast surgery, skin rejuvenation and facial surgery. She is highly skilled and passionate about providing treatments with PRP, fillers and Botulinum toxin. She provides her patients with the latest news in anti-aging cosmetics from around the world.
Dr. Bratani is an active member of the Society of Plastic Surgeons of Germany (DGPRAEC), IPRAS (International Society of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons) and DGBT (German Society for Aesthetic Botulinum Toxin Therapy).
In her free time, Dr. Bratani enjoys travelling, diving, gardening, photography and contemporary Art fairs.
Alex Denes
Alex Denes MD FACP
Alex Denes did his undergraduate training at UCLA, and attended Creighton University School of Medicine, graduating in 1973. He completed a 3 year internal medicine residency at St. Mary Medical Center/UCLA Hospital and went into the private practice of internal medicine in Hemet, California in 1976.
In 2001, Dr. Denes became very interested in cosmetics and received training in Botox administration as well as collagen injections. At that time, collagen was the only facial filler available. His interest in cosmetics grew, and he became trained in liposuction. Even though his formal training was in internal medicine, he did a large amount of surgical assisting and obtained basic surgical skills in that manner. He joined the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and attended numerous workshops, hands on live surgeries, and one-on-one training sessions and "mini-fellowships" with experts in the fields of breast augmentation, abdominoplasty, face lift, CO2 laser resurfacing, ambulatory phlebectomy and many other procedures that we perform today.
In 2005, Alex Denes hired an RN, April Turner, with significant cosmetic experience, and she began to perform Botox and fillers in his office. She developed a very high level of competence in these procedures, as well as IPL, pulse diode lasers, chemical peels and microdermabrasion. About a year ago, the two of them opened up a Med Spa in Canyon Lake, a community about 15 miles from Hemet.
Brian K. Sidella
President & Founder, Forever Young MedSpa
Brian had spent over 20 years in Corporate America as a senior level sales, marketing & operations executive prior to beginning his own MedSpa in 2005. Since that time, Forever Young MedSpa has grown to over 3,500 patients and their reputation has attracted patients from all over South Florida and around the world as well. Brian’s expertise in sales, marketing, staff development, technology & operations has allowed Forever Young MedSpa to grow at double digit rates even during the heart of the biggest recession since the Great Depression. Brian brings forth a unique business perspective with his focus on two key business growth philosophies of “ The answer is yes, the question is how” & his “failure is not an option” disposition on the challenges facing our industry.
Mickey A. Couvertier, CBET, CLRT
Founder, CRC Biomedical Services
Mickey A. Couvertier is a Certified Biomedical Equipment Technician by the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation and International Certification Commission, and a Certified Laser Repair Technician by the National Council on Laser Excellence. He began his career as a Biomedical Equipment Technician in the US Army, and has worked for several manufacturers and hospital organizations since. He has served as Chief Editor for the Medical Equipment Technician's Association (META), the largest Biomed society in the world, and has been featured as a contributing author and interviewed for articles in various industry magazines, and for various industry websites. Mr. Couvertier previously served as Senior Diagnostic Imaging and Laser Systems Technician at independent laser service organizations, and has been the President and Senior Technician for his own company, CRC Biomedical Services, since 2010.
Nancy Miller, RN, MBA
Clinician | Director of Operations
Nancy Miller received her Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from the University of Southern California in 1996 and furthered her education in 2002 when she received her Master’s in Business Administration focused on Health Care Management. Being a Registered Nurse for twenty years, her diverse experience includes in-home care, hospice, aesthetics, managed care, and ambulatory clinics. Nancy has worked in both for-profit, non-profit sectors as well as private and publicly-held companies.
Mrs. Miller credits her success in operations, marketing and education to her background in Nursing. She has found that the ability to bridge an organization’s goals with their patient’s goals creates overwhelming success and satisfaction for all its constituents. With over 14 years’ experience in the aesthetic arena she not only consults new and existing practices in practice management, clinical training, and operational support but she finds the time to keep her skills and patient care techniques current by working as a provider at a local medical spa.
Jeff Barson
Founder, Surface Medical
Jeff Barson has opened and run numerous clinics, spoken at medical spa and aesthetic medical conventions, and consulted hundreds of physicians and businesses about how to compete and succeed in retail cosmetic medicine.
In 2001, as a founding partner in Surface Medical, Jeff recognized the need for unbiased, spin-free information that wasn't undermined by the need to attract advertising dollars. He began publishing Medical Spa MD to connect physicians in cosmetic medical practices and help them run their businesses more effectively while dealing with the overwhelming needs of real business marketing, staffing, and operations. Ten years later, Medical Spa MD is now the premier destination and largest community of physicians practicing non-surgical and cosmetic medicine with more than 5,000 physician members and 1.5 million page views each year and a trusted voice for physicians everywhere.
Publishing Medical Spa MD came with some headaches; cease and desist letters, threats, more threats, and seemingly endless spam. In 2012 Jeff handed over ownership of the site in order to focus on other pursuits but is thankful that there are many physicians who love the fact that there is one place on the web where they can get honest opinions.
