I’m super excited to share with you my interview with Dr Bracci of VERVE Medical Cosmetics in Midtown Manhattan, 50th street between 3rd and 2nd avenue. I visite Dr Bracci office on my trip to NYC last week and had the pleasure to meet with him. He was the nicest in person. I even got to try out some fillers (I can’t help it I’m a beauty blogger after all I need to know). This time I had Radiesse. I am very happy with the service and the results. So here is my Q&A with Manhattan’s darling Dr Bracci.

Dr Bracci of VERVE Medical Cosmetics

Marta Walsh: Where do you call home?
Dr Bracci: New York city.

MW: When & why did you first become interested in medicine particularly the skin?
Dr B: I first became interested in the non surgical cosmetics about 12 years ago when laser skin care treatments started to become popular – and I had a sense that people really wanted a non-surgical alternative. It is so exciting to see that we now have all of these new non- surgical tools to make people look better. I have always been interested in esthetics’s and it just made sense for me to follow my passions.

Dr Bracci’s spa VERVE in NYC MIDTOWN 216 East 50th Street New York, NY 10022 Telephone: 212.888.3003

MW: What non surgical skin procedures do you specialize in?
Dr B: The art and science of esthetic injectables. I specialize in cosmetic injectables – to replace the lost foundation under the skin seen with aging “cosmetic fillers” , and botox type medicines that block the muscles that cause wrinkling of the skin ( look great not fake approach) .People think that aging is all about loose and excess skin – but much of the changes that go on with aging are really the loss of foundation that supports the skin . By artfully replacing the losses seen with aging with cosmetic fillers , and relaxing the muscles that wrinkle the skin (botox medicines) – we can not only restore a rested and younger appearance but provide prevention.

MW: What is your practice philosophy? What sets the VERVE Medical Cosmetics experience apart from the rest?
Dr B: Our goal is to make people look better in a natural way ( with out looking fake!)

This practice has always exclusively provided non-surgical esthetics – where by the vast majority of practitioners provide either surgical or medical based services in addition. The future of this industry is people seeking out dedicated centers to satisfy their esthetic needs , and other centers to satisfy their medical needs .

MW: What are some of your must-have skincare products from your own skincare line?
Dr B: The Eye bright ( super eye area treatment ), and the Pepstep x2 for firming and repairing skin

MW: Please demystify: What is the difference between Juverderm and Radiesse?
Dr B: Juvederm is somewhat thinner and is really good for finer lines , where by Radiesse is great for the typical person who need volume and some lifting.

MW: Why Botox?
Dr B: Botox is great for relaxing the muscles that wrinkle the skin – particularly around the eyes

MW: Do these treatments hurt?
Dr B: very little – as I always combine my fillers with numbing medicine and botox is small little pinches with baby needles.

MW: How long is the procedure?
Dr B: I provide these procedures all day long so I provide fillers in as quick as 5 minutes , and botox takes less than a minute to provide in most cases.

MW: Recovery time?
Dr B: recovery is usually very minimal – in most cases limited to temporary swelling and occasionally bruising that goes away.

MW: How long it last?
Dr B: depending on the area of fillers Manny patients have results that last a year and in some areas results have been seen to last up to 3 years. Fillers are generally indicated for the line between the nose and the mouth (nasal labial fold) , and other areas are considered off label at this time .

MW: Laser Hair Removal: how many treatments do we really need to get rid of hair for good? What advice can you give anyone considering these treatments for the first time?
Dr B: Laser hair removal is a process where by the goal is to permanently reduce the number of hair follicles with each treatment , so a series of 6 or more sessions are generally need to significantly reduce or fully eliminate the hair . Again my advice is to seek out the advice of a practitioner or center who provides these services on a full time basis.

MW: What non surgical skincare procedure do you recommend to women post pregnancy treating saggy tummies for example an other skincare changes?
Dr B: Pregnancy may bring excess skin in the abdomen which may respond to a non-surgical device that heats and shrinks the skin (for example thermage) – however these patients need to be well selected as patients with big needs (allot of excess skin) may be better doing nothing or consider surgery . My opinion is that non surgical tightening devices need to be matched wisely to the needs and goals of the patients, as some patients have needs that are bigger than non surgical devices can deliver .

MW: What does beauty mean to you?
DR B: Looking your best at any age – where by you don’t cross the line of looking fake.

MW: What and who inspires you?
Dr B: People like Jack Lalanne – who inspired others to be their best and live an active healthy life style.

MW: What is your favorite place to dine in New York City?
Dr B: My favorite places are Italian restaurant that have great plant based foods – A Voce and Il Buco restaurants are two of my favorites because they prepare vegetables as if it is their focus.

MW: Marilyn Monroe or Elizabeth Taylor?
Dr B: Both are special and have really been known for their natural everyday good looks.

MW: When you are not busy helping women/men look their best where can we find you?
Dr B: I really enjoy fitness – I swim a mile several days a week , strength training with weights , and run.

MW: What’s next for Dr Bracci?
Dr B: So Manny exciting things going on – with ever new cosmetic fillers coming out and non -surgical modalities to heat and shrink the skin – the future for this industry is very bright!

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I would like to thank Dr Bracci at VERVE Medical Cosmetics in New York City for his time and interview.

Disclosure: My visit to Dr. Bracci’s office was complimentary.

Vicki Iovine is now facing her own new horizons as a recently divorced mother of four after 27 years of marriage. As Vicki embarks on a journey that she’s coined her “next 27 years,” she plans to not only continue sharing kindness with others, but also taking the time to be kind to herself. With this commitment to spreading kindness and giving back, Vicki is thrilled to be an ambassador for the My Expressions of Kindness campaign.

Through a quarter of a million dollar donation from Allergan, Inc., the maker of BOTOX® Cosmetic (onabotulinumtoxinA), the campaign benefits three deserving charities, including Dress for Success, an organization with a mission that’s very close to Vicki’s heart: providing women with the tools they need to succeed. Allergan will make a $25 donation on behalf of each consumer who shares their acts of kindness online.

A little bit more about Vicki: she is a former member of the board of directors of the Special Olympics, as well as a former television producer and radio talk show host. She was Playboy magazine’s Playmate of the Month for its September 1979 issue and was photographed by Arny Freytag.

In this interview Vicki Iovine talks to Marta Walsh about her passion for writing and her successful “Girlfriend’s Guide” book series. Her collaboration with BOTOX Cosmetic. Gives advice to anyone considering BOTOX for the first time. Makeup bag. Why Eunice Kennedy Shriver is one of her biggest inspirations. And future plans.

Marta Walsh: Where do you call home?
Vicki Iovine: I live in Los Angeles, CA—the city in which I was born.

MW: What drove you to write and how did your idea for writing “Girlfriend’s Guide” book series come about?
VI: With my first pregnancy, I felt like I was doing everything wrong—at least according to the books that I was reading. Remember, this was nearly 23 years ago and most pregnancy books were written by male doctors or postmenopausal women. I got too fat, I was too horny, I was cranky and nauseous and I was craving coffee. I ended up with a spectacular son in spite of my ineptitude, but even that didn’t seem to make me feel like a “good mommy” right away.

I knew so much more when I got pregnant again a year later, but I still got too fat, burped unexpectedly and nearly stalked my husband for his attentions—in spite of the fact that I closely resembled the Dancing Hippos in “Fantasia.”

By the time I got pregnant for the third time in four years, I was a little angry that I felt like such a complete failure as a pregnant woman. I started to suspect that it wasn’t me who was wrong, but maybe all the “experts” I’d been listening to. There seemed to be so many Rules of Pregnancy being spread around by people without ovaries, or at least any that still functioned, and by other Stepford Wife Mommies who tended to hide the brutal truths and play up their own perfect pregnancies.

By the time I had my fourth baby in six years, I decided the whole Perfect Pregnancy thing was a conspiracy against encouraging mommies-to-be to follow their instincts, do their best, and then let Mother Nature take care of the rest. That’s when I wrote the Girlfriends’ Guide to Pregnancy—turns out, millions of other imperfect moms were feeling my pain and we bonded like sisters.

MW: How did your collaboration with BOTOX Cosmetic come about? What does your role as a campaign ambassador for BOTOX Cosmetic: My Expressions of Kindness campaign entail?
VI: I’ve received treatment since 2002 with BOTOX Cosmetic from a licensed and trained physician to treat my “11″ lines between my eyebrows and have been very happy with the results. You know I can’t help but share with my Girlfriends when I find a great thing.

As a long-time fan of the product, I was thrilled when Allergan, Inc, the maker of BOTOX Cosmetic, asked me to be an ambassador for the My Expressions of Kindness campaign. As part of the campaign, Allergan has donated up to a quarter of a million dollars to benefit three deserving charities–Children’s Action Network, Make it Right, and the organization I’m supporting with ultimate Girlfriend, Vanessa Williams — Dress for Success.

MW: What advice can you give anyone considering BOTOX Cosmetic for the first time?
VI: It’s important to see a licensed and trained physician to treat your “11” lines, and also be sure to do your research so you can ask the right questions.

MW: Why in your opinion BOTOX Cosmetic is a subject women shouldn’t be embarrassed to talk about?
VI: First of all, any mother should be respected regarding nearly all of her decisions because she’s earned the right to make choices. If I got over being embarrassed about having several medical interns reach their arms up to my cervix when I was in labor at a teaching hospital, I certainly can’t be embarrassed about anything I do to take care of myself. I find the whole subject of shame regarding women; for their weight, their career decisions, their mothering decisions, their age, their fertility and on and on and on, so annoying that I’d like to do anything I can to relieve it.

MW: You are recently a divorced mother of four after 24 years of marriage. What advice can you give to women in similar situations on how to keep strong?
VI: What I’m most proud of about my divorce is that the father of my kids and I are still great friends and we speak almost daily, if not several times a day, to discuss how the kids are doing and what their schedules or concerns are. Our children have been placed ahead of ALL other considerations—NO MATTER WHAT!

My other advice is to trust that there is life after divorce—which I now know from experience—and it’s great. Sometimes it’s lonely, especially at night, but I took up hobbies like knitting, reading and jigsaw puzzles with the kids so that I was occupied at home with them and not taking on a big social life for the first year.

And, of course, I think that my Girlfriends who have been there, done that, were my greatest comfort. They were my dates to movies, writers’ workshops, dinners and many of the social functions I used to attend with my former husband. Girlfriends, at least for me, seem to be the answer to most of life’s crises.

MW: What’s in your makeup bag?
VI: Carmex, lipstick and translucent powder. I’m terrible about refreshing my makeup throughout the day and the best I can do is avoid chapped lips and a shiny forehead.

MW: What was the first film you’ve ever watched on a date?
VI: This is really aging me, but it was the Franco Zefferelli production of “Romeo and Juliet.” I cried so hard that I think I scared the poor guy to death. He was just there to see “Juliet’s” bare breasts, I think, which all the boys in middle school were talking about!

MW: What and who inspired you?
VI: As a child, I was an avid reader of biographies for school kids. I loved the stories of Betsy Ross and Abigail Adams and Eleanor Roosevelt. When I got older and realized that I wanted to write for a living, I was hugely influenced by Tom Wolfe, Nora Ephron, Erma Bombeck and Charles Dickens (who was also a popular writer of serialized articles and stories.)

As an adult and for the last 25 years, my inspiration and mentor, of sorts, was Eunice Kennedy Shriver. I met her through my volunteer work for Special Olympics, the sports training program for people with intellectual disabilities, before I got pregnant with my first child and I have devoted much of my time to that amazing program ever since. I have learned the power of “Fierce Mothers,” as I call them—the women who will do anything in their power to make sure that their children will not be overlooked or excluded. We mothers are so strong and determined that we can do almost anything where children are concerned.

Eunice Shriver passed away a year ago, and I still miss her every day. She taught me everything from how to listen to children, how to join in with them in their play, how to raise money and awareness for a movement and even how to respond to an invitation to the White House!

MW: What’s next for Vicki Iovine?
VI: In late 2011, my next book, Girlfriends’ Guide to Teenagers, will be released by Pocket Books. In the meantime, I am a featured writer for HuffingtonPost.com—usually on Fridays in the Living Section. Oh yeah, and I am in love again, Girlfriends!!

I’m very excited to share with you my interview with Erica Rose. You might remember Erica as the “socialite” on ABC’s hit series THE BACHELOR: Rome. She was one of the top 6 women competing for Prince’s Lorenzo Borghese heart. I certainly can’t forget Erica and her love it or hate it personality. She stood out as a true reality star. Erica’s most recent project includes staring in a new VH1 reality series “You’re Cut Off” premiering next Wednesday, June 9th, 2010. I must say, this interview with Erica helped me to get to know her a little bit better. I’m quite impressed how grounded, smart, and witty, she comes across. If any of you out there dream on becoming a reality star you might want to read this interview and learn a thing or two from lovely Miss Rose.

In this interview Erica Rose talks to Marta Walsh about her experience in The Bachelor: Rome. What does it really take to be a reality star. Her new reality show “You’re Cut Off”. Explains why she is more than a ‘Socialite’. The People who inspire her. Why Heidi Montag would be invited to her dream and ultimate dinner party. What’s in her makeup bag. And future plans.

Marta Walsh: Where do you call home?
Erica Rose: Right now Houston, Texas because I’m in law school there at the University of Houston- I just finished my second year. I travel a lot though and have houses in Aspen and Palm Springs so I also feel like a Cali and Colorado girl as much as I do a Texan.

MW: How did your first reality TV appearance come about?
ER: My first reality TV experience was when I decided to do “The Bachelor” in 2006. I had recently graduated college and was newly single, and my dad just wanted to get me out of the house. He saw something about the audition in “the Houston Chronicle” so he told me I should audition for it, so I did.

MW: How would you describe your experience as one of the bachelorettes in the ABC series The Bachelor: Rome? What are some of the things the show has thought you?
ER: I did not like having to compete for a man’s attention. I would never do that in real life, because I refuse to play games. If a guy is not that into me then I quickly move on to the next guy. Aside from that it was a positive experience. After Lorenzo didn’t give me a rose the producers had me stay for a few more episodes to decide which girls get one-on-one dates and I was much happier then- I liked being in control and being able to help create drama. The whole time I was there I knew I was making good t.v. and that was my number one concern, even if it came at my own expense. I did receive criticism for the way I acted on the show and that taught me to have a thick skin. I realized I can’t care what random people who don’t really know me think about me. If someone wants to judge someone just from watching them on t.v.- they’re not the kind of person whose opinion I care about.

MW: You were introduced to The Bachelor show as the ‘Socialite’. How much do you really relate to this title?
ER: First of all, I never gave myself that title- that would be so lame of me! I told them I was doing hosting on a local show and covering social events for a magazine and that is what they decided to call me. I don’t mind being considered a socialite, because I do a lot of charity work for family’s charity foundation, The Rose Ribbon Foundation, as well as involve myself in other causes such as Human Rights and Animal Rights. However, I don’t like being considered vacuous and I especially don’t like being compared to Paris Hilton who is probably the most famous socialite. Other than having blonde hair extensions we have nothing in common. I’m not sure she graduated high school whereas I’m in law school and I’m hoping to never go to jail or release a sex tape. I respect her for being the entity and brand that she is, but I am definitely my own person and much more than a socialite.

MW: Congrats on your role in the upcoming VH1 series “You’re Cut Off” which is premiering June 9th, 2010. Why have you decided to go with this show and what’s it all about?
ER: Thanks!!! I’m really excited about it. I actually did not know that I was going to be “Cut-Off’ when I agreed to do the show. I was approached to do a show for Vh1 called “The Good Life” where I was told girls like me would be getting together and shopping and partying in LA for 8 weeks. I knew it sounded too good to be true, and it wasn’t until I got to LA and tried to shop that I learned my credit card was declined and my parents had decided to cut me off financially for 8 weeks so that I could learn important life lessons and see how the rest of the world lives. Of course I was traumatized at first, but in the end I’m so grateful for this experience. I really learned so much and grew as a person from being cut off. I think that being cut-off changed me in such a positive way, that I never could have imagined.

MW: What are the challenges of being a reality TV star? Is it as easy as it sometimes look?
ER: The biggest challenge with being a reality TV star is that you really cannot have a private life or any secrets. After “You’re Cut Off” airs I will definitely not have any skeletons in my closet. Sometimes this makes dating hard because guys like mystery. I always tell them, “I’m not really that mysterious of a girl, if you ever want to know what I’m up to check my facebook and if you ever want to find out more about me, google me” I’m a very open person luckily, because I don’t think you can be in the reality tv industry if you’re not. I just need to be with someone who appreciates that about me instead of resenting it. Reality TV is definitely not easy- we film 20 hour days sometimes, but for me it is really fun. I always say that I’m happier and more comfortable when there are cameras around, because if something happens and no one gets to see it, it is like it didn’t really happen!

MW: What and who inspires you?
ER: God and my astrologer. I’m very spiritual and I pray a lot. I’m Jewish and love my religion, but I also like to appreciate other religions and philosophies such as Buddhism, Kaballah, and yoga. I consult my astrologer, Herb Hochman almost every day. He helps me to understand why I’m feeling certain ways and when I can expect positive changes in my life. It actually empowers me. I never worked with a life coach until I filmed “You’re Cut Off” but I really learned a lot from our life coach, Laura Baron. She is such a strong and powerful woman and she inspired me to expect more from myself. I now feel as though I am a work and progress who is learning and growing every day.

MW: How would describe your own personal style and what’s your philosophy about beauty?
ER: Instead of less is more, I think more is more!!! I’m a true Texas girl in that sense, so for me bigger is better. Luckily I am blessed with naturally large breasts, but I’ve helped myself out in other areas. My dads a Plastic Surgeon, so I like to get botox and lip injections. I also like to get eyelash and hair extensions and always have a perfect mani-pedi. I like to look groomed, put-together, and very feminine and sexy! I think everyone should embrace their natural looks but also enhance them so they can achieve the look they want. I try not to compare myself to other people, but instead make myself look the best I can!

MW: What was the first film you’ve ever watched on a date?
ER: American Pie- I was a virgin back then and remember thinking it was so scandalous. I watched it again recently and I def wasn’t as shocked by it!

MW: What is your favorite sound, restaurant, drink, travel destination?
ER: My fav sound right now is my puppies because they’re so cute and just starting to get noisy. My King Charles Spaniel Shayna just had them 4 weeks ago and they are seriously the cutest things I’ve ever seen! My fav restaurant is Katsuya in LA because I love sushi and El Tiempo in Houston because they have the best Mexican Food. I love a good glass of White Wine or Champagne or a really good Skinny Margerhita. I’m also constantly battling my diet coke addiction. Surprisingly, I’m much more of a domestic traveler. I’ve been all around the world, but when I want to relax I head to one of my homes in Aspen or Palm Springs. If I want something different and romantic, I go to Hawaii.

MW: Who would you invite to your dream ultimate dinner party?
ER: Well Andy Samberg from SNL to be my date because he is Jewish too, hot and hilarious! I would also invite David Schwimmer just in case Andy and I didn’t hit it off! I would want my best gay friend Peter who I call Peen to be there, as well as my family. I would also want Nancy Grace and Judge Judy to be there to give me career advice. I would want Perez Hilton to be there because I think we could be good friends. And maybe I’d even invite Heidi Montag, because she is hilarious and a reality tv genius, she could bring Spencer if they get back together, otherwise I’d be curious to see who she’d bring as a date.

MW: What’s in your makeup bag?
ER: Mac Studio Fix Powder, lip plumping Mint Babydoll lipgloss from my friend Leslie Tyler’s line, tweezers, and my Instant Glamour Make-up pallet which has eye-shadow, eye-liner, concealer, and bronzer all in one!

MW: What one or two things some people may not know about Erica Rose?
ER: I used to be very shy and sometimes I still am when I first meet people and it can come of as me being snobby. Also, I’m kind of psychic, so I can pick up on people’s energy and tell whether or not they like me. If I sense bad energy coming from someone it is hard for me to be around them or get along with them, because I’m incapable of being fake.

MW: What’s next for Erica Rose?
ER: I would like to have my own reality show that just captures me in my life- finishing law school, dating and trying to figure out who I want to marry. I’m really at the point in my life, where if I feel like someone was the right person, I’d be ready to settle down. I’ve had enough crazy dating experiences to last me a life time!

It was a pleasure to interview Erica Rose. Make sure to watch her on VH1′s “You’re Cut Off” next Wednesday, June 9th, 2010. As always check your local listings.

The 40-year old Aussie pop star, Kylie Minogue, claims she’s given up Botox in favor of taking her “mum’s” advice to use the classic beauty product, Pond’s Cold Cream. Since 1846, Pond’s has been the classic beauty brand trusted by generations of women for beautiful skin and is a beauty staple —even for celebs.

Although rumor has it that some young Hollywood stars are trying Botox, Kylie reveals there’s a better way to age gracefully. In an exclusive interview with the UK’s News of the World, Kylie reveals that “It’s such an old classic [Pond’s]. My mum uses it. I wanted to see what all the fuss was about and it really does work. It’s made such a difference.”

via: www.newsoftheworld.co.uk

I’m excited to share with you my interview with Didiayer Snyder an Australian model and an American television personality known for her roles on the ABC Network program Extreme Makeover: Home Edition and Amazing Vacation Homes on the Travel Channel.

In this interview Didiayer Snyder talks to Marta Walsh about her first breaks as a model and TV personality. Her collaboration with Botox Cosmetic. The best part about her roles on Extreme Makeover: Home Edition and Amazing Vacation Homes. Personal style, beauty philosophy, what’s in her makeup bag, and future plans.

Marta Walsh: Where do you call home?
Didiayer Snyder: California is home. My husband and I just moved to a cute place at the beach.

MW: What were some of your first breaks as a model and TV personality?
DS: My very first job was a TV commercial in Australia for a clothing company, and it wasn’t long after that when I hit the runways.

MW: What do you enjoy most about your roles on ABC Network’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition and Amazing Vacation Homes on the Travel Channel?
DS: When I worked for Amazing Vacation Homes on the Travel Channel, I really enjoyed meeting the architects. I really love architecture so getting inside their minds was fascinating. On ABC Network’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, it’s definitely the communities that make my week!

MW: How did your collaboration with Botox Cosmetic come about?
DS: As a television personality, motivational speaker, wife, daughter and friend, being my best self is as much about giving back to others as it is about taking care of myself. But a few years ago I noticed that the two lines between my brows – the ones that form an “11” – had deepened and my facial expression didn’t reflect the “me” I felt inside. I did some research and spoke with my doctor, who recommended treatment with BOTOX Cosmetic. I’ve not only been able to lose my “11,” but I’ve regained the confidence that my face expresses how I truly feel inside.

This commitment to being my best self through helping others is what drew me to the BOTOX Cosmetic My Expressions of Kindness charitable campaign, launched by Allergan, Inc., the maker of BOTOX Cosmetic. The campaign celebrates acts of kindness around the country by inviting women and men who are treated with BOTOX Cosmetic, or are considering speaking with their physician about treatment, to fill out a simple My Expressions of Kindness profile on Express KindnessCampaign.com to help raise a quarter of a million dollars for three deserving charities.

MW: What advice can you give anyone considering Botox Cosmetic for the first time?
DS: My advice is to speak with his or her physician first. As with any medical procedure, side effects can occur, so speak with your physician about the risks and benefits of BOTOX Cosmetic, as I did. For more information, please see BOTOX Cosmetic full Product Information, including Medication Guide.

For me, it’s been wonderful to join the ranks of men and women around the country who value BOTOX Cosmetic – not only for the aesthetic results, but also as part of the My Expressions of Kindness charitable campaign. Whether you have experience with the product or have been talking with your physician about treatment, you too can join us in encouraging expressions of kindness!

MW: How would you describe your personal style and what beauty means to you?
DS: My personal style would be comfort, comfort, comfort. Inner beauty is the most important beauty we can have. Kindness looks better on everyone than any designer dress.

MW: What’s in your makeup bag?
DS: Mascara, lip gloss and an eyebrow pencil—three things I can’t leave home without.

MW: What was the first film you’ve ever watched on a date?
DS: I didn’t date much when I was younger, but one of my best movie memories was watching Bridges of Madison County with my husband when we first dated.

MW: What one or two things some people may not know about Didiayer Snyder?
DS: I do free online mentoring for teens that are looking to pursue television careers.

MW: What’s next for Didiayer Snyder?
DS: I started a non-profit and I am heading to Haiti to build 50 homes for Earthquake victims.

Visit the BOTOX Cosmetic official website for additional details.

I would like to thank Didiayer Snyder for a brilliant interview! xo Marta Walsh

Whether you are in your teens, 20′s or have a mature skin we all are interested in learning about how to best care for our skin.  Here is an interview with Dr Amy Wechsler, a well acclaimed dermatologist practicing in New York City, who gives few tips about skincare, acne, stretch marks and even Botox.  To read full interview with Amy Wechsler click here! 

Where is your clinic based and what skincare services do you specialize in?
My office is in New York City, on Park Avenue on the Upper East Side. I treat patients from infancy through adulthood, and I specialize in both medical and cosmetic dermatology. I enjoy taking care of entire families, and I love that my day is extremely varied.

Which of your treatments are most popular?
Full body skin exams to check for skin cancer, laser hair removal and other laser treatments, chemical peels, diamondtome microdermabrasion, acne treatments, photodynamic therapy.

Which skincare routine is essential for keeping a healthy skin?
A simple 3 minute routine will keep skin healthy. In the morning, cleansing with a gentle cleaner/soap (no washcloths on your face!), gentle exfoliation (not necessary every day), moisturizer and sunscreen. At night cleansing and moisturizing are key in addition to a treatment such as a topical retinoid or an anti-oxidant cream/serum.

Many women suffer from stretch marks after childbirth, is it treatable?
Stretch marks are incredibly common among growing teens and pregnant women. new marks are often red and can be itchy, and there are great treatments to remove the redness – lasers and prescription topical retinoids (like retin-a), for example. Once stretch marks have faded to skin-color or paler, time will help fade them but there is currently no definitive treatment to remove the marks. Self-tanner helps to mask them, and waterproof makeup, such as dermablend, will cover them up for a day at the beach.

What advice can you give to teenagers with acne?
First of all, know that you are not alone! 90% of your peers are dealing with acne as well. Try one or two over-the-counter products that contain benzoyl peroxide and/or salicylic acid and use them for 4 weeks.If your acne doesn’t improve or worsens, ask a parent to take you to a dermatologist, because we have so many amazing acne treatments! Also, many acne treatments can dry out your skin, so make sure to moisturize with a non-comedogenic facial moisturizer. lastly, do not pick or try to pop your pimples – this can leave marks, scars and can make the acne worse!!