Skin-related medical care and beauty treatments, as well as body restoration and alteration options, are now available in one location at the new Transformations Aesthetic Center, located about a mile east of I-75, just north of the intersection of SR 56 and Cypress Ridge Blvd., behind the Tower Radiology building in Wesley Chapel.
The Transformations building is a sleek, freestanding structure with an architectural style befitting a fine art museum.
Housed within its 11,000 square feet are two medical practices devoted to your beauty and your health: 360 Dermatology and Ambay Plastic Surgery, employing the skills and talents of Aparna Ambay, M.D., and her husband, Raj Ambay, M.D., D.D.S., respectively.
The building’s signage reads simply as, “TRANSFORMATIONS,” and does not display the names of the two practices, which according to Dr. Raj, work together toward a unified goal.
“The name of the building is Transformations because everything we do around medicine is about only one thing, which is transforming people to better health,’’ he says. “The two practices are separate but we always work together to find ways to benefit the patient and elevate the level of care.”
Dr. Raj cites skin cancer surgery affecting substantial areas of the body as a situation that will sometimes warrant reconstructive plastic surgery and would benefit from close collaboration between the two doctors. He adds that the new facility is equipped with some of the latest technology to optimize patient comfort, convenience and treatment outcomes.
These features include computer-controlled lighting, customized music playlists and LCD imagery in exam and treatment rooms that the patient selects and automated text messaging to update patients about the status of their appointments or potential wait times.
“We’ve paired with technology to find ways of improving the experience for our patients,” Dr. Raj says.
There also is an onsite surgical center that Dr. Raj says rivals what is available at area hospitals. “It’s not like an office space surgery center, it’s a full-on surgery center where we can perform all types of services, including general anesthesia, just like at a hospital,” he says. “Whatever you could potentially do at a hospital as an outpatient, you can do at our surgery center as well.”
Dermatology Services
While patients will benefit from the technology the Transformations Center brings to the local medical community, 360 Dermatology’s aesthetic services manager Regan Hoefle says the personal touch is still important.
“We have a larger and more modern, state-of-the-art facility at our disposal,” she says, “but I think what our patients notice most is that the quality and compassionate care we deliver is different than what you might find in another medical dermatology setting. We treat our patients very much like family and friends.”
There are many services available at 360 Dermatology, including treatments for skin cancer, acne and acne scars, eczema, skin growths and infections.
Dr. Aparna’s practice also provides cosmetic services such as Botox and other dermal fillers, as well as chemical peels. Medical grade skin products for home use by Obagi Medical and SkinCeuticals are available for sale.
“We run the full gamut from medical to cosmetic dermatology,” says Hoefle. “What we really want to create for people is a destination for medical dermatology, as well as cosmetic dermatology, so that when someone comes into our office, they can not only get their annual skin check but if they are interested in intervening in the aging process, we can offer help with that. Or, if they need something beyond dermatology, we have the option to send them over to Ambay Plastic Surgery.”
Leading the way for 360 Dermatology is Dr. Aparna, who earned her M.D. degree from Drexel University’s College of Medicine in Philadelphia and followed up by interning at the prestigious Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN.
She completed dermatology residency programs at the Marshfield Clinic in Marshfield, WI, and at the University of Wisconsin at Madison. Dr. Aparna is Board-certified in dermatology and is trained in Mohs skin cancer surgery, which is considered to be a highly effective and efficient treatment, as it allows patients to have their tumors removed and analyzed in one visit.
Hoefle says Dr. Aparna’s standards for 360 Dermatology are high.
“Dr. Ambay is adamant about high quality patient care, delivered with integrity and adhering to ethical medical standards,” Hoefle says. “We follow all appropriate medical protocols to ensure patient safety and comfort.”
Mechelle Casciotta is a patient who says her experience with Dr. Aparna and the 360 Dermatology team reflects the values that the practice promotes.
“The professionalism and caring of 360 Dermatology is just outstanding,” says Casciotta, who commutes between Wesley Chapel and Warwick, NY, where she owns businesses and is president of the Warwick Valley Chamber of Commerce.
“Because I’m a professional, it’s important to look my best, but I didn’t know about Botox, fillers and needles,” Casciotta adds. “They were great and do things to put the patient’s comfort first.”
Ambay Plastic Surgery
For patients looking for plastic surgery, whether for reconstructive or cosmetic purposes, Transformations Aesthetic Center also is home to Ambay Plastic Surgery, led by Dr. Raj, who is a Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve.
In addition to earning his M.D. from Drexel University’s College of Medicine, Dr. Raj also has a Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) degree from the Northwestern University Dental School in Chicago.
He completed his general surgery residency at the Mayo School of Graduate Medical Education in Rochester, MN, followed by a plastic surgery residency at the University of Wisconsin at Madison.
He added to his surgical skills by studying microvascular reconstructive surgery at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center of the University of Texas in Houston. He is Board-certified in plastic surgery and, as part of his military responsibilities, he has served at medical facilities supporting U.S. combat operations in both Iraq and Afghanistan.
The type of care delivered at Ambay Plastic Surgery reflects Dr. Raj’s mix of education, experience and service.
“Our practice is not a corporation,” Dr. Raj says. “We are a military family and our practice is about family values. Our mission is to build relationships on a foundation of trust and honesty, so we treat people the way we want to be treated.”
Ambay Plastic Surgery also provides a wide range of services.
In addition to breast lift, augmentation and reduction options, Ambay Plastic Surgery offers what it calls a “Mommy Makeover,” a combination of individually tailored cosmetic procedures that can reverse some of the effects of childbirth.
Face, neck and thigh lifts, as well as fat transfers and body contouring, are some of the other procedures performed.
Patient care coordinator Jacqueline Sucarichi says patients can expect to get the best care possible at Ambay Plastic Surgery.
“Dr. (Raj) Ambay is very caring and meticulous,” Sucarichi says. “He won’t leave the surgical table until he’s 110-percent satisfied.”
Delivering that kind of care to their patients reflects a choice that both Dr. Raj and Dr. Aparna have made about how they will operate their practices.
“We’ve decided we’d rather take more time with people and really deliver the best experience,” Dr. Raj says. “Quality is more important than quantity.”
While both 360 Dermatology and Ambay Plastic Surgery have benefited from the good work they do for their patients, Hoefle says community involvement is a big part of the success of both practices.
“We are thriving because of the support of the Wesley Chapel and New Tampa communities, and the surrounding areas as well,” she says. “We are very ingrained in the fabric and are active in the community by participating in health events.”Â
The Ambays relocated their practices to the Transformations Aesthetic Center in May. A Grand Opening event and Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting are planned to be held in mid-September.
Transformations Aesthetic Center is located at 2441 Oak Myrtle Ln. in Wesley Chapel. For more information about 360 Dermatology, you can visit 360Dermatologytampa.com, call (813) 406-4835. Ambay Plastic Surgery’s website is AmbayPlasticSurgery.com and the phone number is (813) 406-4448.
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