By Celeste McLaughlin
At Florida Aesthetics & Medical Weight Loss, located on Bruce B. Downs Blvd. next to Acropolis in the Oak Ramble Plaza (just south of Tampa Palms, only seven or eight miles south of the Hillsborough/Pasco county line), aestheticians offer a comprehensive portfolio of skin care and weight loss programs to help people look and feel their best, under the medical direction of Mohamad Saleh, M.D.
Dr. Saleh owns the practice with his sister-in law and Florida Aesthetics managing director Abida Saleh and Abida’s husband, Bilal Saleh, who helps with marketing, planning and growth, but is not involved in the day-to-day operations of the business.
Dr. Saleh is a neurologist who has been in private practice since 1992. He completed his medical degree from Damascus University in Damascus, Syria, in 1980. He received a Ph.D. in Pharmacology from East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, Tennessee, in 1988. He is also a member of the American Association of Neurology and the American Society of Bariatric Physicians. He runs a neurology practice in Brandon, which expanded to include weight loss about eight years ago and aesthetics in 2013. He and his partners are opening a neurology practice in New Tampa (on Morris Bridge Rd. near Cross Creek Blvd., as was announced in New Tampa Neighborhood News in July 2013) and decided to house their aesthetics practice in a more accessible location.
“We offer comprehensive, non-surgical aesthetic treatments,” says Abida. “We have a very experienced injection technicians and offer the highest level of integrity and patient care.”
That “experienced injection technician” is Ann Tran, a registered physician’s assistant (P.A.) with 14 years of experience in aesthetics. Ann graduated from the University of Kentucky in Lexington in 1993 with a B.S. degree in Biology, after which she completed her two-year P.A. degree.
Ann explains that skin doesn’t age much until 30, but after that, we begin to lose the volume in our faces. “Our faces actually deflate, as fat and collagen migrates to our jowls.”
Injectable dermal fillers, she says, are used to replace the “migrating” collagen, giving instant results.
“We actually change the structure of the face to rebuild what’s lost in a way that looks very natural,” says Ann. “If someone wants to go beyond their natural structure – if they want an overinflated look like some celebrities – I refuse to treat them.”
“I am trained in all fillers, so I can give you what you need,” says Ann. She explains some doctors might only be comfortable with one type of filler, or may want to use whatever inventory they have on hand. However, Ann’s broad experience and many years of continuing education allows her to help each individual with the specific fillers that will help them the most.
“To do injectables, you must be a P.A., nurse practitioner (NP), or doctor,” explains Ann. “But you should ask your provider how long they’ve been doing injectables, and how often. I’m an advanced injector with continued high-level training in aesthetics. I do this every day, six days a week.”
For an all-natural way to build collagen, Florida Aesthetics offers plasma-rich platelets (PRP), which uses your body’s own blood supply to help rebuild collagen in the face, and microneedling, which uses a small electric pin to create tiny “injuries” on the surface of the skin. The process of healing these injuries regenerates the skin and helps produce collagen.
“Artificial fillers give you instant gratification,” explains Abida, “while PRP and microneedling will help rebuild collagen in the face for long-term, natural maintenance of the skin.”
With PRP, the practitioner draws your blood and spins it to separate the plasma, which is then injected or applied topically (often in conjunction with microneedling, which allows the plasma to better penetrate the skin). “It gives dramatic results on stretch marks, acne, and wrinkles,” says Ann. She also says it can be used to stimulate hair follicles and regrow hair in people who have lost hair due to cancer treatments or some cases of natural balding.
Dana Butler is a Pebble Creek resident who has lived in the New Tampa area for 25 years. She has been receiving aesthetic treatments for nearly 15 years and recently began treatments at Florida Aesthetics and Medical Weight Loss with Ann.
“At some places, people act snooty, but here they are so friendly and treat you so nicely,” Dana says.
She receives microneedling and PRP, and has received Botox and Voluma fillers. “I see so much recovery from sun damage and aging,” Dana says,” but, it looks very natural and has improved my appearance. I’ll be 65 in September, and I want people to think, ‘Wow! She does not look her age!’ I want to stay as young as I can without any invasive procedures.”
She says she doesn’t consider any procedure she’s had at Florida Aesthetics “invasive” because there is no significant recovery time. “I trust Ann implicitly,” she says, “and I trust her experience.”
Dana also says she appreciates Florida Aesthetics’ willingness to work within her budget. “I can take advantage of their specials and do what I feel is reasonable. They’re not pushy.”
Bianca Marrero, LME (Licensed Medical Aesthetician), has been a practitioner at Florida Aesthetics & Medical Weight Loss since May 2014, who often provides microneedling. She explains it is an exceptional anti-aging treatment that reduces fine lines and wrinkles, scars and stretch marks, and tightens skin to remove dimpling. “The next day you see results, and within a few weeks, when we take our ‘after’ pictures, it’s completely different.”
“We are qualified, experienced providers who are knowledgeable in all areas of aesthetics,” says Ann. “We can help you make the best choice for your aesthetic needs because we are not catering to what we offer, but are trained in all areas: lasers, injectables, microneedling, and PRP.”
Bianca began her career in dermatology, assisting a doctor in New York. Her four years in that position helped begin her passion for skin care. When she moved to Tampa in 2012, she began attending the aesthetics program at Keiser University in Tampa and became an LME in 2013.
“The practice has grown tremendously since I started here,” says Bianca, who adds that her job is all about building relationships. “I want to make connections with my clients,” she says, “to help them look better and feel better about themselves.”
Medical Weight Loss
Florida Aesthetics & Medical Weight Loss also offers physician-supervised medical weight loss, which includes behavior modification, coaching and prescription appetite suppressants.
“We’re teaching people to modify their lifestyles,” Abida says. “Supplements are not a cure, but they do help to change habits, which leads to long-term success.”
For people with a body mass index (BMI) of more than 30, the office offers Optifast, a physician-provided total meal replacement program that addresses high blood pressure, high cholesterol and other weight-related health issues.
Anyone wanting to lose weight meets first with Bianca, who is the practice’s weight coach. She says she relates to her weight loss patients because it’s a journey she’s still on, too. “I’ve lost 30 pounds, and want to lose 20 more, so I’m going right along with my clients.”
After the initial consultation, the patient then meets with Dr. Saleh, who creates a plan for the patient to follow, with Bianca’s help. Dr. Saleh closely monitors progress through weekly reports to ensure the patient’s body is responding well to the weight-loss program. Patients also meet with the practice’s nutritionist, Sarah Bingham, who holds a Master’s of Science degree in Nutrition & Food Science from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst and has more than 35 years of experience in nutritional counseling.
“We have credible providers here, not people who are fresh out of school, trying to figure out if aesthetics is for them,” says Abida. “Also, we’re aware of med spas that have opened and closed in the area, and we really want people to know that if they’ve had a bad experience with a med spa, we are a credible place they can try. For local people who may go to South Tampa for their aesthetic treatments, we want them to know they have an option right here in Tampa Palms that offers the highest level of skill and service.”
Florida Aesthetics & Medical Weight Loss shares space with Shuayb Dental at 14945 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., in the Oak Ramble Plaza (just south of Tampa Palms). Ann and Bianca are available by appointment Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m., and some Saturdays.
To make an appointment, or to schedule a free consultation, call 345-4044. Or, visit FloridaAesthetics.com for more information.
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