As a mainstay of The Aesthetic Show (TAS), the annual Aesthetic Awards ceremony has been recognizing leaders in medical aesthetics for eight years. Hosted by celebrity plastic surgeon and TAS scientific chairman, Andrew P. Ordon, M.D., F.A.C.S., the new TAG! You’re IT! awards ceremony maintained tradition, but with expanded categories that honored professionals truly driving innovation and excellence in medical aesthetics, including practitioners, researchers, product developers and industry leaders. Nominations were received from across the country, and a distinguished panel of aesthetic specialists reviewed and scored hundreds of submissions in order to determine the best of the best. Winners were announced during the live ceremony on Saturday, July 7, 2018.
We would like to thank our Awards Sponsors and Judges for their support
Galderma Aesthetics, a division of Nestle Skin Health
A long-standing supporter of The Aesthetic Show, Galderma Aesthetics, a division of Nestle Skin Heath (Fort Worth, Texas), has a reputable history and unique heritage in the aesthetic industry due to its portfolio of popular facial injectable products. “As a company invested in the future of the aesthetic industry, we are proud to be recognized for our commitment to innovation,” stated Alisa Lask, general manager & vice president of the U.S. Aesthetic Business Unit at Nestlé Skin Health. “This is further proof of Nestlé Skin Health’s dedication to advancing science-based solutions that help rejuvenate aging skin.”
Oxygenetix
Oxygenetix Institute, Inc. (Beverly Hills, Calif.) has steadfastly supported The Aesthetic Show over several years. The company’s novel technology, Oxygenetix Oxygenating Foundation, which is a breathable protective foundation makeup, conceals and reduces post-procedure scarring and discomfort to minimize social downtime. After the awards ceremony, the company’s CEO Kort V. Pearson remarked, “We are honored to receive this recognition and look forward to future shows, collaboration and continuing to develop innovative products for the aesthetic industry.”
Rich Castellano, M.D.
As a plastic surgeon and trainer specializing in minimally invasive face-lifts and laser-based skin rejuvenation, Dr. Castellano is recognized as a top injector of long-term fillers. Having performed over 10,000 facial cosmetic procedures, over 3,500 face-lifts under local anesthesia and authoring two best-selling books, Dr. Castellano has made hundreds of media appearances. He is also known as the first facial plastic surgeon to regularly post live, global broadcasts of aesthetic procedures.
Gregory W. Chernoff, M.D., F.R.C.S.
Dr. Chernoff was trained in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, laser therapy, breast rejuvenation and body contouring. This education provided him with comprehensive expertise in combining meticulous surgical techniques with the latest non-surgical therapies to deliver consistent results in a gentle manner. In addition, he has authored numerous scientific papers and medical laser textbook chapters, as well as given over 600 lectures to physicians around the world on both surgical and non-surgical therapy.
Suneel Chilukuri, M.D., F.A.A.D., F.A.C.M.S.
Dr. Chilukuri is an internationally recognized cosmetic dermatologic surgeon specializing in non-surgical (liquid) face-lift techniques. He has published extensively in cosmetic surgery, dermatologic surgery and dermatology journals and textbooks. He lectures at national and international conferences regarding cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, and has served as a faculty instructor and clinical professor for cosmetic and reconstructive surgery at Yale University School of Medicine, Columbia University School of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine and Albert Einstein Medical College.
Kian Karimi, M.D., F.A.C.S.
As a double-board certified facial plastic surgeon / head and neck surgeon, Dr. Karimi maintains an active aesthetic practice where he focuses on facial surgery, skin rejuvenation procedures and body sculpting. He is currently serving his fourth year as a team plastic surgeon for the Los Angeles Kings Hockey organization. Additionally, he is a volunteer lecturer and clinical instructor for the UCLA-Santa Monica department of family medicine.
Terrence Keaney, M.D., F.A.A.D.
Dr. Keaney is a dermatologist with training in cutaneous laser, hair and dermatologic surgery. He was instrumental in launching the first cosmetic, hair and laser surgery center for men in the U.S. He utilizes a gender-specific approach to aesthetics, which is focused on personalized, preventive skincare using innovative dermatology techniques and products. His specialized training makes him a unique and expert opinion leader in dermatology, skincare and aesthetics.
Joseph Niamtu, III, D.M.D.
Surgeon, teacher and author, Dr. Niamtu lectures internationally on facial surgery and has authored four textbooks, 22 chapters in other textbooks, hundreds of publications on various cosmetic facial topics and a cosmetic facial surgery DVD series. In addition, he has served on the board of directors of the Cosmetic Surgery Foundation and chaired numerous committees with the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery. He appears regularly in newspaper articles, TV broadcasts and popular magazines.
Christine Petti, M.D., F.A.C.S.
An award-winning plastic surgeon, Dr. Petti is committed to remaining on the leading edge of aesthetic surgery. She was one of the first plastic surgeons in California to have a state and federally-licensed ambulatory surgery center and medical day spa. Her work with surgical and laser-assisted liposuction and laser-based cellulite treatments has been published in medical literature. Her practice is a training center for plastic surgeons interested in laser-assisted surgical and non-surgical procedures. Also, Dr. Petti has appeared on multiple TV programs, including The Doctors, 20/20 and Inside Edition.
Lori J. Robertson R.N., M.S.N., F.N.P.-C.
Ms. Robertson has spent over 30 years in healthcare, with specialties in critical care, emergency medicine, hyperbaric medicine, family practice and, since 2007, aesthetic medicine for which she has won multiple awards. She is a national speaker and clinical educator for top aesthetic manufacturers, including Galderma, Lutronic and Allergan. She worked for 19 years as a medical technical advisor and actor on the daytime series General Hospital. Ms. Robertson also runs a non-profit organization dedicated to treating victims of facial trauma.
Physician Surgical Innovator of the Year
Angelo Cuzalina, M.D., D.D.S.
Cosmetic Surgeon
Tulsa Surgical Arts
Tulsa, OK
Dr. Cuzalina has been dedicated to the specialty of cosmetic surgery since 1998. His advanced surgical techniques have continued to wow and inspire his peers and TAS attendees alike, while also earning him multiple aesthetic awards.
“I try to pick surgeries that will make a big difference to my patients, safely.” This 30-year-old female patient received a Brazilian butt lift, liposuction to the hips and thighs, full tummy tuck and breast lift, as well as breast augmentation utilizing silicone gel implants.
Physician Non-Surgical Innovator of the Year
Jason Emer, M.D.
Beverly Hills, CA
Dr. Emer was actually a multiple award winner at the 2018 TAG! You’re It! Aesthetic Awards. “We were shocked that we had this level of winning, but what is cool about the award-winning before-and-after photos is they showed the extent of what I do in my practice with surgical techniques, non-surgical therapies, technology, etc. I feel very honored,” he said.
For this patient Dr. Emer applied ten weekly treatments of BTL Vanquish to the front and back, combined with BTL Exilis Ultra and Cellutone procedures. In addition, she received two cycles of CoolSculpting to the flank and stomach, given six weeks apart.
Non-Physician Non-Surgical Innovator of the Year
Joseph Sardano
CEO
Sensus Healthcare
Boca Raton, FL
Over the past several years, Mr. Sardano, CEO of Sensus Healthcare, has worked tirelessly to offer a non-surgical solution for non-melanoma skin cancer and an effective treatment for keloid scars. The state-of-the-art Superficial Radiation Therapy (SRT) technology is the non-surgical treatment option dermatologists and oncologists have been waiting for.
Upon receiving the award, Mr. Sardano remarked, “We are absolutely thrilled, surprised and excited to be recognized. We take the award seriously. We will work hard to live up to the expectations that have been set, and continue to provide world-class technology that works well within the physician’s environment.”
Company Non-Surgical Innovator of the Year
DefenAge Skincare
Carlsbad, CA
In recognition of pioneering an advanced anti-aging skincare, DefenAge Skincare earned a prestigious TAG! You’re It! Aesthetic Award. “It’s great,” said company CEO Nikolay Turovets, Ph.D. “We have worked so hard to bring this technology to the market, and are very grateful to The Aesthetic Show and The Aesthetic Channel for recognizing our accomplishments.”
DefenAge’s exclusive and proprietary ingredient, Age-Repair Defensins, reprograms the body to create new and younger-acting skin via the activation of dormant cells. DefenAge products can be combined with almost any skincare regimen and do not contain animal- or human-originated ingredients, parabens, formaldehyde-releasing preservatives, sulfates, mineral oils, colorants, phthalates or BPA.
Physician Technology Innovator of the Year
Jason Emer, M.D.
Beverly Hills, CA
Dr. Emer also received the award for Physician Technology Innovator of the Year for his advanced utilization of multiple technologies to achieve outstanding high-definition contouring outcomes. Treatment began with a VASER Lipo body sculpting procedure combined with J Plasma internal tightening; breast gland removal; nipple lifting; and fat injections to the chest, shoulders and biceps for a full-body transformation.
Non-Physician Technology Innovator of the Year
Joseph Proctor
Bellus Medical
Addison, TX
Bellus Medical’s non-invasive innovations include the SkinPen® microneedling device; the post-microneedling protocol Skinfuse®; Allumera® light-activated cream; and the ProGen and RegenLab® PRP systems.
As a strong influencer in the medical aesthetic industry, Mr. Proctor has earned awards and distinctions throughout his executive leadership and is highly regarded for his foresight, innovation and business strategy. “It’s been five years of incredibly hard work to develop the SkinPen,” said Mr. Proctor. “So, to win an award from the industry acknowledging our achievements is exceptional.”
Company Technology Innovator of the Year
BodyTite by InMode Aesthetic Solutions
Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada
InMode’s energy-based aesthetic systems are known for their innovative qualities, and its BodyTite™ RF-based body contouring device received top honors at the 2018 awards ceremony. BodyTite RFAL (radiofrequency-assisted lipolysis) is an innovative body contouring system, specifically targeting the surgery averse population, as well as so-called “in- between” patients whose needs are not serious enough for an excisional procedure, but not good enough for liposuction. Using advanced A.C.E. (Acquire, Control, Extend) technology, BodyTite addresses the needs of these patients with less downtime, local anesthesia and limited scarring.
Physician Practice Management Innovator of the Year
Jason Emer, M.D.
Beverly Hills, CA
Upon winning his third award of the night, Dr. Emer immediately shared the honor with his social media staff for crafting ingenious outreach campaigns to promote and support his practice. “I work closely with my team to develop unique ways to combine photographs, videos and audio clips,” he said. “The goal is to create distinctive social media content that is eye-catching, educational and parallels the advancements being made in industries outside of the medical field, such as make-up, beauty and entertainment.”
Non-Physician Practice Management Innovator of the Year
Jay Shorr & Mara Shorr
Ft. Lauderdale & Winter Park, FL
Jay Shorr continues to be a voice of practice management in the medical aesthetic industry, and his business partner / daughter Mara Shorr is a recognized expert in medical marketing. They have gained a strong reputation nationally for helping practices with organizational, marketing and business management needs, as well as running the Certified Aesthetic Consultant program, so it no surprise they were each nominated in this category, but even less of a surprise that our judges scored them equally, resulting in the only tie of the night.
“Winning a national award with my father is a great honor. We help medical practices across the U.S., and the fact that a community of our peers has chosen us for this award means so much,” said Ms. Shorr.
Company Practice Management Innovator of the Year
Nextech Systems
Tampa, FL
Nextech is a leading specialty-specific practice management and electronic medical records (EMR) software provider, offering aesthetic practitioners a fully integrated, advanced technology solution that can transform their business. Nextech has been a long-standing major developer of medical business software, with systems that are intuitive and well-designed. Customizable templates work seamlessly with the unique needs of each specialty practice to enhance profitability, boost patient engagement and enhance overall patient care. The Nextech system can integrate with a variety of value-added modules in order to create a singular platform for addressing clinical, administrative, financial and marketing workflows.
Best Aesthetic Practice
The Aesthetic Clinique
Steven F. Weiner, M.D.
Santa Rosa Beach, FL
Specializing in non-surgical cosmetic enhancements, The Aesthetic Clinique consists of Dr. Weiner, a Johns Hopkins trained facial plastic surgeon who concentrates solely on laser-based treatments and injectables, along with his highly trained staff.
Dr. Weiner trains other physicians throughout the U.S. and is a regular speaker at The Aesthetic Show and other aesthetic meetings. “The fact that my practice won is still soaking in,” Dr. Weiner said after the awards ceremony. “It could not have happened without contributions from my wife and team.”
“When people want to know what is special about our practice, I tell them it’s the whole package, from the way we treat our customers to the look and feel of the place. It doesn’t seem like a doctor’s office at all,” he explained.
Interestingly, instead of waiting rooms there are lounges. Additionally, iPads are found in every room to offer patients before and after galleries, Dr. Weiner’s videos, digital consent forms or entertainment.
Andrew P. Ordon Lifetime Achievement Award
Zein Obagi, M.D.
ZO Skin Health
Beverly Hills, CA
Having spent more than 40 years practicing dermatology and establishing a leading skincare line, world-renowned skincare expert, award-winning inventor, educator and author, Zein Obagi, M.D., overwhelmingly earned the 2018 Lifetime Achievement Award.
Dr. Obagi has published two books and seven papers in peer-reviewed journals; has seven patents, five prestigious industry awards, and has lectured at countless aesthetic events over the past 30 years.
As medical director of ZO Skin Health, Dr. Obagi continues to revolutionize the skincare field, becoming known as the father of efficacious, results-driven techniques. It is this dedication to the field of aesthetic dermatology and his inspirational focus that makes him truly deserving of this award.
“My principle in life is to try to solve problems that are difficult to solve and have the passion to help people. Winning this award gives me a certain amount of personal satisfaction, which says to me that education and learning never ends. A lifetime achievement award should not be looked at as an end but as the beginning of something that encourages new, junior physicians as they enter the field.”
