As a senior medical aesthetician and tattooist, massage therapist, and clinical trainer with 20+ years of experience working side-by-side with Manhattan’s most prominent plastic surgeons, Sharrona has in-depth knowledge and experience with advanced technologies and procedures. By carefully combining modalities, she has successfully treated thousands of patients with various skin conditions, including patients that showed a high level of resistance to previous therapies performed outside of her care.
Jules: Did you always know you wanted to work in aesthetics?
Sharrona: No. I was sure I would be a Clinical Psychologist, and I also had an insane passion for writing growing up; journalism captivated me for years. But my sister practiced aesthetics and my mother was a massage therapist with a passion for aromatherapy and reflexology, so I guess their passions stuck with me at the end.
Jules: Wow, it’s really in your genes then! How would you describe your approach to aesthetics?
Sharrona: I am best known for being a result-oriented practitioner who doesn’t do “fluffy” stuff. Many people can do fluffy, but I always try to think outside the box and be creative, combining many modalities and energy devices to achieve the ultimate results. I like to try new things, and I am known to be honest to a flaw. I will never promote or push a treatment if I don’t believe it will get us from point A to B. My approach is very personable and detailed. I develop deep and meaningful relationships with my patients and pay a lot of attention to each person’s lifestyle, character, genetics when I curate a treatment plan.
Jules: Love that. Who do you consider your biggest inspiration?
Sharrona: Besides my two children, of course, my boss and dear friend, Dr Yael Halaas, is the best inspiration. She is the definition of strength, smartness and humbleness. She is what you look for as a woman boss—someone who wants you to be your highest self and shine in your own unique way. Someone who always grows and gives you the ability to grow.
Jules: Nothing better than a #GIRLBOSS! Speaking of growing and changing, how has the pandemic influenced your practice?
Sharrona: As offices closed their physical spaces, our patients shifted to ZOOM. Everyone hated seeing themselves in front of the camera, and it brought a lot of attention to the lower face, neck and chest. Another aspect was that people chose not to delay doing the things they always wanted. There was a feeling that life could end tomorrow, and people wanted to look and feel good instantly. It changed the choices they made.
Jules: In an industry that’s always evolving, is it difficult to keep up with all the new technologies?
Sharrona: Not really—my curious personality has always been my best quality. I am a huge believer in exchanging ideas with my colleagues, and I have always been an active member in multiple professional associations. I travel to conferences and trade shows on a regular basis, and I am a total nerd about reading professional publications.
Jules: Tell us more about medical tattooing—it’s such an interesting specialty!
Sharrona: Primarily it’s used to treat breast cancer survivors by creating a 3D areola and nipples, but it can also be used to camouflage scars, especially those from plastic surgery. It’s a very specific niche of tattooing that requires skill and precision, but it’s also an incredibly rewarding field where you can make a huge difference in a person’s life.
Jules: Yes, you’re literally changing lives one nipple at a time. How did you get into it?
Sharrona: When I was getting licensed as a NYS massage therapist, I studied the lymphatic system very extensively. After graduation, I felt compelled to specialize in lymphatic drainage after my best friend’s mother passed away from a related illness. I had the opportunity to study with some of the most prominent doctors in the field, and during that time I learned about the topic of Lymph Edema post breast cancer. I met a woman who was experiencing it, and the shame she felt about her body was like a calling for me. It is a passion of a different kind.
Jules: Do you see more women than men?
Sharrona; Yes. Seventy-five percent of my patients are women, which says a lot about our culture, sadly. However, the world of HIFEm technology and Emsculpt is starting to draw a big male audience!
Jules: Ok, let’s wrap up with a fun one: What are your favorite cosmeceuticals?
Sharrona: I can answer this very easily—I’ve tried everything! Here are my top four. I use all of
them daily!
1. Sofwave
This is an FDA-cleared in-office treatment that lifts the skin and reduces fine lines and wrinkles naturally by stimulating collagen and elastin. It treats all skin tones, and you can go right back to your daily life immediately after treatment. It’s incredible and of course I treated myself with it!
2. Plated Skin Science Extensive Repair Serum 4x
Concentration.
This repair serum is truly a game changer for my patients and also for me personally. I absolutely love it and can’t say enough about it!
3. Co2Lift V: The At-Home Carboxy Vaginal Treatment Kit
This is the gold standard for vaginal health, internal and external (yep—of course I tried it!) in the comfort of your home. I know you’re thinking…WHATTTTTT? But trust me!
4. SkinBetter Science AlphaRet Overnight Cream
I absolutely love their Retinol base line. It’s a beautiful synergy of powerful ingredients without the irritation associated with retinol or Tretinoin.
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