An Interveiw with Sanela Pjetrovic

Sanela Pjetrovic, M.A., is an Expert Medical Aesthetician and Certified Medical Assistant at BeautyworksNYC. Sanela’s career spans over two decades in the field of medical aesthetics. Sanela possesses a special gentleness and compassionate personality that instantly relaxes and reassures patients. Her medical background guarantees the strictest standards are met, and her customized treatments provide immediate and long-term corrective solutions. Patients quickly bond with Sanela and enjoy being nurtured by a true medical professional. Sanela also displays a wealth of knowledge in regard to Dr. Barry Weintraub’s high-quality, medical-grade skincare line with richer concentrations of active ingredients than what is available to consumers. The research and development took years to perfect, and Sanela delights in introducing patients to the entire line of products.

What advantages do professional treatments, such as facials or lymphatic drainage offer and what frequency of sessions would you recommend?

Medical professionals have a much greater knowledge of the physiology and proper care  of the skin as compared to a non-medical provider and as a result, professional treatments provide safer and more effective results. Any products that are recommended will be based on an educated knowledge of the biochemistry of the skin and what it requires rather than a “sales pitch.” There are many things that can go wrong when treating the skin, and mishaps are avoided thanks to my medical training. In terms of frequency of sessions, I tailor all of my treatments to my patients’ individual needs. Many patients enjoy facials and lymphatic-drainage massage on a monthly basis, but this frequency can be increased in response to postoperative procedures, for example, or the need for rapid improvement.

How do you develop a skincare treatment with customized ingredients for each patient, taking into account season changes or environmental factors?

Experience and knowledge are mandatory. I’ve been treating patients for over 20 years, and this firsthand knowledge allows me to address each patient’s specific needs. Many of my patients enjoy my “hybrid facials,” where I use different modalities since are many different skin types and concerns that vary from patient to patient – and even on one patient, there are different skin needs. Combined with seasonal stresses and environmental – and even emotional – stresses, skincare becomes extremely complex! I enjoy helping my patients find their way through this complexity to beautiful skin and the confidence it brings.

Should I include any proactive measures in my routine to uphold skin health?

Sunscreen is paramount and not negotiable! It is essential to protect the skin from damage from light – not just sunlight, but daily use of technology, including blue-light devices such as computers and mobile screens. Concentrated long-term exposure to blue-light energy can cause skin damage, uneven pigmentation, inflammation, and weaking of the skin’s surface. In addition, BeautyWorksNYC has developed a line of medical-grade products with higher concentrations of active ingredients than over-the-counter products. Some of my favorites target sallow skin, like the Vitamin C, E and Ferulic Acid, which helps to brighten and unify pigment. All of my patients love the Weekend Glow Pads, which are like mini chemical peels, safe to use at home. They can be applied to the chest and hands as well! Hyaluronic Gel with B3/B5 complex is an excellent product on its own for hydration, akin to adding a glass of water to your skin (amazing for winter). In addition, it can enhance other products by hydrating the skin, thereby making it more receptive to other products.

What is commonly overlooked in skincare when patients are not given the quality time and care they receive in your office?

There is a strong relationship between our emotions and our skin. When we are upset or unhealthy, the skin is often the first organ to manifest this. Taking time with patients helps me to understand their lifestyle and to gently guide them to the best path for their outer – and inner – selves.

At The Lanby, we value hospitality as a key factor in optimizing health outcomes. In what way do you apply the tenets of hospitality to your approach to care?

Ensuring the best care for my patients isn’t just about my clinical skills, it’s about making the human connection with each patient. Of all of the organs of the body, skin is the largest and also the most expressive of stress. To me, helping patients in a genuinely nurturing way creates an environment that heals the skin itself, often from the inside out. Seeing my happy patients looking at their glowing skin in the mirror post-treatment is my best reward!