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Meet our Physician Assistants!

Published by CCSD Marketing Team

Chicago Cosmetic Surgery & Dermatology offers all of the latest innovative treatments only performed by the best providers. Alongside our Board-Certified Dermatologists, we have a specialty-trained team of Physician Assistants that perform a variety of treatments including CoolSculpting Elite, EMSCULPT NEO, EMFACE, Thermage FLX, miraDry and so much more!

But what is a Physician Assistant? PAs are licensed clinicians who evaluate, diagnosis and treat a broad variety of medical and cosmetic concerns. They also perform screening exams, preventive care and education for dermatologic patients and families. Our Certified Physician Assistants are under the direction of Dr. Carolyn Jacob, have a Master of Science and are also certified by the National Commission of Certification of PAs.

Meet our Physician Assistants!

  • Nirali Miller, PA: Nirali has been with CCSD since 2005, lending her skills in laser hair removal, CoolSculpting Elite, miraDry, and Thermage FLX just to name a few treatments!
  • Whitney Hersh, MS, PA-C: Whitney is a Nationally Board-Certified Physician Assistant who joined CCSD in 2016. She is experienced in diagnosing and treating dermatological conditions as well as a variety of aesthetic treatments like EMSCULPT NEO, CoolSculpting Elite and Thermage FLX.
  • Brittany Rank, MS, PA-C: Brittany joined CCSD in 2017 as a Nationally Board-Certified Physician Assistant trained in general dermatology as well as aesthetic treatments. Brittany has a philosophy for providing compassionate and integrative care, tailored to each person as an individual.
  • Caroline Sheppard, MS, PA-C: Caroline joined CCSD in 2020 with years of experience as a Nationally Board-Certified Physician Assistant at the University of Chicago Medicine, where she cared for patients in general dermatology. She is passionate about maintaining strong patient-provider relationships and has a special interest in treating acne, psoriasis and hair loss!

Book your cosmetic or dermatologic appointment with one of our experienced Physician Assistants today!

Recent Posts

Register for the miraDry Webinar hosted by Nicoletta Ciraulo PA-C!

To prepare for sweat-free spring break 2025 -  Chicago Cosmetic Surgery & Dermatology presents our fall miraDry Webinar hosted by Nicoletta Ciraulo, PA-C! What better time than November during Hyperhidrosis Awareness Month?! What is it? Our miraDry Webinar is your opportunity to learn about the miraDry treatment and its fantastic results. miraDry provides people with hyperhidrosis permanent underarm sweat reduction. Nicoletta will have a presentation and afterward, the attendees can participate in a LIVE Q&A! Consider this your initial consultation. When is it? November 21st, 2024 at 5:30 pm on ZOOM. Secure your savings! People who attend the miraDry Webinar are given a free miraDry consultation with a certified Physician Assistant & a special offer of $250 OFF your treatment. How do i register? CLICK HERE TO REGISTER 

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What is EMSCULPT NEO?: Your Guide to Non-Invasive Body Contouring

EMSCULPT has emerged as a game-changer for those seeking a non-invasive body contouring solution. But what exactly is EMSCULPT, and how does it work? This guide will delve into the details of this innovative technology and its newer counterpart, EMSCULPT NEO. Understanding EMSCULPT EMSCULPT is an FDA-cleared device that uses High-Intensity Focused Electromagnetic (HIFEM) technology to induce powerful muscle contractions. These contractions are far more intense than what you could achieve with regular workouts. The result? A tighter, more toned body. How Does It Work? When you undergo an EMSCULPT treatment, the practitioner will apply the EMSCULPT handpiece directly onto your skin on the target area. The HIFEM technology then causes supramaximal contractions in the muscles. In a single 30-minute session, your muscles in the treated area will undergo thousands of contractions, equivalent to doing thousands of crunches or squats. What Areas Can EMSCULPT Treat? While EMSCULPT was initially approved for use on the abdomen and buttocks, it has since received clearance for treatment of the waist, arms, calves, and thighs. Introducing EMSCULPT NEO Building on the success of EMSCULPT, the newer EMSCULPT NEO takes body contouring a step further. But what is EMSCULPT NEO, and how does it differ from its predecessor? EMSCULPT NEO combines the HIFEM technology of the original EMSCULPT with radiofrequency heating. This dual approach allows it to target both muscle and fat simultaneously. How does EMSCULPT NEO work? The radiofrequency energy heats the muscles and fat to roughly 108°F. This temperature optimizes an environment for muscle growth and triggers apoptosis in fat cells, causing them to die off. Meanwhile, the HIFEM energy contracts the muscles, just as in the original EMSCULPT treatment.   [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VkjwcKJyLP4[/embed]   EMSCULPT NEO Benefits and Results EMSCULPT NEO offers significant benefits for those looking to sculpt their bodies without surgery: Non-invasive treatment with no downtime Builds muscle and improves tone EMSCULPT NEO also reduces fat in the treated area Results can be seen and felt relatively quickly, with optimal results typically visible after a series of treatments It's important to note that while these treatments can provide impressive results, they're not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle. The best outcomes are seen in patients who combine EMSCULPT NEO treatments with a balanced diet and regular exercise routine. Is EMSCULPT NEO Right For You? EMSCULPT NEO can be an excellent option for those who are close to their ideal body weight but struggle with stubborn areas that don't respond well to diet and exercise alone. They're particularly effective for those who want to enhance muscle definition. However, these treatments aren't suitable for everyone. Pregnant women, people with metal or electronic implants in the treatment area, and those with certain health conditions should avoid EMSCULPT and EMSCULPT NEO. Schedule a Consultation For EMSCULPT NEO At Chicago Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology, our experienced team can assess your individual needs and create a personalized treatment plan to help you achieve your body contouring goals safely and effectively. If you're considering EMSCULPT NEO, we invite you to schedule a consultation. Our experts can answer any questions you may have and help determine if these innovative treatments are right for you.

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How Do I Stop Leaks When I Laugh, Cough, or Sneeze?

Urinary leaks often happen when you least expect them, and they can be both inconvenient and embarrassing. This common condition, known as stress urinary incontinence, affects both men and women, particularly as they age. This blog post is designed to provide understanding and support. We’ll overview the causes of urinary incontinence and offer effective solutions to help you manage and prevent unexpected leaks. Understanding Incontinence Urinary incontinence happens when you lose partial or complete control of your bladder function. It’s not a one-size-fits-all issue; there are many types of urinary incontinence, each with unique triggers and treatment strategies. Stress incontinence, as mentioned earlier, is triggered by pressure from activities like coughing, laughing, or exercising. It more commonly happens to people with weakened pelvic floor muscles, which can be caused by age or childbirth. Urge incontinence, on the other hand, involves a sudden, intense urge to urinate followed by involuntary leakage. Overflow incontinence occurs when the bladder fails to empty completely, leading to constant dribbling. Most people experience a combination of one or more types of incontinence. Speaking with a doctor is the best way to diagnose urinary incontinence and nail down which treatment methods will be most beneficial. Ways to Stop Peeing When You Laugh, Cough, or Sneeze Here are 5 effective methods to stop leaking urine when you laugh, cough, or sneeze. Kegels Kegel exercises are crucial for strengthening the pelvic floor muscles, which support the bladder and urethra. To perform Kegels, tighten the muscles you would use to stop urinating midstream, hold for several seconds, and then release. It's recommended to perform these exercises three times a day, doing at least 10 repetitions each time. Consistency is key, and you’ll typically see some improvement in urinary control after several weeks of regular practice. Strengthening Exercises In addition to Kegels, you can incorporate other pelvic floor strengthening exercises to further enhance muscle tone and control. Exercises like squats, bridges, and pelvic tilts are beneficial. Squats strengthen the buttocks and lower back, bridges target the lower pelvic region, and pelvic tilts focus on tightening the pelvic floor muscles. Integrating these exercises into your regular fitness routine can significantly improve pelvic health and reduce incidents of leakage. Lifestyle Changes Making specific lifestyle changes can profoundly improve your symptoms of urinary incontinence. Limiting fluids at certain times of the day, reducing the intake of diuretics like caffeine and alcohol, and avoiding spicy and acidic foods that irritate the bladder can help. Medications For some individuals, medications can help manage the symptoms of urinary incontinence. Anticholinergics can help with urgent urination, while topical estrogens can strengthen tissues in the urethra and vagina. Beta-3 agonists can relax the bladder muscle, allowing it to store more urine. It’s important to discuss these options with a healthcare provider to consider potential side effects and interactions with other medications. EMSELLA The EMSELLA chair treatment uses electromagnetic energy to deliver roughly 11,000 pelvic floor muscle contractions per session, effectively strengthening and re-educating these muscles. It’s particularly beneficial for those who find traditional Kegel exercises challenging. Typically, a complete treatment includes six sessions, each lasting about 30 minutes. This painless procedure allows patients to remain fully clothed and requires no recovery time. This makes it a convenient option for improving pelvic floor strength and reducing urinary incontinence. Find Long-lasting Relief From Leaks At Chicago Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology, we specialize in providing the latest treatments, including EMSELLA, to help you stop bladder leakage effectively. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards a leak-free life.

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