Dr. Julie Russak

Dermatologist

Phone

646.873.7546

Website

russakdermatology.com russakplus.com

Address

115 East 57th St, Suite 1220, New York, NY, 10022

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Beauty starts from within: I believe in a holistic approach with regenerative medicine.

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Philosophy

Julie Russak, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist, an American Academy of Dermatology fellow, and the founder of Russak Dermatology Clinic and Russak+ Aesthetic Center. Her holistic approach to skin care and expertise in regenerative aesthetics, supported by the latest scientific research, sets her apart. At her state-of-the-art practice, she specializes in providing comprehensive care in medical and cosmetic dermatology. Always at the forefront of aesthetic advances, Dr. Russak offers cutting-edge cosmetic treatments, including regenerative therapies, bio stimulatory procedures, hair restoration, laser rejuvenation, skin tightening and body contouring. Renowned for her unique regenerative facial restoration method, she is highly sought-after for her ability to achieve a naturally-refreshed look. As an esteemed expert in the field of dermatology, her work has been featured in publications such as The New York Times, Vogue, and Allure. Committed to delivering the highest quality care, Dr. Russak is passionate about helping her patients achieve their skin goals.

About My Practice

What does a consultation with you entail?

I always ask my patients what they love about themselves—that’s where I like to start. I want my patients to focus on what they love, so I can remove what they don’t like about themselves, what I call the “noise”. We discuss what their concerns are, and I provide a comprehensive, personalized evaluation of their skin and anatomy. My consultations focus on educating my patients about the aging process, and what we can do to treat and prevent aging and maintain youthful skin. I tailor every treatment to each particular individual to address their specific goals.

What is on the cutting edge of dermatology?

Stem Cell regeneration is the latest exciting innovation to the aesthetic industry. Stem Cells are vital in all cellular regeneration, so the intensive anti-aging benefits are endless and allow us to restore and maintain healthy, beautiful skin. My “Stem Cell Facelift” takes years off a patient’s face with no downtime or surgery.

How do you make patients feel comfortable in your care?

It was important to me that my office didn’t look like a medical space, but more like an oasis. It took me an entire year to find a location because I wanted it to feel very open with a lot of windows for natural light. Patients tell me that they feel very calm and relaxed in our office, which was my ultimate goal.

What is your approach to treating patients?

My approach to treating patients is holistic; I focus on education and prevention for total body wellness. The skin is the body’s largest organ and many skin issues are linked to the body’s wellbeing. I also focus on offering natural-looking results with low downtime procedures. Most of my patients are busy professionals who don’t have a lot of time, so these procedures can make them look younger and fresher, not “done,” in very little time.

Does your office offer any special services?

We have a full-service medical spa, Russak+ Aesthetic Center run by the very best medical aestheticians and laser technicians, who have over 15 years of experience in the field of aesthetics. We offer everything from our signature Hydrafacial+ to body contouring with CoolSculpting to any laser rejuvenation procedure you can think of. We listen to our patients’ concerns and offer them the best treatment for their needs and skin type.

How do you best educate patients and manage patient expectations?

I always explain, in an easy-to-understand fashion, the science behind any procedure. Patients do their research, and they want to be educated on how a particular treatment is going to work for them. I also lay out upfront any potential side effects. Patients appreciate my honesty and professional opinion; I would never want to compromise that relationship.

What makes your practice distinct?

At our clinic, our focus is not on extreme cosmetic treatments. It is on noninvasive therapies, starting younger and doing less, but more frequently to maintain healthy, fresh-looking skin through the years. Having our dermatologic practice connected to our medical aesthetic spa allows me to oversee a wide range of treatments and offer my patients the very best anti-aging remedies. We are also a comprehensive melanoma clinic. My expertise in treating melanoma is a passion of mine: Skin cancer surgeries are performed in-clinic.

How do you ensure patient satisfaction?

We strongly believe in the importance of follow-up care. All cosmetic patients are called a few days after their treatment to see how they are doing. I also encourage patients to come back after two-weeks for a follow up appointment to take after photos and so we can evaluate their results together. My medical patients are given the same attention, especially high-risk melanoma patients. We automatically schedule complete skin exams every three, six or 12 months, depending on the patient’s skin cancer history.

What does your office look like?

Our office is unlike other doctors’ offices in New York City. Designed by expert interior designer Antonio Tadrissi, the space is less “doctor’s office” and more “luxury oasis.” Boasting extra large treatment rooms and unique design elements, patients are made to feel comfortable and relaxed. As doctor visits can often be nerve-racking, our goal is to provide a calming atmosphere—a place to leave the stresses of city life behind and be able to unwind.

What is the Skinceuticals SkinScope LED device?

The SkinScope LED is a device that we incorporate into consultations, that allows us to see damage in the skin. It includes two light modes: Daylight and LED-UV. While some skin concerns are visible in everyday light, others are only visible under UV light, which highlights damage beneath the skin’s surface by detecting skin’s fluorescence. I think it’s important to have patients see what’s going on underneath their skin, and this allows me to fully treat my patients’ skin from the inside out.

What other services are available at Russak Dermatology Clinic?

We offer the latest generation in mesotherapy with advanced microneedling and radio-frequency microneedling techniques. Mesotherapy is a technique of injecting small amounts of customized mixtures of vitamins, hyaluronic acids, Botox, peptides, and even PRP (platelet-rich-plasma) or stem cells, into the mesoderm–or middle–layer of skin. These very small, customized doses are administered using tiny needles in specific areas, depending on the condition being treated from scars, stretch marks and pore size to fine lines and wrinkles.

Tell us about your “3D Facial Restoration Method”.

There are many factors that contribute to an aging face, including loss of volume, texture and pigment changes, formation of deep-set wrinkles, under-eye hollows and more. My “3D Facial Restoration Method”, a customizable combination of injectables and skin-tightening and resurfacing procedures, can create a natural, lifted and refreshed look.

What's new and exciting at your practice?

Our office is proud to offer our “Plasma Pen Eyelid Lift”, the newest non-invasive treatment delivering surgical-like results. The Subnovii Plasma Pen offers advanced plasma technology with LF+ technology to tighten, lift and rejuvenate the skin. Plasma devices emit energy that instantly sublimates a precise spot on the skin area. A sealed wound is created and shock is delivered to the tissue below to stimulate fibroblast activity which stimulates collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid for impressive results.

About Me

Why did you become a dermatologist?

I was fascinated with melanoma research, and dermatology allowed me to incorporate many different fields. Additionally, cosmetic dermatology is an art form and science in one, which gives me a lot of creative freedom.

What do you like most about your job?

Interacting with people and following my patients’ families throughout their skin journeys, including both the good and the difficult times. I enjoy building relationships with their entire families and becoming personally invested in their well-being.

What is one product you can't live without?

I am a huge fan of Revision Skincare® Intellishade SPF 45. It’s an anti-aging, antioxidant-rich moisturizer with a universal tint plus SPF 45. Three steps in one, it’s doesn’t get easier than that. I truly believe the simpler the regimen, the more likely you will follow it.

Education

Degree:

New York University School of Medicine

Residency:

Dermatology, Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center

Residency:

Internal Medicine, Lenox Hill Hospital

Credentials

Board Certification:

American Board of Dermatology

Affiliation:

Academy of Laser Dentistry, Fellow, American Academy of Dermatology

A Minute With

My motto

Prevention, correction, maintenance
My happiest professional moment

Opening my practice and our new clinical spa, Russak+ Aesthetic Center in NYC
Three words that best describe me

Innovative, driven, passionate
What sets your practice apart?

Our clinical spa, the Russak+ Aesthetic Center, offers a haven for aesthetic innovation. Patients can enjoy cutting-edge technologies for aging skin and the body, such as lasers, energy devices and body contouring. All treatments are performed by medically licensed aestheticians and are overseen by top physicians at our medical practice. This collaborative approach has proven successful for achieving the best aesthetic
results and maintaining them for the long haul.
What i can’t live without

Outside the office it’s SPF, but inside the office it’s my dermatoscope
My most unique personality trait

Sincerity
My ultimate skin-care advice

We produce 1 percent less collagen every year after age 20. Get ahead of the curve with treatments that stimulate new collagen and repair worn collagen. Use a daily SPF of 30+ to protect from further breakdown.
Most inspirational thing i heard this year

The quote: “Fight for the things that you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you” –Ruth Bader Ginsburg
My greatest achievements

My two beautiful boys and positively changing the quality of life of my patients
What is your favorite nonsurgical procedure?

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy— by harvesting our own platelets, we can microneedle or inject this cocktail into the skin to naturally boost collagen and repair our cells, strengthening the “scaffold” of our skin
What are you doing differently today for facial rejuvenation?

I look to bring balance to the face; subtle enhancements can restore confidence and take years off. When there’s a disproportionate amount of volume loss in the midface, it creates
deep nasolabial folds, lax skin and heavy jowls. By restoring volume and building up the cheek contours with a thicker injectable, such as Juvéderm® Voluma, you essentially lift the entire lower face. I am thrilled to also offer the newest injectable, Juvéderm® Volbella, a lightweight filler for fine, superficial lines around the mouth and lip area
How i make the best first impression

An in-depth consultation and follow-up care
What new trends are you seeing in dermatology?

What we are seeing is a push for the marriage of health and beauty. Ahead of the trends, we’ve integrated nutrition within our cosmetic treatment plans. In 2016, we created our in-house Comprehensive Wellness Analysis and Testing program led by our resident nutritionist, Jennifer Hanway. The objective is to help identify inflammatory culprits that have been linked to directly impact overall well-being, skin health and breakdown of collagen and elastin. Doing so helps preserve our cosmetic results
My favorite summer skin-care regimen

I use my daytime antioxidant, followed by SkinCeuticals® C E Ferulic, EltaMD® UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 and RevitaLash® Volumizing Mascara. In the summer when I want to wear the least amount of makeup, a tinted SPF and thick lashes is all I need
What is your aesthetic approach?

There are many factors that contribute to an aging face. Our customized “Firm, Fill, Finish” technique includes collagen-stimulating and repair procedures to improve overall skin firmness; and injectable and resurfacing treatments, as well as professional skin care. This combination results in a naturally refreshed look
How do you help men feel comfortable at your practice?

It’s important that we treat the needs of our male patients in a time-efficient manner, while catering to their specific facial anatomy. Men are now more comfortable undergoing treatments and inquiring about how they can look and feel their best
Which treatment is most requested by your male patients?

The subtle use of neuromodulators, such as Botox Cosmetic or Dysport, to treat excessive sweating or help soften forehead wrinkles. Many of my male patients say they sweat excessively before a stressful meeting or presentation
What is your go-to anti-aging treatment?

Microneedling with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a treatment that both men and women can benefit from and it targets so many different concerns. Microneedling ensures that your platelet-rich plasma is penetrated deep into the dermis to brighten sun-damaged skin, build collagen, smooth skin texture and even boost hair regrowth on the scalp
Career-defining procedures

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and the multifaceted ways I have been able to incorporate it into treatments. From= wound healing and collagen production to hair restoration, PRP is one of my favorite treatments. By harvesting your own platelets, we can address numerous concerns
How has your profession evolved?

The way we analyze the face is very different. In the past, physicians saw a line and filled it. We understand the face is very dynamic, with many factors that contribute to aging such as loss of volume, texture changes, formation of deep wrinkles, under-eye hollows and more
The procedure i perform most often

Layering multiple syringes of injectables to add harmony to the face. I like to step back and analyze the face before I determine which injectable should be placed where to provide the most natural-looking and impactful result
What additions to your practice are you most excited about?

We are thrilled to have Jennifer Hanway, a holistic nutritionist, join our practice. Our Comprehensive Wellness Analysis tests patients for a range of food sensitivities, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, and the levels of cortisol and heavy metals in their system. We now include oneon- one health coaching with one of the leading experts in the field
How do you ensure patient comfort?

We are thrilled to have added PRO-NOX™ to our practice, a patient-controlled sedative that takes effect in seconds. It’s designed to deliver a 50 percent oxygen and 50 percent nitrous oxide mixture to relieve pain and anxiety during an entire procedure
What new services are you most excited about?

Stem Cell regeneration is an exciting aesthetic innovation. My “Stem Cell Facelift” takes years off of a patient’s face with no downtime or surgery.
What is the biggest breakthrough in your field?

The multifaceted ways my practice incorporates platelet-rich plasma into our treatments. By harvesting a patient’s platelets, we can address a wide range of concerns, from wound healing and collagen production to hair restoration. I am proud to offer this innovative treatment option to my patients
What procedures are best for reversing sun damage?

Post-summer skin care is vital and time-sensitive for reversing any sun damage. In the fall, laser treatments are the most popular for this reason as they stimulate the damaged skin for a natural reset and tighten the pores so that new skin emerges glowing and plump just in time for back-to-school activities and busy family functions
Why is a combination approach important?

Patients can achieve the most dramatic, yet natural-looking results when one treatment builds on another. I like NovaThreads PDO absorbable sutures to reposition fat pads, followed by fillers to lift and define. A custom approach is much more effective in restoring a youthful look, as every patient is unique
What is your best patient advice?

Start a good skin-care routine early. My philosophy is always prevention over correction
What latest technologies are you utilizing?

I like combining thread lifts with other treatments. Dissolvable thread barbs “grasp” the skin and reposition fat pads for a lifted canvas. I then inject dermal fillers where volume loss is most apparent for an instantly restored and contoured look. Where the threads dissolve months later, new collagen is stimulated
What is your signature approach?

Our approach is always, “less with more.” We achieve the most natural and long-lasting aesthetic results by combining quality modalities with advanced techniques. We often layer platelet-rich plasma (PRP) microneedling with almost any of our treatments. We kick collagen production into overdrive by delivering PRP’s natural growth stimulants deeper into the skin to enhance the results achieved by other modalities. This optimizes the rejuvenation of the skin while minimizing healing time
How i would spend extra time in a day

With my two amazing sons and husband
My beauty secret

Investing in quality self care
What is your approach to anti-aging?

My “3D Restoration” and “3D LiFT” combine advanced injectable techniques with cutting-edge energy
based treatments for long-lasting results.

Services

Botox® Cosmetic / Dysport®
Xeomin®
Juvéderm® / Restylane®
Noninvasive Skin Cancer Testing
Laser Skin Resurfacing
Clear + Brilliant®
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)
HydraFacial®
Dermaplaning
Intraceuticals Oxygen Facial
Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy
Skin Cancer Testing
Removal (Moles / Birthmarks Skin Tags / Lesions)
“3D Facial Restoration”
Microneedling
Hair Restoration
Kybella®
Ultherapy®
IV Nutritional Therapy
Radiesse
Regenerative Aesthetic Program
Health Coaching for Brides
Virtue RF Microneedling
Laser Hair Removal
Erbium
PDT Rejuvenation
Deoxycholic Acid
Specialty Facials: Dermaplaning, Hydrafacial, Intraceuticals Oxygen Facial and Gua Sha
Chemical Peels
LightStim LED Light Therapy
Deoxycholic Acid
IV Therapy / Health Coaching
“Plasma Pen Eyelid Lift”
Qwo
Pixel8
Bio-stimulatory Fillers: Radiesse and Sculptra
Stem Cell Therapy
Exosome Therapy
Body Contouring

FAQs

Why do you think nonsurgical facial enhancement is on the rise?

What our experts say:
Certain concerns are best addressed with surgery, such as severe hooding of the eyelids or extreme laxity in the jowl area. Other concerns, such as defining the chin or minimizing a slight bump on the bridge of the nose, can be greatly enhanced using dermal fillers. The field of dermal fillers has grown significantly within the last year, allowing us to do things that could only be done with surgery in the past.
What's new and exciting in cosmetic dermatology?

What our experts say:
It’s exciting that we can now use safe ultrasound technology such as Ultherapy, off-label, to tighten, lift and firm the skin on areas of the body that were once untouchable, such as the knees and elbows. Additionally, we can also give noticeable lift to the buttocks using the ultrasound technique, off-label.
What's all the buzz about Neotensil™?

What our experts say:
NeoTensil is an innovative new treatment known as an invisible shapewear™ film that gives a tighter, smoother and more lifted appearance to the skin. It addresses under-eye bulges without surgery by noninvasively recontouring the area.
What's new and exciting in cosmetic dermatology?

What our experts say:
We have just introduced DualSculpting to our practice, the process of using two CoolSculpting machines at the same time on one patient. CoolSculpting results have been incredible with our patients, which has warranted a high demand. I am happy to say we can now offer our patients their treatment plans in half the time, conducting two sessions in one. Their time is often limited and I am happy to accommodate their busy schedules.
What were the reactions of your patients when you introduced the new CoolSculpting paddle?

What our experts say:
A resounding “YES!” Until the CoolSmooth applicator was developed, there wasn’t an option to treat saddlebags or unpinchable fat. The CoolSmooth design is great for areas that have smaller areas of fat that wouldn’t fit into vacuum-based applicators. Everyone’s body is different, so it only makes sense that there be different applicators to target specific areas on the body.
What is the best anti-aging treatment for the summer months?

What our experts say:
Taking care of the delicate eye area is crucial in maintaining a youthful appearance, especially in the summer months with higher UV exposure. Squinting, smiling and sun damage can contribute to the breakdown of collagen around the eyes. It’s important to wear an SPF eye cream; I recommend SkinCeuticals Physical Eye Defense SPF 50. Additionally, Botox administered in the crow’s-feet will help relax the surrounding muscles, preventing the formation of etched-in lines from squinting in the sun.

Videos

Blog

Dr. Russak: Volbella for Even Lips

Blog

Dr. Russak: Fractional Laser Resurfacing at Russak Dermatology Clinic

Blog

Dr. Russak: Dermaplaning Facial – The Ultimate Exfoliating Treatment

Testimonials

Kate

"Dr Russak is hands down the best dermatologist in Manhattan! Every time I visit her office I'm greeted warmly by her professional staff and I receive the highest level of care from Dr Russak. She has helped me through acne and more recently my anti-aging regimen. Being in my early thirties Dr Russak has come up with a skin care routine that makes sense for my skin at this point in my life. Her approach is very natural and I love the way my skin looks! Dr Russak is not only a brilliant physician but she's also a calm and warm person which makes for an enjoyable office visit! I highly recommend Dr Russak!"

Dara

"I've been a patient of Dr. Russak's for over five years, and I trust her implicitly. She ensured that I had perfect skin for my wedding and has helped me battle my on-and-off again acne issues as well as anything else skin-related that has come my way. Dr. Russak is not only an extremely skilled and knowledgeable clinician, but she's also incredibly caring, attentive, and genuine. It is abundantly clear that she wants the best for her patients. She is thorough in her analysis and reasonable in her approach - I never feel rushed in our appointments and she never recommends extraneous treatments. Her team is equally fantastic and always makes every visit a pleasurable one. Whenever my friends or family members need a recommendation for a dermatologist, I tell them to call Dr. Russak!"

Gloria

"As someone with ongoing skin issues, having a dermatologist that is consistent is a necessity. Dr. Russak has seen me for various concerns and has been thorough, accurate, and compassionate every time. She dedicates time to her patients and I’ve never felt rushed. My skin has improved in health and appearance under her care and supervision and I’m very excited for its further improvement. She’s my top choice for expert dermatologic and cosmetic treatment and I would recommend her to anyone."

Ann

"Dr. Russak is incredible! I had a blepharoplasty over 5 years ago and it eventually left severe crinkling under my lower eye due to the removal of too much fat. I had gone to several NY dermatologists, but other than a laser peel, none really wanted to help me with my problem in fear of making it worse. I saw Dr. Russak's profile in New Beauty and made an appt to see her. She listened to my concerns and recommended Ultherapy followed by the filler, Bolatero, to be injected a few weeks later. She explained that Ulthera would yield excellent results by decreasing the lines and increasing the elasticity under my eyes, but it would take up to 6 to 9 months to see full results. In the interim, we could minimize the lines under my eyes with the Bolatero until the Ulthera took effect. Originally I thought I would need filler injected into the eye trough, which can be painful. But Dr. Russak explained that Bolatero would be a much better, and less painful alternative, by injecting a small cannula under each eye. The results were dramatic! Dr. Russak is warm and inviting and explains everything clearly. Moreover, she is excellent at what she does and I couldn't be more pleased with both procedures at present. I would highly recommend her, as I will be seeing her for all my future dermatological needs. Thank you Dr. Russak! I look forward to seeing the results of Ulthera over the upcoming months."