With an on-site medispa and operating room, the joint practice of Natalie Driessen, M.D., MBA, and Michael J. Messina, M.D., is truly a one-stop shop By Daniel Vaillancourt Photography by Dan Eslinger/Kaminsky Productions What’s better than a stellar physician who keeps her promise? Two physicians! Last year, when I sat down with boardcertified plastic surgeon Dr. Natalie Driessen and board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michael J. Messina — who met and married in medical school, completed their residency together at Loma Linda University School of Medicine, and practice side by side in an inviting Palm Desert complex they purchased two years ago — they spoke of their dream of expanding into an adjacent 2,400-square-foot space on their property so as to create a medical spa and full-service operating room. Lo and behold, one year later, that dream has become reality. “We’ve wanted this from day zero,” says Dr. Messina, proudly. “We always knew we wanted to be together, have an office and practice together, and grow together, which is why we bought these two buildings, one of which sat empty for a year and a half. I tell my patients I didn’t expect to be able to do this less than two years after we opened our joint practice — more like four, five, or six years — but we are so thankful to our loyal clientele that has made it possible for us to provide even more medical services to them.” In the operating room — officially known as the Palm Desert Surgery Center and currently awaiting AAAASF and Medicare accreditation — Dr. Driessen can perform virtually 90 percent of her procedures on-site, including cosmetic surgery, breast augmentation, tummy tucks, facelifts, Brazilian butt lifts, and liposuction, as well as reconstructive surgery. “It was important for me to be able to give my patients a choice,” she says. “I still go to Eisenhower Medical Center to operate, but many patients would prefer not to go to a hospital for outpatient procedures.” “Having an operating room at our disposal makes for better service to our patients,” Dr. Messina. “Here we’re not at the mercy of a hospital’s stricter and more unpredictable schedule. We can operate when our patients want without fear of another surgeon’s procedure forcing us to delay or cancel altogether, which can be a huge inconvenience.” The medispa — which offers a full menu of peels, fillers, lasers, skin tightening, fat freezing, facials, and more — also gives patients a heightened experience. “It’s been a great asset to our practice,’ says Brittany Denue, PA-C, who assists both physicians (alongside new hire David Woodbury, PA-C) and who oversees much of the activity at the medispa, which also boasts a dedicated esthetician. “It’s a special space that looks and feels like a spa at a resort. It’s meant to be soothing. The care we give there is very personal and relaxing. I love working on that side of the practice, where I can cater to my patients one-on-one.” According to Dr. Driessen, theirs is also one of the only medical spas in the entire desert that has a board-certified dermatologist and board-certified plastic surgeon a few feet away at all times. “Many times, these are run by a nurse or physician’s assistant with a doctor nowhere to be found,” she says. This is also the sole such facility in the Coachella Valley to offer BTL Emsella, a breakthrough for men and women who have a pelvic floor that needs tightening in order to stave off incontinence. “It’s an FDA-approved treatment that’s like doing about 11,000 kegels in 30 minutes,” Dr. Driessen says. “It stops urination when you’re sneezing or laughing.” What hasn’t changed at Dermatology & Plastic Surgery Specialists is the expert, quality care the team has given to patients since its inception. In fact, the expansion has allowed Dr. Messina to handle acne, psoriasis, and eczema — not to mention his specialty, Mohs micrographic surgery, a skin cancer procedure that has the highest cure rate, lowest recurrence rate, and best cosmetic result — in an even more peaceful environment. “There’s much less traffic and shorter wait times,” he concludes. “With the addition of the surgery center and medispa, at last we can say we have a fully rounded practice combining dermatology and plastic surgery that truly is a one-stop shop.”  

Enhance your natural beauty Experienced Aesthetic Specialist with Elite Training As a board-certified anesthesiologist, Dr. Doriana Cosgrove’s educational career has provided her with a wide-ranging skill set. Dr. Cosgrove completed a residency in General Surgery at University of Southern California, then completed a subsequent residency in anesthesiology at the prestigious Loma Linda University. This important specialization has given her a unique approach to creating optimal patient experiences. After completing her residencies, Dr. Cosgrove brought her impressive skills to Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs, where she became the head of the anesthesiology department before opening her private practice. In 2004, Dr. Cosgrove founded Desert Med Aesthetics to bring advanced non-surgical rejuvenation and skincare solutions to patients throughout the Coachella Valley. In addition to her certification in Aesthetic Medicine by the American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine, she is a board-certified member of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery (ASLMS). Additionally, she is among the top 150 injectors of Botox® and dermal fillers out of 40,000 accounts in the United States. Providing Advanced Aesthetic Care in Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, and Palm Springs At Desert Med Aesthetics, patients can expect state-of-the-art medical spa facilities in a comforting, welcoming environment. Starting with your initial consultation, you’ll be welcomed by a staff that is genuinely committed to helping you achieve your goals. For new patients, your first visit is focused on identifying problem areas that are keeping you from feeling confident about your appearance. Our Indian Wells med spa features some of the latest technology available. Advanced technology is not only utilized during the treatment process but during the initial consultation. Using the advanced VISIA Complexion Analysis, our staff is able to capture high-quality facial imagery during your first visit. These results allow Dr. Cosgrove to pinpoint the cause of blemishes, scars, and uneven skin texture to ultimately develop a treatment plan that targets these areas. For returning patients, routine imaging with VISIA technology allows our team to track the progress of your treatment and identify the return of potential issues before they compromise your appearance. At Desert Med Aesthetics, we want our patients to have all the information necessary to make informed decisions about their elective care. Throughout the treatment planning process, Dr. Cosgrove is your resource for learning more about different non-surgical skin solutions. She will recommend a final treatment strategy that effectively addresses your concerns while ensuring you reach your aesthetic goals. Your comfort is one of our top concerns, and we offer sedation options along with topical or local anesthesia. Desert Med Aesthetics is IMQ (Institute for Medical Quality) certified by the state of California. Our medical spa proudly offers a wide range of laser treatments and non-surgical rejuvenation options. From non-invasive dermal fillers to more comprehensive laser skin, vein, and hair therapies, including NovaThread lifts, PRP for hair growth, micronized fat transfers, and CoolSculpting body contouring, your final treatment plan will be designed to be as effective and comfortable as possible. Dr. Cosgrove is always looking for innovative solutions and advanced technologies that can benefit her patients. Dr. Cosgrove has special expertise in thread lifts using NovaThreads. Patients have been amazed at how this procedure can instantly transform their appearance. NovaThreads: The Non-Surgical Facelift That Works NovaThreads are synthetic surgical sutures inserted strategically into the skin to create a supportive structure that follows the natural shape of the face. As the sutures are inserted, sagging tissue is gently caught and repositioned into its original position. Unlike threads of the past made of metal, Dr. Cosgrove uses threads made from polydioxanone, a synthetic absorbable material most often used in major surgeries such as open-heart surgery. NovaThreads are 100 percent absorbable, and they safely dissolve into the body during the months following placement. In addition to their absorbable nature and safety, the sutures are uniquely designed and inserted. Each suture is made up of little barbs or thorns, looking almost like the stem of a rose. Once these are inserted into your jawline, they instantly grab hold of the surrounding skin to create a tighter look. Even though sutures are being applied to the face, no cuts and no incisions are made. During the weeks and months following treatment, the material slowly dissolves into the skin. The body heals around the suture, a process that stimulates an increase in collagen production in the treated area. The result? A natural looking “facelift” that requires no downtime and improves facial aesthetics for up to a year. Whether you’re visiting Dr. Cosgrove for the first time or returning for touch-ups, the team at Desert Med Aesthetics looks forward to providing you with the aesthetic care you deserve. Our team serves patients in Indian Wells, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, and Palm Springs. Call 760-777-8772 today to schedule your complimentary consultation.