We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Nicole Castellese, MD a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Dr. Nicole , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening? We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

I think of some critical decisions I have made as having taken risks, but, at the same time, feel the choices we make every day can all be thought of as taking risks….. even when you don’t realize it. The one “risk” I’d like to share is my approach to my practice. I created a practice rooted in treating patients in a manner that aligns 100% with my beliefs regarding overall wellness, beauty, self perception, physical health and emotional well being. This is in contrast to using financial motivations, or what people often call business savvy, to guide those decisions.

I decided that I could not be happy in a practice in which decisions were based on, or motivated by, financial gain. If procedure “x” is more profitable, but not what is best for the patient, it is not considered or offered. If my practice is truly successful, doing the right thing in terms of the patient would, in time, I hope, also be financially sound given the success in patient outcomes, in terms of both their cosmetic result and, more importantly, their emotional and overall well being. Patients establish trust in me as a doctor/surgeon/woman who they know is looking out for their best interest. This means, at times, I turn patients away or advise them against treatments or procedures, or suggest they consider alternatives which may or may not involve my services. Hopefully that makes sense as I have described it!

Dr. Nicole , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I bring a slightly different perspective to Tulsa and to all of cosmetic surgery. My philosophy and approach to improving and maintaining one’s appearance is healthy and “natural”. I believe in the importance of a healthy lifestyle, in both mind and body. Cosmetic surgery is a fascinating field of medicine, especially given the advances technology offers both the patient and the physician. I feel that combining the best equipment with excellent surgical technique produces the finest results. We can do so much today, and by incorporating the most effective lasers and other technologies & devices available on the market, I can obtain amazing outcomes for my patients.

I don’t think cosmetic surgery should be taken lightly. Trying to change a physical attribute may not make a patient happy in some instances; this realization is something many patients do not consider. The pursuit of surgery or other cosmetic alteration may not be in a patient’s best interest, whether that is because he or she has unrealistic expectations or because he or she is not happy with other aspects of his or her life. I try to understand what my patients would like to change and see how I can help. As a cosmetic surgeon, I feel it is very important to take the time to understand a patient’s motivations for what they are seeking.

The pressure to look a certain way seems to be greater than ever. It is especially difficult for women to feel good about themselves given the “standards” society portrays as normal. I understand the pressure women feel to meet this expectation, and I can relate to the changes women go through during pregnancy and childbirth. Setting realistic goals and incorporating healthy living are priorities for me. This is something I attempt to incorporate in my own life, as I am a mother and a surgeon, and finding balance is important.

Beauty and confidence are more closely linked than people often realize. To find balance in both attaining your ideal face and body and having a positive self-image are goals of Institute for Beauty, Wellness & Regenerative Medicine.

I love what I do and really enjoy my patients. I’m always learning and trying to educate myself on subjects that are outside of, but complimentary to my specialty, as everything is connected! From sleep to hormones to supplements and nutrition to exercise … all so very important to health and beauty! Even understanding different cultures and expectations and pressures are part of this process as those play a role as well! I kind of think of myself as a therapist and a surgeon and a friend to my patients :)

Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?

Empathy is very important when it comes to understanding a patient’s motivations for seeking treatments as well as how they will do during the process, whether that be undergoing nonsurgical or surgical treatments. Having the ability to listen to concerns and goals and communicate in a non-judgmental and compassionate way is important. It is also helpful to reflect on social and cultural pressures and to understand how they are affecting your patient’s perception of herself/himself, which has ultimately brought them to seek your help.

Have you ever had to pivot?

This one is long, but here is the short version. I started my cosmetic surgery practice when I was married. Subsequently my husband and I opened a surgery center together and moved our separate practices to the same building. Let’s just say things didn’t go well in my marriage, and my malicious husband filed fraudulent documents to the court during our divorce in which he took ownership of the building. I was locked out of my personal office and my practice disconnected from all internet and phone services. Through years of litigation, and zero enforcement of court orders which ought to have helped me, I had to relocate my practice and then relocate again and rebrand under a new practice name. I am leaving out numerous details, but it was a big pivot …. and one I never anticipated I’d have to endure. Yet, I managed to establish a wonderful practice despite all the hardships and roadblocks!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.withdrnicole.com
• Instagram: yourbeaty_withdrnicole

Image Credits
I would love to give credit to Jolie Photography, who took most of the pictures.