In Practice

Real talk from the practitioners shaping modern aesthetics. In Practice goes beyond the treatment menu — into the decisions, philosophies, and daily thinking of the clinicians doing the work.

In Practice: Dafna Gershoony, CEO and Co-Founder, CONTŌR

In Practice: Dafna Gershoony, CEO and Co-Founder, CONTŌR

Dafna is a board-certified, New York State Licensed PA specializing in cosmetic dermatology for all skin types. Her passion for aesthetics and attention to detail began in college, where she earned a triple major in Art, History, and Chemistry. She went on to receive her Master’s in Physician Assistant Studies with high honors from PaceUniversity. With over six years of experience working alongside top cosmetic dermatologists in New York City, Dafna has established herself as a trusted authority in the field. In 2019, she joined a medical aesthetics startup serving NYC and the Hamptons, where she was quickly named Head of Skincare and played a pivotal role in scaling the brand’s success.Recognized for her refined aesthetic eye and clinical precision, Dafna is celebrated for her ability to achieve elevated, natural-looking results through bespoke combinations of injectables and medical-grade skincare. Her approach, which emphasizes skin healthand whole-body wellness, forms the foundation of CONTŌR’s treatment philosophy. Beyond clinical practice, Dafna is a renowned industry consultant who enjoys teaching, training, and giving academic lectures. A lifelong New Yorker, she spends her free timewith family, exploring the art world, traveling, and giving back to her community.

In Practice: Dr. Carla Pierson, DNP, MBA, RN, Smiley Aesthetics

In Practice: Dr. Carla Pierson, DNP, MBA, RN, Smiley Aesthetics

Dr. Carla Pierson, DNP, MBA, MSN, BSN, is a nursing leader, healthcare strategist, and aesthetic business educator with more than 14 years of experience across critical care, healthcare operations, and medical aesthetics. Based in Nashville, Tennessee, she is a nationally recognized speaker, published author, and advocate for nursing leadership, known for her expertise in practice operations, workforce development, compliance, and sustainable growth. A former clinical nursing director with HCA Healthcare, Carla serves as faculty and a featured speaker at industry events including Aesthetic Next and The Medical Spa Show, where she helps providers build resilient, ethical, and successful aesthetic businesses.

In Practice: Michelle Henry, MD FAAD, Skin & Aesthetic Surgery of Manhattan

In Practice: Michelle Henry, MD FAAD, Skin & Aesthetic Surgery of Manhattan

Dr. Michelle Henry is a board-certified dermatologist, dermatologic surgeon, international speaker, and founder of Skin & Aesthetic Surgery of Manhattan and The Henry Research Group. A Clinical Instructor of Dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College, she specializes in general dermatology, Mohs surgery, cosmetic dermatology, hair restoration, and skin rejuvenation. Dr. Henry completed her dermatology residency at Mount Sinai Hospital, where she served as Chief Resident, followed by a fellowship in cutaneous oncology, Mohs micrographic, and reconstructive surgery at Harvard Medical School. Recognized as a Castle Connolly and New York Magazine Top Doctor, she has been featured in Forbes, The New York Times, Harper's Bazaar, Byrdie, and Today, while also serving on multiple medical boards, conducting FDA clinical trials, and contributing extensively to dermatologic research and education.

In Practice: Dr. Prem Tripathi, Bay Hills Plastic Surgery

In Practice: Dr. Prem Tripathi, Bay Hills Plastic Surgery

Dr. Prem Tripathi, MD, MPH is a board-certified facial plastic surgeon and founder of Bay Hills Plastic Surgery in the San Francisco Bay Area. A USC Keck School of Medicine graduate, Alpha Omega Alpha honoree, and published researcher in journals including JAMA Facial Plastic Surgery, Dr. Tripathi brings both scientific depth and artistic precision to every procedure. He has become known for the Winged Blepharoplasty technique and is renowned globally for delivering natural, harmonious results in facial surgery and rejuvenation. Dr. Tripathi's approach is defined by comprehensive, individualized treatment planning — drawing on K-beauty-inspired stacked treatments, strictly evidence-based product and protocol selection, and regenerative modalities to help patients achieve lasting transformation.

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