Her Top 11: Trailblazing Physical Therapist And Author Nicole Psomas

In this series, Top 11^TM, influential people share 11 ways they take care of themselves including beauty, skincare, and aesthetics. Knowledge is power!

“On my first day of observation of the gross anatomy cadaver lab, I showed up in a dress, leopard heels, and a matching clutch,” explains physical therapist and author, Nicole Psomas. While the rest of her physical therapy school colleagues showed up to their classes in traditional scrubs, Psomas chose to stay true to her girly fashion sense. “I just wanted to show up on the first day looking my best!” she says with a laugh.

Similar to the pink-loving, high-heeled protagonist of the movie Legally Blonde, the self-proclaimed “Elle Woods of physical therapy school” says this incident wasn’t unusual for her. In fact, she claims she would show up to class every day dressed like she was going to a New York Fashion Week^TM event. And her trendsetting ways didn’t just stop at PT school. She continued on to a lucrative job opportunity (Note: unlike Elle Woods, this position was applied to without a pink, floral scented CV) at New York-Presbyterian Hospital^TM/Weill Cornell Medical Center^TM, where she kept that same stylish fire alive.

After frequently working with those receiving reconstructive plastic surgery in her new role, Psomas got a taste of life under the knife, and decided to get her own elective surgery.  It’s no surprise that stomach liposuction — the surgery Psomas underwent — typically comes with downtime. So, in an attempt to speed up rehabilitation, Psomas instinctually used skills she learned in physical therapy school to help her body heal. This self-made recipe for recovery ended up being the basis of her book After the Cut^®. And from Psomas’s own experience with plastic surgery, she was able to adjust her work as a physical therapist to improve the recovery process for her patients — all while continuing to look like the ultimate fashionista that she is.

Obviously, her professional success as a physical therapist and author is incredibly inspirational in itself. But that same busy lifestyle makes us curious as to how the stylish boss babe keeps herself (and her patients) looking their best at all times. Below, Psomas shares all of her beauty, medical aesthetics, and wellness secrets.

• Arnicare^® Gel ($9): “In cream or gel form, this [may help] reduce swelling and bruising. One secret I tell patients is to use it as an under eye de-puffer and dark circle reducer.”
• Bromelain^® ($16): “This is made from [a mixture of enzymes found in] pineapple and if taken orally, it [may] help decrease bloating and swelling in the body.”
• La Mer^® Crème de la Mer^® ($325): “Their original cream is hands down the best anti-aging, hydrating product on the market.”
• OROGOLD^® 24K Gold Face Massager ($20): “This is the best for reducing face puffiness. The vibrating effect speeds up the results much faster than other rollers — even a jade roller.”
• PALMER’S Cocoa Butter Formula^® Original Solid Jar ($6): “For body hydration, I use an old school remedy of cocoa butter for areas of very dry, patchy skin. I love PALMER’S Cocoa Butter because it’s super hydrating on the skin and it also smells like rich chocolate.”
• Plexaderm^® Rapid Reduction Cream PLUS ($65): “This is my magic solution that makes under eye bags and wrinkles virtually disappear. I highly suggest it if you suffer from extreme under eye circles.”
• Norco^TM Mini Vibrator ($25): “This is a fantastic handheld tool that helps massage and break down scar tissue.”
• American Beauty^TM Hot/Cold Face Mask ($14): “This is another go-to for reducing face and eye puffiness.”
• Prescription Lash Growth Serum: “I love this because it lengthens and [thickens] my eyelashes. I don’t use it on a consistent basis all year long, but rather in between getting eyelash extensions to [thicken] my natural lashes.” [Editor’s note: Prescription lash growth serum is used to increase lash growth including length, thickness and darkness. Like any medical treatment, it has potential risks and side effects. Common side effects include itchy and red eyes. Be sure to talk to a doctor to see if it is right for you. Have more questions? Chat with our team of trained aesthetics specialists now].
• Brookstone^® 4-in-1 Bed Wedge Pillow ($100): “Another product I swear by is a simple wedge pillow.  Sleeping elevated at night helps reduce face puffiness and pressure on the face.”
• Injectable Wrinkle Reducers: “I started using injectable wrinkle reducers in my forehead at age 25. Dr. David Shafer, MD has been doing my injections on a consistent basis since my first treatment. I also have [seen] Dr. Ulysses Scarpidis and Dr. Richard Swift. Injectable wrinkle reducers [don’t last exactly the same time for] everyone, but I get treatments on average every six to eight months.”

[Editor’s note: Injectable wrinkle reducers are used to temporarily smooth the look of moderate to severe wrinkles in certain areas of the face such as the forehead, frown lines, and crow’s feet. They should not be used more frequently than every three months. Like any medical treatment, they have potential risks and side effects. Be sure to talk to a doctor to see if they’re right for you. Have more questions? Chat with our team of trained aesthetics specialists now.]

Dr. David Shafer, MD is a paid Allergan^® consultant.

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