Where Wellness Meets Beauty

LUXURY MEDICAL SPA JUXTAPOSES COSMETIC, WELLNESS AND SKIN CARE SERVICES

By meGan montemarano Most would agree that Bergen County has it all – countless restaurants, theatres, boutiques, salons, outdoor parks, beautiful neighborhoods, the list goes on. But Nena “Parthena” Kallopoulos, a board-certified physician assistant with a passion for beauty and wellness, realized something was missing.

Although there were medical spa options in the area, the accompanying experience often associated with the label “spa” was lacking. What could be a welcoming safe space where one goes to improve his or her self-esteem and overall wellness, was simply a sterile facility where procedures were done. What Kallopoulos envisioned, however, was different. She saw the opportunity to bring an upscale institution to Bergen County that could serve as a one-stop shop for all things beauty, skin and wellness. And so, she did.

Drip Medi Spa opened its doors as New Jersey’s first boutique medical spa. Located in Fort Lee, the business is just as Kallopoulos pictured it – cozy, welcoming and feels nothing like a medical facility.

“I created a space where everyone feels our positive energy,” she says. “We’re like a family. We have a vitamin therapy lounge and each room even has its own theme.”

Drip Medi Spa offers various quality cosmetic, wellness, skin care and beauty services and treatments that are up-to-date with all the latest trends. Right now, the most popular treatment falls under the category of facial optimization. “Beauty is addressing all features, not just the lips or folds,” adds Kallopoulos. “It should include an approach where all facial features are balanced.”

Kallopoulos’ exceptional expertise comes from over 15 years of practicing medicine as a physician assistant in emergency medicine and pediatrics. She worked the 12-hour emergency shift by night, and by day, assisted an upscale concierge pediatrician, completing house calls for kids of the rich and famous. As if that weren’t enough, on the side, she also pursued jobs in aesthetic/wellness medicine, including laser skin care, Botox and fillers at a dermatologist’s office. She was additionally employed by Nutri Drip, serving as the lead wellness specialist for vitamin drip at-home treatments.

“At one point, I worked five jobs,” comments Kallopoulos. “My friends would always make fun of me for never having time for a social life.”

Besides these positions, Kallopoulos also traveled to third-world countries with International Medical Relief to work pro bono and deliver her medical expertise primarily to children. It is her clear desire to help others that has always motivated her to reach for the seemingly impossible and continue to succeed.

Kallopoulos attributes much of the success of Drip Medi Spa to her past medical experience and education. She warns that any nurse, MD, PA or NP interested in going into the cosmetic field of medicine should always make sure they first experience what it really feels like to take care of patients in a clinical setting.

“You can’t go from school to injecting,” she said. “You have to truly know and understand what it feels like to be a caretaker. You have to care for the faces you inject.”

She likes to refer to it as the careful balance and gift of “medical artistry.”

Ultimately, Kallopoulos’ business mission is to improve her clients’ self-esteem. She believes that once you feel better about yourself, you’ll function better in every aspect of your life. One of the most rewarding components of her job is seeing this trans-

Nena “Parthena” Kallopoulos

formation occur in real-time. Kallopoulos recently had a patient diagnosed with a cleft palate at birth. After meticulously placing Juvederm in her lips, she was able to artistically create a nice lip border, providing defined shape. Kallopoulos explains that the reaction her client had when seeing her reflection in the mirror for the first time will forever stay dear to her heart.

Kallopoulos’ favorite mantra is, do no harm to others and good will come your way.

“When I look back at my journey, I’m so proud of how far I’ve come,” she said. “A lot of people have dreams and aspirations, but they don’t always follow them. I’m so grateful that I’ve followed mine and in return, get to help everyone that walks through Drips’ doors.”

For more information about Drip Medi Spa, including service details and special promotions, visit www.dripmedispa.com.

Bogota Savings Bank held their annual Pajama Party to benefit the Pajama Program of NJ. For more information, visit www.bogotasavingsbank.com.

Taylor Smith, Matt Langer, Monica Rivera Jose Crespo, Steve Petropoulos, Bob Bornemann Brian McCourt, Jim Brown, Brian Kohles Rodney Baldera, Jose Orellana

Carol Freed, Theresa O’Leary, Lindita Peci Dawn Scantlebury, Laura Labetti, Ralph Saxton, Patty Sturt Renee Woo, Susanne Hartmann-Silva Brian McCourt, Joe Coccaro, Jack Reiner

Richie Mason, Martin Manliclic Jackie Setser, Joe Coccaro Kyla Harrison, Vimi Balkissoon, Michelle Albert

Rose Alvarado, Caren Farrelly, Marianna Denker, Darlene Malaney

Brian McCourt, Patrick Spina, Joe Coccaro Joe Cocarro, Bibi Singh, Erika Chavez, Brian McCourt Jack Reiner, Steve Goldberg Matt Langer, Joe Coccaro, Brian McCourt, Kevin Pace