The doctors of Rockland Medical Spa are highly experienced trained in the latest medical technology to promote aesthetic as well as inner health. Board certified, they have more than 10 years’ experience in catheter-based techniques used in a wide area of vascular health, which is the basis for an ever-expanding array of applications, such as treatment for varicose and spider veins, damaged capillaries, sun-damaged skin, body contouring and more.
They are supported by a staff of experienced clinical nurses and certified aestheticians.
They take time to understand your issues and concerns and are considerate of your needs. They are members of the American Society of Laser Medicine and Surgery (ASLMS).
Rex Ghassemi, M.D.
Dr. Ghassemi is a member of the American College of Phlebology, the National Society of Cosmetic Physicians and the American Society of Laser Medicine and Surgery. He specializes in advanced vascular procedures, which include Vascular Laser Therapy for the treatment of varicose veins; laser athrectomy and sclerotherapy. He is also certified in minimally invasive body contouring procedures and Laser SmartLipo.
Dr. Ghassemi received his M.D. from the University of Medicine and Dentistry (UMDNJ)/Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in Camden. His internship and residency were completed at the Medical College of Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia in Internal Medicine in 1991. Following this, he completed a fellowship at Hahnemann University Hospital in 1994. In 1995 he completed an Interventional Fellowship at the Albert Einstein Medical Center, Philadelphia.
He has served as a clinical instructor of Medicine on the faculty of Hahnemann University Hospital in Philadelphia since 1991. He currently serves as a proctor and teaches the method of laser varicose vein treatment to other physicians. He is licensed in the states of New York, New Jersey and Florida.
Dr. Ghassemi has been in practice for 17 years and has vast experience with catheter based procedures involving the use of local tumescent anesthesia. He is the Medical Director of the Vein and Laser Center at Rockland Medical Spa and utilizes the most advanced laser technology in the treatment of his patients.
Donna Konlian, M.D., F.A.C.C.
Dr. Konlian is a member of the American College of Phlebology and the American Society of Laser Medicine and Surgery and the National Society of Cosmetic Physicians, which has certified her to perform SmartLipo treatments.
Dr. Konlian earned her M.D. from Thomas Jefferson University Medical College in 1989. Her internship and residency were completed at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center in Internal Medicine. She completed a fellowship at Atlanta’s Emory University in 1995. Her undergraduate degree was earned at Johns Hopkins University, where she earned a BA in Biology with general honors in 1984. She has served as an Instructor of Medicine at Emory University.
Dr. Konlian is certified and licensed to perform SmartLipo body contouring procedures and is certified to perform laser facial rejuvenation procedures as well as Botox, Juvederm and Restylane fillers.
She has been awarded several honors over her professional career, including Fellow of the American College of Cardiology; the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society; the Hare Medical Honor Society; she is the recipient of the Janet Glasgow American Medical Women’s Association Award of Outstanding Achievement; and she had graduated magna cum laude from Jefferson Medical College. She is licensed in New York and New Jersey.
Sal A Farruggio, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Dr. Farruggio is a board-certified surgeon, a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. A graduate of the New York Medical College, he completed his general surgery training at Westchester County Medical Center and his plastic surgery training at the University of Oklahoma, which included cosmetic surgery training at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City.
Dr. Farruggio is part of an elite group of physicians, board certified by the American Board of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Extensively trained with 20 years of experience, he specializes in facial plastic surgery, as well as body contouring using the latest techniques and is recognized as an expert in his field.
His style of patient care is compassionate, competent, and direct, offering you the full range of options for desired results.
Kathy Vulaj BSN, RN
Kathy is a Registered Nurse who brings over 20 years of experience treating patients with warmth and compassion. Her passion for Dermatology started 20 years ago right out of Nursing School in Rochester NY. Kathy instantly developed a passion for facial aesthetics and rejuvenation. She credits the opportunity she has been given by working alongside the greatest Dermatologists and Plastic Surgeons throughout the years.
Fifteen years ago she co-founded Skincerely Rockland Med Spa. Here she is able to provide everything she loves alongside her amazing team of colleagues. Her goal is helping her clients achieve ultimate skin health by utilizing proper medical grade skincare in conjunction with evidence based skin health procedures. Kathy performs chemical and mechanical peels, laser and IPL treatments, PRP for hair loss and skin rejuvenation, Botox, Fractionated Laser Resurfacing, Vivace Microneedling and Emsculpt Body Sculpting. As a Nurse, she prides herself in providing the highest level of compassionate care to her patients. When she isn’t working, Kathy enjoys spending time with her family and friends and furthering her education in the medical aesthetic field.
Peter C. Friedman, M.D.
Dr. Peter C. Friedman received his MD from Semmelweis Medical School in Budapest, Hungary in 1991. He completed his first Dermatology residency at the same institution in 1995. He completed his second Dermatology residency at Columbia University – New York Presbyterian Hospital in 2005. Dr. Friedman is the author of over forty research and clinical articles published in the most renowned peer-reviewed dermatological and general scientific journals. His clinical and research work is cited in top dermatology textbooks. Dr. Friedman is in private practice since 2005 while also continuing to work as an Instructor in Clinical Dermatology at the Department of Dermatology, Columbia University – New York Presbyterian Hospital. He is also a member of the Columbia Affiliated Physicians network.
Dr. Friedman sees general dermatology patients of all ages in his medical dermatology practice and also provides specialized services, such as computer assisted full body photography and mole monitoring, digital dermoscopy, allergy testing and state-of-the-art, comprehensive acne management.
Jessy Ayala, PA-c
Jessy Ayala is a licensed and certified Dermatology Physician Associate with over 15 years of experience in cosmetic injections & Dermatology. He graduated from Mercy College in 2003 with a Masters in Physician Associate Studies and began his career in Emergency Medicine. After his 6-year tenure in emergency medicine Jessy transitioned to Dermatology. Jessy specializes in treatments for all skin complexions, and is an active member of the Skin of Color Society & the Society of Dermatology Physician Associates. He has previously been a trainer for Revanesse Versa, and has served as an advisor for Merz for their injectables Xeomin and Radiesse. Jessy lectures frequently across the nation on various general Dermatology diseases; including Acne, Rosacea and Psoriasis. He also serves as a Dermatology rotation preceptor for the Physician Associate students from Weill Cornell, Marist College and Touro College. In 2021 he served as the Cosmetic Co-Chair for Diversity in Dermatology. He brings his passion and commitment to patient care through community service and volunteer work. In 2017 Jessy traveled with a team of US Dermatology professionals to volunteer in Kenya, Africa for a medical mission called Passion to Heal, MeToWe. He also served as a volunteer in 2018 at Camp Wonder: Children’s Skin Disease Foundation. Fun facts about Jessy: Jessy has been a talented artist since a young age, and this unique skillset allows him to create beautiful natural faces by blending art & science. He enjoys art in all mediums, especially photography and sculpture. He is also fluent in both English & Spanish.