Naples Aesthetic Institute’s Dr. Kiran Gill: Passion for Beauty and Balance

In the serene coastal city of Naples, Florida, the Naples Aesthetic Institute is revolutionizing the field of plastic surgery and aesthetics. Founded in April 2018 by board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Kiran Gill, this woman-owned and -operated practice is dedicated to providing a comprehensive range of surgical and non-surgical options for clients.

We spoke with Dr. Gill about what makes Naples Aesthetic Institute the right choice for those looking to make lasting improvements in their aesthetics, whether for medically necessary or purely cosmetic reasons. Here, Dr. Gill shares what drives her work ethic and informs her skills in this fast-evolving space.

Tell us about your early background and how it led to your career in the medical field. What was your original focus of practice when you graduated med school?

I grew up in the western suburbs of Chicago, so I consider myself a Chicagoan at heart. My parents immigrated to the United States in the ’70s. My father worked as an electrical engineer in the city and my mother as an interventional cardiologist. I have two younger siblings. My sister Sonia is an attorney in Washington, D.C. and my brother Jaspaul is in real estate. I always knew I wanted to be a physician, but it was not until medical school that I realized I wanted to be a surgeon. After medical school I matriculated into a general surgery residency at Rush Medical University in Chicago, where I learned the lifelong skills of a general surgeon — a great surgical base for a career in plastic surgery.

Dr. Kiran Gill / Photo: Courtesy of Naples Aesthetic Institute

How and when did you become interested in plastic and reconstructive surgery?

I enjoyed my plastic surgery rotation as a third-year medical student. However, my interest was solidified during my second year of general surgery residency when I was involved in many breast cancer surgeries requiring the plastic surgeon to reconstruct patients after mastectomies. It was clear that plastic surgery was the perfect blend of precise surgical skill and artistry. After completing four years of general surgery and three years of plastic surgery training, I joined a thriving practice in Naples, Florida.

When and why did you decide to take up a solo practice?

The decision to take on a solo practice was not an easy decision. I was the mother of three children under the age of 7 with a husband that traveled every other week. I finally made that decision in 2018 and have never looked back. It gave me the autonomy and flexibility to create Naples Aesthetic Institute, a patient-centric boutique plastic surgery practice.

How has the field has changed in recent years? What are some of its key new challenges?

Plastic and reconstructive surgery is always evolving. In the last few decades, the advances in technology have created the desire for minimally invasive procedures with little to no downtime. As a surgeon, I have always advised my patients that surgery results in longer lasting and more permanent results. However, one cannot ignore these new modalities. At Naples Aesthetic Institute, we work very hard to maximize aesthetic outcomes with a combination of skin care, non-invasive technology, injectables, fillers and neuromodulators such as Botox.

In terms of challenges, in recent years social media has really changed the game. In plastic surgery, social media has been both a blessing and a curse. On the one hand, patients are more educated on the procedures that are offered, which is a blessing. However, in some cases social media can create unrealistic expectations. Navigating these unrealistic expectations can be challenging because I feel the positive outcomes are the result of setting realistic expectations for my patients. This will be an ongoing challenge in the plastic surgery space.

What have been some of the high points of your career? Which patients have made the most impact on you?

When I moved to Naples the majority of my work was in breast cancer reconstruction. Working with breast cancer patients is a blessing. I meet most of these women soon after their cancer diagnosis, and stay with them through their mastectomy, reconstruction and in some cases chemotherapy and radiation. It is such a stressful time for these women and their families. Working with these women has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career.

What are some of the most enjoyable elements of your work?

My team. I have such an amazing group of women who support me on a daily basis.

Christina Everswick Espineta, PA (left), Dr. Kiran Gill (middle), and Dr. Nadia Kazim (right) of the Naples Aesthetic Institute / Photo: Courtesy of Naples Aesthetic Institute

What was your mission in launching Naples Aesthetic Institute?

Naples Aesthetic Institute was launched to provide a boutique plastic surgery and med spa experience to our patients. We offer the entire spectrum of beauty — from skin care to surgery — maximizing results with effective treatments. The concept was to blend the services of my plastic surgery practice with our med spa to offer the most customized experience for our patients.

If you truly specialize in one area of this practice, what is that area?

I specialize in all areas of aesthetic surgery. This includes facelifts, breast augmentation, breast lift, revision breast surgery and body contouring surgery.

We note that you have three children and that you managed to attain your pre-med degree from Georgetown while on a volleyball scholarship. How do you manage to do so much in a day and do it all so well? What’s your secret?

The secret is to take it day by day and not get overwhelmed with what is on your plate. You must chip away at the list as the day goes by. Having been a high-performance student athlete through college, I was always tasked with balancing school and sport. The discipline I garnered through that experience has carried through to the balance of work and family.

Finally, what would like to emphasize to the readers of Business Traveler?

Being a successful plastic surgeon is not just about having exceptional surgical skill. It is also about the relationships you form with your patients, staff, and colleagues. We aim to nurture those relationships through our boutique experience at Naples Aesthetic Institute.

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