Billed as a full service skin rejuvenation clinic and health spa, Dr. Scott Wells' Skin N.Y. is a clinic run in conjunction with his Park Avenue plastic surgery practice. The purpose of Skin N.Y. is to provide less aggressive procedures and education for clients who want to have firm, beautiful skin.

Dr. Wells says the group revised its direction and philosophy about a year ago, moving from using high dosage Retinol and alpha hydroxy to antioxidant-based products, which were developed to sustain and amplify the procedures available. "It is a medispa, but operating within the realm of a plastic surgery practice," he explained.

Their new focus involves base products of Vitamin C and E serums meant to topically provide antioxidants along with sun protection products and an eye cream with hexapeptides "We didn't set out to vend products, but we will place them on our website soon at www.skin-ny.com," Dr. Wells commented.

The flow back and forth between The Park Avenue Plastic Surgery Center and Skin N.Y. works in a number of ways. "Younger clients learn to improve their skin quality and texture, and we know that if they need surgical procedures later they will have better results because of this, Dr. Wells said. We are watching their skin on an ongoing basis, too, so we can let them know when new procedures would be appropriate."

After surgery, Wells said clients can receive education and help in maintaining their results and improving their long-term skincare. "We want to extend the idea of dentistry, where you work on the care of your teeth on an ongoing basis, with improvement over a period of time," he said. "We encourage the dental idea of regular treatment. We want to prevent damage and enhance skin quality; we have a nutritionist on staff and we offer body treatments and glycolic manicures and pedicures."

Evaluator Julie Pipolo, Skincare N.Y. primary therapist who also works with Dr. Wells on the surgical side, noted that the treatments and products of Skin N.Y. can be used on their own or complement surgical procedures. "If you are using Botox, we have a product that extends the amount of time between treatments," she said. "On its own, it helps to smooth out lines.

Since their products are an extremely focused group developed because they were needed, therapists will suggest alternative products if they believe that they will target the client's needs better. "All our products have expiration dates and some require refrigeration," Pipolo said. "If they won't bother to refrigerate them, we don't want to sell those products to them."

Skin NY's signature Pumpkin Enzyme facial brings the exfoliating properties of 20% pumpkin - quite a high concentration. They recommend four treatments with the facial left on for increasing lengths of time, two or three weeks apart, but even one application left my skin stimulated and very soft.

Pipolo explained that nonliving cells are removed thoroughly, except in cases of acne or similar disease. Facial massage accompanies all treatment and the exposed new cells absorb antioxidant vitamins applied during next step. The treatment is gentle enough to be combined with polyphenol extracts of green tea to further aid the cellular repair process and solar protection.

The Pumpkin Enzyme facial costs $100 a European Facial $110 and a purifying back facial is $95. Skin NY also offers an acne facial, rejuvenation facial and manual lymphatic drainage; if dermaplaning is added to a service, the $100 fee is dropped to $50. Chemical peels for the face are priced at $150; a chemical peel for hands runs $95 and there are similar treatments for d collet and back. Endermologie treatments are also available to reduce the appearance of cellulite and contour the body.

Clients are 75-80% women, people in their 20s -40s generally come for injectibles and skin care; in the 40-70 range they are primarily interested in surgical procedures.

"Almost everyone who comes here books again, Pipolo stated," and word of mouth is our advertisement."

Dr. Wells is certified by the American Board of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and by the American Society of Surgery. Educated at Johns Hopkins and New York Medical College, his postdoctoral training includes Harvard Medial School and Tulane University, and he has won numerous awards including the American Medical Association's Physicians Recognition Award; he is on the Best Doctors List in Castle Connelly's 2002 Directory. Skin N.Y. is at the Park Avenue Plastic Surgery Center is at 655 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10021 (212) 794-3900.