A Scholar and Pioneer in Integrative Medicine
Dr. Naomi Placella, NMD
Dr. Naomi Placella, Naturopathic Medical Doctor (NMD), stands at the forefront of a rapidly evolving field in healthcare, where the confluence of modern medical science and ancient healing traditions has created a holistic model of healing. With a distinguished career spanning over a decade, Dr. Placella has become a recognized leader in Integrative Medicine, a discipline that seeks not merely to alleviate symptoms but to restore the body’s intrinsic ability to heal and maintain optimal wellness.
Having cultivated an extensive background in both conventional medicine and holistic therapies, Dr. Placella brings a unique perspective to her practice. Her academic rigor, combined with her compassionate approach to patient care, allows her to navigate the complexities of the human body with a precision that few can match. At the core of her medical philosophy is the belief that human beings are far more than the sum of their symptoms. Rather, they are a dynamic system of interconnected biological, emotional, and environmental factors. As such, effective treatment requires a comprehensive and individualized approach that acknowledges and nurtures every facet of the person.
An Interview with Dr. Placella
Dr. Placella’s expertise spans both internal and aesthetic medicine, and she has successfully merged conventional treatments with holistic therapies to achieve transformative results for her patients. Her medical journey began with a rigorous foundation in naturopathic principles where she was trained to address the root causes of disease rather than simply managing symptoms. Over the past ten years, she has honed her practice in medicine, gaining deep insight into the body’s natural healing processes, and applying these principles to a wide range of conditions.
In the realm of aesthetic medicine, Dr. Placella’s work is equally exceptional. With over seven years of experience in advanced aesthetic procedures, she has become highly skilled in performing injections of neurotoxins, dermal fillers, and volumizing agents like Sculptra® and Radiesse®. These techniques are aimed at rejuvenating the skin and restoring youthful contours, but Dr. Placella’s approach goes beyond mere cosmetic enhancement. She integrates her profound understanding of human physiology with the latest advancements in aesthetic technology to promote not only external beauty but also the internal balance that supports it.
As part of our medical spa team Dr. Placella offers body contouring treatments, Botox, dermal fillers, skin resurfacing, microneedling, and more. While our surgical team specialize in facelift, blepharoplasty, lip lift, and breast augmentation.
Dr. Placella's Approach
Dr. Placella’s proficiency extends to PDO threads, Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP), and Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) treatments, which have become staples in her repertoire of facial rejuvenation and hair restoration procedures. These therapies harness the body’s natural healing mechanisms to restore vitality and radiance in an approach that aligns with Dr. Placella’s belief that beauty should reflect the body’s overall health and wellness. Additionally, she offers treatments designed to tighten and tone the skin, using advanced technologies to promote collagen production and skin elasticity.
A key element of Dr. Placella’s work is her integration of Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT), which allows her to address hormonal imbalances, which can affect everything from mood and energy to skin health and metabolism. In tandem with her aesthetic expertise, she offers IV therapy to replenish vital nutrients, boost energy, and enhance cellular repair. Recognizing the profound connection between mind, body, and wellness, she also provides weight-loss management services, tailored to each patient’s unique needs.
Why Choose Dr. Placella?
In Dr. Placella’s view, a holistic approach to medicine is not simply a matter of treating the body in isolation. Rather, it is about understanding the individual as a whole and crafting treatment protocols that address the intricate interplay between physical health, emotional well-being, and environmental influences. This philosophy aligns seamlessly with the ethos of DrSkin Med Spa, which emphasizes the creation of bespoke treatment plans designed to meet each patient’s specific needs. For Dr. Placella, every patient is unique, and every treatment plan must reflect the complexity and individuality of their personal health journey.
With a deep commitment to personalized care and an unwavering dedication to staying at the cutting edge of both medical science and natural healing practices, Dr. Naomi Placella is a true pioneer in Integrative Medicine. Her work is not merely about achieving outward beauty or temporary results, but about helping individuals realize their fullest potential—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Through her compassionate care and innovative treatments, Dr. Placella is helping patients not just look their best, but feel their best, too.
In a world where the demand for more personalized, comprehensive care is growing, Dr. Placella continues to lead the way, offering an integrative model of healing that treats the whole person—body, mind, and spirit—in pursuit of lasting wellness and profound transformation.
Start Your Journey To Wellness With Dr. Placella Today!
For more information or to schedule your consultation with Dr. Placella, please contact DrSkin Plastic Surgery, Regenerative & Medical Spa at (480) 904-3311 or complete our contact form. Begin your journey toward achieving your cosmetic and rejuvenation goals today!
Q & A with Dr. Placella
Where did you grow up?
Howard County, MD in a town of less than 500, on a 50-acre farm. The population of Glenwood, Maryland on June 30, 1985, was 297. Today the population of Glenwood, Maryland is 3,373, with a population density of 482 people per square mile. My point is, it’s a VERY small town.
In Dr. Placella’s view, a holistic approach to medicine is not simply a matter of treating the body in isolation. Rather, it is about understanding the individual as a whole and crafting treatment protocols that address the intricate interplay between physical health, emotional well-being, and environmental influences. This philosophy aligns seamlessly with the ethos of DrSkin Med Spa, which emphasizes the creation of bespoke treatment plans designed to meet each patient’s specific needs. For Dr. Placella, every patient is unique, and every treatment plan must reflect the complexity and individuality of their personal health journey.
With a deep commitment to personalized care and an unwavering dedication to staying at the cutting edge of both medical science and natural healing practices, Dr. Naomi Placella is a true pioneer in Integrative Medicine. Her work is not merely about achieving outward beauty or temporary results, but about helping individuals realize their fullest potential—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Through her compassionate care and innovative treatments, Dr. Placella is helping patients not just look their best, but feel their best, too.
In a world where the demand for more personalized, comprehensive care is growing, Dr. Placella continues to lead the way, offering an integrative model of healing that treats the whole person—body, mind, and spirit—in pursuit of lasting wellness and profound transformation.
Tell us about your education and training.
UMBC for B.A. (Fine Arts Degree) 2001, and SCNM for NMD 2015. I’ve completed continuous education and advanced preceptorships every year after my 2015 graduation.
What type of procedures do you specialize in?
Everything and anything anti-aging: Botox®, dermal fillers, hormone therapy and BHRT pellets, PDO threads, skin lesion removal (cosmetic dermatology) lasers, microneedling, and weight loss, hyperhidrosis, PRF/PRP therapy, regenerative medicine, and pain management treatments like acupuncture and cupping.
What is your philosophy at the practice?
My philosophy is that if you look your best, you will feel your best. Then, you will have the confidence to reach your highest potential in everything you do in life whether that is in personal or professional relationships, work, or personal goals, etc.
Why did you become a naturopathic medical doctor?
Because I was fed up with the conventional medical model where you see a doctor for 5 minutes and you certainly don’t feel heard. I was also injured by a medication that was not indicated for a condition I had. The sequelae took 2 years out of my life to heal/repair but has even continued to affect my health today.
What do you like most about being a naturopathic medical doctor?
I like the fact that we have so many tools in our toolbox. Unlike an MD or DO, we are trained in chiropractic adjustments, homeopathy and energetic medical modalities, botanical medicine (plants), nutrition and vitamin therapies, hydrotherapy, acupuncture and Chinese herbs, medical grade supplements, and preventative wellness. Instead of addressing a single symptom or sum of symptoms, Naturopaths are trained to find the root cause of disease, eliminate the obstacles to cure, and allow the body to regain its innate homeostasis. Naturopathic Medical Doctors address the mind, body, and spirit of a given individual. We custom tailor treatment based on the individual, not based on a “standard or care.”
In Dr. Placella’s view, a holistic approach to medicine is not simply a matter of treating the body in isolation. Rather, it is about understanding the individual as a whole and crafting treatment protocols that address the intricate interplay between physical health, emotional well-being, and environmental influences. This philosophy aligns seamlessly with the ethos of DrSkin Med Spa, which emphasizes the creation of bespoke treatment plans designed to meet each patient’s specific needs. For Dr. Placella, every patient is unique, and every treatment plan must reflect the complexity and individuality of their personal health journey.
With a deep commitment to personalized care and an unwavering dedication to staying at the cutting edge of both medical science and natural healing practices, Dr. Naomi Placella is a true pioneer in Integrative Medicine. Her work is not merely about achieving outward beauty or temporary results, but about helping individuals realize their fullest potential—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Through her compassionate care and innovative treatments, Dr. Placella is helping patients not just look their best, but feel their best, too.
In a world where the demand for more personalized, comprehensive care is growing, Dr. Placella continues to lead the way, offering an integrative model of healing that treats the whole person—body, mind, and spirit—in pursuit of lasting wellness and profound transformation.
What methods did you employ to accomplish your goal of becoming a successful doctor?
Honing my skill and expertise in aesthetics with multiple and never-ending post-doctoral training and education. Staying at the forefront of this industry to be cutting edge. Never looking back, only forwards. Never stop learning, never stop growing. Be the best that I can be at everything I offer.
What do you like to do in your leisure time when you are not in practice or seeing patients?
Spending time with friends and family, enjoying performing arts, cooking and fine dining, dancing, writing music, art exhibits, and physical fitness.
What epiphany did you experience while studying to become a doctor that led you to choose aesthetics and naturopathic medicine?
It is my personal opinion that the majority of Americans are grossly overfed and highly undernourished. To understand this, you must first understand the impact conventional farming methods have had on our food, water, and air. I chose naturopathic medicine because I wanted to understand why Americans were getting sick in the first place and what I could do about it.
I chose aesthetics because I love the way it makes people feel. I love the confidence it gives patients. I love aesthetics because it helps people love how they look, and when they look good, they feel good, too. And when you feel good, you tend to have a better outlook on life. When you embody this positive outlook, you have the strength to help and heal others around you with kindness and generosity. This is what drives me every day to be the absolute best provider I can be.
What setbacks or obstacles did you encounter while pursuing your goals?
So many. First of all, I had a baby in the middle of my medical school education. While I was able to graduate on time, I was a single mother struggling in the world with my friends and family members over 2,000 miles away. I had to work FT while simultaneously doing my (unpaid) preceptorship. I had difficulty passing my board exams, mostly because I was physically and mentally exhausted, and I had no time to
In Dr. Placella’s view, a holistic approach to medicine is not simply a matter of treating the body in isolation. Rather, it is about understanding the individual as a whole and crafting treatment protocols that address the intricate interplay between physical health, emotional well-being, and environmental influences. This philosophy aligns seamlessly with the ethos of DrSkin Med Spa, which emphasizes the creation of bespoke treatment plans designed to meet each patient’s specific needs. For Dr. Placella, every patient is unique, and every treatment plan must reflect the complexity and individuality of their personal health journey.
With a deep commitment to personalized care and an unwavering dedication to staying at the cutting edge of both medical science and natural healing practices, Dr. Naomi Placella is a true pioneer in Integrative Medicine. Her work is not merely about achieving outward beauty or temporary results, but about helping individuals realize their fullest potential—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Through her compassionate care and innovative treatments, Dr. Placella is helping patients not just look their best, but feel their best, too.
In a world where the demand for more personalized, comprehensive care is growing, Dr. Placella continues to lead the way, offering an integrative model of healing that treats the whole person—body, mind, and spirit—in pursuit of lasting wellness and profound transformation study. On top of that, I was paying for training in the BHRT and aesthetics modalities because they don’t teach any of these skills in medical school. These were trying and highly emotional times for me.
What three words best describe you?
Driven. Passionate. Authentic.
What mentors do you currently have, or have you had during your career, that made a lasting impact on you?
Too many to list. Many of my teachers at SCNM inspired me to be a better person and the best doctor I possibly could be. Even now, it’s my patients who inspire me. Also, Joy Chapman, Co-Founder and Clinical Director of DrSkin Med Spa, can maintain a positive outlook and pleasant demeanor no matter how tough times get for the business.
How did your journey to become a naturopathic medical doctor change you internally?
Instead of thinking about what I need, I strive to understand the needs of others. What do they need to get the results they’re looking for? Motherhood was probably more of a catalyst than medical school, but both played a role. I’m on my journey, and my patients are on theirs. Our roads converge if only for a brief moment in time. In that short visit, I am their guide, and it’s my job to point them in the right direction.
Why do patients choose you as their doctor/naturopath, and what makes you different and unique?
For me, I approach the patient experience as if the roles were reversed and I was the one coming in for advice. Honesty is paramount. I will never sell a patient on something they don’t need or will not benefit them. But at the same time, the truth can be brutal. I am results-driven. My aim is to provide the patient with realistic expectations and timelines. There are many types of procedures and people have many choices. Some cost more, and some come with more risks to consider. Only when things are discussed honestly can the patient make an informed decision. The patient has a duty to be honest with their provider for this process to work for everyone. At the end of the day, my patients know we are all on the same team.
In Dr. Placella’s view, a holistic approach to medicine is not simply a matter of treating the body in isolation. Rather, it is about understanding the individual as a whole and crafting treatment protocols that address the intricate interplay between physical health, emotional well-being, and environmental influences. This philosophy aligns seamlessly with the ethos of DrSkin Med Spa, which emphasizes the creation of bespoke treatment plans designed to meet each patient’s specific needs. For Dr. Placella, every patient is unique, and every treatment plan must reflect the complexity and individuality of their personal health journey.
With a deep commitment to personalized care and an unwavering dedication to staying at the cutting edge of both medical science and natural healing practices, Dr. Naomi Placella is a true pioneer in Integrative Medicine. Her work is not merely about achieving outward beauty or temporary results, but about helping individuals realize their fullest potential—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Through her compassionate care and innovative treatments, Dr. Placella is helping patients not just look their best, but feel their best, too.
In a world where the demand for more personalized, comprehensive care is growing, Dr. Placella continues to lead the way, offering an integrative model of healing that treats the whole person—body, mind, and spirit—in pursuit of lasting wellness and profound transformation.
When I went into Dr. Skin Medspa, I was nervous about getting lip filler and wanted to make sure they stayed natural looking just fuller. After talking with Dr. Naomi at length she made me feel so much more comfortable. I am so happy with the results!!!!
Ashley
Dr. Naomi Placella is a highly skilled and experienced professional in the field of injections and PDO thread lift at DrSkin Med Spa. Her expertise has delivered outstanding results, giving my face a beautiful and natural-looking lift that I am truly delighted with.
Hannah
Naomi Placella, NMD at DrSkin Med Spa, is highly skilled in the administration of Botox and fillers. Her expertise is exceptional as she was able to provide me with natural-looking results. Additionally, her gentle approach ensured that the entire experience was virtually pain-free.
Anna