Meet the Medical Experts Behind Your Results
At Essence Medspa, every specialist is selected for their medical background, clinical experience, and commitment to safety. We believe that advanced technology is only effective when guided by professional expertise.
Leon Nitkin, MD
Medical Director. Obstetrics and gynecology
Dr. Leon Nitkin is a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist and serves as the Medical Director of Essence Med Spa and Wellness Clinic in Aventura, Florida. As Medical Director, Dr. Nitkin oversees all clinical protocols across aesthetic, wellness, and longevity services, ensuring every treatment meets the highest standards of safety, precision, and evidence-based care.
Dr. Nitkin earned his medical degree from Perm State Medical Academy and completed his residency training in Obstetrics and Gynecology at both Wyckoff Heights Medical Center and SUNY Downstate Medical Center in New York. His extensive training and years of clinical experience have equipped him with the expertise to care for women across all stages of life.
At Essence Med Spa and Wellness Clinic, Dr. Nitkin also provides comprehensive gynecological care, including routine women's health exams, preventative screenings, and personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient's needs. His approach emphasizes preventative care, patient education, and long-term wellness, with a focus on optimizing overall health, vitality, and longevity.
Known for his compassionate and patient-centered approach, Dr. Nitkin is dedicated to creating a comfortable, respectful environment where patients feel informed, supported, and confident in their care. His philosophy aligns seamlessly with Essence's commitment to optimizing health, longevity, and overall well-being.
Dr. Nitkin is fluent in English, Russian, and Polish, allowing him to provide personalized care to a diverse and international patient population.
Boris Petrikovsky, MD
Professor of obstetrics and gynecology
Dr. Boris Petrikovsky, MD, PhD, is a world-renowned Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology with over three decades of clinical, academic, and research excellence. Internationally respected for his expertise in high-risk OB/GYN, advanced diagnostic procedures, and women's health, Dr. Petrikovsky is recognized as a leader in his field and a trusted physician to discerning patients seeking the highest level of care.
Based in New York, Dr. Petrikovsky has built a distinguished career in maternal-fetal medicine, caring for complex and high-risk pregnancies while also contributing extensively to medical research and education. He has authored numerous publications and has served on the editorial advisory boards of leading medical journals, including Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology. His research has earned prestigious recognition, including The New York Perinatal Society Research Award.
Dr. Petrikovsky has held academic appointments at several esteemed institutions, including the State University of New York at Stony Brook, New York University School of Medicine, and the University of Connecticut School of Medicine. He completed his medical degree at Moscow State University of Medicine and Dentistry and his residency at Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York. He is board-certified in both Obstetrics and Gynecology and Maternal-Fetal Medicine.
At Essence Med Spa and Wellness Clinic in Aventura, Florida, Dr. Petrikovsky offers a highly personalized, concierge-level approach to women's health and longevity. His services include comprehensive women's health care, advanced cancer screenings, hormone replacement therapy, routine gynecologic and obstetric care, and age-management medicine. Known for his precision, discretion, and elevated standard of care, he is sought after by high-profile and international clientele.
Dr. Petrikovsky is licensed in the state of Florida and holds privileges at Jackson Memorial Hospital. He travels between New York and Florida to provide select patients with access to his expertise in a private, refined clinical setting.
Dr. Albert Starikov, DO
Gynecology and women's health
Dr. Albert Starikov is a highly experienced osteopathic physician with over 20 years of clinical expertise, specializing in women's health, hormone optimization, and advanced longevity medicine. At Essence Med Spa and Wellness Clinic in Aventura, Florida, he brings a refined, integrative approach that blends traditional medical excellence with cutting-edge wellness and regenerative therapies.
Dr. Starikov earned his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from the New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Saint John's Episcopal Hospital in New York, where he served as Chief Resident. His extensive training has shaped his ability to deliver highly personalized, patient-centered care with a focus on long-term health, vitality, and performance.
At Essence Med Spa and Wellness Clinic, Dr. Starikov provides comprehensive women's health care, including routine gynecologic exams and preventative care, alongside his specialized focus in hormone optimization, sexual health and performance, fertility support, and age-management medicine. He is passionate about helping patients achieve optimal wellness by addressing the root causes of imbalance and supporting the body at both the cellular and hormonal level.
Dr. Starikov remains actively engaged in the medical community and is a member of several professional organizations, including the American College of Osteopathic Obstetricians and Gynecologists. He is known for his precision, discretion, and commitment to clinical excellence.
Fluent in English, Russian, Ukrainian, and Serbian, Dr. Starikov provides a welcoming and personalized experience for a diverse, international clientele.
Elena Manelova
Champion permanent makeup artist, international trainer
Elena Manelova is a Europe Champion permanent makeup artist, international trainer, and O-1 Extraordinary Ability Visa holder in the United States for her exceptional achievements in cosmetic and medical micropigmentation. With over 25 years of professional experience and a medical education background, Elena combines clinical precision with artistic mastery to deliver safe, natural, and sophisticated results.
Her expertise spans advanced cosmetic and restorative procedures, including:
• Powder / Ombre Brows
• Hairstroke (Nano) Brows
• Combination Brows
• Brow correction and pigment correction
• Lash Line Enhancement
• Classic Eyeliner
• Shaded / Smoky Eyeliner
• Lip Blush
• Full Lip Color
• Lip Neutralization and Color Correction
• Areola Restoration (post-mastectomy tattooing)
• Scar Camouflage
• Stretch Mark Camouflage
• Scalp Micropigmentation
• Corrective Permanent Makeup
Elena is recognized for her deep understanding of facial anatomy, color science, and skin healing processes. Her medical background ensures the highest standards of safety, sterility, and individualized treatment planning, delivering refined, harmonious, and long-lasting results.
Book a Consultation with our board-certified specialists in Aventura
Our OB/GYN physicians, aesthetic specialists, and longevity doctors dedicate unhurried time to every patient. Same-week appointments often available.
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