Cityfile: New York's Most Notable and Influential

It's not clear which is the greater mystery: Why women flock to dermatologist-to-the-stars Fredric Brandt when his wildly askew aesthetic judgment is displayed on his smooth, shiny visage for all the world to see, or why the good doctor himself chooses to ignore the evidence of his own mirror to self-administer amounts of botox and fillers that, he admits, would require a payment plan were he not getting them at cost. As a journalist discovers when she spends a day at Brandt's East 34th Street clinic, these are not questions that trouble the patients—27 in a typical 10-hour day—who joyfully submit to multiple injections, lasers, and Brandt's more-is-better attitude.More

Dermatologist/socialite Lisa Airan didn't snag a mention in New York's cover story on facial plastic surgery a couple of weeks ago, but when the mainstream media shuts you out, you can always deliver the message straight to the people. Airan just uploaded her reel of media appearances to YouTube, a useful reminder that she speaks to a reporter every other day, on average. Follow along as Airan explains why she's not concerned about the economy: Her patients are so high-end, she says, they can afford to keep Botoxing no matter what. We're not sure just how many high-end prospects are trolling YouTube to find their next doctor (especially since so many of the existing videos are by cosmetic docs in third world countries) but judge for yourself after the jump.More

Former Olympian? Time to Cash In! | It's pretty sweet to be a famous ex-athlete when the Olympics roll around: Apparently, it's when companies eagerly offer lucrative sponsorship deals to sports personalities, even if they're long retired. Mark Spitz, for example, is making seven figures this year from endorsing Botox; manufacturers Allergan think that the 58-year-old will appeal to their target demo. Also, if a presumably health-conscious former swimmer is willing to inject his face with deadly poison, it must be OK!

A reporter named Kate Spicer, who writes for the UK Times, came to New York to research cosmetic procedures, a journey that, naturally, involved an encounter with Fredric Brandt, the Manhattan/Miami dermatologist most famous for treating Madonna and for being, as Spicer aptly puts it, "jaw-dropping evidence of what happens when cosmetic dermatologists get high on their own supply." (He's pictured here with Lisa Falcone, the wife of hedge fund mogul Phil Falcone.) Brandt has a minor hissy fit when he discovers she's had Botox and Sculptra injections from another (non-famous, gasp!) doc the evening before, but administers more Botox and Restylane anyway. Hey, you don't get to be a derm-to-the-stars by turning down international press over a minor affront like that, do you?