Meet Dr. Linette Rivera | Endocrinologist / Aesthetic Injector & Laser Specialist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Linette Rivera and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Linette, what is the most important factor behind your success?
My name is Dr. Linette Rivera and I am double board-certified physician in Internal Medicine as well as Endocrinology and Metabolism. I am the co-owner of Bella Mia Medical Aesthetics in Tampa. If I had to pick the most important factor behind my success it would be… MOTIVATION!

Motivation makes you work harder, keeps you focused on your dreams and helps you overcome any obstacle along your path to success. I knew since I was a little girl that one day, I wanted to have my own medical clinic. As the years passed and I ventured into the world of aesthetics I knew I wanted to open the best aesthetic clinic in Florida. I wanted to create a unique aesthetic practice where there was a doctor closely supervising all the treatments being done to the patients, making sure we obtained the best outcomes and where the patients could also feel safe. Medicine has become a field where physicians have minimal interaction with the patients and unfortunately patients don’t always trust their providers. I knew I wanted to change that!

So, no matter how hard I had to work, how many days I had late meetings before going to my second job at the hospital and how many sacrifices presented along the way, my motivation always kept me going. Bella Mia Medical was then created in 2016 and me and my partner opened our doors to a unique, one of a kind aesthetic clinic.

Bella Mia Medical has been successful because my patients not only visit us to get aesthetic treatments, but they also have the opportunity to learn about what they are getting done and how the procedure will change their skin and overall health. They learn about unique treatments that are anti-aging and will also help in the prevention of skin cancer. I give them a customized plan to make sure they look as good as they feel!

This has been the success of my brand! Teaching patients about skincare, anti-aging modalities and wellness is something my patients enjoy and value! Now I look back in time and I can happily say it was all worth it!

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Like I said before, one of my goals was to create a unique aesthetic clinic where there was a doctor closely supervising the treatments being done to the patients, making sure we could obtain the best outcomes and reducing risks so that patients could feel safe.

After 2 years training is aesthetic treatments, I decided to open with a partner a unique medical aesthetic practice in South Tampa. After 6 years building the practice, Bella Mia Medical now provides the best laser technology in the aesthetic market and ensures patients feel better and see results inside and out. For me, results are the most important thing! Not only targeting their skin concerns but also results that improve patients’ confidence and the way they see themselves when they look in the mirror.

At the clinic, I started offering facials and injectables like Botox and Dermal Fillers and we now offer all types of laser treatments including lasers for skin tightening, pigmentation problems, active acne and acne scarring treatments. I also have lasers to improve skin texture and wrinkles, anti-aging lasers, chemical peels and even laser-assisted liposuction and body sculpting. As an endocrinologist, I offer expert guidance in Bioidentical Hormone Therapy and Wellness Medicine and offer men and women the compassion and time necessary to help them achieve their health and aesthetic goals.

Here I am today, always learning and improving myself. Even after the difficult times during COVID years I would’ve never thought that I would be where I am today and can’t even imagine where I will be in 5 years.

I am different to other aesthetic providers because I think of the patient as a whole. Not only improving maybe that sunspot you have on your cheek but also preventing further skin aging, teaching patients about skincare, and improving the way they feel by balancing their hormones. I like to make sure my patients are changing their lifestyle and I design an aesthetic treatment plan that will provide them with long-lasting and amazing results.

I also make sure that I have the absolute BEST laser equipment in the market so that I can deliver real results to my patients while taking into account safety and different skin tones. Being Hispanic myself has given me a passion to learn about the different ethnic skin tones and how to treat them safely and effectively with different laser modalities. We are not all created equal therefore my treatments are unique for each patient.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Everyone who knows me well, knows I am a FOODIE!! So what would I do with a friend in Miami?? Easy! We would stay at 1 Hotel, lay out in the sun and enjoy their amazing pool! We would then go on Friday night for dinner and drinks at Komodo.

Saturday, I would rent a boat and enjoy Miami’s clear blue waters. At night… I would have dinner at Mayami and then we would get ready to dance since it turns into a club late at night! On Sunday, Brunch is a must at either Yardbird or Kiki on the River and then enjoy a walk around Wynwood with a pitstop at Miami Mojito Company.

Other Miami spots that I love… Papi Steak, Chotto Matte, Sugarcane, Astra Rooftop, Bodega, Dirty Rabbit, etc! You will never be bored in Miami!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
If I have learned something being a business owner is that success depends on critical people that are in front of you at that exact moment in your life! That moment that will shape the rest of your future!

First, I want to dedicate this article to my family. To say the they have supported me for the last 18 years is an understatement. They have guided me through tough times, prayed with me and have given me words of encouragement is the hardest times! The last 2 years have been challenging for me not only in business but in personal aspects in my life. Through everything I was able to realize that I am lucky to have a supportive family that believes in my dreams and my future and who encourage me to work harder and make sacrifices to obtain my goal. I will never be able to thank them enough and I am so blessed to have them in my life!

I also want to thank Alma Lasers, their marketing team and their representatives! They gave me the opportunity to share my aesthetic journey with others showing them you can become an entrepreneur if you work hard and take risks. I have gained so much knowledge in the field of aesthetics by training others in their newest laser technologies and they have made my dream of becoming an international Laser Speaker a reality. They have shown me how they care about their providers and how they really want us to succeed. Thank you, Alma, for opening so many doors for me and for your continued support not only to my brand but me as an aesthetic provider!

And last but definitely the most important of all… MY AMAZING PATIENTS! Thank you for choosing me as your Aesthetic Doctor. Your support through throughout the years has helped me grow and I would not be where I am today without each and every one of you. You mean more to me than you could ever imagine!

I have learned throughout the years that lots of people come and go in your life, but the right ones will always stay! So, if you are reading this article stay positive because you will get to know that critical person that will be there at that perfect moment to help you succeed. I am a true testament of that!

Website: www.bellamiamedical.com

Instagram: @drlinetterivera

Image Credits
Juan Rodriguez Jenny Dominguez