At the Storch Plastic Surgery Facility at Aventura, we are pleased to offer a variety of procedures to patients in the south Florida area. Dr. Andres Sarraga is a highly skilled and respected plastic surgeon; however, it takes a team to properly and completely take care of our patients (and keep our practice running smoothly). Thanks to our amazing staff, we are able to provide the latest advances in cosmetic surgery at our Aventura facility, while still providing each of our patients the highly personal attention and care he or she deserves.
Helaine Zax
Office Manager
Helaine has been at Dr. Storch’s side for over 25 years. She has over 40 years of medical office management experience. Helaine combines her knowledge of people with her past managerial and medical experience to effectively coordinate all patient and scheduling details and answer any questions you may have.
You will meet Helaine at your initial cosmetic surgery consultation at our Aventura facility after meeting with Dr. Storch or Dr. Sarraga. She will go to great lengths to ensure that your specific needs are met, that your consultation is completely informative, and should you decide to proceed, that your surgery is scheduled in a timely and convenient manner.
Victor Ortiz, CRNA
Victor completed his anesthesia training program in 1994 at California State University at Long beach, through Kaiser Permanente school of Anesthesia. He has worked closely with Dr. Sarraga since the complete renovation of the Storch Sarraga Plastic Surgery Facility. He has previously also acquired extensive experience in anesthesia including 26 years of trauma, OB and reconstructive plastics a staff Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) in various facilities, including Broward General M.C., Jackson North M.C and Mercy Hospital. He has maintained a continuous presence in the cosmetic surgical specialty since 1997, with various surgeons. He is also currently a Staff CRNA at Mercy Hospital in their high-risk Obstetrics Department and has been since 2004.
As a CRNA, Victor holds a Masters degree in anesthesia, along with advanced life support certifications. Victor is certified, licensed, and approved to provide full anesthesia services under Dr. Sarraga’s supervision. Victor has expertly administered anesthesia to Dr. Sárraga‘s patients since the recent renovation of the facility and has become an essential part of the Sarraga Plastic Surgery family in Aventura.
Tammi Ellis, RN
Tammi brings both special skills and knowledge to her role. She received her diploma in Nursing from Jackson Memorial Hospital. Tammi has over 30 years of nursing experience, including having been charge nurse at one of our local hospitals. She has been an essential part of the Storch Plastic Surgery family since 2000. Tammi manages all of the clinical aspects of patient care before, during, and after surgery. She finds true joy in caring for and getting to know our patients.
She will guide you from your initial pre-operative appointment through your complete preparation for surgery, recovery and beyond. Tammi is there for all her patients every step of the way.
HydraFacial MD®: This innovative procedure is a medical grade treatment that can drastically promote long-term health benefits and can be used on all skin types. It exfoliates your skin while simultaneously replenishes vital nutrients including antioxidants, peptides, and hyaluronic acid. This delivery system is what sets the HydraFacial apart from other resurfacing procedures. Will improve and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, while plumping and firming the skin. You will have immediate, noticeable results!
Microneedling (SkinPen®): SkinPen delivers thousands of micro injuries to initiate the body’s wound healing process. The body begins to break down damaged tissue and produce healthy new cells. These cells repair and remodel the injured tissue, producing organized, healthy dermal tissue such as collagen and elastin. Results are very significant for fine lines, wrinkles, skin texture, pore size, and acne scarring.
Ultherapy®: This FDA approved procedure will lift your brows, chin, and neck without surgery. It is a non-invasive procedure that uses safe, time-tested ultrasound energy to lift and tighten the skin naturally. Ultherapy can help you achieve a fresher, more youthful look from your brow to your chest!
Microdermabrasion: This procedure is a non-invasive treatment that gently exfoliates your skin. Can also be combined with alpha hydroxy peels to brighten the skin and provide a smoother, more even toned complexion.
Ellen Waxelbaum
Receptionist/Insurance Specialist
Ellen has her associate’s degree in business and has over 25 years of medical office experience. She has been a bright and valuable part of our team since 2006. Ellen handles any insurance filings for the office and also takes our pre-operative and post-operative photos. Ellen is an important and happy member of our “family.
Peisha Ortiz, CRNA
Peisha Ortiz joins Dr. Sarraga after many years of experience working as anesthesia provider at The University of Miami Hospital, as well as multiple board certified plastic surgeons in Florida and New York. She completed her anesthesia training, graduating with honors, from Florida International University in 2014. She is licensed and board certified to practice anesthesia, and credentialed at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center and Bascom Palmer Eye Institute. Her experience and meticulous nature and attention to detail provide a safe and comfortable experience for her patients, which has lead to a proven safety record.
Mabel Gomez
Coolsculpting Technician and Professional Laser Hair Removal
Mabel Gomez who was born in Columbia always has a had a passion for the beauty and healthcare field. As a child, Mabel grew up in a beauty salon where she quickly learned the fundamentals of the cosmetology business. By the time Mabel was 26, she had been licensed as a cosmetologist and has owned her own salon.
South Florida become Mabel’s focus as she was interested in providing beauty services. She attended the Hollywood Institute of Beauty and became a licensed medical electrologist technician being able to practice laser hair removal and professional grade facial skin care treatments.
Mabel had the opportunity to work with Dr. Michael D. Storch, and Dr. Andres G. Sarraga and quickly became known for her specialties in her services provided. She has worked with The Storch Sarraga Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery in Aventura, Florida for 5 plus years and has become certified in CoolSculpting, Hydrafacials, and Ultherapy amongst other services. Mabel ensures the satisfaction of her clientele and guarantees her work with years of experience in providing beauty services to the steady market.
Yamilette Frias
Front Desk
“Yami” as we affectionately call her is an important member of our family. She was born and grew up in Puerto Rico and is bilingual. She comes to us with 12 years of healthcare experience. Her expertise lies in patient contact, insurance referrals and scheduling.
Yami will be the first person you speak to when calling our office and the first smiling welcoming face you see when you walk through the door. She will make you feel as comfortable as possible with her warm and friendly demeanor.
Natalia Serrano
Surgical Technician
Natalia joined our practice in 2017 after graduating at the top of her class. She is originally from Colombia and is fluent in English and Spanish. Her expertise is in instrumentation and helping Dr. Sarraga in the operating room. She is as sweet as she is meticulous, a fine addition to our family.
Learn More about Plastic Surgery
Dr. Sarraga and the entire staff truly strive to make all of our patients feel comfortable, knowledgeable, secure, and as though they were a part of our family. Our gracious and dedicated, well-trained and experienced staff will be very happy to answer any and all of your questions and help you to achieve your aesthetic goals. With the assistance of our remarkable staff, Dr. Sarraga will strive to deliver the magnificent results for which they have become known. If you are in the Miami area and are considering plastic surgery, please contact our Aventura office today to arrange for your personal consultation.