Plastic surgeon and owner of Naples Aesthetic Institute, Dr. Kiran Gill, is many things to her patients: a healer, an artist, a shoulder to cry on, a friend to laugh with, an advocate. Today, Dr. Gill orchestrates a cadre of nurses, doctors and aestheticians with the poise and precision of a conductor, providing clients across the region with cosmetic and reconstructive surgical care, noninvasive procedures and luxuriant aesthetic services, all in a serene, spa-like environment. Her newly built, state-of-the-art Naples Aesthetic Institute (by lauded architect David Corban) redefines the standard of care in Southwest Florida. Her clients are loyal, and for good reason.
When Dr. Gill arrived in Naples in 2015, the Georgetown University graduate saw a need. Among the myriad plastic surgeons across the region, few specialized in breast reconstruction—a critical point of care for recovering patients. Dr. Gill filled the gap, becoming one of the first physicians many patients saw after their diagnosis. “My job at that first meeting is to hold their hands and explain what’s happening in a way that helps them realize there’s a light at the end of the tunnel,” she says.
Through the process, Dr. Gill was struck by how many individuals she encountered were uninsured or underinsured. “The other thing is, a lot of women didn’t even know that insurance covers breast reconstruction,” she says. Dr. Gill soon got involved with Physician Led Access Network of Collier County (PLAN), which connects uninsured patients with free care, and the Bosom Buddies support group, where Dr. Gill often served as a keynote speaker, providing resources, guidance and support.
As she established her practice, the surgeon poured back into her community, contributing to philanthropic events like Hats in the Garden (Naples Botanical Garden) and Angel Ball (Community School of Naples), as well as organizations like STARability Foundation, The Shelter for Abused Women & Children, and Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples.
Thanks to Dr. Gill’s efforts to expand access to care and awareness for breast cancer reconstructive procedures, more local surgeons have taken up the mantle, allowing the physician to invest in other aspects of care, like her ‘mommy makeovers.’ “I’m a surgeon. I cut and sew,” she says. “But it’s not just about looking better.” In many ways, Dr. Gill believes, aesthetic procedures are also reconstructive. The former D1 volleyballer openly talks about her ‘tummy tuck’ with patients, how it initially felt selfish, but that it was one of the best decisions she’s made for herself.
Looking ahead, Dr. Gill hopes to establish a youth volleyball club to share the lessons the sport instilled in her. But, for now, her schedule is booked. On top of her practice, charitable work, growing medical-grade skincare line and new facility, she is a proud wife and self-proclaimed ‘soccer mom,’ making each day count. —Emma Witmer