Dr. Suzanne Levine, podiatrist and founder of Millennium Podiatry
Palm Beach and Manhattan podiatrist Dr. Suzanne Levine shares her secrets to perfect feet.
As Palm Beachers are stepping into their stilettos and heels for society season, Dr. Suzanne Levine, leading aesthetic podiatrist, podiatric foot surgeon and the founder of Millennium Podiatry (millenniumpodiatrynyc.com) on Park Avenue in New York City, is spilling her secrets. Over the past 37 years, Levine has revolutionized podiatric surgery and trademarked multiple procedures, including her famous foot facial treatment. We caught up with the part-time Palm Beach resident to get her tips for the season.
With all of the galas and special events, it’s definitely designer stiletto season in South Florida. What should we be looking for in a shoe that’s both stylish and comfortable? Look for room in the toe box and make sure it’s the correct size for the foot, keeping in mind that the foot does swell. Select natural materials that are breathable, if possible. Make sure there is no slipping in the heel. If you do wear a custom orthotic, which most people should, make sure there is enough room in the shoe for it.
What should we absolutely avoid when buying a new pair of shoes? The best time of day to buy shoes is in the midafternoon-evening, because feet swell throughout the day. Opt for nothing pinching, no straps that dig in. Avoid shoes that are too narrow, too short or too flimsy. Stay away from shoes that have no arch support, no cushioning or straps that cut into the toes. Try not to buy shoes that need to be broken in too much. Shoes should be comfortable from the start.
As someone who has experienced your foot facial treatment, I can attest to its incredible results. What are other treatments you offer? Coming in for a foot facial and seeing a podiatrist gives you an opportunity to get in tune with a part of your body that you typically don’t think about. There are many add-ons to a foot facial, the most common of which is the Pillows for Your Feet procedure, a trademarked procedure I developed. It’s an injection of collagen-building material into the ball and heel of the foot, thereby replacing the fat pads that are naturally worn down with time.
You have an entire custom line of podiatric products. What is the one must-have product from your collection? My Balm Riche cream walks off the shelves! It’s a variety of homeopathic and medicinal ingredients, including extracts of arnica, shea butter, vitamin B3 and urea. We use it in every foot facial, and it’s certainly our bestseller.
Photography by: PHOTO COURTESY OF MILLENNIUM PODIATRY
