How to navigate cosmetic treatments for the results you desire By Taylor Shillam | Photo By Adair Media
Need to freshen up your facial aesthetic this fall? From at-home products that keep aging at bay to advanced in-office procedures designed to restore your confidence in your skin, the Northwest is home to aesthetic experts and advanced treatments that can help you reach your cosmetic goals.
With insight from Northwest-based aesthetic experts and business owners, you can revive and protect your skin through the fall months and beyond!
Start with the following tips to enhance the youthful confidence in your skin.
Schedule Your Consultation
“We always start with a consult,” affirms Sarah Hamilton, nationally renowned medical aesthetic provider of Sarah Hamilton FACE located in Liberty Lake, Washington, and Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.
Aesthetic treatments are highly customized and specific to each patient. Start by setting up a consultation with your clinician to allow them time to assess your skin, review your cosmetic goals, and provide personalized guidance.
“It really comes down to an individualized patient consult and prioritizing what their biggest concerns are,” shares Brianna Williams, RN and owner of Refined Aesthetics in Sandpoint, Idaho. “Actively listening to what they would like to improve helps me to hone in on what treatments and products will help them reach their aesthetic goals.”
Bri uses consults to work with patients collaboratively toward their goals. “Oftentimes, it’s as simple as incorporating a couple of skin-care products in their regimen, and other times it may be a comprehensive treatment plan with a combination of skin care and in-office treatments.”
Because each treatment should be specific to the patient, “We take the time to evaluate each person individually,” says Sharon Lemoine, ARNP of Gig Harbor Medical Spa in Gig Harbor, Washington. “Our approach is to keep you looking natural and rested during the aging process.”
“Treatments and products go hand in hand. Products should enhance your procedures and the longevity of your treatment,” Sarah explains. “A good analogy would be comparing it to brushing your teeth versus going to the dentist.” Just like you maintain your oral health results provided by the dentist, you can maintain the results and enhance the longevity of your aesthetic treatments with well-chosen products.
Serina Jones, LME and Laura Brougher, RN of Gig Harbor Aesthetics, adds to this sentiment: “Having a consultation with both an aesthetic injector and esthetician (different providers) is important because it will give a comprehensive approach to full facial rejuvenation. The most optimal results happen when you combine injectables with proper skin care and skin-care procedures. For the best results with your skin, it's a combination of custom skin care at home and in-office treatments.”
Top Aesthetic Treatments
This year’s most coveted aesthetic treatments include the ever-popular age-fighters Botox and dermal fillers, along with advanced therapies that can achieve more specific results. “Year after year, Botox has been the number one aesthetic treatment not only in our office, but nationally,” Bri says. “Botox is quick and effective, and helps to soften fine lines and wrinkles for a more youthful and relaxed look. Clients love it!”
Trusted treatments designed to minimize the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines while enhancing select facial features, lip and cheek fillers are “a great way to boost your appearance and give you more confidence in your overall look,” adds Sharon.
What’s the difference between the two? Gel-like filler injections are typically used to add plumping and volume, while Botox injections are designed to temporarily block nerve signals in the muscles at the injection site. This restricts movement in the affected area to avoid the formation of expression lines.
Gig Harbor Aesthetics’ Laura Brougher, RN adds that when it comes to what’s most popular, Botox/Dysport for frown lines between the eyes and crows feet, and Sculptra for volume improvement, balance and skin tightening in the face. “Sculptra can also be used to help smooth cellulite and droopy skin on the body as well,” she says. “And lips! Everyone loves a rejuvenated (not too big) and smooth, pretty lips.”
At Sarah Hamilton FACE, the MOXI + BBL laser treatment combo has been highly popular as a “filter for your skin.” After gaining attention for being a Kim Kardashian favorite, the laser treatment combo has stayed popular for its ability to brighten skin, improve sun damage, boost texture, reduce fine lines, and banish brown spots and redness.
“Our aesthetic nurse Brittany actually has trained her Beverly Hills doctor and his team on how to use laser devices,” Sarah shares. “It really is like a laser filter for your skin.” In addition to laser therapy, microneedling is a popular light therapy for evening out skin tone.
“One of my favorite treatment combinations includes microneedling with radiofrequency (Morpheus 8) with intense pulse light therapy,” Bri says. “This combination removes pigment on the skin from age spots and sun damage, while stimulating new collagen production for skin tightening. The treatments can be performed during the same appointment, so there is one healing time, and the results are impactful!”
The Anti-Aging Trifecta
What can you do from home to provide daily protection for your skin? Northwest experts are in agreement that every at-home regimen should include sun protection. “The trifecta for anti-aging is retinoid, an antioxidant, and sunscreen,” according to Sarah. “Sunscreen in your makeup doesn’t count—get a physical mineral blocker to protect against aging rays.”
“That trio helps nearly everyone who is wanting to age gracefully and protect their skin from free-radicals and sun exposure, while also increasing cell turnover to prevent the signs of aging,” Bri confirms. “Sun protection is imperative to protect the skin from premature signs of aging, as well as skin cancer, and to protect the investment of in-office treatments like Botox, dermal fillers and laser services.”
Hydrate Your Skin
Often, hydrated skin is glowing, healthy skin. In addition to keeping up with water intake and hydrating foods, select products and treatments can enhance your skin's hydrated glow.
“Skin Media HA Rejuvenating Hydrator is an awesome way to give your skin a drink of water,” affirms Sharon. “Z.O. Growth Serum reduces fine lines and skin damage. It’s the best overall repair treatment out there.”
Some spas will offer hydration treatment directly in-office. Gig Harbor Medical Spa offers in-office hydration systems that can provide patients with a quick pick-me-up during their visit. “We love our hydration capabilities—we can treat from the inside out!”
Find Your Best Aesthetic Regimen
Cosmetic care is highly customizable to each patient and the results they want to achieve. Both expertly delivered treatments and thoughtfully chosen skin-care products can help!
Consider your aesthetic goals, time frame, and budget, then consult an expert for guidance toward the treatments and products that could best benefit you. From Western Washington to North Idaho, the Northwest is home to a long list of cosmetic professionals ready to help you achieve the glowing results you’re seeking!
“The end goal is simple,” affirms Laura. “A balanced, refreshed and rejuvenated face with restored volume and glowing skin. The patients feel so happy and confident; it always makes our day!”
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