Natural and timeless—how do you keep patients from crossing into “overdone?”
The biggest factor is restraint—and the willingness to say no. We see patients all the time who want “just a little more,” whether it’s Botox or filler, but more isn’t always better. In fact, that’s exactly how people end up looking overdone. Our philosophy is rooted in balance and anatomy, not volume. I also think it’s important to normalize imperfection. I’m 47—I have lines, I have texture, and that’s what real skin looks like. Interestingly, I’ve even seen photos of myself where AI editing removed those natural features, and it actually made me look unnatural. That really reinforces my message: perfection isn’t the goal—authenticity is.
We’re not a high-volume med spa, and that matters. There’s a lot of pressure in that space to do more—more syringes, more treatments— but as highly trained dermatologic providers with innate clinical discernment, our responsibility is to the patient—not the sale. We focus on subtle, strategic treatments and offer a range of options beyond injectables, like skin tightening, where you don’t run the same risk of overdoing it. Natural results come from knowing when to stop.
What’s something you wish more women understood about their skin that would completely change how they approach beauty?
That healthy skin is not perfect skin. We’ve created this idea—largely through filters, airbrushing, and AI—that skin should be completely smooth, poreless, and flawless. But skin is a living, breathing organ. It has pores. It has texture. And as we age, it will have lines. Even younger patients come in wanting “zero pores,” and that’s simply not realistic—or healthy. The goal shouldn’t be to erase every sign of life from your face, but to support your skin so it functions at its best.
I always emphasize aging gracefully rather than trying to erase it entirely. That mindset shift alone changes everything—how you treat your skin, how you choose treatments, and how you see yourself. Personally, I lean toward a more natural aesthetic—I’m big on sunscreen and minimal makeup. To me, confidence comes from healthy skin, not covering it up.
There’s a lot of noise in skincare right now—how do you help patients cut through trends and focus on what truly works?
Skincare is a multi-billion-dollar industry, and every brand wants to be the next “miracle.” But truly innovative ingredients don’t come around very often. As a physician and scientist, I look for evidence—not marketing. The reality is, even the best skincare can only reverse aging to a limited degree. It can improve texture, support collagen, and reduce inflammation—but it’s not going to take 10 years off your face. A lot of confusion comes from misleading before-and-after photos, where patients may have also had lasers, injectables, or even surgery. That creates unrealistic expectations.
In our practice, we focus on education and customization. Every patient receives a tailored routine—what to use in the morning, what to use at night, and in what order—and we adjust it over time based on how their skin responds. I also care deeply about value. You don’t need to overspend to get effective skincare—what matters is the formulation and consistency, not hype. There’s no miracle cream—but there is a smart, consistent plan.
If someone gave you 6–12 months to transform their skin, what would your strategy look like?
It would always be a multi-modality approach—never just one treatment. If someone wants meaningful, long-term change, we combine therapies that address different layers of the skin. That might include resurfacing treatments, skin tightening, and collagen stimulation, paired with maintenance using Botox and very strategic filler when appropriate. I often describe it as a “liquid facelift,” but done conservatively— restoring structure and balance rather than adding volume everywhere. We refine details, like smoothing around the lips and improving skin texture, to elevate the overall result. We also incorporate advanced technologies that strengthen muscle, improve ligament support, and enhance overall skin quality. Treatments like Ellacor Micro-Coring and Tetra Pro Resurfacing, combined with carefully placed fillers, can truly rejuvenate and restore.
The goal is comprehensive, natural rejuvenation—not chasing one wrinkle at a time. And in many cases, with the right plan and consistency, you can achieve beautiful transformation without ever needing a surgical approach.
My Top 3 Sunscreens for Summer; and Ingredients to Look for.
Sunscreen is non-negotiable—especially in the summer. I always recommend SPF 30 or higher, and ideally something water- or sweatresistant for at least 80 minutes if you’re outdoors. My go-to favorites are:
- SkinBetter Science Sunbetter Tone Smart Compact
- Alastin Hydratint Pro Mineral Sunscreen
- EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
When choosing a sunscreen, look for broad-spectrum protection (UVA and UVB) and ingredients like zinc oxide for reliable coverage. For acneprone or sensitive skin, lighter, non-comedogenic formulas tend to work best. The best sunscreen is the one you’ll actually wear every single day—so texture and feel matter just as much as protection.
