How I started in Medical Aesthetics

I have always had great skin (even in Korean standards) and I definitely thank my parents for the good “skin genes”. My mother did emphasize wearing sunscreen from an early age, so that’s the one thing I’ve always done for as long as I can remember. Otherwise, I haven’t done anything special besides using face masks once every few weeks starting in my late twenties, as a way to relax. When I was younger, I occasionally got a pimple after eating something sweet, but I haven’t had much of a sweet tooth (rather, I love meat), so it never became something I consciously had to change. I was aware of certain Korean aesthetic skincare treatments, like lasers or “injections", but didn’t think much of it. 

Then, I entered my mid thirties, and I started noticing tiny wrinkles on my forehead when I lifted my eyebrows; barely visible to others but I could see them in the mirror. Once I noticed them, I couldn’t stop seeing them. Around this time, I also noticed a very slight dryness of my face and occasional dullness that led me to add an extra cream at night. 

In my medical training, I never actually saw Botox being used. I was aware it was being used in the medical setting for certain conditions like migraine headaches or TMJ related pain, but didn’t think of trying it for cosmetic purposes. However, when I started noticing my own fine wrinkles, I started researching and decided to take a training course to learn more about it. This was the beginning of my journey into medical aesthetics. 

I remember the first time I got Botox and was blown away by not only the disappearance of fine lines but also how smooth my forehead skin looked. It made me want to learn more about the field to satisfy my general scientific curiosity and find treatments that could work for me to keep my skin healthy. As I dived into research by taking multiple training courses, reading books and journals, I realized that this would be a satisfying field by helping others feel refreshed and happy while utilizing my medical background.

Certain medical aesthetic treatments have become a part of my self care routine, including Xeomin (my preferred Neurotoxin), Aquagold with PRF, and mesotherapy. I have seen the effectiveness of various treatments on myself and those I treat, which motivates me to help others experience the positive effects. I don’t think “aging gracefully” means you shouldn’t do anything for your face and just accept aging. Aesthetic treatments can be a part of caring for yourself, a step further from general skin care. I’m excited to be a part of others’ journey in exploring and finding the medical aesthetic treatments that make them feel happy, refreshed, and beautiful.