Regenerative & Weight Loss Lead, Aesthetician

We sat down with Ambyr Thompson, LPN, MA, Regenerative & Weight Loss Lead and Aesthetician at Cosmetic Skin & Laser Center and RegenCen in Petoskey, to talk about the treatments she personally swears by, why collagen is becoming one of the most important conversations in aesthetics, and the surprisingly simple moment that tells her a patient is truly confident. Known for her practical approach, passion for regenerative medicine, and years working alongside Dr. Gustav Lo, Ambyr believes great aesthetic outcomes aren’t about chasing perfection. They’re about helping people look and feel like the best version of themselves.

Tell us a little about yourself. Where do you live, and what do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I live in Indian River and spend most of my free time with my family. My boyfriend and I have 7 children and 3 grandchildren, so they keep us busy and are truly my favorite hobby.

When I’m not with family, you’ll usually find me on the boat. I love being on the water and taking advantage of Northern Michigan summers whenever I can.

Have you personally tried any of the treatments you offer? If so, which ones have been your favorites? 
I’ve tried just about everything.

If I had to pick a favorite, it would be FX laser surfacing, especially when it’s paired with PRF. I’ve experienced FX both with and without PRF, and the difference was remarkable. My skin wasn’t as red, didn’t stay hot as long, and the recovery was noticeably easier with PRF.

One thing I’ll always tell patients is this: if you’re treating your face, don’t forget your neck. The neck deserves the same attention as the face, and the results are worth it.

What types of treatments do you specialize in or love performing the most?
Microneedling will always be one of my favorites.

It’s one of the most versatile treatments we offer because it’s appropriate for almost everyone. Whether someone is just starting their aesthetic journey or has been investing in their skin for years, microneedling continues to deliver results.

You can always spot the patients who consistently prioritize treatments like Hydrafacial and microneedling. Their skin simply looks healthier, brighter, and more resilient.

What are some of the most common concerns patients come to you with?
Sagging skin is probably the biggest one.

Patients often come in pulling on their face, convinced they need a facelift. What I love is showing them that there are often other options to explore first.

Many people are pleasantly surprised when they learn how much can be accomplished through collagen stimulation, facial balancing, skin tightening, and regenerative treatments before surgery ever becomes part of the conversation.

What’s your favorite combination treatment or treatment plan to create noticeable yet natural transformations?
Sculptra and Botox.

If you told me I could only recommend two treatments for the rest of my career, those would probably be my choices.

Sculptra helps restore collagen and support long-term structural improvement, while Botox helps soften expression lines and prevent deeper wrinkles from forming. Together, they’re a powerful combination for maintenance, rejuvenation, and natural-looking results.

Celebrities and overdone cosmetic work often make clients nervous about treatments. What do you say to assure them that results can still look natural?
I remind patients that our goal is not to make them look like someone else.

The best treatment plans start by addressing the concerns that matter most to the patient while preserving everything that makes them uniquely them.

We’re not trying to create a different face. We’re trying to help patients look like themselves on their very best day.

What do you think patients often misunderstand about aesthetics?
Many patients assume treatments are one-and-done.

They expect a single treatment to solve every concern, and that’s just not how aesthetics works. Great results come from consistency, maintenance, and combining different treatments strategically over time.

It’s much more like fitness or overall wellness than it is a quick fix.

Is there a treatment or technology that has surprised you most with its results?
Tattoo removal.

It’s one of those treatments where you can often see progress right away, which makes it incredibly rewarding. The technology is impressive, and it’s amazing to watch patients regain confidence as unwanted tattoos gradually fade away.

How have you seen the field of aesthetics evolve over the last 5 years?
The biggest shift has been the move toward regenerative medicine and collagen-focused treatments.

Patients are becoming more interested in improving the quality of their skin and supporting their body’s natural regenerative processes rather than simply masking signs of aging.

That’s a direction I’m excited to see continue.

What do you think the next 5-10 years will look like in aesthetic medicine?
I think we’re going to see patients become more proactive and consistent.

Just like people schedule annual physicals or routine dental cleanings, I think aesthetic and regenerative care will increasingly become part of a person’s long-term wellness plan.

The patients who stay consistent tend to be the happiest because they’re maintaining their results rather than trying to start over every few years.

What’s your favorite part about being part of the CSLC and RegenCen team?
Without question, the people.

My coworkers truly feel like family. One of the things that surprised me most when I joined the team was how supportive and collaborative everyone was. It’s one of the least competitive, least catty groups of women I’ve ever worked with.

I also had the opportunity to work alongside Dr. Gustav Lo for many years before CSLC and RegenCen officially launched, and seeing his vision for regenerative medicine come to life has been incredibly rewarding.

What does confidence mean to you?
Confidence is feeling good in your own skin.

It’s not necessarily when you’re fully dressed up or intentionally looking in the mirror. It’s those unexpected moments when you catch your reflection in a window and think, “You know what? I look pretty good.”

We’re often our own harshest critics, so those moments of genuine self-appreciation are powerful.

What’s your dream destination for rest and recharge?
The sandbar on Burt Lake.

No laundry. No chores. No responsibilities. Just sunshine, water, snacks, and a cooler packed for the day.

People talk about traveling halfway around the world, but honestly, Northern Michigan is one of the most beautiful places on earth. I’d be perfectly happy spending every summer day right there.

What’s your coffee order?
An iced dirty chai with oat milk.

And if you could only recommend one skincare philosophy? 
Protect your collagen.

Whether it’s through microneedling, Sculptra, regenerative treatments, medical-grade skincare, or healthy lifestyle habits, collagen is one of the most important investments we can make in how we look and feel as we age.