Aesthetic & Regenerative PCP

For Connor Bowen, PA-C, the best aesthetic results start with healthy skin, thoughtful prevention, and treatments that preserve what makes you look like you. With six years of experience in internal medicine before transitioning into aesthetic and regenerative medicine, Connor brings a strong medical foundation to his natural, less-is-more approach. We sat down with Connor to talk about his philosophy on aging well, the treatments he loves personally and professionally, and why confidence means being unapologetically yourself.

Tell us a little about yourself. Where do you live, and what do you enjoy outside of work?
I live in Eastown in Grand Rapids, close to East Grand Rapids. Outside of work, I love going to the movies. I actually have a movie subscription pass, so we go all the time. I also enjoy working out, playing volleyball, game nights, and interior design. I recently moved into a new home, so designing and making the space my own has been a big project and a lot of fun.

What inspired you to pursue a career in aesthetics?
I had always been interested in the aesthetic world and thought it was something I could see myself doing. It can be a difficult field to break into, so when the right opportunity finally came along, I was excited to make the transition.

What I enjoy about aesthetics is being able to use my medical background in a completely different way while helping people feel good about themselves.

What was your medical background before transitioning into aesthetic and regenerative medicine? 
I worked in internal medicine for about six years, treating adult patients across a wide range of medical concerns. That experience gave me a strong medical foundation and taught me to look at patients comprehensively rather than focusing on just one concern.

Have you personally tried any of the treatments you offer?
I’ve tried quite a few. Neuromodulators are probably still number one for me because they’re one of the simplest and most effective ways to address and help prevent expression lines.

I’ve also done a lot of microneedling, which I really like, as well as BBL. Those would probably be my top three.

What is your philosophy when it comes to aesthetic treatments?
Less is more, and I like to work from the foundation up. I think doing small, thoughtful things along the way can help support the aging process so you don’t necessarily feel like you need to make dramatic changes later.

It’s about being proactive and taking care of your skin over time rather than waiting until something really bothers you and then trying to fix everything at once.

How do you approach creating results that look natural and balanced? 
It starts with having a good relationship with the patient and really understanding their goals. From there, I can help align what they’re hoping to achieve with what I think will give them the best result.

At CSLC, the goal is natural-looking treatment. We’re not trying to change someone into a different person. We’re working with the features they already have and finding ways to support them as they age.

What treatments do you especially enjoy performing?
I really enjoy neuromodulators. They’re fun to perform, highly customizable, and can make such a nice difference while still looking natural.

I also really enjoy Morpheus8 and SkinPen microneedling. Treatments that improve the quality and integrity of the skin are a big part of my approach.

What are some of the most common concerns patients bring to you?
Skin quality and volume loss are probably two of the biggest. With skin, that can mean uneven tone, texture, fine lines, wrinkles, or just feeling like the skin doesn’t look as healthy as it used to.

Then there’s the natural volume loss that happens with aging. Often, those concerns overlap, which is why looking at the face and skin as a whole is so important.

What is one of your favorite combination treatments?
BBL and HALO are a great combination. You can address several different aspects of the skin and create a noticeable improvement in overall tone, texture, and quality.

Do you have a patient transformation that has been especially memorable?
One that comes to mind was a patient who came in before her wedding and had never had aesthetic treatments before. We did a full facial assessment and created a plan that included subtle midface treatment, a little lip filler, and treatment around the chin.

The difference wasn’t that she suddenly looked like someone else. She just had this glow. Her features looked refreshed and balanced, and she still completely looked like herself. Those are the transformations I love.

Patients sometimes worry that aesthetic treatments will make them look overdone. What do you tell them?
I remind them that we’re not here to augment or completely change their appearance. We’re building on the natural foundation they already have.

I’m also a big believer in baby steps. You don’t have to do everything at once. We can start conservatively, see how you feel, and build from there if it makes sense.

Is there a treatment that has surprised you most with its results?
BBL. It’s pretty incredible to see how much the skin can transform, particularly when it comes to creating a more even-looking complexion.

What is one piece of advice you give new patients during a consultation?
Investing in your skin now can benefit you in the future. Small things done consistently can make a meaningful difference over time.

You don’t necessarily need to do everything. It’s about identifying what makes sense for you now and thinking about the long-term health and quality of your skin.

How have you seen aesthetics medicine evolve over the last 5 years?
There has been a much bigger focus on skin integrity and skin health. Instead of relying primarily on injectables or trying to fill every concern, we’re paying more attention to keeping the skin itself as healthy as possible.

That shift naturally supports the kind of results I think most people want today: refreshed, healthy, and still completely themselves.

Where do you think aesthetic medicine is headed over the next 5-10 years?
I think we’ll continue to see more regenerative treatments and options that work by supporting the body’s own processes. PRF, biostimulatory treatments, and other regenerative approaches will likely continue to grow.

I think we’ll also see more options focused on collagen stimulation and long-term skin quality rather than simply correcting individual concerns.

What is your favorite part about being part of the CSLC team?
The collaboration. Our advanced practice providers are very close, and we’re constantly communicating and collaborating throughout the day. We’re always asking each other questions, sharing ideas, laughing, and learning from one another.

I also have a personal connection because my sister, Mackenzie Swanson, is part of the team, and I had known the Ringlers before joining. It made becoming part of CSLC feel like a natural fit.

What does confidence mean to you?
Being unapologetically yourself.

What skincare product can you not live without?
Skinbetter Science Mystro. That’s definitely one of my go-to products.

What is your go-to aesthetic treatment?
Microneedling. I do it all the time. It’s one of my favorites for maintaining healthy-looking skin.

Coffee or tea?
I’ve actually never had coffee! I’m a tea person, and definitely warm tea. I prefer pretty much all of my food and drinks warm.

What is your dream destination for rest and recharge?
South Korea or Japan. I’d love to experience the culture and explore both.