Aesthetic Lead

We sat down with Haleigh Reed, BSN, RN, Aesthetic Lead at Cosmetic Skin & Laser Center in Fenton and Traverse City, to talk about the art and science behind aesthetic medicine, why patient education is at the heart of everything she does, and the patient transformation that reminded her just how powerful a subtle change can be. From regenerative treatments and natural-looking results to her love of cooking, good food, and future travels to Japan, Haleigh brings curiosity, creativity, and compassion to every patient interaction.

Tell us a little about yourself. Where do you live, and what do you enjoy going outside of work?
I live in Holly, Michigan, just down the road from our Fenton office. Outside of work, I love spending time with my family and my dog, staying active, cooking, and attending sporting events and concerts. Honestly, if it involves good food, I’m probably interested.

What inspired you to pursue a career in aesthetics?
I’ve always been interested in wellness, self-care, skincare, and overall health. Aesthetic medicine felt like the perfect way to combine my medical background as a nurse with my creative side. I love that aesthetics allows me to blend science, artistry, and patient care in a way that’s incredibly rewarding.

Before joining Cosmetic Skin & Laser Center, I worked as a cardiac nurse in Traverse City and later as a traveling cardiac step-down nurse. That experience gave me a strong clinical foundation and taught me the importance of patient advocacy and education.

Have you personally tried any of the treatments you offer? If so, which ones have been your favorites?
Definitely.

Botox is always a favorite, and I love microneedling. Recently, I completed a series of VI Peels, which made a significant difference in my acne-prone skin and acne scarring.

I’m also a huge fan of PRF, especially under the eyes. Anything regenerative tends to be exciting to me because you’re working with the body’s natural ability to heal and rejuvenate itself.

What’s your philosophy when it comes to aesthetic treatments?
My philosophy is simple: nobody should look at you and immediately know you’ve had something done.

People should look at you and think you look refreshed, healthy, and confident. The best aesthetic results are the ones that aren’t obvious. You should feel good when you look in the mirror, but the treatment itself shouldn’t be the first thing people notice.

How do you approach creating results that look natural and balanced?
Every patient is different, so every treatment plan needs to be personalized.

I consider a patient’s goals, anatomy, lifestyle, and comfort level with downtime. I also think some of the most natural outcomes come from combining multiple treatment modalities rather than relying on a single treatment.

Sometimes that means addressing volume loss, but it can also mean improving skin quality through laser treatments, regenerative therapies, or collagen-stimulating procedures. Looking at the whole picture usually creates the most balanced results.

What types of treatments do you love performing the most?
Microneedling and tattoo removal are two of my favorite treatments because they’re incredibly satisfying to perform and the results can be so rewarding.

From an injectable standpoint, I love Botox and filler because they allow me to combine technical skill with artistry. Those treatments give me an opportunity to create subtle improvements that can make a meaningful difference in how patients feel about themselves.

What are some of the most common concerns patients come to you with?
A lot of patients tell me they simply feel like they look older than they feel.

Common concerns include under-eye hollowness, dark circles, volume loss, brown spots, skin laxity, and overall facial tiredness. Most people aren’t looking to look dramatically different. They just want their reflection to better match how they feel inside.

What’s one of your favorite patient success stories?
One patient that stands out was a woman in her 30s who had recently gotten dentures. She felt like her smile had changed completely and admitted she was struggling with her confidence.

We treated her lips with only a half syringe of filler, and the difference was remarkable. It didn’t just improve her lips. It supported the entire lower portion of her face and completely changed her facial balance.

When she came back for her follow-up appointment, she was emotional because she finally felt like herself again. It’s a reminder that aesthetic treatments aren’t always about vanity. Sometimes they’re about restoring confidence after a significant life change.

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 always tell patients that good filler is undetectable.

Natural-looking results should never announce themselves. We can always start conservatively and add more later if needed. My approach is very much based on “less is more.” Starting slowly allows us to build trust and create outcomes that feel balanced and authentic.

What do you think patients often misunderstand about Botox, fillers, and aesthetics?
One of the most common misconceptions is that Botox and filler are the same thing.

Many people hear the word Botox and immediately think of oversized lips, when they’re actually completely different treatments. Education is a huge part of what I do because helping patients understand their options allows them to make informed decisions.

I also think some patients expect aesthetics to be a one-time fix. In reality, it’s more like a long-term care plan. The best results happen when treatments are thoughtfully maintained over time.

What’s one piece of advice you give every patient during a consultation?
Start slow.

There should never be pressure to do everything at once. Aesthetic treatments are a journey, and I want patients to feel comfortable, informed, and confident in every decision they make. We can always build on results over time, but it’s important to start with a plan that feels right for the individual patient.

How have you seen the field of aesthetics evolve over the last 5 years?
We’ve definitely shifted toward regenerative medicine.

Patients are increasingly interested in treatments that stimulate their body’s natural healing and collagen production rather than relying solely on injectables. I think that’s a positive change because regenerative treatments often create beautiful, natural-looking results that improve skin quality over time.

That said, I still believe Botox and filler have an important place when used thoughtfully and appropriately.

What do you think the next 5-10 years will look like in aesthetic medicine?
I think we’ll continue seeing a greater focus on regenerative medicine and overall wellness.

Patients are becoming more interested in how internal health impacts external appearance, and I expect future treatments will continue to bridge that gap. The future of aesthetics isn’t just about looking better. It’s about helping people age healthier and feel better overall.

What’s your favorite part about being part of the CSLC team?
Without question, it’s the team environment.

Many aesthetic practices can feel very independent, but at CSLC we truly collaborate. I love being able to bounce ideas off colleagues, learn from one another, and support each other throughout the day.

I also deeply value our consultation-first model. Patient education is one of my greatest passions, and I love having the opportunity to sit down with patients, create comprehensive care plans, answer questions, and help them make informed decisions. As a nurse, I believe our job is to advocate for patients, and education is one of the most important ways we can do that.

What does confidence mean to you?
Confidence is more than what you see in the mirror.

It’s a feeling. It’s being comfortable in your own skin and feeling secure in who you are. When patients leave feeling more confident, not because they’ve changed who they are but because they feel more like themselves, that’s incredibly rewarding.

What’s a skincare product you can’t live without?
My Alastin Ultra Light Moisturizer and the Alastin Restorative Eye Treatment are absolute staples. I use both morning and night and genuinely love them. They’re products I consistently recommend because they help support healthy, resilient skin and fit easily into almost any skincare routine.

What’s your coffee order?
I’m pretty simple. A hot vanilla latte with whole milk is my go-to order.

What’s your dream destination for rest and recharge?
Japan is at the top of my list. I’m a huge foodie, so the food alone would make it worth the trip, but the culture, history, and overall experience are what really draw me there.