Aesthetic Lead

We sat down with Jette Wichmann, RN, Aesthetic Lead at Cosmetic Skin & Laser Center in Traverse City, to talk about the connection between aesthetics and overall wellness, how the industry has changed over the past decade, and why aging well has far more to do with consistency than chasing the latest trend. With more than 11 years at CSLC and a background that spans fashion, dermatology, and nursing, Jette brings a uniquely holistic perspective to aesthetic medicine.

Tell us a little about yourself. Where do you live, and what do you enjoy doing outside of work? 
Travel has always been a big part of my life. My dad is from Copenhagen, so much of my family still lives in Denmark, and I’ve spent a lot of time there over the years. It’s truly my second home.

Outside of work, I love Pilates, staying active, and finding ways to keep both my mind and body healthy. Movement and wellness have always been important to me, and that’s something that naturally carries over into how I approach aesthetics.

What inspired you to pursue a career in aesthetics?
I’ve always been fascinated by the connection between how we feel and how we present ourselves to the world.

Your skin is your largest organ. It’s one of the first things people notice, and when you feel confident in your appearance, it often impacts every other area of your life. I became interested in aesthetics because it sits at the intersection of health, longevity, wellness, and self-confidence.

Helping people feel better about themselves while also improving the health of their skin felt like a natural fit.

Tell us about your background before aesthetics.
My path wasn’t a traditional one.

I earned a Bachelor of Science in Apparel and Textile Design from Michigan State University and worked in that field before transitioning into dermatology. Working in a dermatology office sparked my interest in skincare and patient care, and ultimately inspired me to go back to school to earn my nursing degree.

Looking back, there was a common thread through all of it: helping people look and feel their best.

Have you personally tried any of the treatments you offer? Which ones have been your favorites?
After more than a decade in aesthetics, I’ve tried almost everything.

If I had to pick my top three, they would be full-face neuromodulators, CO2 laser resurfacing, and Ultherapy.

Neuromodulators remain my number one treatment because they offer such a powerful preventative and corrective benefit. CO2 laser resurfacing is incredible for overall skin renewal, and Ultherapy is one of my favorite ways to support long-term collagen production and skin tightening.

What’s your philosophy when it comes to aesthetic treatments?
I believe in enhancing what someone already has.

Every face is different. Every patient has different goals, different anatomy, and different concerns. The goal isn’t to make everyone look the same. The goal is to create a comprehensive treatment plan that helps each person feel like the best version of themselves.

The best aesthetic results are individualized, thoughtful, and natural.

How do you create results that look natural and balanced?
It starts with understanding that no two patients are the same.

One of the advantages we have at CSLC is access to a wide range of technologies and treatment options. We’re not limited to one filler, one device, or one approach.

Natural results happen when you understand anatomy, understand the patient’s goals, and choose the right combination of treatments rather than trying to force every patient into the same plan.

What treatments do you love performing most?
Neuromodulators are definitely one of my favorites.

I also love CO2 laser resurfacing, Ultherapy, and injectable treatments that help patients age gracefully and maintain healthy, youthful skin over time.

What are some of the most common cerns patients come to you with?
The most common concern I hear is:

“I woke up one day and suddenly aged ten years.”

Of course, it doesn’t actually happen overnight, but that’s often how it feels to patients.

They notice under-eye changes, volume loss, pigmentation, crepey skin, or simply feel like they look tired. Most people aren’t trying to look younger than they are. They simply want to look as vibrant as they feel.

What’s your favorite combination treatment plan for natural-looking results?
For someone who is just starting their aesthetic journey, I often recommend neuromodulators combined with microneedling.

It’s a simple, effective combination that addresses both skin quality and dynamic wrinkles while still maintaining a very natural appearance.

What’s one of your favorite patient success stories?
One of my favorite compliments comes indirectly from patients.

I’ve had patients travel overseas and tell me that complete strangers complimented their skin. I’ve had patients tell me younger coworkers or trainers were shocked when they learned their age.

Those moments are meaningful because they aren’t about looking overdone or dramatically different. They’re about looking healthy, vibrant, and well cared for.

To me, great skin is one of the most powerful indicators of healthy aging.

Many patients worry about looking overdone. What do you tell them?
Aesthetic trends come and go.

What often creates an overdone appearance is chasing someone else’s face rather than enhancing your own.

My goal is never to make someone look like a celebrity or a social media filter. My goal is to help them look like themselves, refreshed and rejuvenated.

When patients understand that distinction, they usually feel much more comfortable.

What do patients often misunderstand about aesthetics?
The timeline.

Many patients underestimate how much time it takes to create meaningful, lasting improvements.

Whether we’re treating pigmentation, wrinkles, volume loss, or skin quality, these concerns typically didn’t appear overnight, and they don’t disappear overnight either.

Aesthetics is a process, not a quick fix.

What’s one piece of advice you give every new patient?
Be patient and be consistent.

Aesthetic treatments are an investment in yourself, just like exercise, healthy eating, or any other wellness habit.

The patients who see the best long-term outcomes are the ones who commit to the process and stay consistent over time.

How have you seen the industry evolve over the past decade?
When I started, many patients wanted a single treatment and hoped it would solve everything.

Today, people understand that aesthetics is part of a bigger picture. They’re more open to comprehensive treatment plans, preventative care, regenerative treatments, and long-term maintenance.

It’s become much more normalized, and people now view aesthetics as part of overall wellness rather than something separate from it.

What do you think the future of aesthetics looks like?
I think we’ll continue moving toward full-body wellness and longevity.

People are becoming more proactive about their health, hormones, skin quality, nutrition, fitness, and aging. Rather than waiting until something becomes a problem, they’re investing in prevention earlier.

I think that trend will only continue.

What does confidence mean to you?
Confidence means walking into a room knowing you’re comfortable with who you are.

It’s not about comparing yourself to anyone else. It’s about knowing you’ve done the best you can for yourself, feeling secure in who you are, and not constantly questioning whether you’re enough.

That’s real confidence.

What’s a skincare myth you’d love to bust?
That sunscreen doesn’t matter.

If there’s one product that consistently protects your skin and helps prevent future damage, it’s sunscreen. It’s one of the simplest and most important things people can do for their skin health.

What’s your current favorite skincare product?
SkinCeuticals P-TIOX has definitely earned a spot in my routine.

What’s your coffee order?
A simple cappuccino with whole milk.

And your dream destination for rest and recharge?
Copenhagen, Denmark.

It’s where much of my family still lives, and it will always feel like home.