Regional Clinical Lead, Aesthetic PCP

We sat down with Kolleen Bartosek, PA-C, Regional Clinical Lead and Aesthetic PCP at CSLC Traverse City, to talk about facial balancing, regenerative aesthetics, and why the most beautiful results are often the ones no one can quite put their finger on. Known for her thoughtful, science-driven approach to aesthetics, Kolleen specializes in creating natural-looking outcomes through personalized treatment plans that support long-term skin health, confidence, and graceful aging.

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself? 
I’m 33 years old and was raised in Traverse City, where I currently live with my husband, daughter, and our dog, Bogey. Outside of work, I love spending time with my family, golfing, doing Pilates, and unwinding with a good book.

What inspired you to pursue a career in aesthetics?
I’ve always loved the beauty and wellness space and personally experienced how small, subtle enhancements can improve confidence. Before joining CSLC, I worked in orthopedic surgery, but I found myself wanting a career that blended medicine with creativity. Interestingly, I almost pursued interior design before choosing the medical route. Aesthetics ultimately gave me the perfect balance of artistry, science, and patient care.

What treatments have you personally tried, and which are your favorites? 
I’ve tried quite a few treatments over the years. Right now, my favorites are microneedling with PRF, biostimulators like Sculptra, and, of course, neuromodulators every few months. Those are definitely my top three.

What is your philosophy when it comes to aesthetic treatments?
Aesthetic treatments should be collaborative, intentional, and highly personalized. I don’t believe in chasing trends. The most impactful results usually come from subtle enhancements using multiple treatment modalities. The goal is to look refreshed and rested, not like a different person.

How do you create results that look natural and balanced?
It starts with a thoughtful assessment and treatment plan. Every face is different, so every treatment plan should be different. Often, the best outcomes come from combining skin rejuvenation with strategically placed injectables while keeping the patient’s goals front and center.

What treatments do you enjoy performing most?
I primarily focus on injectables, and right now I’m especially passionate about biostimulators like Radiesse and Sculptra. I also love performing full facial balancing and liquid lift treatments because they can create such beautiful, natural-looking rejuvenation.

What concerns do patients often come to you with?
A lot of patients tell me they feel like their face is falling or that they look tired. Common concerns include under-eye hollows, volume loss, heaviness around the jawline, and facial changes after weight loss. Many patients are looking for a refreshed appearance without looking overdone.

What’s your favorite treatment combination for natural-looking rejuvenation?
I love combining biostimulators with traditional dermal fillers. I think of biostimulators as the long-term investment because they help support collagen production and tissue integrity over time, while filler offers more immediate gratification. Together, they create balanced, natural-looking results.

Do you have a favorite patient success story?
One patient came to me feeling vulnerable about several insecurities. Together, we created a comprehensive treatment plan that included SmartLipo, hormone replacement therapy, medical weight loss, and aesthetic treatments. When she returned for follow-up, she became emotional describing how much more confident she felt. She told me she was standing taller and carrying herself differently. Seeing that kind of transformation, both physically and emotionally, is incredibly rewarding.

Many patients worry about look fake or overdone. What do you tell them?
I hear that concern all the time, and it’s completely understandable. I always explain that natural results are our goal. We can start conservatively, build gradually, and create a plan that aligns with their comfort level. I often use myself as an example because many people are surprised to learn how many treatments I’ve had. When done correctly, aesthetic treatments should enhance your features, not change them.

What is one of the biggest misconceptions about aesthetics?
Many people assume that treatments like filler dramatically change how you look. In reality, facial balancing and strategic rejuvenation are designed to restore harmony and support, not create an artificial appearance. Education is a huge part of helping patients understand what’s actually possible.

What’s one piece of advice you give every new patient?
The best results usually come from combining treatments and addressing the root cause, not just the symptom. During consultations, I spend a lot of time educating patients so they understand why we’re recommending certain treatments and how everything works together.

How is CSLC differenet than other med spas?
What makes CSLC unique is that we focus on aesthetics, regenerative medicine, longevity, and overall wellness together. We don’t chase trends. We take a science-based approach and focus on long-term outcomes, helping patients feel and look their best from the inside out.

How have you seen aesthetics evolve over the last 5 years? 
There’s been a major shift toward longevity medicine, regenerative treatments, and proactive aging. The industry has moved away from overfilled, unnatural results and toward subtle, evidence-based approaches that support long-term health and aging gracefully.

What excites you most about the future of aesthetics?
I think we’ll continue seeing a stronger focus on whole-body wellness, longevity, peptides, regenerative medicine, and personalized treatment plans. The future isn’t about chasing one concern… it’s about supporting overall health and aging well.

What does confidence mean to you?
To me, confidence means being comfortable with who you are and showing up authentically. It means being honest, humble, and open to growth while feeling secure in yourself. Confidence isn’t about perfection, it’s about self-acceptance.

What skincare products are you loving right now?
I’m currently loving a good Vitamin C serum and P-TIOX by SkinCeuticals. P-TIOX has become one of my favorite products because it’s peptide-based and does an amazing job supporting and maintaining neuromodulator results.

What’s your favorite coffee order?
A lavender latte.

What’s your dream destination for rest and recharge?
Fiji. I’d love to spend time somewhere tropical with crystal-clear water, snorkeling, diving, and completely unplugging for a while.