Master Injector

We sat down with Nicole Russo, BSN, RN, Master Injector at Cosmetic Skin & Laser Center in Fenton, to talk about her journey from hospital nursing and hospice care into aesthetic medicine, why she’s spent more than a decade helping patients achieve natural-looking results, and how building trust has become the foundation of every treatment plan. With over 13 years of injecting experience, Nicole shares why subtle, personalized care continues to deliver the most meaningful transformations.

Can you tell us a little about yourself? What do you enjoy outside of work?
I live right here in Fenton with my husband, our two teenage kids, and our dog, Ruby. Most of my time outside of work revolves around family.

We live on a nearby lake, so during the summer we’re usually boating and enjoying everything a Michigan summer has to offer.

When I have extra time, I enjoy working out and simply spending time together as a family.

What inspired you to pursue a career in aesthetics?
Aesthetic medicine had always interested me, even while I was working in nursing.

I started my career in the hospital before spending nearly 10 years in hospice, but I eventually realized I wanted to find something that combined my nursing background with helping people feel happier and more confident.

My mother-in-law, who had transitioned into aesthetics years earlier, encouraged me to pursue it. The timing was perfect, the doors opened, and I’ve never looked back.

Tell us a little about your background before joining Cosmetic Skin & Laser Center.
Before becoming an aesthetic injector, I worked as a registered nurse in the hospital and later in hospice care.

Those experiences taught me compassion, communication, and how to truly care for patients, all of which continue to shape the way I practice aesthetic medicine today.

Have you personally tried the treatments you offer? Which have been your favorites?
I’ve tried nearly every treatment we offer. Dysport and Botox are staples for me, and I’m also a huge believer in Sculptra.

One treatment that truly surprised me was RegenGlo. I loved the combination of microneedling and Morpheus8, and I was amazed by how much firmer and healthier my skin looked afterward. It’s become one of my favorite treatments.

What’s your philosophy when it comes to aesthetic treatments?
Natural results are everything. Most patients come in worried about looking overdone, and I love showing them that’s not what aesthetic medicine should look like. When treatments are performed thoughtfully and conservatively, you still look like yourself, just more refreshed.

How do you create results that look natural and balanced? 
Everything starts by listening. I always focus on the concern that’s bothering the patient most because what they notice isn’t always what I notice. Once we address their biggest concern and they see natural results, trust develops, and together we can build a thoughtful long-term treatment plan.

What treatments do you enjoy performing the most?
Dermal filler is still one of my favorite treatments because the results are immediate and incredibly rewarding. Even small amounts of filler, when placed strategically and conservatively, can soften areas like the marionette lines and create beautiful, natural improvements that patients notice right away.

What concerns do patients most commonly come to you with?
Most patients simply tell me they look tired. They’re noticing volume loss, skin laxity, or changes that don’t reflect how youthful they still feel inside.

What’s your favorite combination treatment?
RegenGlo has become one of my favorite combination treatments because it addresses multiple aspects of skin aging at once. I was genuinely impressed by how much healthier, firmer, and smoother my own skin looked after experiencing it myself.

Can you share a memorable patient success story?
One patient came in feeling very self-conscious about her gummy smile. She didn’t even realize there was a treatment for it.

After a simple Botox treatment, she returned two weeks later, saw her before-and-after photos, and became emotional because she’d spent years hiding her smile.

Watching something so small make such a meaningful difference in someone’s confidence is incredibly rewarding.

Many patients worry about looking overdone. What do you tell them?
I reassure them that the exaggerated results they sometimes see online or in celebrity culture aren’t what we do.

Our goal is always subtle, balanced enhancement. We work conservatively and prioritize results that simply help patients look refreshed.

What do patients often misunderstand about aesthetic treatments?
Many people assume injectables automatically create an unnatural appearance, when in reality the opposite is true when they’re performed correctly.

Others expect surgical-level changes from non-surgical treatments. Education and realistic expectations are an important part of every consultation.

What’s one piece of advice you give every new patient?
Set realistic expectations.

The best results are often subtle, and honesty is incredibly important. I’d rather underpromise and have someone thrilled with their outcome than create unrealistic expectations.

How have you seen aesthetics evolve over the past several years? 
The biggest shift has been toward regenerative medicine. Treatments like Sculptra, PRF, and collagen stimulation have become increasingly popular as patients look for ways to work with their body’s natural healing processes.

I’ve also seen many younger patients become interested in prevention rather than waiting until concerns become more advanced.

What’s your favorite part about being part of the Fenton team?
I’ve been with this team for about eight years, and what I appreciate most is how genuinely everyone enjoys working together. We support one another, collaborate well, and that positive environment carries over into the patient experience.

Dream destination for rest and recharge?
Costa Rica is at the top of my list. I’ve heard incredible things about the beaches, warm climate, and relaxed lifestyle, and I know it’s somewhere I’d love to experience.