Aesthetic Lead, Lead Aesthetic Consultant

We sat down with René Ames, BSN, RN, Aesthetic Lead and Lead Aesthetic Consultant at Cosmetic Skin & Laser Center in Petoskey, to talk about what she’s learned after years of helping patients look and feel their best, why the most successful treatment plans focus on the whole person rather than a single concern, and how aesthetics can impact far more than someone’s reflection in the mirror. With a background in obstetrics nursing and a passion for helping patients age confidently, René believes the best outcomes happen when science, artistry, and overall wellness come together.

Tell us a little about yourself. Where do you live, and what do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I live near Walloon Lake and consider myself a bit of a homebody. Outside of work, I enjoy reading, working out, spending time with my family, and relaxing at home.

My husband and I have two adult children, one grandchild, and another grandchild on the way, which is an exciting chapter of life.

Can you tell us about your background before joining Cosmetic Skin & Laser Center?
Before entering aesthetics, I worked in obstetrics nursing, caring for mothers and babies. I also worked with the health department supporting maternal and infant health programs.

Those experiences taught me the importance of education, prevention, and helping people feel supported throughout different stages of life, which are values I still carry into aesthetics today.

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

If I had to choose my favorites, I would say laser hair removal, Botox, and microneedling.

Laser hair removal is one of the most underrated treatments we offer. Patients are often surprised by how life-changing it can be, and it’s something I consistently recommend because of the long-term convenience and confidence it provides.

What’s your philosophy when it comes to aesthetic treatments?
I believe in treating the face as a whole.

Rather than focusing on a single wrinkle, feature, or concern, I prefer to look at the entire face and create a treatment plan that addresses multiple aspects of aging. That’s where the most natural and balanced results come from.

The best outcomes happen when we combine different modalities and approach each patient as an individual.

How do you approach creating results that look natural and balanced?
Natural results come from enhancement, not transformation.

I focus on preserving and highlighting a person’s natural beauty rather than changing the way they look. That often means combining injectables with regenerative treatments, skin rejuvenation, and overall skin health strategies.

When everything works together, patients look refreshed and rested rather than looking like they’ve had work done.

What types of treatments do you specialize in or love performing the most?
Botox and filler are definitely my specialties.

One of my favorite experiences is working with patients who have never had aesthetic treatments before and are open to a comprehensive approach. When someone comes in feeling tired, depleted, or older than they feel, it’s incredibly rewarding to help them rediscover a fresher version of themselves.

The best part is when they start receiving compliments from friends and family who simply tell them they look great, without being able to identify exactly why.

What are some of the most common concerns patients come to you with?
The concerns I hear most often are wrinkles, skin laxity, and feeling like they look tired.

Many patients tell me they still feel youthful and energetic, but when they look in the mirror, they don’t feel like their reflection matches how they feel inside.

What’s your favorite combination treatment or treatment plan to creat noticeable yet natural transformations?
I still love the classics: Botox and filler.

When they’re used thoughtfully and strategically, they can create beautiful, natural-looking rejuvenation while preserving a patient’s unique features.

What’s one of your favorite patient success stories?
The stories that stay with me most are the patients who experience a genuine confidence boost after treatment.

I’ve had patients become emotional when they see their results because they feel like themselves again. They’re not trying to look like someone else. They’re simply seeing a refreshed version of themselves looking back in the mirror.

What makes those moments meaningful is that the confidence often extends beyond aesthetics. Patients tell me they feel more confident at work, more engaged with family, and more comfortable showing up fully in their lives.

That’s when you realize aesthetics can impact much more than appearance alone.

Celebrities and “bad plastic surgery” often make clients nervous about treatments. What do you say to assure them that results can still look natural?
I explain that overdone results usually come from doing too much or placing product incorrectly.

Our goal is never to change someone’s face. It’s to enhance what already exists.

I also spend time educating patients about how much filler is actually in a syringe. Many people are surprised to learn that one syringe contains a very small amount of product. Once they understand that, it helps alleviate some of their fears.

Most importantly, we’re not performing surgery. We’re creating subtle improvements that should leave patients looking refreshed, softer, and more rested.

What do you think patients often misunderstand about Botox, fillers, and aesthetics?
I think many people assume that every noticeable cosmetic result they see is Botox or filler.

The reality is that countless people receive aesthetic treatments every day and nobody knows because the results look natural.

When Botox and filler are done well, they shouldn’t look obvious. They should simply help someone look like a more refreshed version of themselves.

Is there a treatment or technology that has surprised you most with its results?
Morpheus8 or FX laser resurfacing has been one of the most impressive treatments I’ve seen.

Many patients are hesitant because of the downtime, but the results can be remarkable. It has the ability to improve skin quality, texture, and firmness in a way that creates a true skin reset.

Beautiful skin never goes out of style, and treatments that improve skin quality will always have a place in aesthetics.

What’s one piece of advice you give every new patient during a consultation?
I talk to almost every patient about hormones.

Whether they’re personally experiencing symptoms or they’re simply entering a stage of life where hormone changes are approaching, I think it’s important to start the conversation early.

Hormones affect so much more than energy levels. They influence skin quality, hair health, muscle mass, bone density, mood, and overall wellness. Understanding that connection can make a tremendous difference in how people age.

How have you seen the field of aesthetics evolve over the last 5 years?
I’ve seen a significant shift toward more natural, holistic results.

Patients today are less interested in dramatic changes and more interested in looking healthy, refreshed, and vibrant. They’re also becoming much more interested in regenerative medicine and overall wellness.

There’s a growing understanding that aesthetics isn’t just about what we put into the face. It’s about supporting the body from the inside out.

What excites you most about the future of regenerative aesthetics?
I love the idea that we’re helping people age differently.

My hope is that we’ll continue seeing people in their seventies and eighties who feel strong, active, capable, and engaged in life.

If regenerative medicine can help people maintain their strength, mobility, confidence, and quality of life as they age, that’s incredibly exciting.

What does confidence mean to you?
Confidence means knowing who you are and being comfortable with who you are.

When you feel confident, you’re able to show up more fully for the people around you. You have more to give to your family, your work, your relationships, and your community.

You can’t pour from an empty cup, and confidence helps fill that cup.

What’s a beauty or skincare myth you love busting?
One myth I hear often is that retinoids are too harsh for sensitive skin.

The reality is that modern formulations offer options for almost everyone. With the right product and guidance, most people can experience the benefits of retinoids without excessive irritation.

What’s your favorite skincare product right now?
I’ve been loving the Alastin line, especially Regenerating Skin Nectar and Restorative Skin Complex. They’re products I reach for regularly because they support skin health, recovery, and long-term rejuvenation.

What’s your go-to treatment and coffee order?
If I could only choose one treatment, it would be Botox.

And if I could only choose one coffee order, it would be a brown sugar latte with oat milk.