Medical Aesthetician, MA, Phlebotomist

As a Medical Aesthetician, Medical Assistant, and Phlebotomist, Sarah Banks is passionate about helping patients achieve healthy, confident skin through a thoughtful blend of aesthetic and regenerative treatments. Her journey into aesthetics began after a personal experience with a laser treatment gone wrong, inspiring her to become the kind of provider who prioritizes patient safety, education, and trust above all else. We sat down with Sarah to discuss the experience that shaped her career, why natural-looking results will always be her goal, her favorite collagen-building treatments, and how regenerative medicine is transforming the future of skin health and aging.

Tell us a little about yourself. Where do you live and what do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Originally from Petoskey, Michigan, I recently relocated to the Clarkston area and now split my time between our Bloomfield Hills and East Lansing locations. Outside of work, I enjoy traveling, experiencing great food, and sharing a good glass of wine with friends and family. I love being out on the water, especially during a beautiful Michigan sunset, but most of all, I value spending quality time with my partner and the people closest to me.

What inspired you to pursue a career in aesthetics?
My path into aesthetics started with a very personal experience. Years ago, I had a laser hair removal treatment that resulted in third-degree burns. When I sought care from Dr. Lo and Courtney, I learned I wasn’t alone in having a negative experience. That moment stayed with me. It inspired me to become a provider who helps patients feel safe, heard, educated, and cared for throughout their aesthetic journey.

I went on to attend aesthetics school and began my career in aesthetic dermatology at Associates of Northern Michigan. Eventually, Courtney reached out about joining her team, and here I am more than a decade later.

Have you personally tried any of the treatments you offer?
I’ve personally experienced nearly every treatment I offer, which I believe is incredibly important. It allows me to guide patients from firsthand experience and have honest conversations about what to expect. The only treatments I haven’t personally tried yet are the VI Peel and VTone.

What is your philosophy when it comes to aesthetic treatments?
My philosophy is rooted in honesty and integrity. I never want a patient to leave feeling uncertain or overwhelmed. I focus on education, trust, and creating results that feel right for each individual. Every treatment plan should be personalized, thoughtful, and designed around the patient’s goals.

How do you create results that look natural and balanced?
Natural results come from taking a conservative and personalized approach. My goal is always to enhance, not overcorrect. Patients should leave looking refreshed, rested, and confident, not like a different person.

What treatments do you specialize in or enjoy performing the most?
I love treatments that stimulate collagen and improve long-term skin quality, including microneedling, IPL, and Ultherapy. These treatments work beautifully as part of our Foundation Trio approach, especially when combined with regenerative treatments such as PRF and other collagen-stimulating therapies.

What are some of the most common concerns patients come to you with?
The most common concern I hear is the fear of looking unnatural or overdone. Many patients want to address signs of aging but worry about losing what makes them look like themselves. Helping patients achieve natural, healthy-looking results is one of my favorite parts of what I do.

What is your favorite combination treatment plan?
I love combining skin rejuvenation treatments like microneedling, IPL, and Ultherapy with regenerative therapies such as PRF. This approach helps stimulate collagen, improve skin quality, and create gradual, natural-looking improvements that continue to build over time.

Do you have a favorite patient success story?
To me, every patient who feels confident and happy with their results is a success story. Aesthetic medicine isn’t about dramatic transformations. It’s about helping someone feel like the best version of themselves, and seeing that confidence grow is always rewarding.

What do you tell patients who worry about looking overdone?
I hear that concern all the time, especially with what people see on social media. I always reassure patients that our goal is exactly the opposite. We focus on natural, graceful aging. You shouldn’t walk out looking different. You should simply look refreshed, rested, and like yourself.

What do patients often misunderstand most about Botox, fillers, and aesthetics?
One of the biggest misconceptions is that Botox or fillers automatically make people look fake. In reality, when treatments are performed conservatively and appropriately, they should be virtually undetectable. Most people won’t know what you’ve done. They’ll simply think you look well-rested and healthy.

What is the best advice you give new patients?
Start slow and trust the process. Building results gradually almost always creates a more natural appearance and often leads to longer-lasting satisfaction than trying to do too much all at once.

What makes CSLC different than other med spas?
What sets CSLC apart is our team-based approach. We are constantly learning, growing, and investing in advanced education through ongoing trainings, roundtables, and collaboration with industry leaders.

We also utilize a PCC model, which gives patients multiple points of contact and perspectives throughout their journey. That collaborative approach allows us to provide highly personalized care while ensuring patients always feel supported. At the end of the day, we truly function as a team, and I believe that translates directly into the level of care our patients receive.

How have you seen the field of aesthetics evolve over the last 5 years?
Aesthetics has evolved significantly toward helping people look and feel younger in a healthy, natural way. Rather than focusing solely on correcting visible signs of aging, we’re increasingly focused on supporting skin health from within through regenerative medicine and collagen stimulation.

What excites you most about the future of regenerative aesthetics?
I’m excited by the fact that regenerative medicine focuses on long-term skin health and aging well. We’re no longer just treating the surface. We’re supporting the body’s natural ability to repair, regenerate, and maintain healthier skin over time. It’s a positive shift that benefits patients in meaningful ways.

What skincare myth do you love busting?
One of the biggest myths I hear is that dermaplaning makes facial hair grow back darker or thicker. It doesn’t. Once patients understand the science behind it, they’re usually much more comfortable trying the treatment.

What skincare product can you not live without?
Alastin Nectar. It’s one of my favorite products for preparing the skin before treatments and supporting the healing process afterward. It helps create the ideal environment for healthy, beautiful skin and consistently delivers impressive results.