There aren’t many operating room nurses who do double duty working in aesthetics on Botox and filler treatments, but it’s all in a week’s work for Alicia Fletcher.
The 34-year-old Vancouverite has worked at Ridge Meadows Hospital in Maple Ridge for the past 10 years. While assisting with cataract surgeries, she met ophthalmologist Dr. Chris Pollock, who co-founded New West Laser MDs with Dr. Priya Rajagopalan in 2018.
Fletcher was eager to get on board. She trained in Botox work under Dr. Pollock, later took courses and now works part-time at the laser clinic doing injectables, management and marketing for the business – in between her work at the hospital as an LPN.
“Working in the operating room is very technical,” she reflects. “We deal with a lot of technology, machines and instruments. By contrast, working in aesthetics is hands-on and creative. It allows me to have relationships with my clients and help them achieve their goals on a personal level.”
New West Laser MDs specializes in laser hair removal, skin surfacing, injectables like Botox and filler, brand new Potenza microneedling and customized facials. The skin therapy addresses issues like acne, scars, stretch marks and sun damage, and the technology used is by Cynosure, a medical aesthetics company.
The Cynosure Potenza microneedling treatment uses ultra-fine needles and radiofrequency (RF) energy to penetrate the top layer of the skin and trigger the body’s natural healing process to regenerate new collagen and elastin. Unlike some other skin revitalization treatments, these treatments can be performed on all skin types, anywhere on the body and any time of the year.
“Our big difference is that we’re a physician-led aesthetics business,” Alicia explains. “Because we work side by side with two amazing physicians, we’re able to bring in more medical-grade products, and when people come in for consultations, the physicians provide input on their care plans. Our doctors are able to remove moles and skin tags and we can deliver more medical-based aesthetics than a regular spa is able to offer.”
The clinic’s most popular treatment is laser hair removal, an alternative to waxing, threading and shaving that delivers long-lasting results.
“It’s very effective and appealing to a lot of people, men and women,” she says. “Our customers begin seeing results after three sessions but we suggest six sessions for the most enduring results. After that we suggest they come in once a year for maintenance, but sometimes even that’s not necessary.”
As with many treatments, there are lots of myths circulating. The laser hair removal myths – all untrue – are that only one session of treatment is required, that your hair will grow back darker and thicker and that the treatments are uncomfortable.
“Settings can be adjusted if clients are finding the treatment too intense,” Alicia says. “They can also use topical numbing cream to make the experience more comfortable.”
The Cynosure Icon system offers industry-leading IPL and laser therapies, as well as Skintel™, the industry’s first live melanin reader.
Botox is also a myth-ensconced process with many believing it is painful, and results in plastic, overdone appearances and facial muscles that don’t move easily.
“It can take one to two weeks before you start seeing full results of a Botox treatment, but there’s very minimal pain, and with an experienced injector you can achieve very natural-looking results,” she says.
“It’s all about self-image and being comfortable in your own skin. We have clients with skin conditions that have been bothering them for years, or people who are very self-conscious about certain lines or wrinkles. Getting these treatments done make these clients feel more confident about themselves.”
One client she recalls was very apprehensive about Botox, but committed to the treatment because she was so self-consciousness about her facial lines.
“The final result was beyond her expectations, and she was incredibly grateful and much happier and more confident in her skin,” Alicia recalls. “This is a prime example of why I love doing what I do: it truly makes a difference and positively impacts someone’s life!”
A small business with just six staff, New West Laser MDs prides itself on strong community involvement, personalized service and great results.
“Our team is passionate about what they do and has been working in the laser industry for a long time. We love being able to help our clients with skin conditions that have bothered them for a long time. Being able to improve these things and bring confidence back to our clients is a fantastic feeling.”
This feature first appeared in the February 2023 edition of Boulevard Vancouver.