Bringing Your Inner Beauty To The Surface
Business Feature: Aesthetic Medicine
By Dennis McNabb, Contributing Writer | Photos by Carly Carpenter
That’s the running joke in the office. Founder of Aesthetic Medicine, Dr. Darm’s original quote was “You’re never too old.” Current CEO/COO, Shana LaMarsh, has more recently countered stating, “You’re never too young.” Like chocolate and peanut butter, it’s in the amalgamation where the magic is found. Preventative maintenance is key. It will aid tremendously in your long-term goal of looking as young and vibrant as possible into your later years. But it’s also never too late. The essence of the argument: there’s no time like the present to get started!
It’s unfortunate that for many of us, the only exposure we knowingly get to the aesthetic industry comes from seeing the botched plastic surgeries of Hollywood celebrities. Even though these are obviously extreme examples, they are largely responsible for the misguided opinions some of us have regarding the industry. In truth, there are literally millions of procedures done annually which don’t catch the headlines, and which instead leave all of us gaping at the photos in awe and wondering how these beautiful, radiant, and ageless people maintain their looks.
According to Shana, it’s these more subtle procedures which genuinely represent what the industry is about, and especially what Aesthetic Medicine is about. She and her team are not interested in making you look 20 when you’re 50. They want you to look like the healthiest, most youthful version of yourself at any age. And by exposing and enhancing your own inherent natural beauty, they do exactly that.
I was genuinely impressed by Shana and her approach to aesthetics as an art. She sees natural beauty in everyone, and her purpose in life is only to bring it to the surface. That said, she’s surprisingly pragmatic about it. She recognizes the inevitable: that people look older as they age. There are ways of slowing the process, even reversing it to some degree, but she treads carefully with clients heading down that path. Educating people and setting proper expectations is one of her most crucial priorities.
Shana has worked tirelessly to ensure that they remain at the cutting edge of the industry (pun intended); that they have all the best equipment, the most highly-trained technicians and doctors, and the ability to offer the widest array of treatment options available in the local market. It’s ironic that when the industry does its best work, it often goes unnoticed. But that’s the point! Clients should look younger and healthier, with skin more vibrant and less wrinkled, but they should still look like themselves. And therein lies the art!
Aesthetic Medicine was founded by Dr. Darm 27 years ago. They were originally located in Lake Owego, then moved to Tigard, and have now returned home! Shana has worked in the industry for over 11 years now. She began as a medical assistant working with Dr. Darm, then left for a period to further her education in other fields. It was through hard work, dedication, and perseverance that she returned to AM in her current role in 2019. She is thrilled to be back, and eternally grateful to both her wonderfully dedicated staff and their regular customers who have supported them even through the pandemic.
And that leads us to some exciting news! First, they have recently undergone a “face lift” of their own. New carpet, counters, furniture, and interior paint have significantly brightened the atmosphere and transformed the office into a more modern, chic, and inviting space. Second, there are two procedures which have garnered particular attention of late: their “Fat Grafting” and their “MiniFaceLifts.” Aesthetic Medicine actually invented the MiniFaceLift and they are the #1 provider in the country! With only 1-2 days of downtime, the results are astonishing. Check out their social media sites for more info.
In addition, they still have their usual blend of services: Hydrafacials, Body Sculpting (both Minimally Invasive: Lipolift and BodyTite, and Non-Invasive: Emsculpt and Vanquish Me), Skin Tightening (BodyTite, Exillis, and Microneedling), Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures (MiniFaceLift, FaceTite, and Accutite), Injectables (Wrinkle Reducers and Dermal Fillers), Cosmetic Skin Treatments (Laser Scar Reduction, Microneedling, Acne Treatments, Sun Damage Laser, Facial Vein Removal, Laserlift, Laser Pore Reduction, Laser Treatments for Rosacea, Microdermabrasion, and Cellulite), as well as Intimate Wellness (Urinary Incontinence).
Locally owned and operated, Aesthetic Medicine is staffed by people who sincerely care about their patients as well as the community at large. It is a female-centric business; one where Shana and her team have carefully fostered a positive, collaborative, and supportive environment for women in all stages of life. They understand and empathize with you! That said, they have a significant male clientele as well, and they work hard to ensure that everyone feels welcome and comfortable here. Treat yourself to the most relaxing, rejuvenating, and age-defying experience of your life! Call Aesthetic Medicine today and make an appointment. Shana has a treatment plan and a budget for everyone.
Aesthetic Medicine Physicians & Surgeons is located at 4800 Meadows Road, just off Kruse Way in Lake Oswego. Call 503-907-9401 or visit drdarm.com for more information. You can also follow them on Facebook or Instagram at AestheticMedicineLO or TikTok: @aestheticmedicinelo.