Reflecting on 20+ Years in Aesthetic Medicine and the Next Chapter for Rana

I feel incredibly fortunate to have spent more than 20 years working in aesthetic medicine. Before aesthetics, I worked in several areas of healthcare, and for a long time I thought midwifery would be my forever home. But when the difficult days came with that beautiful work, I began looking for a profession where I could still have an impact, remain female-focused, and, quite honestly, not have someone die on me.

Choosing medical aesthetics was one of the best decisions I've ever made, right alongside choosing my partner, Ian, and starting a family.

I began practicing in aesthetics before Botox Cosmetic was even FDA approved. I have watched aesthetic medicine grow from something very new into the extensive field that it is today. Like many of us who started early, we were learning and evolving as the profession itself was finding its footing.

What has always been the most meaningful part of this work for me is the relationships with patients.

Those tiny needle sticks, little acts of confidence allow us to help people feel more like themselves again, navigate the tough days and just be a total badass.

Over time, many of you have become much more than patients. You feel like family.

One of my favorite parts of every day is always catching up with you, hearing about your lives, your milestones, your families, and sometimes your grief. Watching someone leave looking a little brighter, while no one quite knows what they've had done ... I love that.

That human connection is truly the heart of aesthetic medicine and is my job satisfaction.

The Growth of The Confidence Lab and The Confidence Bar

In 2013, I founded The Confidence Lab, an aesthetic training center dedicated to educating practitioners in safe, kind, and ethical aesthetic medicine.

Then, in 2020, we opened The Confidence Bar, a boutique medical spa where our philosophy, mission, and values truly came to life.

What began as a solo practice has grown into something I am incredibly proud of. Today we have a remarkable team (pinch me!) and a community of patients who trust us, refer their friends, and support our small business.

At the same time, we continue guiding aesthetic practitioners who train with us to do better and be better in their own practices and their own careers.

Both of these parts of my work, caring for patients and educating practitioners have shaped who I am in aesthetics and truly fill my cup.

A Shift in My Focus

As my career continues to evolve, I've been reflecting on where I can have the greatest impact moving forward.

Education has always been one of my greatest passions. At its core, education is about doing the right thing in aesthetic medicine, practicing with integrity, sharing your mistakes so others don't make the same ones, staying up to date, thinking critically, and sometimes saying no to treatment.

Many of you know this well. Sometimes your appointment with me ends up being more of a chat and we decide together that we'll simply see you next time.

As The Confidence Lab continues to grow with accredited courses, preceptorship programs, and educational collaborations across the country, I've made the decision to focus more of my time on training the next generation of aesthetic practitioners.

While I truly love patient care, I believe I can have an even greater impact by helping shape how aesthetic medicine is practiced for years to come.

I'm not going anywhere. You'll still find me around the practice. In fact, I basically live here but you will increasingly be in the hands of the incredible team we have built here.

One of the reasons I feel so confident making this transition is because of the extraordinary practitioner team at The Confidence Bar.

Our team includes Nurse Practitioners and Physician Associates with over 50 years of combined experience in aesthetic medicine, many of whom are also educators within the industry themselves. I truly feel surrounded by some of the most talented and thoughtful practitioners in aesthetics.

What This Means Moving Forward

Writing this blog post is the first step in sharing with our patients where my professional focus is heading. If I write it, I have to stand by it.

I will see patients who currently have appointments scheduled and I look forward to spending that time together.

After that, my time with patients will be limited as I dedicate more time to education.

There will still be opportunities for existing patients to be treated by me, but you will be asked to give consent to film your treatment journey and share results for educational purposes.

For new patients who wish to be treated by me, we have created a portal here where you can submit your treatment goals and photos for review. If selected, you will be contacted to schedule your appointment. New patients must likewise give consent for filming for educational purposes.

To every patient who has trusted me over the years, a big, big thank you. I love you and I still look forward to seeing your beautiful smiles at The Confidence Bar. Your support, your stories, and the relationships we've built mean the world to me.

Spring is in the air! Let's be our fabulous selves.

Yours, Rana

Proud Founder

The Confidence Bar & The Confidence Lab