As I approach the milestone of six years in this writing practice, I reflect on its evolution from my beginnings in functional medicine to the exploration of aesthetics. Rooted in consistent research, this practice has become a valuable journey of processing and sharing my insights through this blog.

Skinvive injections in Portland! Dr. Heather Friedman is proud to introduce Juvederm’s latest hyaluronic acid filler into practice. Skinvive is unique in that it has shown to improve the quality and appearance of your skin. Learn how Skinvive works and why Dr. Heather Friedman is excited to integrate this new product into practice.

Dr. Heather Friedman is proud to introduce ultrasound imaging technology into her NE Portland practice. She invested in this technology as a means to enhance patient safety. The ultrasound tool also allows Dr. Heather to visualize filler existence and placement. She is excited to integrate this new technology into her aesthetically focused practice.

Botox, fillers, peels, and microneedling can be super helpful in getting ready for your big event. It’s prudent to time these aesthetic treatments accordingly because effects such as swelling and bruising are highly likely. Intentional timing around these treatments allows for proper healing and integration. This week Dr. Heather Friedman writes on how to best plan for your next big event.

Check out the injectable services offered at our Portland clinic. Whether you’re interested in filler, Sculptra, or Botox, it’s recommended to begin your Dr. Heather journey in Portland with a complimentary initial consultation to discuss your goals and come up with a plan.

This past weekend I spent all day Saturday in cadaver training with a renowned injector/educator Dr. Arthur Swift and professor of anatomy Sebastian Cotofano. In groups of four, we had an opportunity to ‘inject and dissect,’ appreciating the intricate anatomy of the face with a visual of where filler and other injectables go when we inject. This opportunity to learn from the best and in this type of setting has no doubt improved my skills!

New service alert!  I am proud to introduce the Mini Lip Fill treatment, the perfect service for first-timers, or someone who just wants a little.  The Mini Lip Fill is customized to each client’s goals and we can upgrade to the full syringe if you decide you want more within one month of your original treatment.  While the lips are sensitive, worry not, because I make sure you are comfortably numb before injections begin.  

Over the past three years, I have performed hundreds of dermal filling services and as of this writing, I average about 10 fill treatments a week.  The most popular areas to treat with filler include: lips, cheeks, chin, nasolabial folds, jawline, and under eye area. 

Our lifestyle choices impact the quality of our skin. Past writings have taught us that inflammation, microbiome imbalance,  and oxidative damage can set the stage for unwanted outcomes like acne, dermatitis, skin cancers, and accelerated aging. This week we learn how blood sugar issues also impact the health of our skin. The information is inspired by Dr. Trevor Cates, author of Clean Skin From Within: The Spa Doctor’s 2-Week Program to Glowing, Naturally Youthful Skin. 

The garden is going off; I have a jungle of sunflowers, a dehydrator full of asian pears, and every day we’re eating tomatoes, cucumbers, and/or beans. I come from gardeners (we pretty much all do). I remember snacking on cherry tomatoes in my grandma’s garden, eggplant from Auntie Linnea’s, and that time Auntie Val planted a strawberry garden in our backyard. My mama’s got a vegetable-producing touch that I only aspire to and my Auntie Val homesteads her way into winter. Watching a garden grow and flower and fruit makes me happy. I believe that having a garden, even if it’s only a pot of herbs, sets the stage for healthy, clear, and youthful skin. This week I show how having a garden supports optimal skin. 

The lower third of the face is very important for facial aesthetics.  A well contoured jawline is desirable for both men and women and it is a key element when masculinizing or feminizing a face.  Injectable fillers like Juvederm Voluma are gaining popularity with the recent FDA approval for use in the chin (1). Hyaluronic acid fillers in the lower face can: reshape the jawline, lift sagging tissue, and improve facial proportions. When used to rejuvenate the aging face, we aim to redefine the jawline line and angle of the jaw. In younger faces, filler can be used to correct an inherited deficit or enhance facial contour; all aimed to enhance one’s self perception.  

My mother is wonderful, and I am grateful. It’s taken years of growth to recognize this, and I undoubtedly challenged her along the way. As I mature, so does my appreciation. This week I share secrets of self care that I gleaned from my mama. My mother is a natural beauty, and has invested in her health and skin for as long as I can remember; and it shows. People have even stopped us on the street to ask her secrets!  I can’t share all her secrets, but this week I share with you a fundamental few.