Gloss Angeles Podcast Summary

Episode: The Art of Facial Balancing With Vanessa Lee, RN
Release Date: May 2, 2025
Hosts: Kirbie Johnson and Sara Tan
Guest: Vanessa Lee, RN – Celebrity Medical Aesthetic Provider, Certified Eastern Face Reader, and Founder of Things We Do

1. Introduction

The episode welcomes Vanessa Lee, a seasoned professional in the medical aesthetics field with over 16 years of experience. Vanessa is recognized not only for her clinical expertise but also for her holistic approach to beauty, blending Eastern and Western philosophies. The hosts express their admiration for her work and eagerly dive into her experiences and insights.

2. Vanessa Lee's Personal Skincare and Makeup Regimen

Vanessa shares her long-standing skincare routine, emphasizing the importance of simplicity and effectiveness.

• Vaseline for Hydration:
  Vanessa credits a 90-year-old patient’s regimen for inspiring her own skincare practices. She states,
  “I've been using Vaseline for probably the past 15 years... to make sure that the skin tissue is nourished, that it's hydrated” (03:45).

• Minimalist Makeup Approach:
  Inspired by makeup artist Kelly Zhang, Vanessa uses a concealer stick sparingly to maintain a natural look.
  “I just do it for like, if there's a spot or two and I just blot it out with my fingers... day to day, that's what I typically use” (05:48).

3. Personal Aesthetic Journey: Surgeries and Treatments

Vanessa candidly discusses her own aesthetic procedures, providing insights into her decision-making process and experiences.

• Mini vs. Full Tummy Tuck:
  Vanessa opted for a mini tummy tuck initially but expresses regret, considering a full tummy tuck in the future for better results.
  “I fully regret [my mini tummy tuck] and should have listened to my surgeon... I should have done the full tummy tuck” (11:12).

• Breast Lift:
  She chose a breast lift over implants, appreciating the tailored approach of her surgeon, Dr. Elise Min.
  “Dr. Min was able to make a game-time decision on what to do... she didn't have to place an internal mesh or do a fat transfer” (16:49).

• Advanced Treatments:
  Vanessa shares her experiences with cutting-edge treatments like skin tox for rosacea and fat-dissolving procedures in Korea, highlighting their efficacy and minimal downtime.
  “With skin tox... it calms that down... it helps with minimizing breakouts” (07:20).

4. Philosophy on Aesthetic Medicine: East Meets West, Holistic Approach

Vanessa emphasizes a comprehensive approach to aesthetics, integrating both Eastern and Western methodologies to address not just the surface but also underlying causes of skin and beauty concerns.

• Holistic Treatments:
  Incorporating naturopathic practices and acupuncture, Vanessa's practice addresses gut health and emotional well-being alongside aesthetic treatments.
  “We like a more holistic approach where there's a relaxation component, there's a de-stressing component...” (32:31).

• Patient-Centered Care:
  She advocates for personalized treatments, ensuring each patient's unique needs and emotional states are considered.
  “If there is body dysmorphia, we refer you to licensed therapists before proceeding with injections” (35:53).

5. Industry Trends: Return to Natural Aesthetics

Vanessa observes a significant shift in the aesthetics industry towards embracing natural beauty and minimal intervention.

• Emphasis on Preservation:
  Moving away from extensive augmentation, the focus is now on preserving and enhancing natural features.
  “Aesthetics is finally returning to that, the natural face where maybe we're not focusing on augmentation so much anymore” (23:04).

• Customized Treatments:
  Treatments are becoming more tailored, avoiding the cookie-cutter approaches prevalent in the past.
  “Think of the slippery slope that got us here... let's just think of what's happening for the person” (27:45).

6. Innovations and Learnings from Korea

Vanessa recounts her recent trip to Korea, a global leader in aesthetic innovation, and the valuable techniques she aims to integrate into her practice.

• Efficiency and Efficacy:
  Korean clinics prioritize high-quality, efficient treatments that deliver tangible results without excessive downtime.
  “They're truly in the future. And also they are the hub for efficiency. Efficacy is the number one thing out there” (41:10).

• Advanced Treatments:
  She discusses various advanced procedures like titanium tightening and lifting, microneedling with stem cells, and fat-dissolving techniques, appreciating their effectiveness compared to some Western practices.
  “I had this treatment done, and immediately I saw a difference... face tightening, lifted, toned” (46:28).

• Cultural Insights:
  Vanessa highlights the polite and respectful demeanor in Korean clinics, contrasting it with Western practices.
  “Everyone is so polite here. Like, this is amazing... extremely polite” (41:00).

7. Eastern Face Reading and Its Application

A unique aspect of Vanessa’s practice is her certification in Eastern face reading, which she seamlessly integrates into her aesthetic treatments.

• Understanding Clients:
  Face reading allows Vanessa to discern emotional and psychological states through facial features, enabling more personalized treatments.
  “If there is softening in an area where there should be strength... that may indicate an imbalance in the reproductive system or creative life” (37:41).

• Behavioral Insights:
  By analyzing facial lines and features, Vanessa can tailor treatments that not only enhance physical appearance but also align with clients' life experiences and emotional needs.
  “You have deep patterns of crow's feet that come straight across. That shows me that you experience and express a lot of joy in your life” (37:41).

8. Conclusion

The episode wraps up with Vanessa sharing ways for listeners to connect with her and her practice, emphasizing her dedication to evolving her methods and continuing to provide holistic, personalized care. She teases her upcoming podcast season, promising fresh and innovative content.

“You can find us on socials, on hethingswedo.co on IG and also TikTok and my page is vanessaleearn” (53:04).

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• “I've been using Vaseline for probably the past 15 years... to make sure that the skin tissue is nourished, that it's hydrated” — Vanessa Lee (03:45)
• “I just do it for like, if there's a spot or two and I just blot it out with my fingers... day to day, that's what I typically use” — Vanessa Lee (05:48)
• “I fully regret [my mini tummy tuck] and should have listened to my surgeon... I should have done the full tummy tuck” — Vanessa Lee (11:12)
• “We like a more holistic approach where there's a relaxation component, there's a de-stressing component...” — Vanessa Lee (32:31)
• “Aesthetics is finally returning to that, the natural face where maybe we're not focusing on augmentation so much anymore” — Vanessa Lee (23:04)
• “They're truly in the future. And also they are the hub for efficiency. Efficacy is the number one thing out there” — Vanessa Lee (41:10)
• “If there is softening in an area where there should be strength... that may indicate an imbalance in the reproductive system or creative life” — Vanessa Lee (37:41)

Conclusion

This episode of Gloss Angeles provides an in-depth look into Vanessa Lee’s multifaceted approach to medical aesthetics, emphasizing personalized care, holistic practices, and the integration of Eastern philosophies. Her insights offer valuable perspectives for both professionals and enthusiasts in the beauty and wellness industry, advocating for a balanced and thoughtful approach to enhancing natural beauty.