Q&A with Dr. Katie Beleznay

What is your approach to healthy skin aging and the role of aesthetic treatments?

In our clinic, Humphrey & Beleznay Cosmetic Dermatology, Dr. Shannon Humphrey and I take a 360 degree approach to create customized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique needs and goals. In-office treatments that help to boost collagen production are supported by evidence-backed skincare recommendations for use at home.  By combining treatments we can achieve both short term results and long term preventative impact.

Many patients come to see me expressing their interest in “positive aging” or “aging gracefully” meaning the goal of our cosmetic treatment plan is not to stop aging or turn back the clock 20 years, but to make subtle, natural changes to refresh the skin, so people look and feel their best now, but with an emphasis on prevention so that the skin maintains that healthy appearance for years to come.

Aesthetic medicine is sometimes misunderstood as purely cosmetic. Can you share how certain treatments can have a deeper impact on mental health and self-esteem?

I believe that a big part of my job as a cosmetic dermatologist is to help people feel better about their skin and that can help with self-esteem and confidence. There are obvious examples of patients who are dealing with something like acne scarring or hyperpigmentation, which can be improved with treatments such as laser or microneedling and the results of the treatment can have a direct effect on someone’s quality of life. With treatments such as Botox or filler, patients may be looking to address an aspect of their appearance that they feel self-conscious about and/or be looking for a little refresh or not to look as tired or grumpy for example. A recent study of over 15,000 adults conducted by Merz Aesthetics and shared by my colleague Shannon Humphrey found that when it comes to aesthetic treatments specifically, 73% of respondents reported saying they feel “empowered” after having an aesthetic treatment, 69% seek aesthetic treatments to reflect how they feel inside and 72% said that aesthetic treatments impact how they view themselves. We know that aesthetic treatments can help boost confidence and I see these effects first-hand with my patients every day.

How do you see aesthetic dermatology evolving as a part of mainstream skin health conversations, especially as more Canadians seek science-backed and stigma-free care?

I feel there is a cultural shift where more people are openly embracing aesthetic treatments as self-care. It is no longer viewed as “vanity”—it’s about feeling authentic and empowered in your own skin. The average patient today is savvier than ever and they are looking for evidence-based treatments with realistic results with emphasis on long-term skin health, not just short-term fixes. This aligns perfectly with the holistic approach we take in our clinical practice. A lot of my patients talk about getting regular cosmetic treatments, be that injectables or complexion lasers, in the same way they go to get their hair done or maintain their fitness regimen. It has become a part of the overall holistic self-care plan over time.

In a time when many people turn to social media for skincare advice, how do you support public understanding of safe and effective aesthetic treatments?

With so much information out there nowadays it can be a double edged sword when it comes to getting advice on skincare, skin health, and aesthetic treatments on social media. Given the amount of misinformation online, it is important for people to find trusted sources of information who share evidence-based options and not only anecdotal experience. Likewise, with more and more places offering access to various cosmetic treatments, now more than ever it is important to seek out highly qualified professionals with the training and expertise required to perform those treatments. These people also tend to be good sources of information online. That said, while social media can be a good place to do initial research, when it comes to aesthetic treatments it is important to have an in person consultation prior to any treatment. Unfortunately, there are practitioners who may not be fully qualified to be offering certain treatments and that can lead to poor results and put patient safety at risk. I think making sure that your provider is expertly trained in the area is key as you want a provider that understands the anatomy, safety, and how to manage any potential complications if they happen. During or before the consultation you can also ask questions to make sure it is a right fit including: What is your training and experience? What brands or devices do you use? What comprehensive treatment plan would you recommend for me? You want to make sure you are aligned with your treatment-provider as customizing a treatment plan based on goals and priorities is a collaborative process.