About Semona Michelle
I have been a full-time injection specialist for 8 years, and a registered nurse for 16 years.
I graduated from COCC with my AA and ADN in 2008. I started my career at St Charles Medical Center, in Bend. OR, as an acute care bedside RN. Orthopedics, Neurology, and Neurosurgery were my “home base” of practice, but I was also able to practice in Family Birthing and Med/surg. 7 years at bedside led me to my case management role, which I served hospital-wide for 3 years. After 10 years at the hospital, I transitioned to a surgery center as a pre-op/PACU RN. From there I began dabbling in aesthetics while also working 4 other RN jobs until I landed my first full time aesthetics role in Portland, OR. I completed my BSN in 2023 and plan to start my master’s program summer of 2024. I am a forever student and commit myself to continued education. I will always strive to elevate my skill set and stay in the know of innovations in the aesthetics industry to provide the safest, most effective, and beautifully natural results. Yearly conferences and cadaver labs help ensure I am the best version of myself for my patients.
The short story is……It’s the perfect balance of art and medicine that feeds my creative spirit and science mind. The long story is……………As a young girl I loved the arts: music, dance, photography, all the things. I believed my life would take me on an the “artist’s path” (with the occasional dream of Neurosurgery, pilot, or Marine Biologist popping up here and there). My life took a quick and different path when I became pregnant with my son at 17. My focus became providing a stable home where I could make a good living and still be a present mother. Medical school didn’t seem a viable option at that time and my undergrad courses fell right in line with the Nursing program, so it felt meant to be. When my son graduated high school, I felt it to be a time to re-evaluate myself, my passions, and choose a path I felt truly inspired by. I no longer felt the same inspiration in my career and craved a path that utilized my artistic side. Aesthetics was my opportunity to fuel my creative spirit while utilizing my foundational skill set as an RN. I love that aesthetics is always evolving and no one person is alike, so each treatment plan, techniques required, products used, and relationship is different from client to client. The most special element of my role now is the relationships I have the joy of creating. I may just be a provider to my clients, but my clients are than just a “treatment” to me. I am invested in their journey and there is no greater fulfillment then having the opportunity to help people feel the best version of themselves. I value the genuine bonds I’ve made throughout the years.
The artist in me really loves the instant gratification of dermal fillers. I get to witness the transformation before me and the reaction to those results. It can be an emotional and powerful moment. The provider and science mind of me whole heartedly believes in the foundation of bio stimulating treatments, from skin care to micro needling, sculptra, and EzGEL. Giving our bodies the opportunity to heal and correct itself is the most natural foundation one can achieve.
I do, I have one son who just turned 28. The rest of family is sprinkled from Central Oregon to Northern California.
My favorite is spending time with those I love, doing “somethings” or “nothings” is all special quality time and a priority in my life. As a native Central Oregon girl, I did grow up loving most things outdoors. Being on, or in, the water is my favorite: boating, paddling, snorkeling, scuba diving, or just enjoying the view, the sun and sand is my soul food. I am dive certified, so I do try to scuba dive during my travels and would love to explore the world one dive at a time. I loove loove loove to travel, seeing new places, meeting new people, and learning of different cultures is an incredible experience. On my day-to-day routine I enjoy my work out routine, incubating myself in doors with a great book or Netflix binge, grabbing a comedy show, happy hour, or music event with my boyfriend and friends. Cooking shows are my splurge and I do cook myself, but if I cooked as much as I watched, I’d probably have a Michelin star by now.
EzGEL
EzGEL is a 100% natural solution that comes from the patient’s own blood and offers an extended release of growth factors and biostimulation from Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF). This unmodified gel solution is obtained by isolating beneficial cells and growth factors in harvested plasma, heating then cooling this enriched concentrate to create a natural and smooth biostimulating gel.
Beyond the immediate filling effect that EzGEL produces, it has a long-term effect by stimulating collagen production and slowly releasing growth factors. It reduces signs of aging by volumizing and rejuvenating the skin. It can also remove acne scars correct under-eye hollows, soften crow’s feet, nasolabial folds, marionette lines, and smoker’s lines.
EzGEL is made from your blood. It is very safe and has minimal side effects. After the procedure, there will usually be redness and swelling around the treatment area. There may also be mild to moderate discomfort. These will usually clear after 2-3 days.
The length of time EzGEL filler lasts depends on several factors and so varies from one patient to the other. However, the filler part lasts about 4-6 months, while the rejuvenation part lasts up to 2 years.
Yes, it is! The EzGEL filler (also known as EzGEL plasma filler) is cost-effective, autologous, produces great results — long term and short term, and has very minimal side effects. Furthermore, the EzGEL bio filler is entirely naturally derived from your own body.
Sculptra
On average, you will have 2 to 3 treatment sessions over the course of a few months. The number of injections at each session will vary based on the treatment plan determined by you and your aesthetic professional.
Most clinical study participants saw results as soon as 1 month, with sustained results for up to 2 years. Typical treatment is 3 sessions spaced at least 3 to 4 weeks apart.
Typical post treatment may include mild/mod swelling, bruising, and discomort, although every client experience is different so make sure to discuss your personal risks and expectation with your provider. After care will include massage of the treated areas, 5 min a day, 5 times a day, x 5 days (5/5/5 post care regimen).
Microneedling
Microneedling treatments can take an hour-and-a-half, or more, to complete. The exact time depends on the area(s) that are being treated. This timeframe includes the 30 minutes for topical numbing, applied prior to treatment.
Microneedling can sound like an aggressive treatment, but the needles that we use during the procedure are microscopic. The treatment can cause some discomfort, primarily to forehead, above lip, and areas with deeper imperfections but most all patients report feeling comfortable throughout the entire procedure. A topical numbing agent is applied 30 minutes prior to microneedling to aid any discomfort during the procedure.
Generally, patients notice tightening, a more even tone, and glow to their skin, a week or two after their first session. For areas with deeper imperfections, results can be subtler, and additional treatments are usually required. Since microneedling stimulates new collagen and elastin production, these results will continue to build for up to 6 months.
It is important to acknowledge that we cannot stop the aging process, we can only slow it down. With this in mind, results are not considered permanent, as natural degradation will occur over time. Improvements from microneedling can be seen for several years after treatment, and results can be prolonged with the correct at home skincare maintenance. Skin care maintenance and prevention is an ongoing process.
A great benefit of microneedling is that it can be used on almost any part of the body. The most popular areas to treat are the face, neck, and chest. Microneedling can also be effective on most types of scarring, stretch marks, areas of crepey skin such as tummy, arms, and above knees.
Technically, there is no downtime after microneedling. After your treatment, your skin may be red. This is normal and to be expected. Redness usually lasts from one to 48 hours. You may also have a little swelling in some areas. A few days after your treatment your skin may become dry. Some patients go straight back to work, while others prefer to schedule their treatment over the weekend.
Microneedling is considered a safe treatment for all skin types. The side effects associated with microneedling are temporary swelling and redness.
During your consultation an assessment will be made to ensure that you are a candidate for microneedling. Microneedling may not be safe for those with certain health problems.
Kybella
The active ingredient in Kybella is called synthetic deoxycholic acid. The natural form of this molecule occurs naturally in the body, aiding in the breakdown and absorption of dietary fat. When injected, deoxycholic acid attacks the excessive fat cells there. Once destroyed, these cells can no longer store or accumulate fat, decreasing fullness in the process.
Your provider will recommend a treatment plan based on your physical assessment and desired outcome. Expect to receive multiple small injections at each appointment, which are spaced at least one month apart. Many patients start seeing results after two to four treatments, with up to six treatments possible.
Initially after treatment patients will experience more fullness then prior to treatment. Once healed it is a process for Kybella to break down the fat cells. It can take between four and six weeks to start seeing results from your treatment, with final results seen around 3-4 months after initial treatment.
Because deoxycholic acid destroys fat cells and prevents them from storing or accumulating more fat, Kybella treatments are considered extremely long-lasting. Once you achieve your desired aesthetic, you should not require further follow-up sessions.
As with all cosmetic injectables, side effects are possible. The most common are mild and may include:
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Pain
- Numbness
- Redness
- Hard areas of skin
More serious side effects are also possible. Call your doctor if you experience any of the following after receiving Kybella treatment:
- Open sores (ulcers)
- Drainage from the treatment site
- Tissue cell-death (necrosis)
- Difficulty swallowing
- Nerve injury that causes an uneven smile or facial muscle weakness
Kybella is approved for patients who are 18 years of age or older and want to improve their facial shape and profile. Kybella may not be appropriate for candidates who have:
- Excessive skin laxity
- Prominent platysmal bands
- A current or prior history of dysphagia
- An infection at the injection site
- Blood coagulation abnormalities
- Prior aesthetic or surgical procedures in the submental area
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels are effective in treating an array of skin conditions from active acne to acne scarring, uneven pigment to sun damage and fine lines to severe wrinkles. They are also good for rejuvenating rough and aged skin, while maintaining healthy skin, through ridding of the top layers of dead skin cells that prevent absorption and dull the appearance.
During application you may feel some slight burning and itching but I have yet to have any clients report any discomfort. During the days to follow application you may experience dryness and itching, both of which can be treated with the aftercare topicals we provide in your post care.
A chemical peel appt takes approximately 45 min. The healing process takes around 7 days, with an average of 2-3 active peeling. Depending on your treatment, new skin will begin to develop anywhere from one to two weeks post treatment.
Recovery time from a chemical peel will vary depending on the depth and intensity of the treatment. Light to medium peels usually only take up to seven days to heal. During this time, you can expect your face to peel and appear sunburnt. Most patients who have a light to medium peel can usually wear makeup the next day to cover any redness. Medium peels may induce some swelling, which can be soothed with ice packs.
This really depends on what condition your skin is in prior to the chemical peel and what your individual skin goals are. Generally, once your skin has healed, you can expect to see smoother, brighter, younger, more radiant, even toned skin.
Skincare
- BACKGROUND CHECK: WHEN THEY SAY IT…THEY MEAN IT.
Medical grade products are backed by clinical research studies and safety that is regulated by the FDA. When they make claims about their benefits, they mean them. Did you know that over-the-counter skin care products are not required to have clinical studies or research to make a claim about how the product will work on your skin? Maybe you already knew that…but maybe you didn’t.
Over-the-counter products cannot state that they treat a condition unless they have clinical studies and research, which is a truth for all medical grade product brands.
- QUALITY INGREDIENTS
Medical grade products contain better quality ingredients. They are required to contain the purest form of their medical ingredients – ingredients that are 99% pure. Products that are purchased at Sephora, grocery stores, or online are not held to the same standards. Always buy from an authorized licensed skin care professional or from the brand directly so you can ensure you’re getting the medical grade products that aren’t expired.
- GREATER POTENCY
When we talk about quality, it’s also important to talk about potency. Medical-grade products are made with higher concentrations of active ingredients. This helps the product be a more quality product. The active ingredient in an over-the-counter product may not be enough to have an effect, or it may take much longer to get a result. Usually, because of the potency of the ingredients in medical-grade products, you will see visible results in a much shorter time frame vs. the use of an over-the-counter product.
- DEEEPER DELIVERY
Our skin is made of layers. Medical grade skin care products are formulated to be delivered deeper into the dermis than many over-the-counter brands. Over-the-counter brands may benefit the outermost layer of your skin, but chances are good that’s as far as it’ll get. We often talk about “boosting collagen”. Believe it or not, it’s not just something we say because it sounds nice.
The reason most medical grade brands can effectively make this claim is that they penetrate through the outermost layers of the skin, into the dermis where the collagen-producing cells live – in other words, where the “magic” happens. If you’re looking for real change from a product, medical-grade products are an excellent choice because they can deliver in this way…deep into the dermis.
- BACKED BY SKIN CARE PROFESSIONALS
Sure, go get advice from a friend, or a beauty store employee, but unless they’re a certified aesthetician, a medical aesthetician, or a dermatologist, we don’t advise you to follow their advice. What may work for your friend may not work for you. What someone “thinks” your skin will love, it may hate. One of the beautiful things about medical grade skin care products, especially at medical spas that carry different medical grade brands because everyone has different needs, is the assessment.
Neurotoxins
The use of neurotoxins has changed the cosmetic industry and how we treat dynamic wrinkles. Neurotoxins block signals from the nerves to the muscles. When neurotoxins are injected directly into facial muscles, they stop contracting. This causes the wrinkles to relax and soften. Not only will the wrinkles improve, the injection of neurotoxin will also prevent those lines from getting deeper.
Neurotoxin has much more versatility and use than just the softening of fine lines, let me count the ways. This wonderful medication can address: hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating of under arms or palms), facial slimming (be reducing size of masseters), nose slimming, pore reduction, rosacea, texture/dimpling of chin, gummy smile, migraines, pain in jaw r/t TMJ/grinding/clenching, improved texture and smoothness of neck and decollete.
The effects from neurotoxins will last three to six months. The amount of product injected, the patient’s metabolism, and the patient’s age, are just a few variables to take into consideration when determining how long the product will last. As the muscle action gradually begins to come back, the lines and wrinkles will begin to return. However, the neurotoxins shrink the muscles over time, so continued use of the product will help make the lines and wrinkles appear less severe with time.
Hyaluronic Acid filler injections are indicated to last 9-24 months, depending on the product being used. These products work to replace volume and are slowly broken down by your body over time. Again, there are a lot of variables that go into determining how long the fillers will last, such as patient age, amount of volume loss, and patient metabolism. The combination proves to make both neurotoxins and injectables last longer. Inhibition of muscular activity with neurotoxins has a beneficial effect on the duration of fillers. Less muscle action may result in fillers lasting longer since the muscle movement negatively affects filler duration.
Unlike dermal fillers, which can often be reversed with an enzyme called hyaluronidase, neurotoxins cannot be reversed. Patients must simply wait until the neurotoxin wears off, which is usually between 3-6 months.
While neurotoxins can be used to smooth lines that are already present, it can also be used to prevent lines from even forming in the first place. While there is no absolute age that patients should start receiving Botox to prevent lines, many people begin to receive injections in their 20s and 30s. One of the perks of preventative Botox is that it trains the targeted muscles not to contract, which prevents the formation of deeper wrinkles over time, and also means that you will not require as much Botox as you age.
Dermal Fillers
Longevity of the dermal fillers depends on factors such as: Density of the filler, Injection area, Patient’s metabolism, Patients stress level, amount of filler injected. Understanding the components of filler is complicated and requires advanced level of knowledge, which is one of the many reasons it is crucial to choose a provider who understands such differences. It is not just the cost of filler you are paying for, it is the knowledge and skill of the provider administering it.
What a filler is made of and how is behaves in the tissues is called rheology. All the fillers used by The Aesthetic Artist, Semona Michelle, are FDA-approved dermal fillers made from hyaluronic acid gels. Some fillers are smooth gels while others may be slightly granular in nature. These differences can impact on where your practitioner decides to use the fillers. Fillers also differ in their duration with some lasting between 6 to 9 months, and others from 12-18 months.
Although dermal fillers use hyaluronic acid to rejuvenate tissues, several studies suggest that these fillers also induce the formation of collagen. The result of this stimulation is that skin looks fresher and more rested for longer. Technique of placement can also enhance the induction of collagen.
All the dermal fillers used by the Aesthetic Artist are semi-long lasting and made from hyaluronic acid (HA), which breaks down and is absorbed into the skin over a 6 to 18 month duration. Studies have shown that the presence of dermal filler HA can exist many years after treatment.
Hyaluronic acid fillers can be quickly dissolved using an enzyme known as hyaluronidase. This acts to disperse hyaluronic acid, speeding up the natural breakdown of the dermal filler. Hyaluronidase has the potential to also break down your natural occurring hyaluronic acid so be sure to review all options with your provider. To ensure proper patient safety it is critical for your provider to have hyaluronidase on site, so it is strongly encouraged for you to inquire of your provider that they in deed have hyaluronidase on site at all times.
Different fillers achieve different outcomes. At your initial consultation, with your practitioner, she will discuss a personalized treatment plan that’s tailored to you. She will assess your anatomy, discuss your goals for treatment, and present treatment options to achieve desires results. It could be that you need one or more of these options:
- Increase hydration.
- Smooth fine lines
- Rejuvenate moderate lines and/or volume loss.
- Structure restoration or enhanced contour.
- Minimize scars.
- Facial balancing
- Restore over volume and laxity.
- Feature enhancement
Dermal fillers are our instant gratification tools of the aesthetics world. After treatment, you should be able to spot the difference immediately with results improving as possible swelling and bruising resolve. Follow up appointment to review, discuss, and document results is always strongly encouraged.
To get natural-looking results, the person injecting the filler must have expertise in placing the filler and undertand facial proportions, balance, contour, and harmony.
The Aesthetic Artist, Semona Michelle, recommends not overdoing fillers. Your results will look more natural with a conservative and multi-disciplinary approach. At the Aesthetic Artist studio there are treatments tailored for anyone and it is recommended to combine neurotoxin and dermal filler treatments with a foundation of biostimulating options such as Sculptra, microneedling, and PRF EzGEL.
Dermal fillers are safe treatments when administered by an experienced and medically qualified practitioner. The FDA has approved a range of dermal filler brands for cosmetic use, and as long as these approved fillers are applied to patients by a qualified practitioner, then they should generate no damaging side effects. However, as medical substances, they do come with a range of side effects including: skin rashes, redness, bruising, itching and swelling. Medically trained practitioners are adept at applying dermal fillers in a strategic way to avoid/minimize the chances of these side effects from occurring. It is encouraged to inquire of your practitioner their safety measures and protocols to address adverse events or side effects.
At the Aesthetic Artist Studio, Dermal filler treatments start at $600, but without an in person consult there is no way to determine the dosing or product appropriate for you. It is most important to remember that you are not only paying for the product but the expertise of the provider administering your treatment. Be a wise consumer and inquire of your providers credentialing and commitment to ongoing education.
PRP/PRF
PRP contains over 30 bio-active proteins that contribute to tissue growth and healing. When PRP is injected at the injury site, it reduces inflammation, enhances cellular growth, and prompts healing in bone and soft tissue. Essentially, PRP activates your body’s natural healing process, but the effect is amplified.
We recommend an initial course of three sessions injections. PRP helps your body heal, and this process can take some time. You should expect to notice continual improvement for a few weeks after your third injection.
Number of treatments depends on goals for outcome. For treatments aimed at correction we recommend a series of 4, spaced 4 weeks apart. For results focused on maintenance and prevention fewer treatments are typically required.
Since you are receiving your own plasma back, you won’t have any side effects from the substance itself. The process of any injection always comes with a slight risk of bleeding or infection. Our professionals will make every effort to mitigate these risks. When a PRP/PRF injection is given by a professional, the risk of bleeding or infection is less than 1 %. In other words, PRP injections are among the safest treatments available.
A PRP treatment is added to a vial containing anticoagulants, which prevent the blood from clotting during injection. With PRF, no anticoagulants are added. This allows for the creation of a spongy fibrin matrix that signals the platelets to release their growth factors slowly. PRF typically contains a higher concentration of growth factors.
According to quartile grading scale and patient satisfaction, the therapeutic response was significantly higher in PRF group than PRP either alone or combined with micro-needling. The combination with needling increases efficacy of PRF and PRP. Each form of treatment has specific areas where it is most effective. PRF will address all the same issues as PRP, but it is a better option if you have deeper wrinkles, hollows, or more advanced signs of aging. PRF is often called a natural filler because it’s highly effective at building volume. On the other hand, because PRP is created using only the plasma, it has a higher concentration of platelets than PRF which means that PRP may be more effective at stimulating hair growth.
Yes. Because of the advanced effects of platelet-rich fibrin, along with the time and supplies required, patients can expect it to be more expensive than platelet-rich plasma.
PRF is a more advanced version of PRP. It is created by centrifuging the blood to obtain a fibrin matrix that contains a higher concentration of platelets and growth factors compared to PRP. PRF is often considered a more robust and longer-lasting solution for hair restoration.
Arque Derma
Licensed ArqueDerma Practitioners use the FDA market-approved dermal fillers, Juvederm®, Voluma™, and Restylane®. These dermal fillers have gone through the rigorous FDA submission process, hold market approval, and have been used every day in clinics throughout the world since 1996. The single, most important difference is in how they are administered. Only Licensed ArqueDerma Practitioners are licensed to use this revolutionary technique.
There are no additional risks when administering Arque Derma techniques when compared to conventional methods of injecting these dermal fillers. In fact, because of the dynamic nature of the injection, we feel it is even safer than some current injection techniques.
Unlike conventional dermal filler methods that ‘fill up’ areas, the beauty of the ArqueDerma technique is that it targets the structural support of the face, ‘reaching in’ to bring sunken volume to its original position. We use your own volume, and redirect it, supporting the face structurally (like the framework supports a building) ArqueDerma can provide a result that is more natural and longer lasting than some other conventional techniques. Dermal fillers cannot replace the results that can be achieved with a facelift, but it can prolong the need for such interventions and are an amazing options for those not interested in the risks and recovery of surgery.
After the age of 30 both men and women lose approximately 1% of collagen per year. The loss of this vital component to a youthful appearance quickly leaves its mark – especially if nothing is done to replace it. Because the ArqueDerma technique actually stimulates collagen production, we encourage patients to utilize it as a preventative measure, as well as a targeted, natural looking rejuvenation. We have found that ArqueDerma has been instrumental in allowing patients to delay surgery for years, and sometimes decades.
The ArqueDerma technique is no more uncomfortable than conventional injecting methods. Many patients feel a slight tugging upward during the injection and are actually pleased that they are feeling the ‘lift’ that they so desperately want, so any ‘un-comfortableness’ is considered worth it.
Because the technique is dynamic to the tissue, there is usually more bruising and swelling than traditional techniques, depending on your body’s response. Yet, this aspect is essential to stimulating collagen production making the technique longer lasting and sustainable. These possible after-effects can be easily camouflaged with a good concealer.
Social downtime: the amount of time that you need to feel comfortable in social situations will depend on your body’s response to the technique, how quickly it heals, and how comfortable you are in social situations using concealer and simple makeup tricks.
Dermal filler treatments will vary from patient to patient, as well as product to product. With the ArqueDerma technique, there is an additional benefit of increased collagen stimulation, which means the results have been shown to last longer than conventional methods of filling.
Semona Michelle is one of only a handful of providers in Oregon, trained and certified, to perform the Arque Derma technique.
A way to determine which Licensed ArqueDerma Practitioner will be best for you is to interview them. Questions to ask are: What are their plans for your face? Are they able to tell you what would look best, in terms of volume, on your specific face? Do they listen to your desires and can they make a plan that realistically reaches your goals? Do you like THEIR look and do they look refreshed, rested and ‘lifted”?
Choose a practitioner that makes you feel heard, safe, and valued.
Still Have Questions?
