Michelle Doran: The Ups, Downs, and Opportunities in the Aesthetics Industry

Michelle Doran will present “Get Out of Your Patients Wallet: How to Stop Syringe Pricing,” on May 6 at 4:30 pm. She will also stage a live demonstration on “Advanced Neurotoxin Injection Pearls,” on May 7 from 9:00 to 10:00 am. Get your Conference Pass to Modern Beauty Con here. 

Michelle Doran, a Board-Certified Nurse Practitioner and Certified Aesthetic Nurse Specialist is making her third speaking appearance at Modern Beauty Con, a testament to the breadth of knowledge she has amassed in her career, and how well-received her talks are. 

This year she’s even presenting twice—a Business Lecture called “Get Out of Your Patients Wallet: How to Stop Syringe Pricing,” plus a live demonstration on “Advanced Neurotoxin Injection Pearls.”

Like many in the aesthetics field, Michelle started as a primary and palliative care nurse practitioner before venturing into aesthetic medicine. Along with her cofounder Linda Vecchione, Michelle opened RN Esthetics, a skin care and wellness practice in New England. 

She is an Allergan trainer, was active in the Juvéderm lip launch, and is on faculty for Dr. Christopher Surek’s Academy for Injection Anatomy as well as the Aesthetic Mastermind Group. 

She’s known for her artistic eye, natural Filler and Botox results, and her passion for helping people feel confident in their skin. We caught up with her to discuss her presentation as well as what she sees are opportunities and challenges for the industry.

You are doing double duty at Modern Beauty Con. What are your topics and why are they important?

Michelle Doran: I’m speaking on full-face Botox/neurotoxin treatments because much of it is off-label, and we are not necessarily able to teach it. 

In addition, I am doing a business talk on how to appropriately price dermal filler treatments, and the thinking behind the cost of a syringe. These are important topics to me because I believe in allowing clients to have excellent results and affordable options. In the aesthetic industry, many providers do not have extensive business experience, and this seems to be an area that nobody teaches. 

That’s one of the issues associated with the business. What are other obstacles you see?

Michelle Doran: I think the rapid growth of the aesthetic industry is exciting, but also a challenge, because there are so many providers that are jumping into this area of medicine, but not necessarily with proper training or mentorship. I also think the regulations state to state can be very confusing in terms of who can actually own a medical aesthetic practice and who can do what. 

Another challenge is the competitive nature of this industry, and sometimes what feels to be more cutthroat than what we are used to in the medical field. I do think community over competition is a great way to practice, and there is opportunity for everyone. However, I think people need to be respectful in this industry and behavior, such as poaching staff, or putting down other providers only reflects negatively on the industry as a whole. 

On the flip side, what are the biggest opportunities?

Michelle Doran: There are so many in this industry. I think people need to think outside the box and focus on the “why.” Why are they actually part of aesthetic medicine? What is their purpose? If it’s just making money they will fail quickly. 

What are you looking forward to at the upcoming conference?

Michelle Doran: I am excited about all the presentations. Many of my colleagues are teaching and have mentored me personally so I think that people are going to get so much out of this conference, whether they’ve been in the industry for a few months or many years.

Michelle Doran will present “Get Out of Your Patients Wallet: How to Stop Syringe Pricing,” on May 6 at 4:30 pm. She will also stage a live demonstration on “Advanced Neurotoxin Injection Pearls,” on May 7 from 9:00 to 10:00 am. Get your Conference Pass to Modern Beauty Con here.