The Beauty of Looking Like Yourself, According to a Dermatologist

Stesso Clinic was first established in 2012, a time when there was a growing demand for aesthetic procedures. “Many options were either surgical, overly aggressive, or not sufficiently individualized,” says Dr. Lalaine. There was a gap in providing safe, non-invasive alternatives that deliver natural-looking results, so she committed to bridging it.

Before pursuing aesthetic medicine, she built a foundation rooted in traditional care, having a background in clinical medicine and pediatrics. These helped shape her strong appreciation for preventive and long-term care and helped her recognize how patients seek improvement with no risks and downtime that are often associated with surgery.

This led her to take greater care and effort in offering treatments that sustainably support well-aging without compromising safety—an approach she believes is an extension of the principle “Do no harm.” Sought-after treatments available at her clinic—such as Ultherapy, Exilis, and StarWalker for tightening and improving the skin—mirror this as well.

They are science-based, non-invasive, and focused on stimulating the body’s natural regenerative processes. Over time, my philosophy has evolved to become even more conservative and individualized."

Having worked in aesthetic medicine for more than a decade, the expert has witnessed changes in how patients approach beauty. She tells Preview, "Today’s patients are more informed, but also more influenced by trends and filtered ideals of beauty. My role is to help them filter these influences and return to what is appropriate for their unique facial structure, skin condition, and long-term goals.” Beauty, after all, does not have to be intimidating. It is not one-size-fits-all either.

With the goal of enhancing appearance without disrupting the natural structure and skin health, it has become vital for her to emphasize to her patients that "the goal is not transformation based on trends, but enhancement based on individuality." She expounds, "Most patients today are truly seeking confidence, freshness, and self-assurance, not drastic change."

Beginning with a medical consultation and assessment, Stesso Clinic prioritizes safety and treatment appropriateness over desired outcomes. "We avoid over-treatment and ensure that every procedure has a clear medical rationale,” says the doctor, who also closely supervises treatment planning. "Patients are never rushed into procedures; instead, they are educated about their options so they can make informed decisions.”

While continuously refining treatment combinations and customizations, and looking forward to further advancements in energy-based technologies, Dr. Lalaine keeps the same purpose close. "I hope the patients feel seen, heard, and cared for, not just treated.” She continues, "Ideally, they walk out with renewed confidence and a better understanding of how to care for their own skin and wellness in the long term."