We were lucky to catch up with Heather Witt recently and have shared our conversation below.

Heather, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Have you ever experienced a times when your entire field felt like it was taking a U-Turn?

The aesthetic industry has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years, shifting away from the “overfilled look” of the past. Today, the focus has evolved from merely chasing lines and sagging skin with excessive fillers to embracing regenerative treatments that naturally stimulate collagen and elastin production. These approaches prioritize long-term skin health and subtle, natural results, reversing the clock without creating an artificial or distorted appearance.

Emerging research also shows that strategically and thoughtfully placed fillers can last far longer than previously believed, minimizing the need for frequent “touch-ups” or “top-offs,” which have led to this unnatural look over time. By using regenerative therapies such as PRP/PRF injections, microneedling, and various laser therapies, and bio-stimulatory injectables like Sculptra and Radiesse, we can help rebuild the skin’s structure from within.

Even skincare has entered a new era, replacing traditional moisturizers with science backed solutions like growth factors, exosomes, and even stem-cells. But that’s another rabbit hole for another day!

What all of these modalities have in coming is that they aim to address skin health and aging at the cellular level rather than relying on short-term fixes like filling the face with water-absorbing gels. This holistic, science-driven approach tackles the root causes of aging, delivering long-lasting, natural results.

Heather, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My name is Heathe Witt, and I am a board certified Physician Assistant specializing in aesthetic medicine. I earned my master’s degree from Western University of Health Sciences and have been in the aesthetics industry for 14 years.

I built my practice on the principle of providing natural results by respecting the anatomy of each face. My biggest goal is to redefine the aesthetic industry by challenging outdated stigmas and reshaping perceptions, showcasing how modern treatments can enhance confidence while maintaining authenticity.

At The Aesthetic Retreat, we focus on delivering treatments that go beyond surface-level changes. We offer a wide range of services, including injectables like Dysport and fillers, regenerative therapies such as microneedling, advanced biologic growth factors, bio-stimulatory injectables like Sculptra, and advanced skincare solutions featuring growth factors and exosomes. We target the root causes of aging by focusing on long-term skin health, promoting collagen and elastin production, and achieving results that look refreshed rather than overdone.

We are also excited to be in the final stages of launching the Functional Medicine side of the practice. Just as we focus on the underlying cause of aging on the outside, this new offering will address the root cause of various internal health challenges.

What I am most proud of is the incredible community we have built. Our team is not only highly skilled, but also compassionate, dedicated to staying at the forefront of the industry, and aligned with our core values. We genuinely care about educating our patients, fostering trust, and creating a space where they feel valued and heard.

What I would love for potential patients to know is that our approach is rooted in authenticity and innovation. We are here to enhance—not alter—what makes you uniquely beautiful. For me, this work is much more than a career—it’s a passion that allows me to blend science, artistry, and care to make a positive impact on others’ lives.

Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?

I believe the most crucial elements for succeeding in the aesthetic field are staying grounded in your values and maintaining a clear focus on what’s best for your patients. This industry can sometimes tempt practitioners to chase trends or give in to requests that may not align with their professional judgment, but success comes from staying true to your principles and always prioritizing natural, balanced results.

Next is confidence in your expertise. When you truly know your stuff, you’re not afraid to say no if a treatment doesn’t suit a patient’s anatomy, goals, or overall well-being. It’s about educating patients with honesty and care, even if that means turning down a request. It is important to understand that saying no doesn’t mean withholding, it simply means being an advocate for your patient’s best interest, ensuring not only the integrity of your work, but your patient’s results as well.

Finally, in any beauty industry, but especially aesthetics, humility.
Success in this field isn’t about ego or the number of followers you have; it’s about the trust you build with each patient. Staying humble reminds you that this work is about enhancing someone else’s confidence, not your own validation.

Ultimately, success is about having the courage to stick to your values, the wisdom to set boundaries, and the compassion to make each patient feel valued and supported in their aesthetic journey.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

One of the most defining moments of my journey was when my husband of 14 years left, just one month into the planning stages of my business. It was completely blindsiding, and the financial support I had been relying on to launch my dream vanished over night. In those first days, I questioned everything—whether I had the strength to move forward, whether I could manage it all on my own with a 1 year old daughter, and whether it was even worth pursuing this vision amidst such overwhelming pain.

Giving up wasn’t an option. Not for me, and not for my child. Building my business became more than just a professional goal; it became my lifeline. It gave me purpose, a sense of control, and something to pour my energy into during a time when I felt everything else had been turned upside down.

Through long nights and relentless hard work, my business actually became a distraction from the pain of my divorce. And as time went on, it became even more than that. It became a tool for my healing. It reminded me of my strength, my ability to create something meaningful, and the value I could offer to others. Each milestone I achieved was a step toward rebuilding my confidence and reclaiming my sense of self.

Looking back, I’m proud of the resilience that experience brought out in me. It taught me that even in the darkest times, it’s possible to create something beautiful and lasting. My journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and turning pain into purpose. Now, every time I walk into my practice, I’m reminded not only of how far I’ve come but also of how challenges can actually become opportunities for growth and transformation.

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