Women in Aesthetics: Alisa Lask

HOW AND WHEN DID YOU GET STARTED IN THE AESTHETICS FIELD?

I began my journey in aesthetics more than a decade ago at Allergan, working in new product development after gaining valuable experience in the pharmaceutical and orthopedic industries. My passion for aesthetics deepened when I joined Galderma and had the privilege of leading their U.S. Aesthetics team. It was an incredible opportunity to embrace a true “challenger” strategy—taking risks, thinking differently, and driving significant growth. Now, as CEO of Rion Aesthetics, I’m proud to lead a team that is redefining regenerative technology with our groundbreaking platelet-derived exosome treatments and pioneering advancements with our flagship (plated)™ Skin Science.

WHO ARE SOME OF YOUR MENTORS WHO HAVE INFLUENCED YOU IN YOUR CAREER AND HOW?

I’ve been fortunate to learn from some remarkable mentors who shaped my approach to leadership and innovation. One of my earliest mentors at Eli Lilly, Denice Torres, taught me that resilience is not just about surviving challenges but about turning them into opportunities to grow and excel. She has a great podcast called “Flip the Tortilla,” where I can still learn from her. Dr Jean Carruthers, a renowned visionary in the aesthetics industry, taught me how true innovation is born from relentlessly focusing on supporting providers with solutions that elevate their practices and deliver incredible outcomes for their patients. These women instilled in me the courage to question the status quo, the boldness to take calculated risks, and the conviction to stay true to my vision, even when the path forward was uncertain. Their guidance has been foundational in shaping my belief that progress comes not from following trends but from creating them.

WHAT PERSPECTIVES CAN YOU SHARE ON WHAT SUCCESSFUL PRACTICES NEED TO DO NOW TO THRIVE IN THIS COMPLETIVE MARKET?

In today’s crowded aesthetics market, thriving requires more than just keeping up—it demands leading the way. Successful practices must focus on creating an exceptional patient experience that goes beyond treatments and products. Differentiation is key: offering new, cutting-edge services that blend aesthetics with wellness—a category rapidly growing in demand—positions a practice as a destination for holistic self-care. Technology is also a game-changer. Practices must leverage tools like AI and advanced analytics to enhance efficiency, improve decision-making, and deliver personalized solutions that resonate with their clientele.

Innovation doesn’t happen by accident. Rather it is driven by curiosity, foresight, and the courage to take bold steps. Finally, staying ahead of industry trends and embracing continuous learning ensures providers remain not just relevant but indispensable. Those who are willing to challenge the status quo, invest in their expertise, and push the boundaries of what’s possible will define the future of aesthetics.

WHAT SAGE ADVICE CAN YOU OFFER WOMEN WHO ARE RISING STARS IN AESTHETICS?

Believe in your vision and trust your instincts. The aesthetics industry is fast-paced and competitive, so focus on carving out your own path to success. Build a strong network of mentors and peers who can provide guidance and perspective, and don’t hesitate to seek advice. Confidence is contagious, so take on challenges that push you outside your comfort zone.

Above all, stay curious and committed to learning. The more you invest in developing your expertise, the more value you’ll bring to this dynamic field. As Andy Grove from Intel famously said, "Only the paranoid survive." Staying vigilant and questioning the status quo will position you to anticipate changes, adapt quickly, and thrive.

WHAT IS YOUR POINT OF VIEW ON WHERE MEDICAL AESTHETICS IS GOING IN THE SHORT/LONG TERM, AND WHAT TIPS CAN YOU OFFER FOR HOW TO GET READY FOR THE FUTURE?

Patients today want subtle enhancements that fit seamlessly into their lifestyles, and innovation in areas like exosome-based treatments is paving the way for these advancements. Many practices are implementing some form of wellness into their offerings, blending aesthetics with broader self-care solutions. This trend highlights the importance of creating a more comprehensive patient experience. Long term, I believe medical aesthetics will become increasingly personalized and preventative. Technologies like artificial intelligence and regenerative medicine will shape the future with bespoke treatments that transcend cosmetic concerns, promoting long-term skin health and aging prevention. Being at the forefront of this transformative industry is both inspiring and energizing. Every day, I gain new insights from our partners and practitioners, which fuels my passion for innovation and the pursuit of excellence in aesthetics.

Stay ahead of trends by keeping up with research and emerging technologies. Being an early adopter can give your practice a competitive edge. Embrace wellness as a complementary offering. Integrating wellness solutions into your practice can create new revenue streams and build stronger patient loyalty.