Rising Stars: Meet Chelsea Sumner of North Scottsdale, Arizona

Today we’d like to introduce you to Chelsea Sumner.

Hi Chelsea, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
I’ve been interested in the arts for as long as I can remember. I love museums, concerts, photography, film, etc. The problem was that for the longest time, I just thought I would be a life-long art-appreciating person. I can’t paint, can’t dance, can’t sing. I can only play Fur Elise and the theme from Titanic on the piano. I didn’t see a future in the creative sphere. So, naturally, I went into nursing. Shortly after graduating from nursing school in NYC, I moved to Arizona, where I worked nights as a maternity nurse. I loved the job but didn’t love working in the hospital. While working there, I went to a med spa to get a series of laser treatments for my acne scars. I talked to the woman doing my treatment. She mentioned she was a nurse. “Wait, nurses can do this stuff?” I asked her. I couldn’t believe it. After the treatment, I went home, face on fire from the laser, and did a little research. That night, I applied for an aesthetic nurse position. I got the job and discovered that I am good at art, just a different kind of art. A few years later, I made this my career, and I couldn’t be happier.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a smooth road?
Finding the passion for aesthetic nursing was the easy part. The struggle was to get confident at the craft and study facial anatomy ad nauseam. I quickly learned that this work takes more than an artistic eye and natural talent. For the first two or three years of injecting, I would go home and study anatomy and safety protocols every day after work. I still am constantly brushing up on anatomy and safety. In March, I attended a cadaver course for injectors in NYC. Safety is my number one priority with my clients, so I owe it to them to constantly be learning and refreshing to keep them safe. Also, this industry is always changing. I must keep up to date with the newest techniques and recommendations.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m the nurse injector at Scottsdale Plastic Surgeons; We have two wonderful and talented plastic surgeons, Dr. Holden and Dr. Tsujimura, and an incredibly skilled esthetician, Cindy Korn. Cindy uses science-backed technology and takes a global approach to anti-aging with proven results. I offer all types of dermal fillers (ex. Juvederm, Restylane, etc.), bio stimulators (ex. Sculptra), neurotoxins (ex. Botox, Dysport, Jeuveau), and PRP (platelet-rich plasma). I work with dermal fillers to lift, smooth and plump. As we age, the fat pads in our face atrophy or shrink, which gives the face a more aged look. I work with dermal fillers to prevent and correct signs of aging. Neurotoxins are injected into the muscle to soften fine lines and wrinkles. PRP is a treatment that uses your plasma to amplify growth factors, stimulating your body’s natural healing properties. My favorite uses for PRP injections are hair growth and undereye rejuvenation. One of the hardest things for people looking to get fillers or neurotoxins is knowing if you can trust the person holding the needle. My recommendations are always honest, and I won’t recommend anything I don’t think they need. I treat everyone how I’d like to be treated. I listen to my clients and their concerns. Everyone has a different story, so I take my time to listen and come up with the best treatment plan for you, not a generic, cookie-cutter approach to treatment.

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I think knowing that even the best can learn new things is important. There are always opportunities for learning and growth. If you’re passionate about something, find seminars, conferences, lectures, whatever you can find, and go to them. Even if you don’t learn anything new, maybe you’ll eat some good food or meet some like-minded people. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. The worst thing that can happen is someone doesn’t respond or says “no.”

Pricing:

• Botox- $12/unit
• Dysport- $4/unit
• Filler- $600-$800/syringe
• PRP- $1500/session

Contact Info:

• Website: www.scottsdaleps.com
• Instagram: @theinjectorchelsea