Georgian Medical Aesthetics | Peter Istvan Photography

I have the wonderful opportunity to meet and photograph all kinds of amazing human beings.

While they are in studio, it is a privilege to learn about their businesses, or the work they do, their family, their interests, and hear a little bit about their story.

Nestled in the heart of Parry Sound, Ontario, Georgian Medical Aesthetics is a physician-led, full-service Skin Care Health Centre with offerings that are individualized to each patient's specific needs and desires.

Led by two local physicians, Dr. Alethea Anderson and Dr. Katie Gibson, Georgian Medical Aesthetics (GMA) is a clinic where medical expertise meets artistry to enhance natural beauty. This physician-led clinic offers an array of individualized treatments designed to slow the aging process and improve overall skin health, providing patients with effective, safe, and natural-looking results.

Drs. Anderson/Gibson, both Parry Sound natives, are certified by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario and have a combined 24 years of medical experience. Their clinic reflects their dedication to their craft and their community. Their holistic approach to medical aesthetics is reflected in the clinic's ethos: natural beauty, combined with science-backed treatments.

Meet the Experts

Dr. Alethea Anderson: A Passion for Aesthetics Rooted in Medicine

Dr. Anderson, a family physician with over a decade of experience, began her journey into the world of medical aesthetics during her postgraduate training at Western University. Her interest and understanding of human anatomy has allowed her to provide highly personalized treatments to her patients, helping them embrace their natural beauty.

Certified by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario
Over 10 years of experience in family medicine
Enthusiastic about continuing education in medical aesthetics
Loves exploring Georgian Bay and spending time with her family, including her affectionate Bernedoodle, Luna

Dr. Katie Gibson: A Passion for Youthful Aging

Dr. Gibson has nearly 14 years of medical training and experience (NOSM U), specializing in family medicine before branching into medical aesthetics. Having grown up on the shores of Georgian Bay, she understands the effects of sun exposure on the aging process. Her mission is to help patients achieve youthful skin while correcting individual skin concerns.

Certified by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario
Specializes in skin health treatments, focusing on youthful aging
Avid outdoor enthusiast, enjoys boating, camping, skiing, and family time with her dog, Bogey

The practice of medical aesthetics requires a thorough understanding of anatomy, which we are both a bit nerdy about.

Heidi: The Skin Health Expert

Heidi, a medical aesthetician with comprehensive training from George Brown College, rounds out the team with her extensive knowledge of skin health. She is passionate about providing personalized treatments for each patient, ensuring that their skin receives the care it needs.

Medical Aesthetician with specialized training from George Brown College
Passionate about educating patients on skin health
Parry Sound native, loves the local outdoor activities

A Comprehensive Range of Services

GMA offers a wide variety of treatments, from cosmetic enhancements to medically-indicated services. Here are some of the most popular treatments offered at the clinic:

Cosmetic Services

Cosmetic Injectables: Botox and dermal fillers are used to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, while maintaining natural facial expressions.
Facials and Chemical Peels: Tailored treatments to refresh and rejuvenate the skin, improving texture and tone.
Microneedling: A treatment designed to stimulate collagen production, improving skin elasticity and reducing scars and wrinkles.
Laser Hair Removal: Effective for long-term hair reduction, offering a non-invasive solution for smooth skin.

Using the right products for your skin makes a huge difference in skin quality and can really prolong the effects of adjunct skin health treatments.

Medically-Indicated Treatments

Hair Restoration: Using non-invasive approaches and PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) treatments, the clinic offers solutions for hair loss and thinning.
Hyperhidrosis Treatment: Botox is used to treat excessive sweating, offering relief to those with this common but often overlooked condition.
TMJ and Headache Relief: Botox is also utilized to help manage chronic headaches and jaw pain related to TMJ (temporomandibular joint dysfunction).
Alopecia: For those experiencing hair loss, GMA offers individualized treatment plans that address the underlying causes of alopecia. Meet Diane and learn about alopecia.

With a focus on skin health and overall wellness, GMA strives to correct not only aesthetic concerns but also treat underlying health issues, offering a more comprehensive approach than most typical spas.

Patient-Centered Approach: Education and Realism

One of the unique aspects of GMA is its dedication to educating patients. Alethea emphasizes that the clinic is more of a "skin health centre" rather than a facility focused solely on cosmetic beauty. They spend time ensuring that patients understand the treatments, setting realistic expectations and promoting the importance of long-term skin care.

"The most common misconception? That medical aesthetics is all about Botox and vanity," said Alethea. "We are more focused on skin health, and that taking care of our skin is part of taking care of our overall health."

Katie added, "We provide education first, making sure our patients know exactly what their treatment entails and why it's necessary."

This focus on patient education has led to an increase in clients committing to long-term skin health routines, recognizing that proper skincare can significantly improve skin quality and prolong the effects of treatments.

Overcoming Challenges in Medical Aesthetics

Alethea and Katie have both faced a few challenges in their journey as entrepreneurs, from navigating social media marketing to maintaining work-life balance. Despite these hurdles, their passion for their work and dedication to their community have helped them build a thriving business.

Social Media and Patient Education: Initially uncomfortable in front of the camera, the doctors quickly adapted and now embrace social media as a key tool for educating their audience. Visit their Instagram feed for education and some fun!
Work-Life Balance: With family practices, hospital duties, and the clinic, finding time for personal life has been challenging. However, supportive spouses and their dedicated team, including Heidi, ensure that the clinic runs smoothly, even during busy times.

fun headshots of georgian medical aesthetics

Parry Sound: A Community-Driven Business

The Parry Sound community has played a crucial role in the growth of GMAs. Both Alethea and Katie grew up in the area, and they credit their strong ties to the community for the clinic's word-of-mouth growth. Their families and friends have been instrumental in spreading the word, helping the clinic build its reputation as a trusted provider of medical aesthetic services.

In return, GMA is committed to giving back to the community. The clinic regularly participates in local events and offers support to local causes, ensuring that they remain a positive force within Parry Sound.

Entrepreneurship: Find a mentor

For anyone considering an entrepreneurial path, Alethea and Katie would advise finding a trustworthy and reliable mentor to guide you through the complexities of starting and running a business. It's also essential to invest in professional support for tasks like scheduling, record management, and bookkeeping. Most importantly, believe in yourself - you are more capable than you think!

Looking to the Future: Growth and Expansion

The future looks bright for GMA. With plans to move into a larger facility in the next few years, the clinic will quadruple its space and expand its staff. This expansion will allow the clinic to offer even more services, including a new branch dedicated to pelvic and sexual health - an area of healthcare that is often overlooked.

New Facility: Quadruple the space, expanded staff
Pelvic and Sexual Health: A planned new branch to address an unmet need in the community
Continued Commitment to Education: Ongoing professional development and training to stay ahead of the curve

A Trusted Provider in Parry Sound

GMA is more than just a clinic - it's a community-driven business where medical expertise and artistry come together to help patients look and feel their best. With a focus on natural beauty, patient education, and a wide range of services, Dr. Anderson, Dr. Gibson, and Heidi are setting the standard for medical aesthetics in Parry Sound.

If you're looking for a personalized, physician-led approach to skin health and beauty, check out GMA and learn more about their services by visiting their website, or book a consultation to see how they can help you achieve your beauty goals - naturally.

With plans for the future, Georgian Medical Aesthetics is poised to become the go-to destination for anyone in Parry Sound and surround area, looking to enhance their natural beauty while prioritizing skin health.

Where to connect with Georgian Medical Aesthetics:

Final Thoughts

Drs. Anderson and Gibson feel incredibly blessed to have each other as business partners. When they first started exploring the possibility of creating GMA, they were friends, but not yet family. Over time, they developed a special bond, and now their families have become one. They are grateful for their ability to disagree without conflict and have the occasional grumpy day without taking it personally.

Georgian Medical Aesthetics simply wouldn't exist without the two of them supporting and building each other up every day.