Dr. Maria Atkins, co-owner and medical director at the Cosmetic Enhancement Center of New England (CECofNE), found the field of aesthetic medicine thanks to a surgical practice rotation during her residency. “The surgical practice I was rotating in brought cosmetic lasers into the office once a month, which introduced me to laser treatments. I love the technology and the ability to treat conditions that often get ignored by primary care providers,” she says. Atkins’ passion for aesthetic medicine grew over the years, and she continues to stay up-to-date on new treatments and services as they become available. When Botox was first FDA-approved for cosmetic use in 2002, Dr. Atkins trained with Drs. Jean and Alastair Carruthers, who were pioneering the treatment. “I was one of the first physicians in Maine to use Botox for cosmetic purposes,” Atkins adds.
“I always loved making new modalities available to patients, but after having so many years in the field, it’s also become very satisfying to see how many of my patients have now become friends,” she notes. “Recognizing names on my schedule and seeing patients that I’ve known for years makes for a fun work day.” At CECofNE, Dr. Atkins works alongside a team of exclusively women. “As a female business owner, it’s very special to work with other women who are experts in their field. I brag about this to my friends and family daily! Everyone on my team, from providers to management to support staff, strives to be their best self at work every day.” Another facet of the job that Dr. Atkins finds most rewarding is giving people confidence by treating issues that patients may have been self-conscious about for years. “Whether it’s botox or filler to enhance someone’s appearance and treat volume loss or managing various skin conditions like hyperpigmentation, aesthetic treatments can help patients—especially women—feel more confident,” she says.
CECofNE offers a variety of services and treatments to keep patients feeling beautiful at any age. For starters, Dr. Atkins suggests Diamond Glow treatments and a medical-grade skincare regimen for teens looking to keep their skin blemish-free. “We offer the only FDA-approved energy device for mild to severe acne, called Aviclear,” she explains. “It’s a series of laser treatments that targets acne at its source: sebum. The treatment is a safe, effective way to target acne without any harmful prescription medications.”
For women in their 20s and 30s hoping to slow down the signs of aging, Dr. Atkins recommends a consistent skincare routine, microneedling treatments (to boost collagen production), chemical peels (to maintain the skin’s radiance), and for those with fine lines and wrinkles beginning to appear, preventative Botox. These same treatments are helpful for women in their 40s and 50s who are eager to age gracefully; they can also consider fillers for volume loss and skin-tightening treatments to help with skin laxity.
Patients in their 60s and 70s may find that they need more frequent visits to keep up with collagen production and the aging process. “Deeper chemical peels and laser resurfacing are common, especially if older patients haven’t taken care of their skin,” she adds. “The most important thing—for patients of any age—is to use sunscreen to minimize sun damage.” Aesthetic treatments, of course, are not required to maintain youthful-looking skin, but, Dr. Atkins says, “We strive to refresh the confidence of our patients through individualized treatment plans and effective, reliable services.”
Aesthetic treatments can help patients—especially women—feel more confident.
