Real artistry in aesthetics is invisible.
– Amy Ingle
Aging gracefully isn’t about reversing time… it’s about understanding it. As we grow older, our skin tells the story of our lifestyle, our habits, and our experiences. While confidence comes from within, it’s natural to want your reflection to match how vibrant you feel inside. That’s where the art and science of modern aesthetics step in, providing safe and subtle ways to restore balance, volume, and radiance without changing who you are. In this enlightening conversation, we dive into what really happens beneath the skin and how to approach rejuvenation in a healthy, empowered way.
Today, we’re joined by Amy Ingle, founder of Sweet Spot Medispa—a trusted expert known for her natural approach to facial rejuvenation. Amy believes in enhancing, not altering, and her philosophy is all about precision, care, and education. She joins Stacey Chillemi to share her professional insights into volume loss, collagen health, and how to achieve youthful results that still look entirely like you.
Thank you so much for joining us! Our readers would love to get to know you a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your backstory?
I’m so happy to be here, and thank you for having me. My journey into aesthetics really started with my own personal experiences. Like many women, I had that moment where I looked in the mirror and wondered, “Where did my cheeks go?” As I entered my forties, I began noticing those subtle yet undeniable shifts in my face—skin that wasn’t as firm, features that weren’t as defined. I became fascinated by how our bodies change and how small, thoughtful enhancements could make such a big difference. Over time, that curiosity grew into a passion for helping others feel beautiful, refreshed, and confident… without ever losing their natural essence.
What exactly is “volume loss,” and why does it happen?
Volume loss is one of those things that sneaks up on you. When we’re babies, our skin cells turn over every three days, so everything is constantly renewing—our faces are plump, tight, and glowing. As we get older, that cell turnover slows down and collagen production declines, usually beginning in our late twenties. Collagen and elastin are what keep our skin firm and youthful, and when they start to fade, everything gradually begins to shift downward. You might first notice it in the cheeks or jawline—the apple of your cheek isn’t as full, the jawline softens, and even the neck starts to lose its tautness. Add in bone and fat loss beneath the skin, and it becomes clear that aging affects not just the surface, but the entire facial structure over time.
Which facial areas tend to show volume loss first?
Most people notice their cheeks first, because that’s where fullness gives the face its youthful lift. When the cheeks begin to flatten, the lower part of the face can start to sag, creating jowls or a softer jawline. The neck often follows, developing what I call the “windshield wiper”—that bit of looseness under the chin that can drive you crazy. Lips also thin as collagen diminishes, and the temples can start to hollow, making the eyes appear more tired. It’s not one sudden change but a slow cascade that shifts how light and contour fall across the face. Fortunately, with the right approach, we can gently bring that balance back.
Do lifestyle factors make volume loss worse?
Absolutely—they play a huge role. Even something as simple as sleeping on the same side every night can lead to more compression and visible changes on that side of your face. Sun exposure while driving is another sneaky culprit; that constant UV damage breaks down elastin and collagen over time, often leaving the left side of the face with more fine lines or pigmentation. Smoking and vaping are particularly harsh because they restrict blood flow and oxygen to the tissues, literally suffocating the skin from the inside out. And then there’s diet and movement—if you’re not nourishing your body or engaging your muscles, both skin and structure can suffer. It’s all connected: healthy habits support healthy, radiant skin.
What are the most popular options to restore volume?
The go-to treatment for most people is hyaluronic acid filler. It’s quick, effective, and offers instant gratification—you walk out of the office looking more refreshed than when you walked in. There are many different types, from Juvéderm and RHA to Revanesse and Bellotero, each designed with a specific texture and purpose. The newer products, like the Eveise line, offer even more flexibility depending on how expressive your face is or what area we’re treating. Hyaluronic acid works because it mimics what the body naturally produces, restoring hydration and plumpness to the skin. When done properly, it simply enhances what’s already there—you, just subtly elevated.
How do you choose the right filler for each area?
It’s all about understanding anatomy and movement. For areas that need structure, such as the cheeks, chin, or jawline, I prefer more robust fillers like RHA 4… they create lift and definition without looking stiff. For finer lines or softer areas like the nasolabial folds, a more delicate formula such as RHA 2 or 3 blends seamlessly into the skin. Lips, especially mature ones, benefit from a lighter touch… RHA Redensity smooths and hydrates beautifully, like butter on warm toast. The art is in selecting the right texture for the right place and respecting how the face moves in real life. Every choice should work with your expressions, not against them.
What about treatments that stimulate your own collagen?
Sculptra and Radiesse are wonderful bio-stimulators that help your body rebuild its own collagen. Sculptra starts as a liquid, and over twelve weeks, it gradually stimulates collagen production, creating long-lasting results that look completely natural. It’s fascinating science—tiny particles form a bridge under the skin, allowing collagen and elastin to reconnect and strengthen. Radiesse is similar but slightly more immediate, and I love using it in areas like the neck, hands, and cheeks to add firmness and elasticity. Both treatments reward patience; while they don’t deliver instant results like fillers, they rejuvenate from within, which gives a healthy, authentic look that lasts.
How do you guide clients who aren’t sure what they need?
Every face tells a story, so I always start by listening and observing. Many people come in convinced they need one thing, like under-eye filler, when the real issue is loss of support higher up in the cheeks. When you restore the midface, the entire eye area can brighten naturally, without ever touching the tear troughs. I call this the “triangle flip,” because by rebalancing the upper face, we visually lift everything upward. My job is to educate clients, show them how the pieces connect, and build a treatment plan that feels both natural and personal.
How natural can the results look?
Extremely natural… if the injector has the right technique and an eye for balance. I always follow a “low and slow” philosophy, meaning we build gradually and give the skin time to adapt. If someone might need two syringes, I start with one and let them live with it for a bit. Once they see how subtle and beautiful it looks, we can decide if more is needed. The goal is always harmony, not transformation. The best work is the kind that no one can pinpoint—they just know you look rested and radiant.
Why do some people end up looking overdone?
It often happens when people lose perspective or keep chasing that initial boost they felt after treatment. It’s easy to get caught up in wanting “just a little more,” but too much volume can throw off the face’s natural proportions. As injectors, we have a responsibility to say no when necessary. I’ve turned clients away when I knew another syringe would ruin the balance they already had. A trustworthy injector protects your beauty and reminds you that subtlety always wins. The goal is timeless, not trendy.
What should someone expect during a first visit?
The first visit is a full consultation where I assess the entire face, not just one feature. We discuss goals, expectations, and options before anything else happens. I use a powerful numbing gel to make sure the experience is comfortable, and most people are pleasantly surprised by how easy it feels. After treatment, I give detailed aftercare instructions and schedule a follow-up in about two weeks to evaluate results or make gentle adjustments. It’s a partnership; I want every client to feel heard, informed, and confident through each step.
What does recovery look like for fillers and for Sculptra?
With fillers, the downtime is minimal with some swelling or mild bruising, especially around the lips, which can stay puffy for a few days. Sculptra is a bit different; it requires a short “massage routine” afterward—five minutes, five times a day, for five days—to keep the product smooth and prevent small nodules from forming. It’s simple but important for ensuring beautiful, even results. Overall, these treatments are low-maintenance and designed to fit easily into busy lives. Most of my clients go right back to work or social plans the next day.
What’s the biggest myth about fillers or volume restoration?
The biggest myth is that fillers make you look fake or unnatural. That fear is so common that it’s usually the first thing people say during a consultation. But when filler is done with precision and restraint, it enhances your features instead of changing them. I always remind clients that the goal isn’t to look different, it’s to look like the best version of yourself on your best day. Unfortunately, the media often highlights the extreme cases, which can scare people. But real artistry in aesthetics is invisible; it’s confidence in motion.
How do you help needle-shy clients feel calmer?
Education is key. I walk them through every step before we begin so they know exactly what to expect… no surprises, no guessing. The environment matters too: we play calming music, dim the lights, and keep everything peaceful and supportive. I always have stress balls handy for clients who need a little comfort. If someone still feels anxious, I encourage them to take their time, go home, read through the materials, and come back when they’re ready. Feeling empowered is part of the beauty process.
Do you ever recommend delaying or declining treatment?
Yes, absolutely. If someone’s mindset isn’t in the right place or their expectations don’t align with what’s achievable, I recommend waiting. Sometimes less is more, and patience leads to better results. I’ve built my reputation on integrity, and my clients trust that I’ll never over-treat them. When they see how natural and graceful their results look months later, they’re always grateful that we took a thoughtful approach instead of rushing.
How long can people expect their results to last?
Hyaluronic acid fillers typically last between twelve to eighteen months, though some clients still see benefits even after two years. Bio-stimulators like Sculptra and Radiesse build over time and usually need a yearly touch-up to maintain collagen growth. Every person metabolizes products differently, so I tailor plans to each client’s skin and lifestyle. The idea is consistency… maintaining small, regular treatments keeps you looking refreshed without ever making a drastic change.
What does your “whole-face” philosophy look like in action?
It means never isolating one feature from the rest of the face. When someone says, “I only want my lips done,” I still evaluate how that change will affect their balance overall. Sometimes the best lip result comes from adjusting cheek volume or softening the area around the mouth instead. The human face works as a unit; when you honor that natural symmetry, the outcome feels harmonious and authentic. True beauty always comes from proportion and restraint, not excess.
What’s your best advice for someone seeing early changes in their forties?
First, don’t panic… it’s normal and it’s fixable. Focus on prevention through lifestyle: protect your skin from the sun, stay hydrated, and don’t underestimate the power of good sleep. If you’re curious about aesthetic treatments, start small. A little strategic filler or collagen stimulation can make a huge difference when it’s guided by an experienced provider. The key is to work with your natural features, not against them. Aging gracefully doesn’t mean doing nothing, it means doing the right things thoughtfully.
How do you approach lips for clients who want polish, not “Kardashian lips” ?
It’s all about subtle enhancement and shape. For mature clients or those who just want refinement, I use a light touch with products like RHA Redensity. It smooths those fine lines around the mouth that lipstick loves to sneak into and brings back gentle definition to the lip border. The effect isn’t “new lips,” it’s “your lips, but hydrated, youthful, and confident.” When done right, people can’t tell you’ve had filler, they just know you look amazing.
How can our readers further follow your work online?
You can visit Sweet Spot Medispa at www.sweetspotmedispa.com and follow us on social media for updates, transformations, and behind-the-scenes looks at what we do. We’re all about helping people look natural, confident, and radiant at every age.
Amy, thank you so much for sharing your insight and making this feel so approachable.
Thank you, Stacey. It was a pleasure! Thanks for having me and for such thoughtful questions.
