Boston’s Best-Kept Beauty Secrets: 5 Treatments New Englanders (and Their Practitioners) Swear By

There’s one question you should always ask when considering a new beauty treatment: “Would my aesthetician get this done on themselves?” At PURE Cosmetic Center, the answer is almost always a confident “yes.”

In an industry fueled by fast trends, the real seal of approval comes from the beauty professionals who don’t just recommend treatments; they live by them. After all, when you spend your days perfecting lips, lifting brows, and smoothing skin, you develop a deep understanding of what really works—and what’s worth getting yourself.

We spoke with Dr. Dave Lee and his team at PURE Cosmetic Center to uncover their most trusted treatments, the philosophy behind their work, and the science that drives results. From subtle enhancements to transformative procedures, their insights offer a rare look inside the high-touch world of beauty and self-care.

Meet the faces behind the facelifts

Every expert at PURE brings something different to the table, but they all share a common mission: enhancing natural beauty in a way that feels effortless, elevated, and entirely you.

Dr. Dave Lee, plastic surgeon

Dr. Lee’s path to aesthetics is part science, part symphony. After double majoring in biology and music with a concentration in classical piano performance at Stanford University, he eventually found his calling in plastic surgery—a field where precision meets creativity. “The operating room was so exciting to me, and I love being able to do things with my hands,” Dr. Lee recalls. That passion, paired with an eye for detail, has made him one of New England’s leading surgeons, with specialties in deep-plane facelifts, necklifts, rhinoplasty, and mommy makeovers.

But don’t expect overdone results. With a deep understanding of facial harmony and the aging process, Dr. Lee’s signature approach creates results that never look or feel unnatural. “We strive to not only make every patient look better, but we also want to make every patient feel better,” he says.

Carly Perkins, physician assistant

With over a decade of experience in aesthetics, Carly Perkins is known for her ability to create subtle, stunning results. Whether it’s neuromodulators, fillers, or energy-based skin therapies, she tailors every treatment plan to each patient’s anatomy and aspirations.

What sets her apart isn’t just technique—it’s trust. “I discovered that in aesthetic medicine, relationships are equally important and very often, we are doing some kind of treatment or another every few months,” she says. “I have so much joy and gratitude seeing my long-time patients who trust me to deliver their treatments and continue to come into the office on a routine basis.”

Catherine McVey, master aesthetician

If glowing skin is the goal, Catherine McVey is the guru. Specializing in Hydrafacials, microneedling, and lymphatic drainage massage, her approach combines cutting-edge technology with a gentle, intuitive touch.

“It’s not something that feels like a job; it is my calling,” McVey says. Her ultimate goal is to help clients feel confident in their skin. “Whether it’s helping someone regain confidence in their appearance, alleviating skin concerns, or simply providing a moment of relaxation, I know I am making a real difference,” she explains.

What’s trending in treatments?

Across New England, there’s a growing demand for treatments that are effective, natural-looking, and low-maintenance. Injectables like Botox and Dysport remain top-tier favorites, offering just enough softening to smooth fine lines without freezing facial expression. But the real movement is toward hybrid strategies—think energy-based skin tightening paired with injectables and follow-up care—that deliver results from multiple angles.

“What I hear across the board is that people want to look natural. They do not want to look different or augmented or altered in any way but instead like a more refreshed and rested version of themselves,” Perkins says.

Surgical treatments like facelifts and necklifts—reimagined for natural-looking results and lasting impact—are also gaining more traction. “People are beginning to realize that results from these procedures can look natural without that dreaded ‘pulled’ appearance,” Dr. Lee explains.

Five treatments the experts book for themselves

With so many options available, it can be hard to know which treatments are truly worth the investment. These five come with the unwavering endorsement of the PURE Cosmetic Center team.

Botox & Dysport: The gold standard for wrinkle prevention

Unsurprisingly, Botox continues to be a top-tier choice for both patients and providers. Perkins and Dr. Lee use this wrinkle-reducing powerhouse themselves every few months to maintain a fresh, youthful look. “Who doesn’t want to get rid of wrinkles? And who wouldn’t want to prevent wrinkles from forming?” Dr. Lee says.

Hydrafacial: The ultimate glow booster

A favorite of McVey, the Hydrafacial is a go-to for anyone looking for an immediate, dewy complexion. “Compared to other facials on the market, this one feels luxurious and offers painless extractions” she says. “We also refer to this as the PURE ‘lunch time facial’ because it is painless, very quick, and very little to no downtime.”

Microneedling: The secret to youthful skin

McVey champions microneedling for its ability to boost collagen, improve texture, and reduce fine lines and scars. “I would 100% recommend all of these treatments to everyone. Not only are they all preventative, but my skin has never looked and felt better,” McVey says.

Lymphatic drainage massage: The underrated essential

Often overlooked, lymphatic drainage massage is a game-changer for post-surgical recovery and overall wellness. “Lymphatic drainage has been in extreme high demand these days. Who wouldn’t want to feel less bloated?” McVey exclaims. Beyond cosmetic benefits, it’s an excellent way to detox, reduce inflammation, and feel instantly refreshed.

Fractional laser treatments: A surgeon-approved skin savior

Dr. Lee personally uses the 1927nm fractional laser to maintain his skin. This technology is gentle enough for various skin types while effectively treating pigmentation, fine lines, and overall texture.

If they trust it, so can you

When it comes to beauty treatments, expertise matters—and there’s no better vote of confidence than the professionals who use them themselves. Whether you’re considering a subtle tweak or a transformative procedure, PURE Cosmetic Center offers treatments that pass the ultimate test: the trust of those who know best.

This is a paid partnership between PURE Cosmetic Center and Boston Magazine