Today we’d like to introduce you to Inna Prokopenko.
Hi Inna, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was born and raised in Ukraine in a single-parent household. My mother was a special ed teacher that always held me to a high standard. Since school came easy for me, I was able to skip a couple of grades and I graduated from nursing school at age 18. I worked in an ICU for a few years and every summer I worked with Doctors Without Borders. I moved to the United States 23 years ago to continue my journey in the medical field.
When I was first introduced to aesthetics, no one had even heard about Botox. I started working in a very progressive Dermatology office where I was introduced to Botox, dermal fillers, and laser devices. We were the first in our field to start doing clinical research, which gave us access to treatments that were not on the market yet. It was absolutely exhilarating to be on the edge of a new era for Aesthetic Medicine! Our office was always full of residents and fellows and we would review medical publications every week. I loved working in an environment where the passion for learning was ongoing; we constantly inspired each other to grow and progress.
During those years, out of a desire to continue my own education on new medical publications and workshops, I wrote and published multiple research articles. This dedication to industry-leading continuing education and my passion for sharing these skills has allowed me to be an Aesthetic Trainer to injectors for a leading manufacturer for over a decade. On average, I train injectors in over 100 offices a year!
One of the reasons I have stayed in the Dermatology field for 22 years is to be immersed in an environment where ongoing education is paramount. Every Wednesday we have CME (continuing medical education) where we review articles in Aesthetic Medicine journals and every new FDA trial and clinical research study. I have facilitated many FDA clinical trials, so I am able to easily apply this gained knowledge to my practice. My ability to speak multiple languages allows unique access to new treatments or studies published in other countries, which gives me a distinct advantage. In addition to reviewing medical journals and articles, I also spend hundreds of hours every year attending classes and learning new skills.
After my last office was purchased by a private equity firm, I decided to take the skills and knowledge I have amassed over the years and open my own practice: Viso Bespoke Aesthetics- where science meets art!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has not been a smooth road at all. Any immigrant will tell you when you come to a different country you have to prove yourself. English is not my first language. Even taking NCLEX took much preparation. I am proud of my accent but that is not how most people would perceive it.
As you know, we’re big fans of Viso Bespoke Aesthetics. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Viso Bespoke Aesthetics is a place where science, anatomy, and art come together to create natural beauty. Inna Prokopenko’s experience and knowledge make this a one-of-a-kind aesthetic practice. The practice is located in the heart of Salt Lake City, Utah, and was founded by Inna Prokopenko, RN, a global key opinion leader, educator, and acclaimed injector. Inna and curated, the highly skilled team brings world-class ability and understanding to each patient’s individual needs.
Working in collaboration with Dr. Bryan V. Sonntag MD, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. Our office specializes in advanced Botox treatment, Dermal fillers, and PDO threads.
There’s a reason why hundreds of patients keep coming back to Viso for their aesthetic needs. We see multiple generations of patients from the same family. “There’s no other field of medicine that can help you build those long-term relationships. It’s really special to see someone get married, have kids, and to hear about those kids growing and graduating from school,” she continues.
That “in it for the long haul” approach to patient relationships also shows up when it comes to Inna’s overall perspective on aesthetic treatments. Much as if patients were her own sister or mother, Inna maps out treatment recommendations that will help them achieve their aesthetic goals over decades, not merely in the present moment.
Inna’s longer-term approach has helped her build patient relationships that have lasted for over two decades (and counting!). This opportunity to keep track of the long-term benefits, impacts, and progress of aesthetic treatments helped pave the way for Inna to take the reins as a med spa owner and open her own practice generations. Inna’s unique approach towards age management is one-of-a-kind and has resulted in natural & refreshed cosmetic outcomes for over 20 years!
What would you say has been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Treat every patient as if they are your sister or mother. Always have their best interest in mind.
Be kind.
Every time we touch a patient’s face, we’re leaving a mark, we have a huge responsibility as aesthetic providers.
Because it’s easy to do something that looks great in the short term, but if the patient looks better them when you started a year later, then you know you’ve done the treatment properly. I like to approach my work with a longer-term impact in mind.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.visoslc.com
- Instagram: @innaprokopenko_rn
