In this article, discover Dr Larue’s inspiring career path, her innovative vision of aesthetic medicine and how she harmonizes her two great passions. Immerse yourself in her fascinating story, explore her deep-rooted motivations and let yourself be seduced by her philosophy of care, which combines medical expertise with a personalized approach.
Can you tell us about your professional background and what motivated you to move into aesthetic medicine?
I first completed my neurology residency at Université Laval. During this residency, I discovered a true passion for the complex field of nerve and muscle diseases. It was the complexity of neurology that initially motivated me to become a neurologist. After completing my residency, I pursued a subspecialty in neuromuscular diseases at the Institut de Myologie in Paris. This specific field of neurology often involves severe pathologies with very grim prognoses. After 15 years of intensive neurology practice, it became necessary for me to find an outlet, a way to recharge so that I could continue my work with the same intensity. Being a fan of aesthetic medicine myself, adding this practice to my skill set came quite naturally. Since then, aesthetic medicine has allowed me to combine my artistic side and my passion for aesthetics with my love for medicine. Contrary to what some might believe, I didn’t choose aesthetic medicine for its simplicity. In fact, the field can prove to be highly complex when one strives for excellence.
What attracted you to Medicart, and why did you choose to join our network in particular?
I’m definitely a team player. From the beginning of my aesthetic medicine practice, I’ve been eager to work alongside colleagues rather than alone. I believe that such interaction fosters knowledge exchange and helps everyone grow. Even though Medicart is already a solid group of doctors, I’m convinced that I can contribute in my own way. Medicart truly respects the individuality of each doctor and their practices, while offering the necessary support and technical resources to ensure a safe practice that meets the highest standards in the industry.
How would you describe your approach to patients and the type of care you prioritize?
Aesthetic medicine allows me to form more intimate bonds with my patients than neurology does. I enjoy building trust with my patients, especially when their treatments are spaced out over time, with long-term results in mind. This is why I firmly believe that any treatment plan should ideally include collagen biostimulation to limit the need for injectables. I always prioritize natural results where it’s impossible to tell that any treatment was performed.
Outside of work, do you have a hobby or passion that helps you maintain a balance between your personal and professional life?
A few years before I started in aesthetic medicine, I discovered pottery. What was supposed to be just a small experience on a Saturday off turned into the beginning of a long love story. I still regularly practice pottery. My skills have significantly improved since then, and I’m now learning the chemistry of glazes. The connection between pottery and aesthetic medicine is quite striking. A few milliliters of volume can significantly change a face’s 3D structure. Similarly, on a pottery wheel, just a few millimeters in one direction or another can completely alter the shape of a piece. Just as different injectable products have unique consistencies and behaviors, different types of clay also behave differently on the wheel.
What would you like your patients to know about you and your care philosophy?
I don’t believe that aesthetic medicine is as superficial as some may think. Taking care of your face (and body) is literally a form of self-care. A more rested-looking face has a clear positive effect, like biofeedback, on our fatigue levels. A more smiling face and less tired features can have a surprising impact on self-confidence and overall mood. This is why I firmly believe that aesthetic treatments can truly make us feel better. Life is full of moments, both big and small, happy and sad, and sometimes dramatic. Aesthetic medicine, for its part, has the ability to provide “happiness in a box.” As we know, we can only act on the present… Aesthetic medicine is definitely a way to anchor ourselves in the present, enjoy the moment, while also helping us project ourselves into the future.
Neurology has definitely taught me that aging is a privilege. While it’s healthy and normal to accept aging, it’s just as healthy to want to do so gracefully, in harmony with our age. In my opinion, one does not exclude the other. It’s not about refusing to age.
Therefore, I believe patients shouldn’t feel guilty about seeking aesthetic medicine treatments and investing in their appearance. I think the taboo around aesthetic medicine is destined to disappear. I was once hesitant to talk about aesthetic medicine with my neurology colleagues. My passion for aesthetic medicine is no longer something I try to hide — it would be impossible anyway. I nurture it every day through the satisfaction and smiles of my patients.
