Leslie Petersen, ACNP

Professional Background & Experience

Clinical Foundation: Vanderbilt & UCLA

Leslie’s journey in healthcare began with a strong clinical foundation. After becoming a Registered Nurse in 2006, she spent six years providing acute care at two of the nation’s most prestigious medical institutions:

• Vanderbilt University Hospital (Nashville, TN) – Acute care nursing
• UCLA Medical Center (Los Angeles, CA) – Acute care nursing

This clinical background instilled in Leslie a deep respect for patient safety, medical protocols, and evidence-based practice—principles that remain central to her aesthetic medicine approach today.

Transition to Aesthetic Medicine

In 2011, Leslie earned her Nurse Practitioner (NP) certification, expanding her clinical scope and expertise. By 2012, she began specializing in aesthetic medicine, combining her clinical knowledge with an artistic eye for facial anatomy and rejuvenation.

Over the next 13+ years, Leslie refined her skills in injectables (BOTOX®, JUVÉDERM®, dermal fillers), body contouring (CoolSculpting®), laser treatments (HALO®), and advanced aesthetic techniques. Her dedication to mastering these modalities earned her the distinction of master injector—a recognition reflecting her technical precision, artistic sensibility, and consistent delivery of natural-looking results.

Founding beyond|AESTHETICS (2016)

In January 2016, Leslie founded beyond|AESTHETICS with a clear vision: to provide personalized, medically-supervised aesthetic treatments in a welcoming environment where patients feel heard, respected, and confident in their results.
What began as a single practice has grown into a thriving two-location business (Camarillo and Ventura) serving over 1,000+ satisfied patients. The practice’s success reflects Leslie’s commitment to excellence, patient satisfaction, and continuous innovation in aesthetic medicine.

Education & Certifications

Allergan Aesthetics Injectables Trainer (Since 2021)

As an Allergan Aesthetics Injectables Trainer, Leslie educates other aesthetic providers on best practices for BOTOX® Cosmetic and JUVÉDERM® dermal fillers. This role reflects her mastery of injection techniques, deep understanding of facial anatomy, and ability to teach complex aesthetic concepts to peers. Trainers are selected based on clinical excellence, patient outcomes, and commitment to advancing the field.

CoolSculpting University Instructor (Since 2018)

Leslie serves as an instructor at CoolSculpting University, training aesthetic professionals in advanced non-invasive body contouring techniques. This teaching role demonstrates her expertise in cutting-edge aesthetic technologies and her commitment to elevating standards across the industry.

Allergan Medical Institute Faculty (Since 2020)

As faculty at the Allergan Medical Institute, Leslie contributes to national provider education initiatives, sharing her clinical insights and best practices with aesthetic professionals across the country.

MD Codes™ Fellowship (2025-2026)

In 2025, Leslie was selected as one of only 15 providers nationally for the prestigious MD Codes™ Fellowship—an elite advanced training program in aesthetic facial anatomy and injection techniques. This highly competitive fellowship recognizes Leslie’s exceptional skill, clinical judgment, and commitment to mastering the most advanced aesthetic methodologies.

Top 250 Allergan Aesthetics Practice Recognition

beyond|AESTHETICS has been recognized as a Top 250 Allergan Aesthetics Practice, placing the practice in the top 1% of Allergan providers nationwide. This recognition reflects Leslie’s consistent delivery of excellent patient outcomes, adherence to safety protocols, and commitment to using premium aesthetic products and techniques.

Clinical Philosophy & Approach

Personalized, Patient-Centered Care

Leslie believes that every patient is unique. Rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach, she takes time during consultations to understand each patient’s concerns, aesthetic goals, facial structure, and lifestyle. This personalized approach ensures that treatments enhance natural beauty while maintaining authentic expression and individuality.

Artistic Mastery Meets Medical Precision

With a background in acute care medicine and years of aesthetic specialization, Leslie combines clinical precision with artistic sensibility. Her steady hands, keen eye for facial proportions, and deep understanding of facial anatomy allow her to deliver results that look natural, refreshed, and unmistakably you.

Safety First

Leslie’s clinical background instilled an unwavering commitment to patient safety. Every treatment at beyond|AESTHETICS follows evidence-based protocols, uses FDA-approved products, and is overseen by board-certified medical professionals. Complications are rare, but Leslie’s medical expertise ensures they are managed appropriately if they occur.

Holistic Wellness Philosophy

Leslie believes that “looking good lends to feeling good.” This philosophy extends beyond aesthetic treatments to encompass overall wellness, confidence, and self-care. She encourages patients to view aesthetic medicine as part of a broader commitment to health, vitality, and feeling their best at any age.

Continuous Learning & Innovation

As an Allergan trainer, CoolSculpting instructor, and MD Codes fellow, Leslie stays at the forefront of aesthetic medicine innovation. She regularly attends advanced training, reviews emerging research, and refines her techniques to ensure patients benefit from the latest, most effective aesthetic technologies and methodologies.

Why Choose Leslie Petersen?

✓ Decades Years of Medical Experience – 6 years acute care + 13+ years aesthetic medicine specialization
✓ Master Injector Status – Recognized for artistic precision, technical skill, and consistent natural results
✓ Allergan Trainer & Faculty – Educates other providers on best practices; stays at forefront of innovation
✓ MD Codes™ Fellow – Selected as 1 of only 15 providers nationally for elite advanced training
✓ Top 250 Allergan Practice – beyond|AESTHETICS ranks in top 1% of Allergan providers nationwide
✓ Personalized, Patient-Centered Approach – Customized treatments based on individual goals and facial anatomy
✓ Holistic Philosophy – Believes looking good lends to feeling good; emphasizes overall wellness
✓ Continuous Education – Committed to mastering emerging technologies and advanced techniques
✓ Trusted by 1,000+ Patients – Consistently high satisfaction ratings and patient loyalty