From age 13, Elizabeth McGowan experienced problems with her complexion. "I struggled with acne like a lot of other teens, and like many others I tried every product out there to try to make it go away," she says.

Now, as a patient services representative (PSR) in the Palo Alto Medical Foundation's (PAMF) Department of Cosmetic Surgery at the Palo Alto Clinic, she enjoys being part of an office that helps people address skin conditions and-ultimately-improve their self esteem. In June, she will start her new role in the department as a licensed esthetician.

As a PSR, McGowan greets patients, answers calls and schedules appointments. As a licensed esthetician, her responsibilities will increase significantly. She will see patients for skin-care consultations and provide skin peels, facial treatments and post-operative camouflage makeup sessions.

"Camouflage makeup sessions involve teaching patients how to apply makeup to hide temporary discoloration or bruising while they heal from cosmetic procedures such as facelifts, brow lifts and laser peels," McGowan explains. "In addition to teaching technique, I help them determine what colors are best for them." Camouflage makeup is also helpful for people with facial scarring-for example, for a burn victim.

In addition to helping patients with camouflage makeup, McGowan will administer facial treatments such as enzyme peels, glycolic peels, acid peels and extraction for acne patients.

"I decided to become an esthetician because I want to help people make a transformation and feel more confident," she says. "I know firsthand what a huge difference therapeutic products and cosmetic treatments can make to a person's complexion-and how much better patients can feel about themselves as a result."

In her spare time, McGowan is teaching herself how to cook so she can eat more healthily. She has taken up walking several times a week, and loves going to the movies and spending time with family and friends. She lives in Redwood City.

McGowan trained in the esthetician program at the College of San Mateo and is a state-licensed practitioner.

To schedule a consultation with McGowan, call the Department of Cosmetic Surgery at 650-330-5804.