Vanessa Lee Says You Can Skip an Upper Bleph in Your 30s and 40s — Here’s What to Do Instead
Vanessa Lee, founder of The Things We Do, has expanded her beauty practice with a newly opened West Hollywood location, adding to her three Los Angeles studios and Hawaii outpost. Known as a cosmetic RN and Eastern Face Reader, Lee has built a strong following for her less-is-more aesthetic and counts celebrities such as Khloé, Kourtney and Kim Kardashian, Jessica Alba, Gabrielle Union and Kate Hudson among her clients. Her approach emphasizes subtle enhancement rather than drastic change.
Lee is especially cautionary about cosmetic surgery trends, urging people to think carefully before making permanent alterations, particularly around the eyes. She warns that procedures such as upper blepharoplasty in younger patients can significantly change the natural shape and expression of the face, sometimes leading to regret later. In her view, surgery should be reserved for cases where there is a clear need, such as removing excess skin with age, rather than pursuing unnecessary transformation in one’s 30s or 40s.
Instead of dramatic procedures, Lee favors treatments that work with the face’s existing structure. One of her current favorites is the BioGlow treatment, which combines Sculptra under the hairline with PRFM under the eyes and around the mouth. She says the treatment is generating major interest because it offers noticeable results while remaining aligned with her philosophy of natural-looking beauty. She also highlights thread treatments, noting that The Things We Do uses rigorous Korean-influenced training to create subtle lifting effects and encourage collagen production over time.
Beyond facial treatments, Lee says body contouring and tightening are also in demand, especially during the summer months. She points to Onda Pro body tightening as a popular option among clients seeking skin tightening and contouring with a restrained, refined result. Her recommendations reflect a broader preference for treatments that improve tone and texture without making the face or body look overdone.
Lee also stresses that skincare habits matter just as much as in-office treatments. She says sunscreen should be carried everywhere and reapplied regularly, especially with stick or brush-on formulas that are easy to use throughout the day. She recommends a brush-on product from Colorescience and a Sun Bum SPF 40 sunscreen stick, praising it for its smooth application, non-greasy feel and refreshing finish.
In addition to professional treatments and daily sun protection, Lee believes simple lifestyle choices can support both beauty and wellness. She says she drinks jujube and longan tea nearly every day for its anti-inflammatory benefits and iron support. She also recommends sardines as a source of omega-3 fatty acids, which she sees as beneficial for both health and appearance. For Lee, beauty is not about chasing extremes, but about protecting skin, enhancing features and making consistent, thoughtful choices that support long-term results.
