New home for LJ Aesthetics

Liz Johnson, DNP-ARNP, an aesthetic nurse practitioner, has settled into her new space and is ready to serve the residents of Red Oak and the surrounding area with their beauty needs. Johnson, who was born in Red Oak, has lived here her entire life.
“I’ve been a nurse since 2015 and a nurse practitioner since 2021. I worked primarily at the Red Oak Physicians Clinic at the hospital here in Red Oak and then started aesthetics on the side in 2022. I completed additional certification and training after school, started my own business, and have gradually grown since then,” Johnson said.
Johnson credited her mother as an influence in her decision to pursue the field of aesthetics. While Johnson was in school, her mother was seeing a nurse practitioner in Omaha, and Johnson followed the practice more closely after graduating. She explained the science behind aesthetics.
“What I like about it is that it combines medical knowledge with artistic ability, so it’s kind of a little bit of both. It’s fun, and it’s different,” Johnson commented.
Last July, Johnson moved into her new location at 1501 East Summit St. The growth of her practice, she said, meant she needed a more permanent space.
“I was renting a space out of a hair salon—just a one-room area—and I worked around a half day once a week before I gradually got busier and outgrew the space. At the time, there wasn’t a building open that I was ready to move into yet, so I temporarily practiced out of my house. It worked well for a time, but there were lots of kid, pet, and other distractions,” Johnson stated. “Last year, this location became available, and I felt it was the perfect size for what I wanted to do. I moved in last July and started seeing patients in August. I can have multiple people here at a time and multitask. I also have a couple of nurses who help me, so it provides much more space. Sometimes I’m still amazed at how I managed to fit all of this into my house.”
While the floors and ceilings of the building had already been redone, Johnson made additional improvements, including adding walls and doors and repainting. She said she was happy to keep the location from fading away.
“This was previously the location of The Rustic Blonde, and before that it was The Beauty Nook, and something else before that. I know the families who have owned this building, and it’s been in their family for a long time. I know it meant a lot to them,” Johnson said. “Since I’ve lived in Red Oak all my life, I know I’m going to stay here. I married a farmer, and I’m not leaving. I knew it would be a good long-term investment for my business, and it’s been a great opportunity.”
Johnson also said it was a great opportunity to bring a service to the community that is more common in larger cities than in rural areas.
“When I’m in Omaha, it feels like there are places like mine on every block, but there are only a few places offering these services in southwest Iowa. This was definitely something that was needed, and it’s been great to bring it to the community on a larger scale with my new location,” Johnson said.
LJ Aesthetics specializes in anti-aging and high-quality cosmetic and aesthetic injectable services. A variety of treatments are offered to address patients’ beauty and wellness concerns. Treatments are minimally invasive with little to no downtime.
“I started with Botox and fillers as my main focus and then added microneedling. Microneedling involves using platelet-rich fibrin, which requires drawing the client’s blood and spinning it down. We then use it for microneedling for restoration, including hair growth or skin healing. I can also inject it as a filler,” Johnson explained. “I also do chemical peels and DiamondGlow facials. In the last couple of years, I’ve purchased machines such as EmFace and Exion, which can provide non-surgical facelifts, increase collagen and elastin, reduce body fat, build muscle, and more. A complete list of services and how they can enhance a person’s beauty can be found at ljaestheticsro.com/our-services/.”
In addition, LJ Aesthetics offers individual treatments or packages, including total makeovers, non-surgical facelifts, and body toning. Payment plans are also available.
As the market for aesthetic procedures continues to grow, Johnson said she’s pleased that people no longer feel the need to be secretive.
“In the last three to five years, it’s really become more popular and accepted. People are sharing their experiences on social media and talking about it more openly, whereas in the past, people were more inclined to deny they’d had anything done,” Johnson said. “It’s a feel-good service, and my goal is to help people feel good, look good, and be happy. Not everything I offer is for everyone, but I provide a wide variety of services—some invasive, some not—so there’s usually something for everyone. It’s rewarding to see people leave here feeling and looking their best.”
For those interested in learning more, Johnson encourages them to stop in and discuss their options.
“I offer free consultations, so if people are unsure about what this involves, it’s an opportunity to come in and talk. There’s no obligation to have a service done that day. People are welcome to stop in, call, or text me,” Johnson said.
In addition to aesthetic services, LJ Aesthetics offers medical-grade skincare products  and hormone replacement therapy.
“I also offer IV hydration and vitamin therapy. It’s a great way to get a boost of vitamins such as vitamin C, magnesium, calcium, B12, B complex, zinc, and folic acid,” Johnson said. “If you’re feeling run down, want to support your immune system, or need a boost, it’s a great option. I also have people who are very focused on athletics and like to receive treatments before races. It’s helpful even if you’re sick and not feeling well. It’s been very popular this time of year.”
On Feb. 4 from 3 to 7 p.m., Johnson is hosting a Valentine flower bouquet bar. Free flower bouquets and gifts will be offered, Botox and Dyspot will be on sale for $10 per unit if you R.S.V.P., and buy two get one free on all products.
LJ Aesthetics is open by appointment only. To schedule an appointment or a free consultation, call or text Liz Johnson at 621-5492. To learn more, visit ljaestheticsro.com or find LJ Aesthetics on Facebook at facebook.com/ljaesthetics22.