Illa Cox is not your average med spa owner. As an emergency room nurse practitioner, professor, and founder of Cox Medical Esthetics in Lodi, California, Illa brings a powerful combination of clinical expertise, compassion, and vision to the aesthetics industry. Her journey into medical esthetics began with a simple yet profound passion: helping others feel confident while staying true to their natural beauty.

In this conversation, Illa shares how her practice is grounded in education and trust. She spends time getting to know each patient’s goals and anatomy, crafting long-term plans rather than chasing quick fixes. Every consultation is an opportunity to teach—not just treat. From bone structure to facial aging, Illa guides patients through the science behind aesthetics, making them active partners in their transformation.

Her practice reflects the values she lives by. Rather than conforming to rushed, transactional norms, she insists on an hour-long Botox appointment—not just for precision, but to ensure comfort and confidence. She’s created a culture where patients feel safe, informed, and heard. And that same intention extends to her plans for growth. Illa is in the process of expanding into a new building, where she hopes to train and mentor future nurse injectors who share her philosophy of care over speed.

Throughout the episode, Illa speaks with clarity and conviction about where the industry is heading. She sees a shift toward more natural outcomes, with a growing interest in collagen-building modalities like lasers and biostimulators. Her favorite treatment, Sculptra, fits that mold perfectly—providing subtle, regenerative results that align with her belief in enhancing what’s already there.

What stands out most about Illa is her sincerity. She reminds patients they don’t have to choose her—but when they do, she never takes that trust for granted. That level of intentionality has become the signature of her brand and the foundation of her practice’s continued growth.

Watch the full video to hear how Illa Cox is reshaping medical esthetics—one patient, one relationship, and one conversation at a time.