Blending science with artistry, precision with creativity—Dr. Fredric A. Stern, MD FACS has spent over two decades redefining the landscape of aesthetic medicine. As founder of The Stern Center in Bellevue, he was among the first to merge surgical expertise with the latest in laser and non-invasive treatments. But his passions don’t stop at medicine. A published novelist and boutique winemaker, Dr. Stern approaches every craft with the same commitment to excellence. In this feature, we uncover the story behind the white coat—and the many roles that define this aesthetic visionary.
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You’ve been a leader in aesthetic medicine for over 25 years. Looking back, what inspired you to start The Stern Center, and what has kept you passionate about the work all these years?
Before establishing The Stern Center in 1998, I served as the Director of Oculoplastic Surgery at Virginia Mason Medical Center in Seattle. At that time, there were no clinics on the Eastside that combined cutting-edge facial plastic surgery with MedSpa services like Botox, fillers, and laser treatments. My fascination with lasers and integrating the latest technology into my medical practice fueled my ambition to create a unique patient experience. In 1998 I was one of only 100 trainers nationwide for Botox Cosmetic when it first received FDA approval. I was a pioneer in sutureless laser blepharoplasty (lower eyelid surgery to remove the ‘bags’), as well as CO2 and Erbium laser resurfacing treatments and have performed thousands of these procedures over the past 26 years. I have also served as a preceptor for Sciton Laser (who started their groundbreaking lasers around the same time) sharing my knowledge and experience with other physicians. Witnessing the transformative power of these exciting techniques and consistently delivering natural-looking results through the latest advancements, continues to inspire me.
The Stern Center is known for offering a wide range of advanced treatments beyond traditional skincare. What sets your approach apart from others in the industry?
The Stern Center distinguishes itself by transcending traditional facial plastic surgery, offering a comprehensive and advanced approach to facial rejuvenation. We move beyond isolated treatments, viewing each patient with an eye towards facial balancing and regaining a youthful glow. While a client may initially seek a specific procedure such as blepharoplasty (upper and lower eyelid surgery), our focus extends to achieving their broader aesthetic goals: a revitalized, youthful appearance. This involves integrating cutting-edge laser therapies to address sun damage and aging skin, recommending medical-grade skincare regimens, and employing strategically injected dermal filler, fat transfer and PRP techniques to restore lost facial volume and stimulate collagen. At The Stern Center, we prioritize sustained results and ongoing care, fostering a long-term partnership with our patients, rather than a single procedural encounter.
You’re a published novelist and even ventured into winemaking—how do these creative pursuits influence your work in aesthetics, if at all?
My diverse creative pursuits deeply influence my approach to patient care.
I believe the most successful plastic surgeons possess a blend of artistic and scientific skills. My academic background, a double major in Biology and Greek & Roman Studies, reflects this duality. My passion for storytelling, culminating in the publication of 'The Endorphin Conspiracy,' inspired by my time at Columbia University’s Trauma Center, and my current work on a historical novel about a physician to the Roman Emperor has cultivated a keen eye for narrative and detail. Similarly, my venture into winemaking with Noviello Vineyards has instilled an appreciation for the subtle nuances of crafting something beautiful and refined. Ultimately, these creative outlets reinforce my belief that achieving the most natural and aesthetically pleasing results in facial plastic surgery is as much an art as it is a science, requiring an understanding of form and balance.
In an industry that evolves rapidly, how do you stay ahead of trends while still maintaining the trust of long-time patients who value natural results?
Staying ahead involves continuous education and selective adoption of the latest proven advancements such as advanced laser procedures, and PRP for hair loss and dark circles under the eyes. I have served as a scientific adviser performing stem cell research for a ground-breaking technology that stimulates collagen regeneration in the skin. I prioritize attending leading industry conferences and rigorous training, allowing me to distinguish fleeting trends from genuine progress. I maintain open communication with my patients—many of whom have been coming to our practice for over 20 years— ensuring any new technique aligns with their desires for natural, lasting results. This balanced approach, blending innovation with established expertise, preserves trust and delivers optimal outcomes.
What legacy do you hope to leave—not just in Bellevue, but within the aesthetic medicine industry—and what advice would you offer to those following in your footsteps?
My deepest hope is to leave a legacy of patient-centered innovation, where the pursuit of aesthetic enhancement is always grounded in ethical practice and an understanding of a patient’s goals and well-being. I aspire to have influenced a shift towards prioritizing natural, lasting results over fleeting trends, and to have fostered a culture of continuous learning within the industry. To those who follow, I would advise: cultivate both your technical expertise and your artistic vision, never cease to learn and listen to your patients. Always remember that the true measure of success lies in the positive impact you have on the lives you touch.
Check out https://sternctr.com/ to find out more!