Rising Stars: Meet Isabel (Izzy) Koo of Newport Beach

Today we’d like to introduce you to Isabel (Izzy) Koo.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I actually started my career as an ER nurse, which gave me a strong foundation in critical thinking, patient care, and anatomy. Over time, I realized I wanted to combine my medical background with something more creative and preventative, which led me to aesthetics. I trained under some of the top injectors in the industry and became a Master Certified Injector through the Allergan Medical Institute.

Since then, I’ve specialized in injectables, lasers, and energy-based devices, with a focus on achieving natural, balanced results. My ER background really shaped how I approach safety, assessment, and patient education and over the years, I’ve also become very interested in holistic wellness and how things like inflammation and lifestyle affect the skin and aging process. Today, I bring all of that together to help patients look and feel their best from the inside out.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
There is always struggle in life. Nothing valuable in life is easy to attain. If it were, everyone would be doing it, no? I choose to always live out my life with purpose and driven by passion. I don’t do anything I don’t want to do or believe in. That’s why even after 6 years, it doesn’t feel like “work” to me. I just really love doing what I do. I embrace the challenges because the reward is that much sweeter.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
As a Korean-American aesthetic nurse practitioner, I draw inspiration from both cultures in my approach to beauty. At Akari Medspa — named after the word “Akari,” meaning light and brightness — our philosophy centers on helping patients glow and feel confident inside and out. I believe that when you look good, you truly do feel good.

I specialize in advanced injectable treatments, laser therapies, and skin rejuvenation that blend the refinement of Korean aesthetics with the structure and contouring techniques of Western aesthetics. Our signature style focuses on achieving that luminous, “glass skin” glow — whether a patient prefers soft, natural enhancement or a more defined, sculpted look.

I’m most proud of the trust my patients place in me and the results we create together — transformations that elevate not only their appearance but also their confidence. My background as an ER nurse instilled a strong foundation in safety and precision, while my training as a Master Certified Injector has allowed me to refine my artistic eye and advanced techniques. What truly sets me apart is my transparency, genuine care for people, and commitment to science-backed techniques — I focus on education and honesty, never a salesy approach.

How do you define success?
Success is driving home after a long day knowing I did the right thing — that I gave every patient who walked through those doors my absolute best. Sometimes I get teary-eyed thinking about it, because this is the moment I’ve worked and studied so hard for all these years.

Growing up with a single mom wasn’t easy, so reaching this point feels like one of the biggest milestones of my life. I don’t aspire to become a large, corporate-style medspa. I prefer keeping things personal and boutique. I love having the time to truly connect with each patient, give them my full attention, and never feel rushed. That’s been one of the most rewarding parts of this journey, and my longtime patients can feel that difference too.

Pricing:

• Botox – $12/unit
• Dermal Fillers – $600+
• PRF EZ Gel – $750
• Microneedling – $369
• Rejuran – $450+

Contact Info:

• Website: https://akarimedspa.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/akarimedspa/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/akari-medspa-newport-beach

Image Credits
Irma Lion, Nicquel Zamora, Estelle Aporongao