Nurse Dr. Gabriela Costa Priolli found a new professional outlook when she decided to switch fields and enter aesthetics. With a career marked by intense study, dedication, and a pursuit of quality in everything she does, Gabriela describes how the specialization in aesthetics transformed the way she sees health and brought relief amid the fatigue of an exhausting routine.
Gabriela has always had a passion for health care. At first she dreamed of studying medicine, but after two years of prep courses, she decided to go into nursing. “I've always loved studying and digging into the details. Health, with all its complexity, has always fascinated me,” she recalls.
During her undergraduate studies, she worked as a nursing assistant at Beneficência Portuguesa de Santo André, where she had the opportunity to apply the theory learned in the classroom. That experience was a milestone in her training.
Switching Fields as a Choice for Mental Health
After working in different areas of patient care and going through various experiences, such as internships, including one in the occupational health department of a multinational, Gabriela dove into clinical research. As rewarding as that field was, the mental load and the intense routine ended up taking their toll.
“I love what I do, but it's extremely mentally exhausting. I work late into the night, travel a lot, and have to deal with reports even after a full day at the research center. It became a very tiring routine,” she explains.
It was in that context that Gabriela decided to explore aesthetics, something that had fascinated her for years. At first, she sought personal experiences with simple procedures, such as facial fillers, and noticed the impact that this kind of care had on self-esteem. “Sometimes you're not feeling well, you get a procedure done and you already feel cared for, and your self-esteem lifts. That's when I said: ‘I want to do aesthetics,’” she shares.
Despite her intense routine and lack of time, Gabriela didn't give up on her dream and decided it was time to begin studies focused on advanced aesthetics.
“[The research field] is a super interesting market, but my priority is my mental health, my quality of life, and doing something that makes my eyes light up,” she says. With theoretical and hands-on classes, she found in aesthetics not just a new field of work but also an escape from everyday fatigue.
“No matter how exhausted I am, when I perform something in aesthetics, I feel happy. I go from a state of tiredness to a state of fulfillment.”
The Importance of Individualized Care
One of the aspects Gabriela values most in aesthetics is individualized care. She believes that each patient has unique needs and that the time invested in a detailed consultation is essential for achieving the best results and building patient loyalty.
“It's not just a procedure; it's a protocol. When we treat a patient with care and planning, the results are much more satisfying,” she emphasizes.
Another crucial point for Gabriela is safety in practice. For her, knowing the theory in depth is the foundation of confident, quality work.
“I study as many times as necessary. Before any procedure, I need total clarity on the theory. Practice is the reflection of well-grounded learning,” she says. This detail-oriented approach is also reflected in her relationship with patients. Gabriela makes a point of explaining each step of the procedures, creating an atmosphere of safety and trust. “That's the difference: the patient needs to know what is being done and why.”
“Every Detail Has a Huge Impact on Self-Esteem”
The impact of aesthetics on Gabriela's life isn't limited to the professional sphere. She saw how small acts of care can transform the way a person sees themselves. “My mother and my grandmother have also had procedures, and the changes were incredible. Every detail has a huge impact on self-esteem,” she says. This enthusiasm is reflected in her dedication to classes and to patient care, even amid time constraints.
Gabriela also emphasizes the importance of post-procedure follow-up. For her, care doesn't end when the session does. “We follow the patient for at least 72 hours to make sure everything is fine and to prevent complications. This care makes all the difference and creates a relationship of trust and loyalty,” she explains.
With her passion for aesthetics and her commitment to well-grounded, comprehensive, and responsible training, Gabriela is building a practice guided by excellence. Her story is an example of how dedication and love for what you do can transform not only a profession but also the lives of those who are cared for with affection and knowledge. In aesthetics, Gabriela found a path that combines personal fulfillment and a positive impact on people's lives.
Laís Bianquini
NEPUGA content team — Núcleo de Especializações Ana Carolina Puga.
