San Antonio — Amanda Curtis, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, CANS, founder of Aura Wellness & Aesthetics, will present “Women’s HRT Basics” at Aesthetic Next 8.0 on Sunday, September 13, 2026, from 9:00 to 9:30 a.m. CT in the Clinical II track at the Sheraton Dallas Hotel.
Amanda Curtis is a dual board-certified family nurse practitioner and certified aesthetic nurse specialist in San Antonio, Texas, who founded Aura Wellness & Aesthetics and Aura Clinical Institute. She is Aesthetic Next 8.0 faculty after two years as first assist on that stage.
The 30-minute session is a practical, evidence-based roadmap for bringing women’s hormone therapy into an aesthetics practice: what the Women’s Health Initiative actually showed once age, timing, dose and route are accounted for; estrogen, progesterone and testosterone and how they are delivered; patient selection; and the medical-direction structure required before the first prescription. Conference rules prohibit pharmaceutical brand names.
Curtis first-assisted at Aesthetic Next 6 and at Aesthetic Next 7 for Dr. Shino Bay Aguilera before being invited to present in her own right. She is a United States Air Force Academy graduate, Class of 2007, and a seven-year Air Force veteran.
About 1.3 million U.S. women reach menopause every year. The median age is 51. Up to 80 percent experience vasomotor symptoms — the same patient already sitting in an aesthetics chair.
For Aura patients, the talk is the public version of the same evidence-first approach used in clinic. For licensed providers, Aura Clinical Institute’s hormone track is planned for January 2027. Courses are designed for CE contact hours; designation is pending.
Microneedling with PDGF is one of the most requested treatments in our San Antonio studio — and for good reason. On its own, microneedling is one of the few things that genuinely convinces your skin to rebuild its own collagen; adding a topical PDGF growth factor feeds that repair process while it’s happening. Here’s the plain-English version of what that means.
What is microneedling with PDGF?
Microneedling with PDGF is a two-part skin-rejuvenation treatment: a SkinPen device creates thousands of microscopic channels that switch on collagen production, and a platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) is applied on top to amplify the skin’s repair response. Together they smooth texture, soften fine lines, and build firmness — usually with only a day or two of downtime.
What microneedling actually does
A SkinPen device makes hundreds of tiny, controlled channels in the skin — micro-injuries too small to really see, but big enough to trigger your body’s natural wound-healing response. That response is the whole point: it switches on fibroblasts, the cells that produce fresh collagen and elastin. Over the following weeks, skin gradually firms, smooths, and evens out as that new collagen matures.
SkinPen is an FDA-cleared microneedling device, which matters — needle depth and sterility are controlled, so you get a consistent, medical-grade treatment rather than a guess.
What PDGF adds
PDGF stands for platelet-derived growth factor — one of the signaling proteins your body naturally uses to coordinate healing. Applied topically right after microneedling, while those micro-channels are briefly open, growth factors give the skin extra “instructions” to repair and build collagen. Think of microneedling as opening the door and PDGF as sending in the crew. In practice, patients often notice a smoother finish and a little less downtime than microneedling alone.
What microneedling with PDGF can help with
Fine lines and early crepey texture
Acne scars and uneven surface texture
Enlarged-looking pores
Dull or uneven tone
Overall firmness and glow
What to expect
A single session takes about 30 to 45 minutes after numbing. Most people look flushed — like a mild sunburn — for a day or two, then it settles. Because collagen takes time to build, results appear gradually and keep improving for weeks. For most concerns we recommend a series of three treatments spaced a few weeks apart, which is exactly how our birthday package is built.
Is microneedling with PDGF right for you?
Microneedling suits most skin types and tones, but it isn’t for everyone — active breakouts, certain skin conditions, and some medications are reasons to wait or adjust. That’s why every treatment starts with a quick consult. As a nurse practitioner, I’d rather tell you honestly whether this is the right tool for your goals than sell you a session that isn’t.
Microneedling with PDGF: common questions
Does microneedling with PDGF hurt?
We numb the skin first, so most people feel light pressure and vibration rather than pain. Afterward it feels like a mild sunburn for a day or two.
How many sessions will I need?
Collagen builds gradually, so for most concerns we recommend a series of three treatments spaced a few weeks apart. Our birthday package is built as three.
How much downtime is there?
Usually one to two days of redness and a flushed look, then back to normal. Most people are comfortable in mineral makeup after about 24 hours.
How much does microneedling with PDGF cost in San Antonio?
Individual pricing is set at your consult. Through our limited-time birthday offer, three SkinPen + PDGF treatments are $1,990 (save $1,025), bookable online through October 24.
Is it safe?
SkinPen is an FDA-cleared device, and every treatment is supervised by a nurse practitioner after a consult to confirm it’s right for your skin.
See it in person — September 24
We’re hosting a live SkinPen + PDGF demo day on Thursday, September 24 for Amanda’s birthday. Come watch the treatment start to finish, ask anything, and — if it’s right for you — take advantage of the limited-time package: three SkinPen + PDGF treatments for $1,990 (save $1,025), bookable online through October 24.
Amanda Curtis, APRN — Aura Wellness & Aesthetics, 946 N Loop 1604 W Ste 118, San Antonio. This article is educational and not a substitute for a personal consultation.
Sleep is not passive recovery. During deep sleep your brain consolidates memories, your immune system does its maintenance work, and your body releases the bulk of its daily growth hormone. If that deep sleep phase is disrupted or shortened, almost everything else in your health gets harder. DSIP — Delta Sleep-Inducing Peptide — is a small but intriguing compound with documented effects on sleep architecture. Here is what we actually know about it.
What is DSIP?
DSIP stands for Delta Sleep-Inducing Peptide. It is a 9 amino acid peptide that was first isolated in 1974 from the cerebral venous blood of rabbits in deep sleep. Researchers noticed that when this compound was transferred to waking animals, those animals entered deep sleep — which is where the name comes from.
It is found naturally in the brain, pituitary gland, and peripheral organs. Unlike sedatives, DSIP does not force sedation. Its mechanism is modulatory — it works on systems that regulate sleep architecture rather than suppressing the central nervous system the way benzodiazepines or Z-drugs do.
What Stage 3 sleep is and why it matters
Not all sleep is equal. Sleep science divides sleep into stages, and Stage 3 slow-wave sleep (SWS) is the deepest and most restorative non-REM phase. During Stage 3:
The body does the majority of its tissue repair and immune maintenance
Memory consolidation — especially procedural and declarative memory — is at its peak
The brain clears metabolic waste products through the glymphatic system
The largest pulse of growth hormone is released
Many people with insomnia, chronic stress, or age-related sleep changes spend less time in Stage 3 than they should. This is the sleep deficit that matters most, and it is the stage DSIP appears to specifically influence.
How DSIP works — the mechanisms
Sleep architecture: Studies suggest DSIP promotes slow-wave sleep specifically, rather than just increasing total sleep time. The distinction matters — you can sleep eight hours but get very little Stage 3 if your sleep architecture is fragmented.
HPA axis modulation: The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis controls your cortisol stress response. Chronic stress dysregulates this axis, which in turn disrupts sleep. DSIP appears to modulate HPA activity, helping regulate cortisol release patterns — which may explain part of its sleep-promoting effect. Lower cortisol at night means easier entry into deep sleep.
Growth hormone and LH secretion: DSIP has been shown to stimulate LH (luteinizing hormone) and growth hormone secretion during sleep. This matters for recovery, body composition, and the normal hormonal rhythms that depend on intact sleep cycles.
Antioxidant and neuroprotective effects: Beyond sleep, DSIP has demonstrated antioxidant properties and neuroprotective effects in some studies, including protective activity against oxidative stress. This has drawn interest in contexts well beyond simple insomnia management.
What has it been investigated for?
The clinical research on DSIP spans several decades, beginning with the Schoenenberger and Graft trials (1981-1984) and a European Neurology study in 1984. The research suggests potential applications in:
Chronic insomnia — particularly where sleep architecture is disrupted rather than simply reduced
Narcolepsy — where fragmented sleep-wake regulation is central to the condition
Chronic pain — pain disrupts sleep, and sleep disruption amplifies pain; improving sleep quality may interrupt that cycle
Substance use disorder withdrawal — where sleep disruption is one of the most difficult symptoms to manage
It is worth being honest here: the human clinical data is limited. Much of the early research was in animal models, and the human trials were relatively small. DSIP is investigational — not FDA-approved for any indication.
Practical considerations: administration and half-life
DSIP has a very short half-life in serum — it degrades quickly in the bloodstream. This is why timing matters: it is typically administered 30-60 minutes before your intended sleep window to allow it to be active at the right time. This short half-life also means it does not accumulate or have the next-day residual effects associated with many sedatives.
Where things stand in 2026
An FDA advisory committee review is scheduled for July 2026, which has renewed interest in DSIP and its derivatives. The regulatory process will provide the kind of rigorous safety and efficacy data that small historical trials could not. We are watching it closely.
For patients who are frustrated by sleep aids that make them groggy, feel dependent-forming, or simply do not improve the quality of their sleep (even if they increase its quantity), the mechanistic story behind DSIP is worth understanding.
What I tell patients
DSIP is not a mainstream prescription sleep aid and is not something I prescribe routinely. What it represents is a different category of approach — one aimed at improving the architecture and quality of sleep rather than simply knocking you out. For patients who have already addressed sleep hygiene, stress, and lifestyle factors and are still not getting restorative sleep, it is part of the conversation.
If sleep quality is something you are struggling with and you want to talk through what options exist, that is exactly the kind of conversation we have at Aura.
Questions about sleep or peptide therapy?
At Aura Wellness & Aesthetics, Amanda Curtis NP stays current on both emerging and established approaches to wellness so you can make informed decisions. We would love to hear from you.
📍 946 N Loop 1604 W, Suite 118 | San Antonio, TX 📞 210-981-6460
For educational purposes only. DSIP is not FDA-approved for any indication. Consult your healthcare provider before starting any peptide therapy.
If you follow the world of medically supervised weight loss, you have probably heard of semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro/Zepbound). Retatrutide is the next step — and the clinical trial data is unlike anything we have seen before. Here is a plain-English breakdown of what it is, how it works, and why I am paying close attention to it.
What is retatrutide?
Retatrutide is a triple receptor agonist — it activates three receptors simultaneously: GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide), and the glucagon receptor. That glucagon piece is what separates it from tirzepatide, which targets only GLP-1 and GIP.
Think of it as tirzepatide 3.0. Each receptor adds a distinct metabolic lever, and together they produce effects no single-agonist or dual-agonist drug has matched in trials to date.
The triple-receptor mechanism — what each receptor does
GLP-1 receptor: Slows gastric emptying, reduces appetite signaling in the brain, and improves insulin sensitivity. This is the mechanism behind semaglutide.
GIP receptor: Amplifies insulin release after eating and plays a role in fat storage and retrieval. Adding GIP to GLP-1 is what made tirzepatide more effective than semaglutide alone.
Glucagon receptor: This is where retatrutide goes further. Glucagon activation increases thermogenesis — your basal resting metabolic rate. In plain English: your body burns more calories at rest. It also directly stimulates the liver to reduce fat accumulation, which is relevant for people with fatty liver disease (hepatic steatosis).
What the Triumph trial data shows
Retatrutide is currently in Phase 3 clinical trials called the Triumph trials (1-4), with results expected by the end of 2026. The Phase 2 data was striking: participants on the highest dose experienced a mean weight loss of 28.7% at 68 weeks — the highest ever recorded in any Phase 3-scale clinical trial. For context, semaglutide averages around 15-17% and tirzepatide around 20-22%.
Beyond weight, early data also suggests retatrutide may:
Improve outcomes in patients with sleep apnea and cardiovascular risk
Reduce pain and inflammation associated with knee osteoarthritis
Increase basal metabolic rate through direct thermogenic effects
How is it different from tirzepatide?
Both drugs target GLP-1 and GIP. The key difference is the third receptor. Tirzepatide does not activate the glucagon receptor — which means it does not have the same thermogenic or direct hepatic effect. For patients whose primary concern is metabolic syndrome, fatty liver, or who have plateaued on tirzepatide, retatrutide may eventually offer a meaningful step up.
That said, retatrutide is not yet FDA-approved. Phase 3 results will determine whether the weight loss efficacy translates at scale and what the full safety profile looks like.
Who might benefit most?
Based on the mechanism and early trial data, retatrutide may be especially interesting for patients with obesity with metabolic complications (fatty liver, insulin resistance, cardiovascular risk), obesity-related sleep apnea, knee osteoarthritis exacerbated by weight, or patients who have tried GLP-1 or dual-agonist therapy and want to understand what is coming next.
What I tell patients right now
Retatrutide is not available for prescription yet — we are watching the Triumph trial data closely. What it represents is a genuine evolution in how we approach metabolic health, not just another weight-loss drug. The thermogenic component alone makes it mechanistically distinct from everything currently on the market.
If you are currently on semaglutide or tirzepatide and wondering what the next chapter looks like, this is it. If you are just starting to explore medically supervised weight loss, this is a great time to get your metabolic baseline established so you are ready when the next generation of therapies arrives.
Let us talk about your options
At Aura Wellness & Aesthetics, we stay current on emerging therapies so you do not have to. If you want to discuss medically supervised weight loss — what is available now and what is on the horizon — we would love to hear from you.
📍 946 N Loop 1604 W, Suite 118 | San Antonio, TX 📞 210-981-6460
For educational purposes only. Retatrutide is not FDA-approved. Consult your healthcare provider before starting any medication or peptide therapy.
GHK-Cu is one of the most talked-about peptides in the skin and beauty world — and one where there is a specific point I want to make as a nurse practitioner: don’t just stack it onto everything. Here is a calm, plain-English guide.
What GHK-Cu is
GHK-Cu is a small copper-binding peptide that occurs naturally in the body and declines as we age. Because it is involved in the body’s normal repair signaling, it has become popular in topical skincare and is widely discussed in the aesthetics space.
Why “don’t stack it” matters
The biggest practical mistake I see is people layering GHK-Cu with strong actives — like certain acids or high-strength vitamin C — all at once, assuming more is better. Combining the wrong things can reduce effectiveness or irritate skin. Thoughtful sequencing and an individualized routine usually beat a kitchen-sink approach.
An honest look at the evidence
Topical GHK-Cu has a longer history in skincare than many trending peptides, but claims still range widely and quality varies a lot between products. As always, marketing enthusiasm tends to run ahead of rigorous data, and results depend on the formulation, concentration, and the rest of your routine.
The questions worth asking before you buy
What is the concentration and formulation? Not all GHK-Cu products are equivalent.
What else is in the product, and does it work with or against your current routine?
Are you expecting it to replace something with stronger evidence, or complement a routine that’s already working?
Is a licensed provider helping you think through this for your specific skin and health history?
How we approach GHK-Cu at Aura
At Aura Wellness & Aesthetics, we take a measured approach to peptides in skincare and aesthetics — understanding what the existing evidence actually shows, what it does not show, and what that means for an individual patient. If you have questions about where GHK-Cu might or might not fit in your routine, we are happy to have that conversation.
Have questions? Book a consultation and let’s talk through your skincare goals together. Call or text 210-981-6460 or book online here.
This article is for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice, a diagnosis, or a treatment recommendation. Always consult your own provider about what is appropriate for you.
KPV is a small peptide that comes up a lot in conversations about inflammation and skin. As a nurse practitioner, here is a calm, plain-English look at what it is and what the science does — and does not — currently support.
What KPV is
KPV is a short three-amino-acid fragment derived from a naturally occurring hormone in the body (alpha-MSH). Because it is a fragment of something the body already makes, it has drawn research interest as a potential signaling molecule in the body’s inflammatory response.
Why people are interested
In preclinical research, KPV has been studied for a potential role in calming inflammatory signaling, which is why it appears in discussions about gut health and skin. The honest caveat: this is largely laboratory and animal research. High-quality human clinical data is still limited, and popularity online is not the same as proven, individualized benefit.
What it is not
KPV is not a cure for any condition, not a substitute for evaluating the root cause of inflammation, and not an FDA-approved treatment for the uses discussed online. Be skeptical of anyone promising it will “fix” a complex health issue on its own.
Questions worth asking a provider
What is driving the inflammation in the first place, and has that been evaluated?
What is your full medical history and current medication list?
Is the product sourced and overseen by a licensed provider?
What does realistic, evidence-informed expectation-setting look like?
How we approach it at Aura
At Aura Wellness & Aesthetics, anything in this category starts with a real conversation and an individualized review — including being honest when the answer is “let’s look at the underlying cause first.” We would rather earn your trust than chase a trend.
This article is for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice, a diagnosis, or a treatment recommendation. Peptides discussed are not FDA-approved drugs for the uses described and should only be considered under the supervision of a qualified, licensed healthcare provider. Always consult your own provider about what is appropriate for you.
MOTS-c is one of the more scientifically interesting peptides to emerge from mitochondrial research in the last decade — and one that most people have not heard of yet. Here is a plain-English breakdown of what it is, what the research actually shows, and the honest conversation worth having before considering it.
What is MOTS-c?
MOTS-c (Mitochondrial Open reading frame of the twelve S rRNA-c) is a mitochondria-derived peptide — meaning it is actually encoded in the mitochondrial genome, not the nuclear DNA where most peptides originate. It was first identified in 2015, which makes it relatively new as far as peptide research goes.
Because it comes from the mitochondria — the organelles your cells use to produce energy — MOTS-c is primarily studied in the context of metabolic regulation, energy homeostasis, and cellular stress response.
What does the research say it does?
MOTS-c has been studied for its effects on the AMPK pathway — a central cellular energy sensor that helps regulate how your body uses glucose and fat. Activating AMPK is one of the mechanisms behind how exercise and calorie restriction produce metabolic benefits. Research suggests MOTS-c may mimic some of these signals.
Key areas of investigation in the literature include:
Insulin sensitivity — improving how cells respond to insulin, which is relevant in metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes research
Exercise capacity and fat metabolism — some animal studies suggest it may improve endurance and shift the body toward fat utilization
Aging and longevity — MOTS-c levels decline with age, and research is exploring whether restoring them has any effect on age-related metabolic decline
Cellular stress resilience — mitochondrial peptides in general appear to play a role in how cells respond to stress
Where does the science stand?
I want to be direct here: the bulk of MOTS-c research is still in preclinical stages — animal models and cell studies. Human clinical trials are limited. That does not mean the research is uninteresting — it is genuinely compelling — but it means that honest, evidence-informed providers will frame it as investigational and apply it thoughtfully, not as a routine intervention with a proven human track record.
This is exactly the kind of compound where having a provider who understands the nuance matters. The gap between “interesting preclinical data” and “proven safe and effective for you” is not a gap you should skip over.
Who might be interested in this conversation?
If you are someone who is already addressing the foundations — sleep, movement, nutrition, stress — and you want to explore what emerging metabolic research looks like in a supervised clinical setting, MOTS-c is part of a larger conversation worth having. It is not a shortcut. It is one data point in a more complete picture of your metabolic health.
How we approach this at Aura
At Aura Wellness & Aesthetics, we stay current on peptide research so we can have real conversations with patients about what is known, what is not, and what might or might not make sense for their goals and history. We do not hype. We educate.
Have questions? Book a consultation and let’s talk through your metabolic health goals together. Call or text 210-981-6460 or book online here.
This article is for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice, a diagnosis, or a treatment recommendation. Peptides discussed here are not FDA-approved drugs for the uses described and should only be considered under the supervision of a qualified, licensed healthcare provider. Always consult your own provider about what is appropriate for you.
If you spend any time on wellness social media, you have probably seen the “Wolverine Blend” — a combination of two peptides, BPC-157 and TB-500. The nickname comes from the comic-book character known for fast healing. As a nurse practitioner, I want to give you a calm, plain-English explanation of what these peptides actually are, what the conversation around them looks like, and the questions worth asking a qualified provider before considering anything.
First, what is a peptide?
Peptides are short chains of amino acids — the same building blocks that make up the proteins in your body. Your body already makes thousands of them, and they act as signaling molecules that help direct everyday processes. Because they occur naturally, peptides have become a major area of research interest in recovery and wellness.
BPC-157
BPC-157 is a synthetic peptide studied largely in preclinical (animal and laboratory) settings for its potential role in tissue repair. It is frequently discussed in the context of soft-tissue recovery. It is important to be honest here: most of the existing research is preclinical, and high-quality human clinical data is still limited. That is exactly why provider supervision matters.
TB-500
TB-500 is a synthetic version of a region of a naturally occurring protein called thymosin beta-4, which is involved in cell movement and the body’s normal repair signaling. Like BPC-157, it is most often paired with discussions of recovery, and like BPC-157, the human evidence base is still developing.
Why the “Wolverine Blend”?
The two are often mentioned together because people view their proposed mechanisms as complementary. The catchy nickname has helped the combination go viral — but a nickname is marketing, not medicine. Popularity online is not the same as proven, individualized safety and benefit for you.
Is this right for you? The questions that matter
What are your actual goals, and is there a more established option first?
What is your full medical history and current medication list?
Where is the product sourced, and is it being overseen by a licensed provider?
What does realistic, evidence-informed expectation-setting look like?
How we approach peptides at Aura
At Aura Wellness & Aesthetics, anything in this category is approached the way any responsible medical practice should: a real conversation, an individualized review, and honest education — including when the answer is “not yet” or “not for you.” We would rather earn your trust than chase a trend.
Have questions? Book a consultation and let’s talk through your goals together. Call or text 210-981-6460 or book online here.
This article is for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice, a diagnosis, or a treatment recommendation. Peptides discussed here are not FDA-approved drugs for the uses described and should only ever be considered under the supervision of a qualified, licensed healthcare provider. Always consult your own provider about what is appropriate for you.
GLP-1 medications changed weight loss medicine — and they also created a gold rush. San Antonio now has everything from licensed medical programs to vitamin shops and online portals shipping vials with a questionnaire and a credit card form. “Medically supervised” is printed on most of them. Here’s how to tell when it’s true.
The five-point test
1. Labs come before prescriptions. A legitimate program draws blood first — metabolic panel, thyroid, A1C and related markers — because the right plan depends on what’s actually happening in your body. If nobody ordered labs, nobody is supervising anything.
2. A licensed provider examines you — and stays reachable. Not a one-time telehealth checkbox. You should know your provider’s name, and you should be able to message or see them when something feels off. At Aura, the provider managing your program is the owner of the practice.
3. Follow-ups are scheduled, not optional. Dosing for GLP-1 medications is titrated — it changes based on your response, side effects, and progress. Monthly follow-ups are where safe programs earn the word “supervised.” A drive-thru refill is not a follow-up.
4. Medications come from licensed pharmacies. Ask where the medication is sourced. The answer should be a licensed U.S. pharmacy you can name — not “our supplier.”
5. There’s a plan for after. What happens when you reach your goal? Muscle preservation, nutrition habits, maintenance dosing or tapering, and supporting treatments (like addressing skin changes from significant weight loss) should all be part of the conversation from the start. Weight loss without a maintenance plan is a rental, not a result.
What a program looks like at Aura
Our medically supervised weight loss program is priced per medication vial (semaglutide from $250, tirzepatide from $300 — see our Pricing page) and is built around exactly that five-point structure: initial labs and exam, individualized dosing, monthly provider follow-ups, licensed-pharmacy medications, and a maintenance strategy. Because Aura is a wellness practice as much as an aesthetics one, the supporting pieces — B12 for energy, hormone evaluation when labs point that way, skin treatments if significant weight loss changes your face — live under the same roof, with the same provider.
Honest answers to fair questions
Is this just “skinny shots”? No. These are prescription medications with real benefits and real contraindications. That’s exactly why the supervision part matters.
Will it work for me? Response varies person to person — which is why programs that promise specific numbers should make you cautious. What we can promise is honest assessment, careful titration, and a provider who tells you the truth, including if this isn’t the right tool for you.
Why not just use an online portal? Some are legitimate. But if a portal has never drawn your labs, can’t examine you, and can’t see you when side effects show up, you are the one doing the supervising.
Questions about the program? Book a consult or call (210) 981-6460 — pricing is published, like everything else here.
Amanda Curtis, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, Aura Wellness & Aesthetics, San Antonio. Medical services at Aura Wellness & Aesthetics are provided under the medical direction of J. Drew Sanderson, MD, in accordance with Texas Medical Board standing delegation orders (22 TAC Ch. 193). Aura Wellness & Aesthetics, LLC is owned and operated by Amanda Curtis, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC.. Educational content, not medical advice; individual results vary. Prescription decisions are made only after clinical evaluation.
Military City USA has hundreds of med spas. As far as we can tell, it has very few — possibly only one — that is woman veteran-owned and run entirely by the nurse practitioner whose name is on the door. This is that story.
From the Air Force to Suite 118
Before Aura Wellness & Aesthetics, there was a career in the United States Air Force — a 2007 United States Air Force Academy graduate who went on to serve seven years on active duty — experience that shaped how she practices medicine today.
Military medicine teaches you two things that never leave you: precision matters, and the person in front of you is a person, not a number. Both of those came to Stone Oak when Aura opened its doors inside Image Studios in January 2026.
Why “NP-led” isn’t just a credential line
At many high-volume med spas, the person who owns the business, the person who examines you, and the person who treats you are three different people — and the owner may never have held a syringe. At Aura, they’re the same person. When the provider owns the standard, the standard doesn’t slip: the products come from licensed U.S. pharmacies, the appointment lengths are honest, the prices are published, and nobody is working against a sales quota.
What veteran-owned means for how we operate
Briefing first. You’ll always know the plan, the price, and the expected outcome before anything happens. No surprises is a military habit we kept.
Integrity pricing. Every price is on the website. If it changes, the website changes first.
Service heart. Military families, veterans, teachers, nurses, first responders — this practice exists because of communities like yours. [
Showing up. Same provider, every visit. Your face shouldn’t be a training ground for whoever’s on shift.
Wellness + aesthetics, on purpose
Aura was built around a simple idea: looking well and being well aren’t separate projects. That’s why the menu spans both — wrinkle relaxers, fillers and biostimulators on one side; medically supervised weight loss, hormone optimization, B12 and peptides on the other. One provider who sees the whole picture.
Come see Suite 118
We’re inside Image Studios at 946 N Loop 1604 W, Suite 118 — 1604 and Stone Oak. Booking is online with real-time availability and published deposit terms, or call (210) 981-6460. To every fellow veteran and military family in San Antonio: thank you, and welcome.
Amanda Curtis, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, U.S. Air Force veteran and owner of Aura Wellness & Aesthetics. Medical services at Aura Wellness & Aesthetics are provided under the medical direction of J. Drew Sanderson, MD, in accordance with Texas Medical Board standing delegation orders (22 TAC Ch. 193). Aura Wellness & Aesthetics, LLC is owned and operated by Amanda Curtis, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC.. Educational content; not medical advice.
Aura Wellness & Aesthetics offers luxury wellness and aesthetic services in a serene, sophisticated environment. Experience advanced treatments designed for relaxation, beauty, and rejuvenation.
Medical Disclaimer: The information on this website is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition. All treatments are performed by a Board-Certified Nurse Practitioner under physician supervision. Compounded medications are prescribed as part of individualized treatment plans through FDA-registered 503A compounding pharmacies. Results may vary. Please consult your healthcare provider before beginning any new treatment.
