Newsletter - Spring 2011
From the Desk of Dr. Larrabee
The Larrabee Center Team
The Larrabee Center vision is to complement our longstanding efforts of providing the highest quality facial plastic surgery, nationally and internationally, with the most advanced, scientifically valid non-surgical techniques for facial rejuvenation. To accomplish this goal we have assembled an outstanding team - I believe the best anywhere! It takes more than surgeons, nurses and aestheticians to make this vision a reality. One has to look no further than our talented, committed staff. Each member of our team brings with them strong dedication and unique talents to ensure our patients have the best outcomes possible. It is my great pleasure to work with this team where the true beneficiaries of their efforts are our many satisfied patients.
Our Physicians
Wayne F. Larrabee, Jr., M.D.
Wayne F. Larrabee, Jr., M.D. graduated from Tulane Medical School in 1971 with an M.D. and a Masters in Public Health (Epidemiology). He subsequently completed an internship at Letterman General Hospital in San Francisco and spent three years as a Major in the U.S. Army Medical Corps directing Public Health and Disaster Relief Programs for the Southern Command in Latin America. He received the Army Commendation Medal for Disaster Relief after the Nicaraguran earthquake and other public health efforts. Dr. Larrabee subsequently completed a Residency in the Department of Otolaryngology and Maxillofacial Surgery at Tulane Medical School. He is Board Certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology and American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. He is President of the International Federation of Facial Plastic Surgery Societies, past President of the American Board of Otolaryngology, past President of the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Dr. Larrabee is a Clinical Professor in Facial Plastic Surgery at the University of Washington in Seattle and a Fellowship Director of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. R
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James M. Ridgway, M.D. 
Dr. James Ridgway graduated with honors with undergraduate degrees in both painting and biology. After earning his medical doctorate from the University of Arizona he went on to complete his internship in general surgery at the University of California, Irvine. There he was awarded a post-doctoral fellowship at the nationally acclaimed Beckman Laser Institute and Medical Clinic. Dr. Ridgway subsequently completed his residency in Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery at the University of California, Irvine. During this time, Dr. Ridgway trained with several world-renowned authorities in Facial Plastic Surgery and received multiple national awards including honors from The Triologic Society, American Head and Neck Society, American Broncho-Esophagological Association, and the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery. Read More...
Our Aesthetic Injection Specialists
Shelia V. Anderson, RN, BSN 
Shelia Anderson received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Western Carolina University and Master of Science in Nursing from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Shelia has worked in nursing for over 25 years as an active clinician and educator.
In 1995 Shelia began her work in the field of medical aesthetics. She is widely known for her expertise in the field and for advanced techniques she developed in the non-surgical treatment of clients with Botox Cosmetic and dermal fillers. Recognizing the need for individualized training in this rapidly growing field, Shelia also conducts beginning and advanced classes throughout the country for physicians and surgeons, physicians' assistants, and nurses interested in offering the best medical aesthetic services to their patients. Read More...
Catherine "Chilly" Chilcote, RN 
Cathie "Chilly" Chilcote, RN, joined the Larrabee Center Aesthetics Team in 2008.
She was born, raised, and educated in London, Ontario, Canada, where she received her degree in nursing at Fanshawe College.
Following graduation, she immigrated to the United States. Chilly worked at Morton Plant Hospital in Clearwater, Florida, as an acute care nurse in both critical and coronary care.
With an interest in Medical and Surgical technology and an inherent ability to teach, she moved to Seattle to begin a 20-plus year career as an educator and trainer with multiple medical companies. These firms included Spacelabs, International Biomedics and, eventually, Allergan Medical. Read More...
Maryln J. Wilson, RN, BSN 
Maryln is a Seattleite - born and raised in the Emerald City and a graduate of Roosevelt High School. Whenever she was asked as a young girl, "What do you want to be when you grow up?"-without hesitation, her response was, "A Nurse!"
To begin this lifelong dream, she travelled east of the mountains to wheat and wine country and attended Walla Walla College (now University) where she received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing. Following her collegiate experience, she attended Loma Linda University to purse graduate studies in Nursing Education and also work in the Loma Linda University Medical Center Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Read More...
Our Licensed Aestheticians
Lauren Jackson-Gross, LE 
Lauren has been with the Larrabee Center for eight years and brings over eleven years of aesthetics experience to our team. Lauren graduated from the Euro Institute of Skin Care and has advanced training from the Laser Training Institute and the Dermal Institute in California. Her advanced training and experience include extensive laser treatments, product training, and treatments for sun-damaged, maturing and acneic skin. As an aesthetician, Lauren focuses on scientifically proven treatments and products. She stays on the cutting edge of skin care through continuing education.
In addition to her significant knowledge and experience, Lauren possesses a passion for proper skin care and the dramatic changes it provides. She personally experiences each and every skincare treatment offered at the Larrabee Center, as well as each product that the Larrabee Aesthetic Center carries. Her hands-on approach gives her the ability to describe the effects of each treatment and products she recommends. Read More...
NiCole Edwards, LE
NiCole Edwards joined the Larrabee Center in 2010 and brings with her an eighteen year history of medical experience. Prior to joining our team, she was a licensed Dialysis Technician with the Northwest Kidney Center. During these foundational years in direct patient care NiCole developed a keen understanding of the relationship between the skin and underlying constitutional changes of the organ systems. Throughout this time she also developed a thoughtful understanding of the human condition as we age.
In time NiCole decided to further pursue her passions in skin restoration and graduated from the prestigious Euro Institute of Skincare. The complementary nature of NiCole's education, medical experience and current passion helps to fulfill one of her greatest joys: helping her clients achieve optimal skin results through focused and specialized therapies. Read More...
May is Melanoma Awareness Month
Melanoma is the most rapidly increasing type of any cancer, but it is very treatable when detected early.
Fifty-six percent (56%) of melanomas found by dermatologists during a full body examination were unnoticed by the patient.
The most common site for females is the lower extremities; for males it is the trunk.
Protect yourself from UV rays to help prevent melanoma:
- Daily use of broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30 for daily use, and SPF 50 for the active, outdoor lifestyle. Make sure your sunscreen provides UVB and UVA protection.
- Wear UV blocking sunglasses.
- Utilize UV blocking face shades.
- Wear UPF (ultra violet protection factor) clothing.
- Use a UV protective additive to clothes washing.
- Apply sunscreen before applying make-up.
- Schedule regular screenings with a dermatologist:
Have your birthday suit checked on your birthday!
The Larrabee Center carries an array of sunscreens that provide UVB and UVA protection. Our aestheticians, Lauren Gross and NiCole Edwards, are delighted to assist you in selecting the sunscreen best suited for your needs.
Plan Ahead for Appointments
Our appointment schedules book out six to eight weeks (in some cases up to 12 weeks). Please plan your appointments as far in advance as possible.
With summer just around the corner, it is more important than ever to have your skincare and injection appointments scheduled. Please don't wait until the last minute!
For appointments with Dr. Larrabee, Dr. Ridgway, Cathie 'Chilly' Chilcote, Maryln Wilson, Lauren Gross, and NiCole Edwards, please call 206-386-3550. For appointments with Shelia Anderson, please call 206-917-0767.