ABOUT US
Katie Richardson, FNP-C
Nurse Practitioner
Kelly O'Carroll, MLE
Co-Founder
Heather Padgett, MLE
Co-Founder
A. Dawan Gunter, M.D.
Medical Director
Heather Padgett and Kelly O’Carroll’s story began in 2003—long before they were licensed estheticians, but already fast friends with a shared love for skincare. What started as a genuine friendship quickly grew into a passion for helping others feel confident in their skin. Today, with a combined 37 years of experience in aesthetics, Heather and Kelly are doing what they love most: delivering personalized, transformative skincare.
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Rooted in the belief that beauty is deeply personal, Heather and Kelly always dreamed of creating a space that combined clinical expertise with thoughtful, individualized care. That dream became a reality with SkinFactor Aesthetics—where cutting-edge treatments meet a welcoming, client-first philosophy.
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By collaborating with a skilled Medical Director, Nurse Practitioner and Aesthetic nurses and earning advanced certifications in laser technology, phlebotomy, and microneedling, they’ve gone beyond the limits of traditional spa services. SkinFactor Aesthetics offers result-driven, medically based treatments designed to deliver visible change with minimal downtime.
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Whether you're concerned about aging, texture, pigmentation, or simply want to elevate your glow, Heather and Kelly will develop a customized plan tailored to your skin, your lifestyle, and your goals.
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At SkinFactor Aesthetics, we take the guesswork out of skincare—and put the focus back on you.
A. Dawan Gunter, M.D.
Medical Director
We’re proud to welcome Dr. A. Dawan Gunter as the Medical Director of Skin Factor Aesthetics. With over 20 years of experience and a patient-first philosophy, Dr. Gunter brings exceptional clinical insight and a compassionate approach to care.
He earned his medical degree from Michigan State University and completed his OB/GYN residency at the Medical College of Georgia. He has been board certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology since 2001.
Dr. Gunter believes in partnering with patients to explore safe, effective treatment options and values open, honest communication. “There’s no such thing as a bad question,” he says. “I want my patients to feel heard, respected, and empowered.”
We’re thrilled to have Dr. Gunter guiding our team as we continue to provide safe, personalized aesthetic care.
Heather Padgett, LME
Co-Founder, Aesthetician
Heather is a North Carolina State Board–licensed Esthetician with over 16 years of experience in skincare. After graduating in 2008, she interned at a medical spa before building her foundation in a day spa setting. Even then, Heather had her sights set on advanced treatments—eager for the science of skincare to become more inclusive and effective.
At the encouragement of her husband, Will, she opened her own esthetics practice in 2014. As her passion for results-driven care grew, transitioning into medical aesthetics was the natural next step. Heather is especially proud to offer treatments that are safe and effective for all skin types, and she remains committed to staying at the forefront of this ever-evolving field.
Medical Professional
Fabulous Injector
Coming Soon!!
Katie Richardson, FNP-C
Nurse Practitioner
Katie is a board-certified family nurse practitioner (FNP-C). She has been in the nursing field for over ten years, with experience in adult emergencies, pediatric care and medical aesthetics. She has completed numerous trainings and certifications in basic and advanced neurotoxin and dermal fillers for facial enhancements.
Although Katie thoroughly enjoys providing quality health care in all areas, she has a keen interest in medical aesthetics and a real appreciation of the relationship between inner and outer beauty. SkinFactor Aesthetics is thrilled to have her part of the team.
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Kelly O'Carroll, LME, CPT
Co-Founder, Aesthetician, Phlebotomist
Kelly is a North Carolina State Board–licensed aesthetician with over 19 years of experience in the spa and medical aesthetics industry. A graduate of Central Carolina Community College’s Esthetics program in 2006, Kelly has continuously expanded her expertise through advanced certifications in medical aesthetics from Grace Medical, Cartessa Aesthetics, and Crown Aesthetics, as well as training in phlebotomy.
Raised by a cosmetologist, Kelly developed a deep appreciation for the art and science of beauty from an early age. Her passion for helping others look and feel their best is rooted in that early exposure and has grown into a results-driven, client-centered approach to skincare. Known for her meticulous attention to detail and ability to customize treatment plans, Kelly brings both compassion and precision to every client interaction.