R. Emil Hecht, M.D., Director

Dr Hecht is internationally recognized and highly respected in the medical and surgical community and is perennially selected as one of “America’s Best Doctors” by his peers over the past 15 years. He graduated with honors from the University of Washington School of Medicine, and was named outstanding intern in his class. He subsequently graduated from the Naval Aerospace Medical institute before completing his residency and staff work at the University of California in San Francisco. Dr. Hecht achieved board certification in 1975 and formed Bellingham Ear, Nose & Throat and the Facial Plastic & Laser Surgery. He is currently an assistant clinical professor at UW School of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery and past officer of the Northwest Academy of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, the Cosmetic Surgery Society NW, and past chairman of the Department of Surgery. He teaches and attends many continuing medical education courses annually. He loves his time with his patients and is very involved in the local community and philanthropy.

For over 30 years, Dr. Hecht has had extensive and successful experience in facial cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. He strives for compassionate care for his patients, and works diligently to find solutions for their individual needs. He is innovative and pays meticulous attention to detail. Dr. Hecht individualizes patient-centered care for each of those he serves, and practices comprehensive, natural health methods that facilitate integrated conventional medicine with complimentary treatments. He is Director of the “state of the art” Hecht Aesthetic Center utilizing the latest in minimally invasive techniques and equipment. Dr Hecht performs humanitarian care around the world and has absolutely the best, friendliest and most experienced staff the area.

Jason C. Lichtenberger, M.D. 

A specialist in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery as well as Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Dr. Lichtenberger brings a wealth of experience to the Hecht Aesthetic Center. He is a board certified Otolaryngologist, Head and Neck Surgeon, and board eligible Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon.

After receiving his medical degree from Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in New Jersey he completed a six year residency in Ear, Nose, and Throat and Facial Plastic Surgery at the University of Vermont and Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center. During this training he focused on head and neck oncology and skin cancer excisions, thyroid and parathyroid surgery, and nasal and sinus procedures, in addition to general otolaryngology.

Dr. Lichtenberger then completed an advanced Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Fellowship at the Premier Image Cosmetic and Laser Surgery Center in Atlanta, GA. This fellowship, under the direction of world renowned surgeons Drs. William Silver and Louis DeJoseph, focused on cosmetic surgery of the face including rhinoplasty, face lifts, eyelid surgery, and otoplasty. He also received extensive training in facial injectables such as Botox and facial fillers.

During his time in Atlanta, Dr. Lichtenberger was a Clinical Instructor in the Otolaryngology Department at Emory University. He helped train otolaryngology residents in plastic and reconstructive procedures serving as an attending physician at the Atlanta Veterans Administration Hospital.

Focused on achieving natural results in his cosmetic patients with minimal downtime procedures, Dr. Lichtenberger brings the most advanced and up-to-date options in facial plastic surgery to Bellingham. In his spare time, he enjoys playing guitar, biking, and yoga.

See Dr. Lichtenberger on RealSelf.

Amy Classen, Clinical Aesthetician

Amy Classen is a licensed aesthetician with over ten years of cosmetic and skin care experience. Amy specializes in clinical facial care and treatments at the Hecht Aesthetic Center. She offers complimentary consultations and will create a treatment plan suitable to your lifestyle and needs. Amy can help correct undesirable skin conditions and provide information about new and innovative skin care products. Amy also acts as a liaison between Dr. Lichtenberger and other staff members to ensure that patients receive the most effective treatments and care.

Amy is certified in the use of chemical peels and microdermabrasion with skin care companies such as PCA Skin, Diamondtome and Syneron. Amy utilizes a combination of products and treatments to correct skin conditions such as acne, hyperpigmentation, sensitive skin and aging or sun-damaged skin. In addition to her work as an aesthetician, Amy is also an experienced laser technician and commonly incorporates laser in her treatment room.

Born and raised in the Midwest, Amy loves living in Bellingham with her husband, Glen, and their greyhound, Freya. She enjoys updating her Facebook page with tips about healthy skin, best skin care practices and facial treatments. To learn more, like Amy Classen, Aesthetician on Facebook.

Christopher Stacey, P.A.-C.M.M.S., Physician Assistant

Mr. Stacey is a nationally certified Physician Assistant (PA-C), graduating with honors and then earning a Master’s Degree in Medical Science (M.M.S.). He has lectured, consulted and published articles on cosmetic procedures and laser safety and is a member of the American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine and the American Academy of Physician Assistants.

As a practicing P.A. since 2000 and with work involving more than eleven medical specialties, Christopher employs a multitude of modalities for healing and wellness. He currently sees patients in the ENT clinic and at St. Joseph’s Hospital and is a surgical assistant for the Bellingham ENT and Hecht Aesthetic Center surgeons.

He has been awarded injection certifications from Allergan (Botox and Juvederm) and Medicis (Restylane) and keeps himself current on the newest fillers and techniques with regular training and updates. Mr. Stacey specializes in injectable procedures, gaining recognition as one of the area’s top providers. He prides himself on “natural looking” outcomes and enjoys working with patients to achieve the results they desire.

As part of his holistic approach to health, Mr. Stacey is also trained in Trigger Point Needling (TPN) for neck, back and musculoskeletal pain. TPN or Intramuscular stimulation is a treatment using small needles with an injection device to relieve pain and restore limited range of motion in acute or chronic injuries.

Katy Denooyer, CMA (AAMA), Light & Laser Specialist

Ms. Denooyer is our highly trained Light & Laser Specialist for laser hair reduction, Fotofacial (IPL) treatments, Refirme Skin Tightening, Vascutouch, LED and Biotherapeutic treatment options. She also enjoys facial waxing and eyebrow/eyelash tinting. Katy has enjoyed doing various laser treatments for the Hecht Aesthetic Center since 2000.

Ms. Denooyer also works closely with our physicians during cosmetic consults, pre and post operative visits, non-surgical procedures such as Botox, injectible fillers and Matrix Fractional CO2 Laser Treatments. She understands that choosing to have a cosmetic procedure is a big decision and she will do her very best to make sure the process goes smoothly. Katy is very nurturing, kind, gentle, and extremely thorough.

Ms. Denooyer is a graduate of the Whatcom Community College Medical Assisting Program and is a certified medical assistant active in the Whatcom County Chapter of Medical Assistants. She is also a licensed clinical aesthetician and graduate of Evergreen Beauty & Barber College. Katy values continuing education opportunities for herself and for those who share the passion of her profession. She takes every opportunity she can to mentor students in the medical assisting and aesthetic programs, speaking frequently at the colleges she attended.

Krystal Sitko, Receptionist, Patient Care Coordinator

Krystal Sitko is our receptionist and assists with patient coordination. She will be the first person to welcome you to the Hecht Aesthetic Center. Her goal is to assist you in scheduling appointments and answering questions both in person and on the phone,and is always happy to share her extensive knowledge of our skin care products and other services. Krystal grew up in the Skagit Valley and came to Bellingham in 1998. In her free time she enjoys shopping, reading, traveling, and the great outdoors.

Sarah Scobee, Surgery Scheduler

Sarah has over 5 years experience in the medical field with an accounting background. She started at Bellingham Ear Nose & Throat and Hecht Aesthetic Center over a year ago scheduling and coordinating surgeries. Because of her experience and background she is highly intuitive in coordinating patient and provider’s schedules and finds this challenge very rewarding. She enjoys the patient care piece accommodating cosmetic needs along with insurance pre authorization to ensure confidential, caring and quality customer care in a warm friendly manner.