Sunlight pours into downtown Portland. Beauty isn’t rocket science at the Center for Facial Plastic Surgery www.portlandfacial.biz, but it’s clearly more like an art than a paint-by-numbers worksheet. The doctors who work here? They swear by accuracy, a little comedy, and a set of tools that would turn your grandma’s vanity green with envy.

Dr. Williamson, the boss, thinks that less is usually more. As he talks to a patient, he’ll mutter, half-laughing, “People want to look fresh, not like they’re trying out for the next season of Real Housewives.” The most important thing they know? Every day, use sunblock. Don’t wear a lot of makeup; your skin will thank you for SPF. They say to put it on before coffee, even if it’s raining.

Let’s discuss about injections. Don’t think of a balloon animal that is too full. Think more subtly instead. Dr. Williamson joked, “Just enough to make your mother-in-law curious but not sure why.” The idea isn’t to stop time, but to gently push it back a little. Some regulars at the center plan “lunchtime tweaks,” which are small changes that no one notices, except that your selfie camera appears suspiciously forgiving.

People here also enjoy face creams. What do they like best? Retinol. No, it’s not a miraculous potion, but people who use it a lot do call it their “second cup of coffee for tired skin.” Teenagers can even say that acne doesn’t stand a chance. “It’s all about consistent tiny habits,” adds Dr. Chung, another surgeon. The one who puts lotion on every night will probably do better than the one who gets five miracle treatments a year. Slow and steady wins the facelift for the turtle.

The way the Center does consultations is a lot like therapy. “We listen first.” Dr. Chung smiles and says, “Listen with both ears and a little bit of heart.” Patients may need help saying no to too much. There is a lot of pressure to be naturally beautiful. A lot of visitors admit they really want to seem younger, but not like someone else.

Warning: secret sauce! The kitchen is sometimes the best place to fix things. “Sure, put those cucumbers on your eyes.” But you can also eat them! What was Dr. Williamson’s point? It all starts with the interior of your skin. If you want, they’ll provide you smoothie recipes. At least on Tuesdays, everyone is interested in health and wellness.

And lastly? Laughing. Dr. Chung says, “Nothing looks better than a real smile.” Patients get the finest outcomes when they depart with their spirits and cheekbones a little higher.