On Friday, May 15, 2026, at The Aesthetic MEET 2026 in Boston, The Aesthetic Society posthumously presented the Michael J. Powers Distinguished Exhibitor Award to Michael J. Powers, founder and former President/CEO of Plastic Surgery Studios, recognizing his lasting impact on the aesthetic industry and his decades of dedication to The Aesthetic Society and its exhibitor community.
For everyone at Plastic Surgery Studios, this award is deeply meaningful because it reflects the qualities that defined Michael throughout his life and career: kindness, integrity, generosity, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to serving others.
Nearly Three Decades of Support and Service
For nearly 27 years, Plastic Surgery Studios has proudly supported and exhibited with The Aesthetic Society. Throughout that time, Michael became a familiar and trusted presence within The Aesthetic Marketplace and the larger aesthetic community.
Michael also served for many years on The Aesthetic Society’s Exhibits Advisory Committee, where his insight, dedication, and willingness to help others were deeply valued by the organization and fellow exhibitors. He was someone people knew they could count on, whether they needed guidance, support, or simply a friendly conversation.
In a special tribute published in the Winter/Spring 2026 edition of the Aesthetic Society News, the Society described Michael as “the heart and soul” of Plastic Surgery Studios’ presence at meetings and “a true pillar of the exhibits community.”
Those words resonate deeply with the many people who had the privilege of knowing him.
A Presence People Will Never Forget
Michael had a unique ability to make people feel welcomed, valued, and heard. He greeted people with genuine warmth and took time to connect with everyone around him, from longtime colleagues to first-time exhibitors attending their very first meeting.
Many people have shared stories about the encouragement and kindness Michael showed them over the years. One exhibitor—who now leads a competing agency—recalled feeling extremely nervous before giving a presentation at her first aesthetic meeting several years ago. Michael noticed, spent 15 minutes speaking with her, encouraging her, and helping calm her fears before she stepped on stage. It was a simple act of compassion that left a lasting impression.
That’s who Michael was every day.
He believed relationships mattered more than transactions and that success should never come at the expense of kindness or integrity. Whether someone knew him as an exhibitor, business owner, colleague, or friend, they experienced the same sincerity, humility, and generosity that defined him privately as well.
Michael took enormous pride in being part of the aesthetic community for nearly three decades. He genuinely cared about helping practices grow, helping people succeed, and elevating the standard of professionalism within the industry. He never wanted to simply build a company. He wanted to build something meaningful and lasting, rooted in trust and service to others.
“His friendship was a gift to the Society, our staff, our members, and exhibitors.”
— Erika Ortiz-Ramos
Director, Exhibit Sales and Meeting Services, The Aesthetic Society
An Award That Reflects Character
Being recognized by The Aesthetic Society is an incredible honor, but what makes this award especially meaningful is what it represents.
The Michael J. Powers Distinguished Exhibitor Award recognizes more than professional achievement. It honors the character, leadership, and generosity that Michael consistently demonstrated throughout his life.
In its tribute, The Aesthetic Society shared that “The Aesthetic Marketplace will not be the same without Michael,” noting that he would be remembered for his warmth, wisdom, and unwavering dedication to the organization.
Erika Ortiz-Ramos described this award as “a celebration of Michael’s incredible dedication and loyalty” and a “tribute to the lasting impact he made on all of us.”
For those who knew him personally, those words could not be more true.
A Meaningful Moment for Our Team and Family
Accepting the award on Michael’s behalf was both emotional and deeply moving.
Michael’s wife, Anna Powers, Vice President of Operations, and his nephew David Powers, President/CEO, accepted the award during the presentation at The Aesthetic MEET 2026, representing the family-owned company Michael helped build over nearly three decades.
Following the presentation, many attendees shared personal memories about Michael and the impact he had on their lives and careers. Several spoke about his friendship, encouragement, and the way he always made people feel supported and appreciated.
Hearing those stories served as a powerful reminder that a person’s greatest legacy is often found not simply in accomplishments, but in the lives they touch along the way.
Carrying Forward Michael’s Vision
Michael’s influence continues to shape the culture and mission of Plastic Surgery Studios today.
His belief in treating people with honesty, kindness, and respect remains central to everything we do. As our team continues supporting plastic surgery practices across the country, we remain committed to carrying forward the values Michael exemplified every day.
Gratitude for an Extraordinary Honor
We are sincerely grateful to The Aesthetic Society for this extraordinary honor and for recognizing Michael’s contributions to the aesthetic community.
While Michael is deeply missed, the values he lived by continue to guide the culture, relationships, and mission of Plastic Surgery Studios every day.
Most of all, we are thankful for the many friends, colleagues, clients, and exhibitors who continue to share their memories and stories about Michael. His legacy lives on through the countless people he encouraged, supported, and inspired throughout his life.
