Which Med Spa Treatment Is Right for You?
by Cosmetic Expert Mike Dune
Whether they’re standalone businesses or part of a dermatology or plastic surgery practice, today’s medical spas feature the latest in aesthetic medicine. If you’re new to this industry, read on to learn about the most popular of med spa procedures, as well as which ones may be right for you.
Chemical Peels
Peels are popular treatments that can be customized to suit a variety of skin types. Most peels rely on a chemical exfoliant, such as glycolic acid, to slough off the outer layers of the skin — hence the “peel” in chemical peel. Chemical peels may be used to treat the following conditions:
- Acne
- Scars, whether due to acne, surgery, illness, or trauma
- Fine lines and some wrinkles
- Discoloration, such as freckles, melasma, and age spots
- Uneven or rough-textured skin
Chemical peels will not treat:
- Very deep wrinkles or scars
- Loose skin
- Large pores
- Redness due to rosacea or broken capillaries
Light peels can be performed in less than an hour and are sometimes called “lunchtime peels.” Their relative gentleness and noticeable results make them good additions to healthy skincare regimens. More significant peels, such as the popular Obagi® Blue Peel, which uses trichloracetic acid to deeply penetrate the skin, may require sedation and several days of downtime. For maximum safety and effectiveness, your best bet is to undergo a chemical peel through the office of a reputable plastic surgeon or dermatologist, such as the Dallas, Texas, professionals at the Dallas Center for Dermatology and Aesthetics.
Microdermabrasion
During this treatment, a doctor or aesthetician uses a special tool to gently “sandblast” the skin, for thorough exfoliation that goes a few steps beyond drugstore scrubs and cleansers. Microdermabrasion can treat the following conditions:
- Acne and blackheads
- Large pores
- Stretch marks
- Fine lines
- Dark spots
Microdermabrasion will not treat:
- Deep wrinkles and scars
- Skin that’s very loose or sagging
- Severe sun damage
Microdermabrasion treatments are generally brief, comfortable, and relatively inexpensive, although regular sessions are recommended to maintain results. Without outer layers of dead skin acting as a barrier, skin that’s been treated with microdermabrasion is also more receptive to the active ingredients in skincare products, boosting their effectiveness.
Facials
While facials are one of the many anti-aging products and procedures performed at spas and resorts primarily for relaxation, facials at doctors’ offices or medical spas incorporate advanced products and techniques to treat certain skin issues in a tranquil environment. Facials can be used to cleanse, exfoliate, hydrate, and improve skin’s overall condition. Many facials also include extractions, in which an aesthetician manually clears pores and blemishes. Many people choose to treat themselves to regular facials (most aesthetic professionals recommend 1 every 6 weeks) to enrich their personal skincare regimens.
Lasers & Light
Today, there are a multitude of options for laser skin resurfacing and light-based procedures. These treatments use powerful laser energy to improve the surface of the skin and increase the production of collagen. Lasers and intense pulsed light are popular options to undo visible sun damage and improve the look of aging skin, making them more popular with older patients. Laser treatments often require multiple sessions for the maximum benefit, but the results are often more significant and longer-lasting than other medical spa treatments. Lasers are also often used for removal of unwanted hair and spider veins.
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