A Skin-Care Overhaul: Interview with Carrie of Spa Medical
Editor’s Note: This interview was conducted primarily by Kaitlyn Koontz, with additional details from Molly Wilkins.
Molly here! I find that many times we have incorrect ideas about what skin care can be like- especially when it comes to getting a professional doctor involved in the process. This is why I’m really glad that Kaitlyn and myself could speak with the awesome professionals at Spa Medical.
Do you have questions about chemical peels? Retinol? What is micro-needling? And just what IS their most popular treatment? Stay tuned- we’re about to tell you.
Kaitlyn: What is the chemical peel process like?
Carrie: As with so many things, best results are achieved with the prep-work, the same is true with chemical peels:
The process starts with an in-house complimentary consultation to determine patient goals, home-care compliance, contraindications and a treatment plan. A person’s home skin care regiment is critical in determining their best outcome. Ideally, a new patient should be seen at least 4 weeks prior to a chemical peel to properly prep their skin. This also provides the proper time to suppress melanocytes for someone with pigmentation issues. During this time, good skincare habits are developed which will only serve to enhance and prolong the results achieved with the peel.
Several days before the procedure, Tretinoin (Retin-A) and its various forms as well as Alpha Hydroxyl Acids should be discontinued.
Patients with a history of herpes infection will need to start an anti-viral medication one day prior to the peel.
On the day of the procedure, a patient will have a consent form to review and sign. Post-peel instruction will be reviewed and “before” pictures will be taken.
Now, its show time, at Spa Medical, we make every effort to make your treatment a great experience; therefore the patient will lie back on a warm treatment table while the skin is properly cleansed. At this time, we introduce our secret weapon, a machine that blows cool, sterile air! The patient will have the option to hold the nozzle and direct the airflow to accommodate their comfort level. Generally, our chemical peels are applied in layers; we’ll use our ZO 3 Step peel as our example in this explanation. The 1st layer is applied with a gauze pad. The sensation experienced does vary between patients dependent on their homecare, thickness of the skin, hormonal fluctuations, etc. Typically a tingly, itchy sensation will spike and then begin to subside. Once the sensation eases, another layer is applied as tolerated. This process can be repeated one more time and the entire process of the 3 layer application usually is completed within a 9 minute period. A retinol is now applied to the skin, which will feel a bit like a prickly heat initially and immediately dissipate. This cream will leave a slight yellow tinge on the skin. Sunscreen is applied and the procedure is complete. Homecare instructions are reiterated and the patient is on their way!
Kaitlyn: What would you say to someone who is apprehensive about chemical peels?
Carrie: Chemical peels are a wonderful tool to improve the complexion on so many different levels. Under the care of a trusted practice along with the advancements in chemical formulations, this is a safe and result oriented option. Yes, you will experience sensation during the treatment. Yes, it is tolerable and we will make every effort to make it a comfortable procedure. With chemical peel treatments, proper consultation, homecare and expectations should be fully addressed with your medical esthetician for optimum results. When all this is performed, apprehension is diminished and great results are achieved!
Kaitlyn: Can you briefly explain your most popular treatment?
Carrie: Hydrafacial- This is our most popular facial treatment because you get SO MUCH BANG FOR YOUR BUCK! If you have an event and you need to be red-carpet ready, get ready to experience radiant, glowing skin with virtually no down time with this treatment. I liken it to having your patio pressure washed, dulling build up is dislodged, an AHA & BHA cocktail is infused in the skin to further exfoliate, the pores are flushed and vacuumed and finally a blend of Hyaluronic Acid to hydrate along with antioxidants and peptides to nourish the skin completes the treatment. At a mere cost of $135, you’ll walk out of here looking like a million bucks!
Kaitlyn: Tell me 3 things about Spa Medical’s Microneedling procedure.
Carrie:
- We use the most advanced medical grade Micropen on the market, the Eclipse Micropen Elite. This tool along with our expert training ensures a safe, calculated and result oriented procedure.
- After the skin is numbed topically, superficial micro-channels are created in the skin in order to infuse growth factor. Think of aerating your lawn and then fertilizing, it makes a difference… miracle grow anyone?!
- This treatment is beneficial as an anti-aging treatment, not only does it improve the texture of fine lines, acne scars and stretch marks are also improved. Moreover, collagen and elastin production in the dermal layer is stimulated and overall firmness is improved, all with no downtime… YES, PLEASE!
Kaitlyn: What makes the skin treatments at Spa Medical different than other spas?
Carrie: At Spa Medical, we offer the perfect blend of a luxurious spa experience that operates under the strict guidelines of a medical office. Therefore our patients receive the most innovative, medical grade procedures, expertise and products that produce results in a trusted and warm environment.
Kaitlyn: Which professional treatments do you choose for yourself?
Carrie: I WANT IT ALL! Seriously though, my homecare products are my foundation for healthy skin. My protocol for Spa Medical treatments consists of at least 2 chemical peels a year, I think of these as my Spring and Fall cleaning. As far maintenance, I alternate Hydrafacial 1 month with Microneedling the next month. Ideally, microneedling is performed every 6-8 weeks so with that in mind it’s the perfect dance partner to the Hydrafacial! Results; HEALTHY, HAPPY SKIN!
Editor’s Note: Ok guys, it’s time for me to step it up and SHOW y’all what you really want answers to. This means…. you pick the treatment I try next. Tell us in the comments here, on Southern Bon Vivant’s Facebook page, or on Spa Medical’s page. And that’s what I will try next! It’s up to y’all- so tell us what you want to see demonstrated and we will video it. – Molly
Love to all y’all,
Molly
