Popular Medi-Spa Procedures: get to Know Your Treatment

Botox

Hyaluronic Acid
(including Juvéderm,
and Perlane/
Restylane)

Laser Hair
Removal

Microdermabrasion

IPL Laser Treatment

What it is

Biological toxins transformed into a therapeutic agent. Originally researched in the late 1960s to treat neurological disorders. 

Dermal filler used to enhance soft-tissue volume to smooth wrinkles or add fullness to the face

A non-invasive and gentle technique that eliminates undesirable hair from various parts of the body

A cosmetic treatment in which the face is sprayed with exfoliant crystals

Uses high-intensity light pulses to heat the deeper skin layers

What it does

Biological toxins transformed into a therapeutic agent. Originally used in the late 1960s to treat neurological disorders.

Treats mild to moderate facial creases

Using a low-energy laser; permanently reduces unwanted facial or body hair. A percentage of the follicles are instantaneously and permanently disabled with each treatment. 

Removes dead skin cells to give the skin an overall fresh, healthy-looking glow

Stimulates the body’s natural wound-healing responses to effect changes in collagen and tighten skin 

Cost
national average

$326 per area

$550 per syringe

Depends on area being treated; national average is $279 per session.

$122 per treatment

$381 per treatment

Pros

No downtime; patients can immediately resume normal activities. Treatment is reversible within several months. May be beneficial for treating migraines.

Results last six months or more. No downtime. 

Treats larger areas effectively because it removes more than one hair at a time. Minimal discomfort with no downtime.

No side effects or downtime. Effective on all skin types and colors. Excellent for skin that’s sensitive to chemical procedures.

Compared to other skin- tightening treatments, does not damage the outer skin layer. Is non-invasive with minimal discomfort. May be used on all skin types with little to no downtime.

Cons

Effects last three to four months and require repeat treatments. Possible side effects include local numbness, swelling, bruising, or a burning sensation during injection. Some patients may report temporary headache and nausea. 

Bruising, swelling, or redness possible. May be visible or felt, if injected superficially. In rare cases patients, may develop nodules or small bumps beneath the skin. 

Requires multiple sessions. Patients with darker pigmentation may not respond well; people with blonde, white, or gray hairs are less responsive and sometimes cannot be treated. Patients may experience slight reddening of the skin or localized swelling.

Number of treatments for maximum results can range from five to 12, spaced two to three weeks apart. Maintenance requires periodic repeat treatments after initial regimen is completed.

Multiple treatments usually needed. Small burns are rare but possible. Skin in the treated area may remain red for a few hours.