By Katrina Simyab
Most women will deal with multiple skin concerns during their lifetime. Whether it’s acne flare-ups during pregnancy or dark spots and fine lines that appear over time, aging gracefully can be a process. When over-the-counter options don’t make a difference, medispas can provide effective treatment options. Here are some to consider.
DMK ENZYME THERAPY
This treatment works to “flush out toxins and deliver oxygen to the skin … nourishing the skin to heal it,” says nurse anesthetist Ericka Mulhall, APNP and owner of NurturHer Aesthetics. (She explains this treatment is different than a chemical peel, which works to remove signs of aging or dark marks by resurfacing the skin and improving the appearance of the skin.) DMK will rebalance, rebuild and resurface skin at a cellular level to treat acne, hyperpigmentation and signs of aging. There is little to no downtime with this type of treatment, and most people will see a difference shortly after a single visit.
Treatment Frequency: Frequency depends on the condition your skin is in. Mulhall typically suggests a minimum of three to six treatments to start. DMK Enzyme Therapy is also safe to do during pregnancy.
Cost: DMK Enzyme Therapy ranges from $700-$800 for three treatments at NurturHer, and patients are given a custom at-home regimen to use afterward.
MICRONEEDLING
Microneedling is a regenerative treatment that helps stimulate the production of collagen in the skin with small needles that are used to make little punctures in the top layer of skin. (Mulhall says it feels scratchy.) She explains that microneedling uses “your body’s own ability to repair itself … which includes increasing collagen production and new, healthier layers of skin.”
This treatment can smooth wrinkles and fine lines, correct hyperpigmentation, reduce pores, lighten acne or scarring, and improve overall skin texture. It’s “a way to keep your skin glowing and healthy,” says Mulhall.
Treatment Frequency: Mulhall typically recommends a series of three treatments, repeated as desired. People who are pregnant, immunosuppressive, have bleeding disorders, severe anxiety or have active skin infections shouldn’t do microneedling.
Cost: A single microneedling session can cost $400 per session at NuturHer, while packages of three sessions can cost $1,300 (which includes two skincare items).
BOTOX AND DYSPORT
Botox and Dysport relaxes wrinkles and fine lines by blocking nerve signals to facial muscles. Amie Neumaier, MSN, AGPC-NP, CANS, and clinic director of ANEU Med Spa, says prevention is key with Botox. “Catching lines before they get engraved into the skin is best,” she explains. “If it doesn’t move, it doesn’t wrinkle.”
Treatment Frequency: Full results are seen 14 days post- treatment and can last three to four months. As with any medical injection treatments, frequency should be tailored to your unique needs. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, Neumaier recommends waiting on this treatment.
Cost: Getting Botox or Dysport in one area on the upper face averages approximately $255-$300 per treatment at ANEU.
DERMAL FILLERS
Dermal fillers (such as Restylane and Juvederm) are an FDA-approved implant of hyaluronic acid under the skin. This treatment is great to combat signs of aging or enhance facial features. As Neumaier explains, it “attracts water to the tissue to plump, lift, contour, hydrate and smooth areas of your face.”
Treatment Frequency: Almost anyone over the age of 18 can use fillers. While some bruising and swelling is common post-treatment, Neumaier says that “on average, most dermal fillers can last 8 to 10 months, some even longer.”
Cost: Dermal fillers cost on average $550-$850 per one-milliliter syringe at ANEU. Neumaier says it’s not uncommon to use three to five syringes in one session.
LASER TREATMENTS
During a laser treatment, one or more layers of skin is removed, which can help improve skin conditions, including large pores, fine lines and wrinkles, crepey/loose skin and more, says Neumaier.
Treatment Frequency: Depending on the strength of the treatment, there may be downtime of up to 10 days post-treatment, as the skin rejuvenates and repairs. “The more downtime [after the treatment], the more drastic the improvement to the skin will be,” Neumaier explains.
Cost: The price of laser sessions varies based on desired outcome. A photofacial treatment to help treat redness and brown spots averages $350 (Neumaier says this also includes dermaplaning). Their popular Halo resurfacing treatment is $850 and targets general lines, texture and pigment.
