Lunchtime lifts; Medical spas cater to clients looking for a quick little pick-me-up

Melissa Maynard
Chicago Tribune
Oct 13, 2004

Women are forgoing their favorite eateries to get mini-facelifts- -all in the time it takes to have lunch. According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery statistics (www.cosmeticsurgery.org), there has been a growth in BOTOX® injections, chemical peels and other non-invasive procedures. Last year, 504,371 American women got some type of non-invasive procedure, sometimes deemed the lunchtime facelift. "The surge in popularity is attributed to the nature of the treatments"--requiring no down time--"the excellent skin benefits, and the remarkably small amount of time it takes to look great," says Refine Medical Spa founder Dr. Bonnie Vulich. Wellness centers and medical spas have popped up all over the Chicago area. These integrated centers, where non-invasive medical procedures are offered alongside traditional spa services, are developing a devoted clientele. Here's a look at some of the most popular non-invasive cosmetic procedures most of these spas offer. Prices range from $85 for an endermologie treatment to $500 per syringe for Hylaform. BOTOX® is the most requested non-invasive cosmetic procedure for both sexes and saw an 11 percent increase in 2003 from 2002, according to the latest AACS statistics. Results last about three to six months. Downtime: Less than 15 minutes. Results in several days. With Restylane, a natural substance called Hyaluronic acid is used as a filler to enhance lips, lessen wrinkles and reshape facial contours for a fuller, more youthful appearance. Wrinkle and facial contour treatments last from 6 to12 months, and lip enhancement about six months. However, the timeline varies for each individual. Downtime: Less than 30 minutes, depending on the procedure. Results are immediate.

Hylaform is another natural, injectable filler that works much the way Restylane does. "By adding volume to the skin... it offers . . . improved facial lines and wrinkles, with minimal swelling," Vulich says. Downtime: 30 to 45 minutes. Finding the right doctor is key. AACS marketing rep Karena Rybarczyk says a physician who is trained in the use of these substances and has experience in perfoming the procedures will be able to minimize the possibility of complications and side effects (usually redness, swelling and tenderness). "With injectable fillers [such as Restylane and Hylaform], in-depth knowledge of the face is required to avoid nerves and concentrate treatment on appropriate areas," Rybarczyk says. If you're not ready for injectables,then chemical peels or microdermabrasion might be for you. A physician or an aesthetician can administer these treatments, but an aesthetician is not allowed to use as strong a concentration of agents as a physician. Chemical peels remove damaged outer layers of the skin, thus ridding the face of fine lines on cheeks, forehead, around the eyes and, with deeper peels, the vertical lines around the mouth. A light peel is all that's needed to refine the skin's texture and give it a glow. Downtime: 10 to15 minutes for an ultra-light peel. Microdermabrasion is a skin sanding treatment where an extremely fine mixture of aluminum-oxide crystals is applied on the face and neck. Light microdermabrasion removes dead skin cells and unclogs pores. Deeper microdermabrasion, which reduces wrinkles and scars, can only be done by a physician and requires a longer recovery time. Downtime: 20 minutes to more than an hour. Other popular and quick treatments include:Sclerotherapy, removal of spider veins. Endermologie, a combination of suction and rollers to reduce cellulite. Lipoderm mesotherapy, non-surgical treatment to remove fat and reduce cellulite.

Teeth whitening, bonding and veneers. Skimping on your lunch lift is a definite no-go. This is not the time to look for bargains, experts say. The only skimping here should be your time.

Refine Medical Spa, located at 233 E. Erie Street, Chicago, IL, is here to satisfy those demands with complimentary consultations and same day treatments that re-hydrate, sculpt, firm and de-age skin. For more information on the spa and its founder, please call 312-867-0600.

Contact us for further information or to book a consultation. Click here to redirect to our Contact Us page. Please fill out the online form and a Refine Medical Spa professional will get back to you as soon as possible.