FACIALS FAQ | JS HEALTHCARE MEDSPA

FAQ – CUSTOMIZED FACIALS

What to expect during your consultation

At JS Healthcare Med Spa, we offer a range of facials and treatment options. During your visit, you will meet with a skincare specialist and receive a complimentary skincare analysis, go over your specific concerns, and the skincare specialist will tailor a plan specific for your skin type and goals. Our goal is to ensure that you meet your skincare goals. Our Medical Spa team is Physician led and consists of a Medical Doctor, Dermatology Specialist, & Licensed Esthetician. That being said, we are not a sales driven practice and will never recommend any treatments or products with the sole purpose of being profitable. We treat all clients with a medical approach all while providing the ultimate spa experience.

Because we use medical grade skincare and equipment, you will be asked to fill out general questionnaires and consent forms that are specific to the treatment you will be completing. Once a plan has been established with your skincare provider, you will either start the treatment the day of your consultation or schedule your first treatment for a future date.

How a facial is performed

It is important to make sure that you present to the Spa with a bare face, have not had any recent sun exposure without a suitable SPF, and have avoided and/or stopped specific medications or products that may interfere with your treatment type. Your skin is an essential organ, so it is important that you follow PRE & POST facial/procedure instructions. We cannot emphasize this enough! Every treatment type has different protocols, so all pre and post care instructions will vary.
Preparation – When you arrive, your skincare specialist will greet you and ask you a few questions regarding the pre-care instructions to ensure that it is okay to proceed with your facial. You will be asked to use a facial wipe to wipe off any makeup. It is essential that you come to the office with a clean, bare face. The esthetician will then guide you to the facial room and have you remove your garments and put on a disposable robe. (Removing your garments is optional but we recommend removing everything above the waist for a full experience. Your facial will include a massage to the neck, decollete, and upper arms but again this is optional. You will then lay on the massage table where the esthetician will then proceed with securing your hair with a disposable or cloth headband. Most clients choose to cover themselves under the spa table linens and some even fall asleep through the whole relaxing experience. (our linens are changed after every client and professionally washed/sanitized)
Cleansing – The esthetician will start with a gentle double cleanse using a gentle cleanser from our skincare line. This is to ensure that any excess dirt and oil is removed from the skin. This facial cleansing is usually very soothing. Your esthetician will use mild products to gently cleanse your skin using tender, moderate strokes. It also serves as a massage, thereby relaxing you further.

Exfoliating – After getting rid of any leftover makeup and cleansing your skin, you will next be treated to gentle exfoliation. The exfoliation process aids in getting rid of dead skin cells and other skin impurities that aren’t embedded in the skin. The esthetician will wash this off and you will be ready for the next step.
Steaming – All of our facials will feature facial steaming to help with opening your pores. Steaming helps open your pores so that your skin is better prepared for extractions and product penetration. This allows for less painful extractions. The steam machine uses distilled water and will be pointed toward your face for about 10-15 minutes during the treatment. The steam should not be unbearable, however if you start to feel uncomfortable, please notify your esthetician so the settings can be lowered. It should not feel hot, and it should not be difficult to breathe. This should be a relaxing experience.
Extraction – After the steaming, the esthetician will move forward with extractions if you have added it to your facial package. Under the hands of a gentle esthetician, it shouldn’t hurt. In fact, most people fall asleep during this process! The esthetician will remove skin impurities that are within the outer layer of your skin – which includes mild acne, blackheads, and whiteheads. If the esthetician notices anything on the skin that she cannot treat, or any abnormalities, you will be referred to Dermatology or have the option to see our Dermatologist Dr.Shelley Fox for further treatment of blackheads, cystic acne, and a medical skincare analysis.

Depending on the facial type, the esthetician may use specific serums, creams, sprays, toner, tools or equipment. Some tools we use are wands/spatulas, skin scrubber, pore suction technology, hydration, dermal rollers, microneedling handpiece, microdermabrasion, high frequency, LED light therapy, ultrasound, radiofrequency, cold hammer, dermaplaning. These applications are typically used after cleansing and before completing the procedure with the jelly mask and massage. Cold roller is generally used to help close the pores.

Finishing up – Almost all our facials include a Jelly mask. Each mask type will vary depending on your specific needs. The mask is applied to the face and dries in a solid jelly like substance. While the jelly mask is drying, the esthetician will use this time to complete a 15-minute massage of the neck, decollete and arms. Some clients opt to skip the massage, but we highly recommend doing the massage for the full relaxation experience. If you are adding a hot stone massage, the 15-minute massage will be completed using hot stones which has many benefits. The hot stones help reduce stress and tension, while also providing a therapeutic and relaxing experience.

Facials, when performed correctly, remove dirt and germs from pores while also improving the overall appearance and feel of your skin. However, there are certain downsides to having facials that can leave the skin looking less than appealing. Before doing any procedure, the esthetician will make sure that the procedure is suitable for your needs and skin type. Being a suitable candidate for a specific procedure does not mean you may not have a reaction or contraindication to the procedure. There are cases where clients may experience an adverse reaction and, in this case, will require further medical intervention. Prior to your treatment, it is essential that you thoroughly read through your documents that list all potential side effects, how to prepare before your treatment, and how to care for your skin post treatment.

Here are a few typical adverse effects that some individuals may suffer after a facial, as well as tips on how we help clients avoid them.

Irritation and Redness

The most typical side effects of a facial are redness and blotchy skin. This might be related to the exfoliation pressure and any extractions or substances used during the operation. It is important to allow your skin to recuperate by refraining from wearing makeup or using any other products on your skin for the first day or two following their facial. We recommend scheduling facial treatments at least three days before a major event so your face can have time to dissipate the redness. Other procedures for example: microneedling, radiofrequency, hydra luxe facial, microdermabrasion will have different protocol and pre/post care instructions and may require more downtime if there is any irritation, flaking, bruising, or redness.

Breakouts

Post-facial breakouts are often a result of bacteria that make it’s way onto your skin during your facial. Steam machines and improperly sterilized tools can be breeding grounds for such bacteria as well. To eliminate this risk, request that the technician not use tools during your treatment but if they must, make sure that all tools are taken directly from a sanitizing machine before they start.

Scarring

When aestheticians use their fingers or equipment to remove impurities from pores, they risk harming the client's outer skin layer. Extractions that are too forceful might result in wounds and bleeding. Our aesthetician will only perform extractions and clean out the pores of non-inflamed pore blockages.

Dryness

One of the primary goals of a facial is exfoliation and bringing the freshest layer of skin to the surface. However, exfoliating may leave the client's skin feeling dry and sensitive. It is important to remember that exfoliation doesn’t immediately remove all the dead skin cells that are present. After exfoliation, you may experience flaking for about 3 days as the remaining dead skin cells will start to slough off. We recommend a mild, fragrance-free moisturizer, avoiding the sun after a facial is also recommended since UV rays can further aggravate dry skin. USE Sunscreen with an SPF of 50 or more!

Facials, when done right, can work wonders in extracting dirt and bacteria from your pores and improving the overall look and feel of your skin. However, there may be downsides to this spa treatment that may leave your skin looking less than presentable. Consult your skincare professional before undergoing any treatment to ensure that it fits your skin type and check out the credentials of the esthetician who will be performing the procedure. Most side effects do not require treatment but may need medical attention for more severe reactions.

HYDRA LUXE FACIAL

What is the HYDRA LUXE FACIAL?

Our Hydra Luxe Facial is a combo facial treatment which uses a wand/pore vacuum that opens the pores for deep cleansing and easy extraction of impurities and dead skin cells. Our wand also has a feature which allows for the product to penetrate deeper into the skin while simultaneously extracting the impurities. The products we use hydrate, oxygenize, and cleanse the skin.

What is a pore vacuum? – Hydration Facial Suction

A pore vacuum is a handheld device designed to temporarily suck up dead skin cells, excess oil and dirt and other impurities from your face with the intent to clear up clogged pores.

There are two main types of pore vacuums: professional devices that use powerful suction and are only available to experienced technicians, and consumer-grade devices that are available to the public and can be purchased at most beauty stores and drugstores.

How does a pore vacuum work?

A pore vacuum works by putting the vacuum hose into the pore and placing the nozzle over the pore’s opening to suck dead skin cells, excess oil and dirt and other impurities out of the pore.

Do pore vacuums work?

Yes, pore vacuums do work in clearing pore congestion but are neither a long-term nor a permanent solution and are most effective when used in conjunction with a good skin care routine.

Pores don’t open or close, which means that after removing gunk from the opening of your pores, you can expect your pores to be clogged again; unless you use topical medication to eliminate and control acne or blackheads.

To keep your pores from getting clogged yet again, use acne and blackhead fighting ingredients like Salicylic Acid, Benzoyl Peroxide, Clindamycin, Retinol and Sulfur-Based products.

Notice that if you don’t stop using Retinoids and Hydroxy Acids a few days prior to using the vacuum, you can get significant redness, discoloration, irritation, and skin injuries.

What are the side effects of using a pore vacuum?

Although a pore vacuum is generally safe to use, side effects can occur from using one which include, but are not limited to:

Bruising
Broken Blood Vessels
Dilated Blood Vessels
Redness
Hyperpigmentation
Irritation
Skin Injury (Micro-Tears to Your Skin)

If you experience severe discomfort or pain, stop using the device immediately.

When should you use a pore vacuum?

You should use a pore vacuum depending on how congested your pores are.

How often should you use a pore vacuum?

To avoid infections and inflammations, we only recommend having a Hydra Facial and/or pore suction once monthly.

For instance, if you have dry skin, you may need to use it less often. However, if you have oily skin, you may be able to use it more often.

How do you get rid of redness/bruising from a pore vacuum?

Pore vacuum bruises range from light pink to dark purple and can last anywhere between a few hours to 10 days before fading away. If you have a bruise you’re concerned about, pay a visit to see your doctor.

There are a few things you can do to get rid of redness/bruising from a pore vacuum:

Apply a cold compress to the area for a few minutes; this will help soothe and reduce inflammation.
Using a heating pad on low heat can also help improve blood circulation and promote healing.
Applying pressure to the bruise can help stop the bleeding and swelling; you can do this by using a bandage, wrap, or compress.
Keeping the bruised area elevated above the level of your heart can also help reduce swelling.
Arnica is a natural Homoeopathic remedy that is often used to help reduce bruising.
Vitamin K cream is a topical cream that is applied to the skin and helps promote healing.
Aloe vera is a natural plant that has anti-inflammatory properties and can be used to soothe and heal a bruise.
Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that helps promote collagen production and can help with healing.
Take an over-the-counter antihistamine such as Benadryl or Claritin to help reduce inflammation.
Use cortisone cream to help reduce inflammation.
Talk to your doctor about taking prescription medication such as prednisone or cyclosporine to help reduce inflammation.

MICRODERMABRASION

(This information is courtesy of AAD.ORG)

Although microdermabrasion is a gentle, non-invasive treatment, you should see a dermatologist before getting this treatment at a spa or using an at-home microdermabrasion kit if you:

Have a mole or other spot on your skin that is growing, bleeding, or changing in any way. This spot could be skin cancer.
Are taking (or have taken) the acne medicine, isotretinoin, which is prescribed to treat severe acne. If you have taken this medicine within the past 6 months, you have a higher risk for complications, including scarring. You may need to wait before having microdermabrasion.
Scar easily.

What happens during microdermabrasion?

The dermatologist or skincare specialist uses a handheld device that gently removes the top layer of skin. You may feel a sanding sensation, but this is not painful. It takes about 30 to 40 minutes to treat the entire face and about 20 minutes to treat the neck.

After the treatment, a moisturizer is applied.

What will I need to do after microdermabrasion?

You may need to apply a moisturizer or other skin care product at home.

You will be given a skin-care plan that includes sun protection. Protecting your skin from the sun helps ensure the best possible results and reduces the risk of side effects.

Is there downtime?

You will not have downtime or a recovery period. Some patients’ skin turns pink or red. The skin can swell a bit. These side effects are similar to having a sunburn or windburn for a day or two. During this time, some patients feel uncomfortable returning to work or being in public.

When will I see results from microdermabrasion?

Most patients need a series of treatments to see results. To treat signs of aging, a dermatologist may treat a patient weekly, every two weeks, or monthly. Most patients receive between 5 and 16 treatments. After a series of treatments, patients usually say they have smoother skin and a more radiant complexion.

How long will the results last?

The results tend to be temporary. Patients who protect their skin from the sun and follow the recommended skin-care plan will maintain their results for a longer time. Yet, no matter what we do, our skin continues to age. Follow-up treatments are usually necessary to help retain smoother skin and a more radiant complexion.

What are the possible side effects?

After microdermabrasion, your treated skin may be pink or red and slightly swollen. This tends to disappear within a day.

In some cases, the skin can bruise, burn, sting, or become extremely sensitive to sunlight. These will go away without treatment.

If your skin tends to develop dark spots after acne clears or a skin injury heals, you may have a greater risk of developing more dark spots. When microdermabrasion is performed by a dermatologist, this risk is minor.

When can I safely get another treatment?

Microdermabrasion treats only the top layer of the skin, so the skin recovers quickly. Most people can safely have another treatment a week later. Some patients, however, need several weeks to recover.

What is the safety record for microdermabrasion?

When performed by a dermatologist, microdermabrasion has an excellent safety record. Microdermabrasion also is performed in salons and non-medical spas. You can reduce your risk for side effects by having microdermabrasion performed by a dermatologist.

MICRONEEDLING

What is microneedling?

Microneedling is a technique known as collagen induction therapy, that creates micro “injuries” to the skin, and triggers collagen production. The Microneedling pen consists of microneedles which penetrate the skin to treat the appearance of fine lines, acne, scars, minor trauma scars, hypo/hyperpigmentation and improving the skin’s overall appearance. Some of the microneedling technology we have are Secret RF, Exion, Skin pen, and Mini Hydra needles. Microneedling can be paired with PRP (Protein Rich Plasma), topical gels, and serums such as hyaluronic acid to aid/enhance the appearance of the skin.

Our Skin Pen and Mini Hydra needles are used for the face and can be used as a combo treatment with serums and additives but can only be used on areas that do not require deeper impact/treatment. EXION and Secret RF use Radio frequency technology and penetrate to a deeper level for better results. Please refer to the FAQ on EXION and Secret RF for additional information.

How long does an appointment for Micro-needling take?
Micro-needling treatment can take an hour-and-a-half, or more to complete. The time will depend on the area that is being treated. Skin pen and Hydra needle do not require numbing, but EXION and Secret RF will require numbing which is typically done 30 minutes prior to the appointment. For a standard microneedling facial, this procedure is done in combination with a classical facial and provides a more relaxing experience while simultaneously treating problem areas. Radiofrequency microneedling will not have a classical facial combined and is generally problem focused.

How is Micro-needling administered?
Micro-Needling procedures are performed in a safe and precise manner with the use of a sterile micropen needle head and handheld micropen skin needling system. The micropen is gently pressed into the skin, and glides across the surface to induce new collagen and elastin.

Does Micro-needling hurt?
While micro-needling can sound rather daunting, the needles that we use during the procedure are microscopic. The treatment can cause discomfort and has been said to feel like a vibrating cat’s tongue. Areas with deeper imperfections may cause more discomfort than areas with superficial imperfections. We ensure that our patients are comfortable throughout the entire procedure. A topical numbing agent is applied 30 minutes prior to Micro-needling to aid any discomfort during the procedure. It is common to feel discomfort in areas that have less skin such as the forehead and below the eyes. Secret RF and EXION may be a little more uncomfortable as it penetrates deeper than the standard microneedle.

When will I begin to see results from my micro-needling treatment?
Generally, patients notice tightening, and a more even tone to their skin, a week or two after their first session. For areas with deeper imperfections, results can be subtler, and additional treatments are usually required. Since Micro-needling stimulates new collagen and elastin production, these results will continue to build for up to 6 months.

How long do results from Micro-needling results last?
While we cannot slow down the aging process, we can help restore and maintain skin health. Results will vary depending on the client and can last 4-6 months. We recommend monthly maintenance for skincare in general to maintain skin health. Results will depend on the client’s upkeep and skincare regimen that is done outside of the office.

What areas can I treat with Micro-needling?
Micro-needling can essentially be used on any part of the body. The most popular areas to treat are the face, neck, and chest. Micro-needling can also be effective on most types of scarring and stretch marks.

Is there any downtime a Micro-needling session?
There is technically no downtime required after Micro-needling. After your treatment, your skin may be red. This is normal and to be expected. Redness usually lasts from one to 24 hours. You may also have a little swelling in some areas. A few days after your treatment your skin may become dry. Some patients go straight back to work, while others prefer to schedule their treatment over the weekend.

Are there any side effects or possible risks to Micro-needling?
Micro-needling is considered a safe treatment for all skin types. The side effects associated with micro-needling are temporary swelling and redness.

Who is NOT a candidate for Micro-needling?
During your consultation an assessment will be made to ensure that you are a candidate for Micro-needling. Micro-needling may not be safe for those with certain health problems.

Additional:

It is important to consult your Skincare specialist or Healthcare Professional for any specific concerns and to ensure that the treatment of interest is the right treatment for you. The above-described information is for informational purposes and may or may not apply to you. This FAQ serves as a general outline of potential reactions and what to expect during your treatment of interest. It may not include all potential reactions but details some of the common highlighted reactions that may occur.

Don’t see the information you are looking for?

Additional facial or facial contouring treatments we offer such as EXION, EMFACE, Secret RF Microneedling, Etc. may have a separate FAQ and can be found on our website in the FAQ tab or you may ask a staff member for a paper