Frequently Asked Questions

WHO WILL BE DOING MY TREATMENT AND ARE THEY QUALIFIED?

Our clinical skin treatments are administered by Joan Tomeu, RN. She has over 30 years nursing experience and the last 10 years she has specialized in cosmetic esthetics. She started her esthetics practice while working for a Virginia Beach, VA Cosmetic Plastic surgeon and later opened her own clinical skin care practice there. She has also worked in a Cosmetic Laser Center for Hair Removal in Virginia Beach.

She is a National Educator for PCASkin and travels extensively teaching physicians, nurses and clinical estheticians Chemical Peel Training and Advanced Treatment Technologies. She has spoken at numerous trade show events and is also a consultant for Medical Spas. In addition to her nursing education, she has been certified in Laser Hair Removal, Skin Rejuvenation, Chemical Peels, and as an Advanced Educator for PCASkin.

All of our injections (Botox, Restylane, Juvederm, and Radiesse) are given by our on-site Medical Director, Dr. Marshall Webb. Dr. Webb is a board certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist. He was trained for injectables and has used them for over 10 years in his practice in South Carolina and now in Jacksonville.

HOW UNCOMFORTABLE ARE THE PROCEDURES?

Microdermabrasion- A very minor discomfort, "sandy feeling", and can be easily adjusted to your comfort level without compromising the treatment efficacy.

Ultrasound-very relaxing! Like a facial massage.

Chemical Peels- The peels solutions we use are NO DOWN TIME and there is minimal burning or stinging. Most patients say that a glycolic peel or home mask is more uncomfortable. This is because the PCA solutions are modified and enhanced to give you optimal results, little down time, and little to no discomfort.

IPL photo facials- With the Palomar cooling hand piece, the discomfort is minimal. Afterwards, you may notice a heat sensation, like mild sunburn.

Hair Removal- With the Palomar hand piece, the discomfort is minimal due to the cooling effect built in. Afterwards, you may feel heat like mild sunburn. The skin is immediately cooled down with a cooling roller, ice packs and a special gel that is very soothing.

Injections-A Botox injection is like getting a PPD test, the same size needle with just a small pinprick. Some areas (usually around the eyes) may be a little more uncomfortable than the forehead area. The majority of patients do well without any topical anesthetic. The injectable fillers (Juvederm, etc) are more uncomfortable, especially in the lip and nasal labial folds. Dr. Webb can do a local block, just as your dentist does when working on your teeth, to eliminate any discomfort.

WHAT IS THE 'DOWN TIME" WITH THESE TREATMENTS?

You can go right back to work! Makeup may be applied right away. With the Chemical peels in about 48 hours. You may experience some exfoliation. This is usually limited to "linty", "dandruff", scaly dry skin and can be easily concealed with extra hydrators we will give you in your Post Procedure Kit.

CAN YOU TREAT ETHNIC SKIN?

YES. PCASkin products and peels are especially formulated to treat all types of skin with our "low dose approach." There is a chemical peel especially formulated for Asian, Indian, and African American skin. Our Palomar system with its advanced technology filters and cooling hand piece makes the treatments an option for any color skin. The key to ethic skin is GENTLE, LOW DOSE APPROACH and not over stimulating or traumatizing the skin.

DO I HAVE TO USE PCASKIN PRODUCTS AND ARE THEY EXPENSIVE?

The advantage of using PCASkin products is:

~Your treatments will be more effective as your skin will be properly "prepped."

~The chemical peels and home care regimens are developed to work together for optimal results.

~You will be sunscreen compliant with a Skin Cancer Foundation approved, cosmetically elegant UVA and UVB sunscreen to protect your results and your skin.

~60% of your results will be what you do at home to enhance and protect your treatments-these are all formulated to work WITH the skin to create an inner change, quench radicals, add antioxidants and peptides to the skin. Our motto is "THERE'S SCIENCE BEHIND IT." Each ingredient is clinically researched and clinically proven to be effective in creating an inner change in the skin cell and the overall health of the skin.

~The price point for these cosmeceuticals is very reasonable, with a range from $10.00 (travel kit) to $22.00 (facial wash) to $99.00 (large size of an intensive anti-aging serum). Most are within the $25.00 to $40.00 range and sized to last you 3 months.

WHAT ARE YOUR FINANCE OPTIONS?

We use Care Credit. They have many options available and many with no interest. You can apply on-line to Care Credit at www.carecredit.com , or in our office.

We look forward to seeing you at Changes MedSpa and meeting all your skin care needs!

HEALTHLY SKIN IS BEAUTIFUL SKIN!