from the Winter 2006 issue
Q. Dr. Bruce, The SPA adds another dimension to your dermatological practice at Suzanne Bruce and Associates. What is the reasoning behind adding these services?
Dr. Bruce: As a dermatologist, when it comes to skin care, I am always looking for scientifically proven treatments that offer real benefit to our patients. At the same time, many of our patients have told us over the years how much they love their facials, asking us why we don’t offer them here. So I sat down with Megan, who has been with SBA for two years and is a licensed esthetician, and we developed a unique set of facials that would offer our clients the pampering they would get at a spa along with the benefits of real skin therapies they would expect from us. We wanted to provide our clients with the best of both worlds.
Megan: Generally, a facial is given to provide relaxation – a time to relax and enjoy. But now, here at The SPA, we have combined medically-effective treatments, such as microdermabrasion and GentleWaves®, with the relaxation of a facial. Our facials have a scientific basis and provide a more therapeutic approach to skin care, yet the atmosphere is tranquil and peaceful. Individuals enjoy a respite from the stress of the day and feel pampered; yet the facial is good for the skin, leaving it glowing and healthy looking.
Q. Megan, what is your experience?
Megan: I am a licensed esthetician, which means I have met the requirements set by the State and am qualified to administer beautifying, cleansing and exfoliating treatments for the skin. Before coming to SBA, I worked in a more traditional spa-type setting, offering facials, skin analysis and other treatments to clients, but I came here because of all the advances that a dermatological practice like ours could offer our clients. I have been working side-by-side with Dr. Bruce and the other dermatologists at The Center for Cosmetic Dermatology since early in 2004. My knowledge of the skin and the various medical and cosmetic skin-care treatments available has been greatly enhanced during this time. I am thrilled to have this opportunity to use my esthetic skills and the knowledge I’ve gained at SBA to provide our clients with unique services at The SPA.
Q. What types of services are available at The SPA?
Dr. Bruce: Most of our offerings are facials with a medical orientation. Each one provides a bit more aggressive treatment than might be offered in a non-medical based spa. All our facials feature microdermabrasion that exfoliates the top layer of dead skin cells, helps with brown spots and minimizes pores. For acne and skin rejuvenation, we offer a combined microdermabrasion and Levulan® and blue light treatment. This treatment requires a medical consultation before it can be administered.
Megan: In addition, we offer skin-care consultations to help our patients in setting up a home skin-care regimen and one-on-one makeup lessons to introduce our clients to our popular glo™minerals makeup that contains a broad-spectrum UV sun block and has added antioxidants. Finally, to complement The Center’s hair removal treatments, we provide professional waxing services, including brow, underarms, bikini and more.
Q. The addition of microdermabrasion would enhance the efficacy of a facial. Are there other benefits to treatments at The SPA as well?
Dr. Bruce: Another factor that I think is important in facials is the consideration of an individual’s personal skin-care regimen. If someone is on a medically-prescribed regimen, it is very important to coordinate all treatments, even a relaxing facial. For instance, Tazorac, Accutane, topical and oral medicines might make a person’s skin more sensitive. Megan is very familiar with dermatological drugs and their effects and can advise an individual as to what treatment, what facial, might be most effective. It is part of our process in The SPA to inquire about a person’s skin care before any treatment is started. And I would recommend to anyone who is going to have a facial, here or anywhere, to mention prescriptions and over-the-counter products they are using before having any type of facial.
Megan: In my years of working with Dr. Bruce and the other dermatologists at our clinic, I have learned not only about the benefits of drugs that might be prescribed, but also about the potential side effects of everything from oral antibiotics to topical vitamin A treatments. Before I administer a facial, I talk with my client and discover what his or her skin-care routine is. This way, I know what to recommend – and can avoid the use of a treatment that might be too harsh or damaging to his or her skin.
Q. Are the dermatologists involved with clients at The SPA?
Megan: My staff and I administer the treatments personally – the facials, the microdermabrasion, the GentleWaves® treatment, the waxing. One of our treatments does require a consultation from a dermatologist before it can be administered, but the others can be done based on our experience and the knowledge of the individual’s skin-care history. However, if there is ever an occasion when a question arises or if I see something that I think needs medical attention, a doctor, nurse, or physician assistant is available right then. If there’s any question, I can take advantage of another level of skin-care expertise. It’s an ideal situation.
Designed to provide a variety of facial treatments, The SPA offers a relaxed setting where our clients can enjoy unique combinations of traditional spa services and proven skin-rejuvenating therapies. Here, Dr. Suzanne Bruce and Megan Paschall, Director of Spa Services, answer questions about The SPA and its services.
For services we offer at The SPA at SBA, click here.
For SPA location, hours and appointments, visit contact us.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |