Skin Secrets by Dr. McLaren

What differentiates your spa from other skin care spas?

The executive staff of Skin Secrets Medspa has spent several years caring for cosmetic patients and researching the current practices of aesthetic medicine. As a result, we have brought only the safest and most effective modalities and equipment to our spa. We believe every patient deserves a physician on site who specializes in and is committed to cosmetic procedures and products. Our medical director, Dr. Greta McLaren, is available to all Skin Secrets’ patients for complimentary evaluations and monitoring of treatment progress.

I’m in my early 30’s. What should I be doing now to take the best possible care of my skin?

Your skin’s two worst enemies are smoking and sun exposure. Both promote rapid aging and loss of normal skin elasticity, texture and tone. We recommend that you avoid tobacco, stay well hydrated and protect your exposed skin with an antioxidant product and a sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher.

I’ve heard a lot about vitamin C products for my skin. What do you recommend?

Environmental exposure, including sunlight and pollution, produces what’s called oxygen free radicals. These radicals alter the DNA and cause changes in your skin that lead to premature aging and possible precancerous conditions. Antioxidants (topical vitamin C is one example) help to protect your skin against free radicals. Along with a healthy lifestyle, we recommend a daily vitamin C supplement and a daily application of a topical antioxidant before your sunscreen application. Only Vitamin C creams and serums that have been tested extensively for superior absorption and protective qualities are available at Skin Secrets.

I’ve never been to a skin spa. What do you recommend for a first visit?

Come in and see us! We want to talk with you about your skin. No preparation is necessary. Our friendly, knowledgeable and communicative staff is delighted to talk with you about your concerns, and our onsite medical director is available for in-depth analysis and discussion about her recommendations.

What happens during a complimentary consultation and how long will it take?

Our expert nurses and aestheticians will listen to your concerns and your history, give you a tour of our facility, talk with you about our services and products, and introduce you to our medical director, Dr. McLaren. She will talk with you about how to make your skin look its very best. Plan to spend at least 30 minutes with us. If you are interested in seeing high-resolution photographs of your skin and discussing our recommendations at length, plan to spend an hour.

Acne scarring is negatively affecting my son’s self-esteem. Can you help?

Yes. A revolutionary procedure called fractional resurfacing improves the appearance of acne scarring with minimal discomfort. Mild swelling and redness are common side effects, but they last only a few days. In the last two years, fractional resurfacing has become one of the most popular and effective laser procedures used in the field of cosmetic dermatology.

Do I need to use your products to reap the greatest benefit from my procedure?

Before and after any procedure, we will give you a complete description of the service and the instructions for care. These instructions often include the use of medical grade products that are available from us or by prescription, depending on your situation. If you like the products you are using, bring them in for review. We will ensure that you are using them for the best results possible. We believe that educating you on how to properly care for your skin at home leads to long-term benefits and successful treatment outcomes.

Does microdermabrasion have any lasting benefits or does it just feel good?

Microdermabrasion gently removes older cells from the surface of the skin and mildly stimulates growth of the underlying cells. The feeling of newer, tighter, smoother, baby-soft skin is appealing to many patients. Additionally, microdermabrasion allows better penetration of skin care products—and causes make-up to glide on like silk.

My daughter has terrible acne. Her dermatologist recommended Accutane but we don’t like the risks. Can you help?

Yes. The oil-producing glands of the skin and the bacteria that feed on substances produced by these glands are sensitive to certain wavelengths of light, especially if pre-treated with a substance known as amino levulanic acid. Our medical director is an expert in the field of Photodynamic Therapy using amino levulanic acid, and she’s particularly interested in the treatment of teenage acne.

Photodynamic therapy produces results that can last up to two years.What exactly is a dermal filler?

Dermal fillers are substances that resemble the body’s own beneath-the-skin material. They are used to bring deep or superficial wrinkles to the surface or to provide a more pleasing contour to facial characteristics by enhancing the lips, chin and cheeks. Dermal fillers are injected into or just beneath the skin, with effects lasting from a few months to several years depending on your choice of filler.

Is there any difference between your BOTOX® injections and someone else’s?

No. BOTOX is a brand name substance produced by only one company. There have been reports, however, of clinics that improperly label, mix, dilute or store the product, robbing BOTOX of its full potential for safety and efficacy.

I’ve heard BOTOX can be used to raise eyebrows and widen eyes. Is this true?

Absolutely. In the hands of a facial anatomy expert such as Dr. McLaren, injections produce desired and beautiful cosmetic outcomes.

Now in my mid 50’s, my skin has started to droop and sag. Would skin tightening help?

The answer depends on your expectations. Certain radio waves and infrared laser technologies can change the structure of tissue underlying your skin and provide some tightening. Prior to recommending a skin tightening procedure, we would discuss your expectations and give you our honest assessment about whether our services would meet those expectations. We sometimes recommend more invasive procedures such as face or brow lifts that are performed by a plastic surgeon.

How does laser technology work? Is it painful? Is it safe?

Laser technology is based on the principle of “selective photothermolysis.” Highly specific and focused wavelengths of light are targeted to areas of abnormal pigmentation or patches of unwanted hair. The technology is safe and effective when done properly. Our staff is expert at minimizing the discomfort associated with certain laser treatments through the use of cooling devices and topical anesthetic agents.

My husband sees a dermatologist once a year to freeze precancerous lesions on his scalp and face. Do you offer any alternative treatments?

Our medical director specializes in Photodynamic Therapy, a procedure that combines light activation with a patented chemical called Levulan. This FDA-approved procedure treats visible precancerous lesions as well as those too small to be seen with the naked eye. As a result, we can treat large areas in one appointment. This procedure is also an effective anti-aging treatment for wrinkles, tone and texture.

Are relaxation medications administered prior to a procedure at Skin Secrets?

Generally, our services and procedures do not require relaxation medication. In specific cases, however, our medical director will determine with the patient whether something is required to take the edge off.

How do I care for my skin in the days and weeks following a skin rejuvenation procedure?

You will be given specific after-care instructions along with our medical director’s recommendation for products that will best maintain the benefits of rejuvenation.

Will I need a friend to drive me home after a procedure at Skin Secrets Medspa?

In all likelihood, you will feel better when you leave than when you came in. Patients love the experience! In the rare instance that you might need assistance after a procedure, we will give you ample time to make plans.

I’m scheduled for a chemical peel. How long before I can work or go out in public?

The answer depends on the type of peel. Some peels are performed on the day of an important event to plump up and brighten the appearance of the skin. Other peels may cause some exfoliation of the skin for 3-5 days. We will discuss what to expect from your particular peel well in advance of your appointment.

Will I notice improvement after my first FotoFacial, or are several required for maximum benefit?

FotoFacials are most commonly done as a series of treatments spaced several weeks apart. You will notice gradual improvement with each treatment. We also follow your progress with careful photographic analysis.

My husband’s shoulders and back are discolored from too much sun. Can this be treated and if so, how?

We target abnormally pigmented areas with laser and light-based technologies that reduce unsightly pigmentation. Our medical director will examine your skin for any areas of concern that warrant further dermatologic consultation.

I’d love to wear a strapless wedding gown but the brown spots on my chest and back are unsightly. Can anything be done before my wedding?

Yes. Our light-based treatments used in combination with specific product regimens specifically target brown spots and produce the even, blemish-free skin tone you had as a child. The process can take up to four months, so plan accordingly.

Unsightly and painful varicose veins run in my family. Would you recommend sclerotherapy?

Our medical director is trained to analyze which unsightly varicosities are amenable to our technology. Some veins are best treated using a sclerosing solution that closes the inside of the vessel. Others respond best to laser technology. Deep veins that feed into more superficial veins usually require surgery. After a careful and thorough analysis, we will recommend the most ethical and professional treatment for your situation.

I could definitely benefit from a facelift but facial surgery gives me the creeps. Can you recommend a less invasive alternative that doesn’t leave scars?

All of our treatments are less invasive than plastic surgery. We listen to your expectations and take into account our assessment of your skin to determine the most ethical and effective way to achieve the results you desire. Recent developments in extraordinary non-ablative technologies that reverse the signs of aging are allowing patients to postpone and, in many cases, eliminate the need for plastic surgery.

I use expensive products I purchased at the cosmetic counter in a reputable department store. How do I know your products are as good or better?

Because medical grade products (cosmeceuticals) are sold under the guidance and expertise of a physician, they often contain stronger and more effective ingredients than products sold over the counter. Our medical director typically recommends products that have undergone extensive testing with skin biopsies and have shown proven results. We’re committed to patient education. Product information is an important component of our teaching.

Is there a difference in sunscreens? As long as I use SPF 30, am I protected?

The sun protection factor (SPF) refers to the amount of time a person can spend in the sun before the effects of UVB light become harmful. The label implies nothing about the effects of UVA rays, which cause premature aging and cancerous changes of the skin. We recommend using a “broad spectrum” sunscreen that protects against both UVB and UVA rays. We also recommend wearing a hat and limiting your sun exposure between the hours of 10 and 2 PM when the rays are most intense.