We sat down with Dr. Andrea Volk, SafiraMD’s Medical Director, to find out what options she recommends for skincare as we look forward, toward a bright new year.
AL: What is a smart entry-level non-surgical facial or treatment for someone who is new to the medspa and wants to feel fresh and glowy after so many months of heavy news and worry?
AV: Both Hydrafacial and BBL(broadband light) are low-cost entry-level non-surgical treatments for someone who is new to the medspa. Immediately following a Hydrafacial the skin will feel refreshed and it will be radiant and glowing. On the other hand, BBL results will be seen in about a week but will have more lasting results
AL: And, for someone who has had success with chemical peels, what's the next level?
AV: That would depend on what type of skin issues they would like to address. For example, if they are looking to address more texture-based issues or skin tightening, a micro-needling treatment would be of benefit. BBL or Halo treatments would be good options to address problems with pigmentation. In addition, if someone has had only non-medical grade chemical peels, medical-grade chemical peels could be performed to address a variety of skin problems including acne, wrinkles, and pigmentation.
AL: What is your favorite tool of the trade in your office?
AV: The Sciton Joule, is a multiplatform piece of equipment that allows me to rejuvenate the skin with broadband light and/or Halo. The broadband light diminishes brown pigment, red pigment, and stimulates collagen production in the skin. Once we resolve these issues, we recommend twice a year maintenance treatments. In addition, we can use the broadband light to treat rosacea and acne. Halo, a hybrid ablative and non-ablative laser is fantastic for resurfacing. Halo can also be used in combination with broadband light. The result is radiant, glowng skin.
AL: At-home skincare is important. What are your recommended products for women at different stages of their lives?
AV: No matter what age group, sunscreen is a must and can be thought of as insurance for protecting your investment. As we age it is so important that we exfoliate our skin because our skin cells do not turn over as quickly as when we are younger. A good exfoliant to aid in that process is essential. Products containing Vitamin A (retinoids, retinol) are excellent for reducing fine lines and wrinkles and leave the skin with a youthful radiant appearance. An active serum and great eye cream tailored to your specific needs is also key to amplifying the results of any skincare routine
AL: Your credentials are impressive. You are board-certified by the American Board of Dermatology and the American Board of Pathology in Dermatopathology and also board-certified in Anatomic and Clinical Pathology by The American Board of Pathology. With a M.D. from the Medical College of Georgia, School of Medicine, you completed your internship and residency training in Anatomic and Clinical Pathology, and a fellowship in Dermatopathology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. You studied aesthetics under Sharon McQuillan in the A4M Aesthetics Fellowship. Tell us about your office and team.
AV: From the minute you pick up your phone and call SafiraMD, you are part of our family. We realize that everyone has specific needs and that one treatment does not fit all. Thus, every single service that we provide is tailored to your needs. In addition, the staff at SafiraMD is exceptional. Our estheticians have years of experience and are truly knowledgeable. Peggy, a nurse from the UK, provides excellent treatments in a relaxing and soothing atmosphere. Sharon, an expert with Sciton BBL, provides optimal broadband light treatments along with Rafael Santos, RN, have your goals in mind. We all work together to achieve your desired results. With all the state-of-the-art technology that is in the practice, we can optimize treatment for everyone.
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SafiraMD's pledge:
- Our treatments rooms as well as our common areas, reception, and restrooms are regularly sanitized throughout the day.
- Staff and guests are required to wear a mask and either wash their hands or apply sanitizing hand gel upon arrival.
- We provide masks for those arriving without a mask.
- Guests answer a questionnaire to assess their potential exposure to COVID-19.
- Our staff is required to stay home should they feel unwell for any reason.
