Lasers Are the New Facial — Here's Why Your Skin Will Thank You Move over, traditional facials — there's a new skincare MVP in town. Laser treatments  are quickly becoming the go-to  for those who want real, lasting results with minimal downtime. Lasers go deeper  — targeting everything from pigmentation and acne scars to fine lines and collagen loss. Think of it as upgrading from a surface-level cleanse to a deep-skin reset. While facials  are essential for maintaining clear, healthy skin—providing deep cleansing, hydration, and an instant glow— lasers take your results to the next level . Lasers target deeper concerns like sun damage, pigmentation, acne scars, fine lines, and collagen loss , working beneath the surface for long-term skin transformation. At Halcyon Med Spa, we believe the best results come from combining treatments. Pairing lasers with our advanced facials —like Hydrafacial, dermaplaning, or custom booster therapies—not only enhances your glow but also prepares the skin for better laser absorption and recovery . It’s the perfect synergy of correction and care: facials maintain, lasers correct, and together they deliver radiant, resilient skin. Halcyon Med Spa offers several different laser options or combinations of laser treatments to achieve desired results. BBL® by Sciton  uses advanced Broadband Light technology to treat signs of aging, sun damage, rosacea, acne, melasma, and uneven pigmentation. This non-invasive treatment delivers light energy deep into the skin to stimulate collagen production and restore a clearer, more even complexion. BBL treatments are fully customizable —perfect for both corrective care and ongoing skin maintenance. Let us help you find the right BBL plan for your skin goals. MOXI by Sciton is a gentle, non-ablative fractional laser that targets early signs of sun damage, uneven skin tone, texture irregularities, and signs of aging. By using a 1927nm wavelength, it penetrates the upper layers of the skin (epidermis), focusing on water in skin cells to trigger your body’s natural healing response—stimulating collagen production without damaging the surface. HALO™ by Sciton  is a hybrid laser that combines ablative and non-ablative wavelengths  to treat both the surface and deeper layers of the skin . It effectively targets sun damage, fine lines, wrinkles, large pores, pigmentation, scars, redness, and small veins . HALO delivers powerful anti-aging results with minimal downtime , making it ideal for men and women of all ages. PROFRACTIONAL LASER is a cutting-edge skin resurfacing treatment designed to deliver aggressive rejuvenation with remarkable safety and precision. Unlike traditional CO2 lasers that fully ablate the skin’s surface, ProFractional technology treats only a fraction of the skin at a time, creating microscopic channels that trigger powerful collagen remodeling while preserving surrounding healthy tissue.​ Laser Genesis  is a gentle, non-invasive laser treatment that works by stimulating your skin’s natural collagen production to reduce redness, active acne, fine lines, pigmentation, and acne scars . It’s a favorite for creating a radiant, even-toned complexion  with no downtime—making it the ideal lunchtime glow-up . Loved by celebrities for pre-event prep, Laser Genesis delivers visible results after each session and is safe for all skin types. ✨ Why lasers are the future of skincare: ✔️ Stimulate collagen for firmer, tighter skin ✔️ Fade sun spots, redness, and discoloration ✔️ Minimize pores and smooth texture ✔️ Treat acne and reduce future breakouts ✔️ Results build over time — and actually last ✔️And the best part? Many laser treatments are quick, comfortable, and can be done over lunch. At Halcyon Med Spa we recommend combining laser treatments (every 4-6 months) with monthly facials. We offer several different membership plans to keep your skin on track, along with Cherry financing payment options so you don't have to skip a treatment! Pro tip:  Combine your laser with monthly facials or skincare products to maintain results and boost skin health long-term. We offer ZO Health Skin care products and can help you create a regimen to maintain a healthy glow between treatments and for long term, consistent results. Here are our signature facial treatments—perfect for pairing with laser services: Redness Reduction Facial  – Calms and soothes sensitive or rosacea-prone skin with targeted chemical exfoliation Halcyon Med Spa Brightening Facial  – Uses gentle exfoliation to fade discoloration and restore a more even, luminous tone Halcyon Med Spa Anti‑Aging Facial  – Replenishes hydration, smooths texture, softens lines, and bolsters skin resilience Halcyon Med Spa Jelly Mask Facial  – A hydrojelly masque that hydrates, smoothes, exfoliates, and brightens while calming inflammation Halcyon Med Spa Hollywood Halcyon Facial  – Combines dermaplaning, Laser Genesis, and a light chemical peel for an all-in-one rejuvenating boost Halcyon Med Spa+1 Mermaid Facial  – A viral favorite featuring biostimulating ingredients, dermaplaning, and advanced infusion techniques for deep hydration and glow Halcyon Med Spa Hydrafacial (and Deluxe version)  – Cleanses, exfoliates, extracts, and infuses personalized serums; Deluxe includes red light therapy and a booster of your choice Halcyon Med Spa Dermaplaning  – Gently removes dead skin and peach fuzz, unveiling a smoother complexion and increasing collagen production Halcyon Med Spa Chemical Peels  (PCA Peel, Sensi Peel, Red Carpet Ready Peel, Ultra Peel, and custom options) – Refresh skin tone and texture, address pigmentation, and promote cell turnover Halcyon Med Spa Microneedling  – Uses micro-injury to stimulate collagen and elastin, refining pores, scars, fine lines, and texture—boostable with collagen serums Halcyon Med Spa Purely Halcyon Facial  – A deep-cleansing, custom-mask treatment paired with a relaxing hand, arm, and scalp massage for a vibrant glow Halcyon Med Spa Aquagold  – A microchannel microneedling device with 24-karat gold-plated needles delivering custom therapeutic serums for radiant, pore‑refined skin Ready to elevate your glow? Pairing these advanced facials with any of our laser treatments—like MOXI, HALO, or BBL—creates a powerful yet gentle journey toward luminous, resilient skin. Let us help you choose the perfect combo for your unique goals! Book your consult and discover the perfect combo for your unique goals.

Originating in Italy, this exceptional European Biostimulating Facial is a revolutionary treatment, and Halcyon Med Spa is the first in Corpus Christi to offer the highly sought-after Mermaid Facial! The Mermaid Facial treats the FACE + EYES + LIPS + NECK in one comprehensive treatment in under 60 minutes with no downtime! Safe and effective, the Mermaid Facial uses a powerful blend of biostimulating boosters has been trusted for over 20 years.  It features five of Promoitalia’s TOP products to deliver the best full-face results. The Mermaid Facial is gaining viral popularity, with celebrities like Jennifer Aniston and Kim Kardashian raving about it! Created to deeply hydrate, firm, and rejuvenate your skin, this treatment delivers dramatic results with no downtime. Perfect for those seeking a quick, all-inclusive treatment, the Mermaid Facial leaves your skin with a radiant, youthful glow. Biostimulators are available in various forms, such as calcium hydroxylapatite, poly-L-lactic acid, and polycaprolactone. Benefits of the Mermaid Facial: Stimulates collagen and elastin production Promotes cellular repair and regeneration Reduces the appearance of fine lines Firms sagging or loose skin Helps minimize dark circles and puffiness around the eyes Provides hydration for dry skin and lips Improves skin texture, elasticity, and overall radiance Polynucleotides (PDRN) , or PDRN selection , refers to a type of therapy in skincare and regenerative medicine that uses DNA fragments from salmon sperm or other sources to stimulate skin regeneration and healing. PDRN stands for Polydeoxyribonucleotide , which consists of short chains of nucleotides that help repair damaged tissue and improve cellular function. In skincare, PDRN therapy is used to promote the regeneration of skin cells, boost collagen production, and improve the skin’s elasticity and hydration. This treatment is often used to address signs of aging, such as fine lines, wrinkles, and skin laxity, as well as to improve overall skin texture and tone. PDRN selection typically involves using products or injections containing these polynucleotides to accelerate healing, rejuvenate the skin, and restore a youthful, glowing appearance. It’s considered a safe and effective treatment for enhancing skin health and appearance. For a full description of the Mermaid Facial and the products used to create dramatic results, visit: https://www.halcyonmedspa.com/mermaid-facial We’re incredibly excited to bring this exceptional European facial to our patients at Halcyon Med Spa in Corpus Christi, Texas!

Featured in The Bend with an interview with our patient coordinator, Brittany Hunter Winn and input from Heather Lenhart MSN, FNP-C, both explain how patients prep their skin for wedding day months in advance just the same as they would when booking a wedding venue. "Weddings today include meticulously artistic photography that people want to share online. This means that clients want to look their absolute best for their day and their photos” Heather explains. “The most common concerns my patients mention are shadows and fine lines, which are easily addressed with injectables.” Your wedding is an investment just as the health of your body and skin. Getting an early start on preventatives and a good skin care regimen allows you to evaluate the results of your initial treatment, and decide whether that level is enough for your bridal expectations. Since the interview, Halcyon Med Spa has added packages to include not only the bride but her bridal party and guests. What better gift and to show appreciation to the ones you love than to give them an exclusive spa experience for the bride to be and her bridal crew! Halycon Med Spa has tailored packages with special add-ons to customize the experience starting with a complimentary 15 minute consultation with our Board Certified Nurse Practitioner Heather. Bridal packages offers three levels of bridal experiences as well as payment plans so your wedding planning can be stress free. ​ SIGNATURE: Hydrafacial, Dermaplaning, 10 units of Neurotoxin of choice, Lipo B12 Injection, 10% off additional treatments, 10% off products, Bar Cart + Champagne, & a Small Charcuterie or Fruit Board LUXE: Hydrafacial, Dermaplaning, 20 units of Neurotoxin of choice, 1 syringe of filler, Lipo B12 Injection , 10% off additional treatments, 10% off products, Complimentary Robe + Headband, Swag bag, Bar Cart + Champagne, & a Small Charcuterie or Fruit Board DIAMOND: Aquagold Facial, Hydrafacial, Dermaplaning, 20 units of Neurotoxin of choice, 1 syringe of filler, Lipo B12 Injection, 10% off additional treatments, 10% off products, Complimentary Robe + Headband, Swag bag, Bar Cart + Champagne, & a Small Charcuterie or Fruit Board Depending on the size of the party will determine the times & dates available to book. You do not have to book a party to purchase a package but you must be a bride or apart of a bridal party. View all of our membership plans available exclusively through Halcyon Med Spa and get in touch if you have any questions or would like to book a consult! *Terms & Conditions apply*

HydraFacial: An Introduction What is a HydraFacial? You may have noticed this term being used, but how is this procedure different from a conventional facial? We get this question a lot from our clients, so here’s an introduction. A HydraFacial is a 30-minute skin treatment (sometimes referred to as hydra-dermabrasion) that combines cleansing, exfoliation, extractions, a light peel and antioxidant infusion, plus LED light therapy. The hand-piece used by your aesthetician has multiple functions. It removes oil and debris with painless suction, then floods the skin’s surface with beneficial serums, antioxidants and peptides. HydraFacial describes this as VortexFusion, an infusion of antioxidants such as horse chestnut seed and green tea extract, hyaluronic acid, and peptides. Peptides is another frequently-used term, what are they? Peptides are the protein building blocks of your skin. Short segments of amino acids are formed when collagen breaks down, forming a chain and becoming a protein called peptide. Peptides in skin care provide significant anti-aging benefits, as they send signals to our skin to revive and form new collagen. When applied topically, our skin experiences an improvement in the look of lines, wrinkles and firmness, therefore making it an essential in any anti-aging regime. Am I a good candidate for a HydraFacial? HydraFacial does not have a type, it addresses all skincare needs, with expanded treatment options for specific issues. if you struggle with acne, sensitive skin, rosacea or fine lines, or simply want to hydrate and refresh for a special event, HydraFacial is a useful tool. In our practice, we have expanded options available to our clients by adding booster serums from ZO Skin Health. These serums were specifically developed for use with the HydraFacial regimen. ZO Brightalive Booster Serum is formulated to brighten tone and fade unwanted discoloration; it is especially beneficial for skincare clients who suffer from a dull complexion or uneven skin tone. This popular serum improves the impact of an already beneficial treatment and helps clients see results sooner. ZO Rozatrol Booster Serum is formulated for clients who show signs of Rosacea. Great for sensitized skin, the serum helps reduce the visible appearance of telangiectasia (blood vessels on the skin), while reducing overall dryness and preventing future inflammation. Regardless of which HydraFacial a client selects, each treatment concludes with LED light therapy, red light soothes any redness and blue light kills acne causing bacteria, which also penetrates deep into the dermis to stimulate collagen growth. When considering any skincare treatment, you’ll want to consider potential downtime. There is no pain or downtime associated with a HydraFacial. It is possible to experience redness, but that should subside within a few hours. It is a relaxing and comfortable treatment. There is no pain or downtime associated with a HydraFacial. It is possible to experience redness, but that should subside within a few hours. It is a relaxing and comfortable treatment. In my time administering HydraFacials to our med spa clients, I have seen major improvements in every patient that begins a series of HydraFacial treatments. For clients that present with stubborn blackheads that won’t clear, the extraction step of the treatment works like a gentle vacuum, sucking everything up and out of the skin, producing an incredible and immediate result. I personally have very oily/acne prone skin, and it takes constant care and maintenance to keep it under control. HydraFacial has helped my skin tremendously to maintain an overall nice complexion even through my breakouts. No matter how you choose to care for your skin, understanding of your skin type and treatment options available will help you achieve your skin health goals. The treatment is non-invasive, hydrating and can be your path to a glowing complexion. With frequent treatments, HydraFacial will give you the best skin of your life. _________________ All medical services are performed by Heather Lenhart, MSN, FNP-C, Donna Jackson, MSN, FNP-C and Megan Richardson-Cobb, MSN, FNP-C. Heather Lenhart is also an Allergan Master Injector.

Employing Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) as a regenerative therapy has been common in sports medicine for years. High-profile athletes like Kobe Bryant and Tiger Woods are two who have used PRP therapies to expedite tissue healing, pushing this serious therapy with the catchy “vampire” name into the media. Aesthetic medicine also has a use for PRP, harnessing its power to prompt tissue growth in the face and scalp as an excellent anti-aging and hair growth therapy. Platelets are cells in the blood that promote clotting and healing. They contain alpha granules that release growth factors responsible for activating multi-potent stem cells to create new tissue. The goal of PRP treatments is to isolate platelets, concentrate them, and inject them into the areas that need regeneration. When these growth factors are injected into the face, it creates a controlled injury that triggers a natural wound healing process. Healing activates multi-potent stem cells, creating new tissue growth. This new tissue consists of collagen, fatty tissue and blood vessels that will appear as bright, smooth and more youthful skin. You are using the body’s own power to heal itself. What sets it apart from other treatments? As an injectable, PRP is unmatched for many reasons. Many clients come in looking for a solution to volume loss under the eyes. Around the eyes, hyaluronic acid filler has a higher risk profile due to the dense and sensitive vascular structure around the eye. As PRP is derived from a patient’s own blood, it poses no threat of vascular occlusion during injection in high risk areas such as the eye troughs. What is the process? The procedure starts with a simple blood draw. The blood is spun in a centrifuge, separating the liquid from the red blood cells, which are then discarded. The remaining solution of plasma and platelets is spun again, concentrating the desired platelets. That final solution is re-suspended in plasma, creating the platelet-rich plasma necessary for the procedure. Platelets are extremely sensitive cells. This process by which they are isolated and prepared is the most sensitive part of the therapy and it happens before I even touch my patient’s face. Utilizing an inferior method opens a patient up to unsatisfactory results or adverse reactions. Where can it be injected? In the scalp, PRP is very effectively used as a treatment for baldness. PRP triggers regeneration in the hair follicle, which improves thin and brittle hair conditions for both male and female patients. As mentioned, PRP is the safest treatment for hollows under the eyes that make you look tired. PRP can also be injected superficially under the eyes to thicken the dermis and minimize purple, dark circles. This is my most popular PRP treatment. PRP is frequently combined with hyaluronic acid to treat areas where facial fat loss is problematic. This could be the temples, nasolabial folds, cheeks marionette lines, lips and corners of the mouth. It can be used alone to break up scar tissue and soften old acne marks. If you have wrinkles at rest, shadows forming on the sides of your mouth or textural issues that seem to get worse, you may benefit from this treatment. Skin texture issues can be resolved with a combination of microneedling PRP into the dermis to minimize the appearance of pores and smooth the complexion. How many treatments are needed? A series of three treatments, spaced 4 weeks apart, is generally recommended for optimal results. A booster treatment may be necessary once a year after full correction is met, depending on the patient’s response. I like to tell my clients that they can enjoy the benefit of turning the clock back about five years without surgery and aging from that point onward. Hucksters, Fakes and Salesmen Don’t be fooled by YouTube videos depicting red blood being poured on a patient’s face; they’re going for shock value. Studies have shown red blood cells can cause inflammation and cell death, our goal is to promote healing with concentrated platelets. Red blood cells have no role in real PRP facial therapy. To safeguard your health and investment, be sure that your provider is properly trained to provide this medical procedure. Halcyon Med Spa is solely owned and operated by Dr. Lonnie Schwirtlich. All medical services are performed by Allergan Master Injector Heather Lenhart, FNP-C, Donna Jackson, FNP-C and Dr. Katie Boyle. Tags: acne scars, prp, Skin care, thinning hair, vampire facial

As an aesthetic injector I’m frequently asked the question “What is the difference between Dysport and Botox?” Both Dysport and Botox are botulinum neurotoxins produced from the fermentation of the bacteria Clostridium botulinum. When you frown or concentrate, the muscles between your brows contract, causing your skin to furrow and fold, commonly referred to as frown lines. You’ll see lines forming when you squint or smile, and the muscles around your eyes contract, causing crow’s feet. When you raise your eyebrows, the muscles on your forehead contract, causing skin to furrow and fold. Both Dysport and Botox block the abilities of those muscle groups to contract, so those targeted facial muscles relax, and fine lines are minimized. There are currently 8 serotypes of botulinum toxin however only two, serotypes A and B, are used in clinical practice. Both Botox and Dysport are botulinum toxin Type A neurotoxins which are composed of nontoxic accessory proteins (NAPs) and the 150-kD active neurotoxin bonded together. The action of the 150-kD neurotoxin can only take place when it is disassociated from the NAPs; this is where the difference in Botox and Dysport is apparent. During the manufacturing process, which purifies the neurotoxin into a pharmaceutically safe product, the two final products are composed of differing percentages of NAPs and the active neurotoxin. The most important takeaway is that consumers should go to a provider who understands the dosing and placement of each of these drugs. Dysport molecule size is smaller than Botox. The total molecular weight of Botox is 5.00 ng where the total molecular weight of Dysport is 0.87 ng. Some have theorized that due to the lower molecular weight of Dysport, the product may spread more in the targeted muscle, however in current recommended preparations this has been found to be untrue. Another common thought is that because of the higher molecular weight of Botox, perhaps it has a stronger effective action. However, studies have found no statistically significant evidence of this to be true. So, what does that mean for you? Botox and Dysport vary in molecular weight, manufacturing process, and cost however current evidence shows no difference in the clinical results of one product over the other. The most important takeaway is that consumers should go to a provider who understands the dosing and placement of each of these drugs. Personally, I have injected myself with both Botox and Dysport. I have not noticed a difference in strength or duration between either product, although anecdotally, I have had clients tell me they do notice a difference in some of these categories themselves. Reports I have received from clients include a longer duration of action of Botox, which is to say they think it “lasts longer” and a “softer” look with Dysport, and a quicker onset of desired action with Dysport. My suggestion is to discuss your options with your injector and decide upon the best course of treatment with regards to your specific anatomy, preferences, and budget. We all have frown lines, but we don’t all want to treat them the same way, if at all! In the hands of a competent injector I am confident you will be happy with your results. This article originally appeared in The Bend Magazine online. _________________ Heather Orr, MSN, FNP-C is a medical injector at Halcyon Med Spa. Halcyon Med Spa is solely owned and operated by Dr. Lonnie Schwirtlich. All medical services are performed by Heather Orr, a Family Nurse Practitioner and Angelica Jackson, a Board Certified PA trained in Dermatology and an Allergen Master Injector. Halcyon Med Spa is solely owned and operated by Dr. Jonathan Dancel D.O. All medical services are performed by Allergan Master Injector Heather Lenhart, MSN, FNP-C, Donna Jackson, MSN, FNP-C and Megan Richardson-Cobb, MSN, FNP-C. Heather Lenhart is also an Allergan Master Injector. Tags: neurotoxins, Skin care, botox, dysport,

It’s time for another ZO consult day! Are you an existing ZO user? Maybe you’re curious but don’t know how to begin? Consult Day is an opportunity to make sure you’re using your products correctly and to learn how different regimens address different concerns. Plus event sale pricing is officially announced! Consult Day is an opportunity to speak to our ZO Training Executives and determine the perfect regimen for your skin concerns. Stock up and enjoy some great savings! Don’t delay, appointments are limited and this sale pricing will only be offered on June 8th during the Consult Event. Sale pricing applies to ZO Skin Health retail products in stock. Your appointment will secure your one-on-one time with ZO Skin Health Product Expert, Jana Salamanca and ZO Training Executive, Carla Lambooy. When: June 8, 2021 Where: Halcyon Med Spa Consults are by-appointment-only, 20 minutes Please call to request your time: 361-452-2637 Tags: events, zo skin health, skincare

The Complex World of Chemical Peels Beneath sun spots, freckles and even scars, there’s a layer of fresh skin cells and a brighter complexion waiting to emerge. Of course, our skin pushes new cells forward every day, but it’s a slow process and certainly not dramatic enough for noticeable improvement. So our skin remains generally unchanged in appearance if we do nothing to intervene. The trick is how to uncover that hidden, undamaged layer safely and swiftly! How do I pick the right peel? Chemical peels were first employed by ancient Egyptians and they’re the longest running beauty treatment to date. Not surprisingly, they’re one of our most popular procedures. Lactic acid, salicylic acid, glycolic acid, retinoic acid and trichloroacetic acid (TCA) are the most commonly utilized formulas in use today and each has their own unique interaction. The popular Jessner peel is a specific blend, meant to remove superficial layers of skin, dry out active acne and shed blackheads. It also minimizes the appearance of fine lines, scarring and improves general tone and texture. Jessner is a proven peel that we rely on to help our clients maintain healthy, younger looking skin. But all that renewal will cost you some downtime, you’ll experience redness and a tight, dry sensation that increases as your peel progresses. The treated skin will darken as it sloughs off. During this period, resist the urge to pick! Baby your skin with a barrier cream or products recommended by your aesthetician, and plan to avoid makeup for at least 24 hours. Glycolic acid is useful for superficial peels that renew the skin at the topmost layer with minimal flaking and peeling. Perfect for those with darker skin or those who are pregnant, have an allergy to shellfish or aspirin. If you’ve ever had a Hydrafacial at our spa, you’ve had a glycolic peel. Customized Peels Go Further Custom peels are a more sophisticated approach to treating skin concerns like melasma, acne and scarring. At Halcyon Med Spa, lead medical aesthetician Evette Ford has developed a variety of chemical strategies to achieve even more from a peel. Evette is a Texas licensed cosmetology operator and responsible for aesthetic services research and development. Her custom peels are treatments that go beyond a textbook chemical peel. One such custom peel developed by Evette is our Scar Revision Therapy, a two-step process where she overlaps a Jessner with a TCA peel. In this process we’d begin slowly to watch for protein coagulation, called frosting. Unlike a basic Jessner which stays on the skin, this peel must be neutralized by retinoic acid. Patience is required! By starting slowly, we build epidermal thickness and address contraction of the skin fibers in each scar. You’ll see crusting followed by pinkness, especially at the areas of scarring where the chemicals are most aggressive. But the actual downtime is only about 5-7 days after each peel. Expect about three peels in the series, each spaced 4-6 weeks apart. Smoother, brighter and more vibrant skin is the reward at the end of the process. Another peel developed in-house is the Pigment Power Peel, It’s an answer to treating unwanted hyperpigmentation, especially melasma. Melasma appears as brownish or grey patches across the face. They’re difficult to treat because melasma, which is common during pregnancy and other periods of hormonal changes, can worsen with exposure to heat. Both sun and lasers can potentially worsen melasma. The Pigment Power Peel is a gradual strengthening of acid application that targets the darker skin cells, shedding them lightly at first, then progressing to a deeper peel for more effective treatment. But What If I Don’t Have Time To Peel and Flake? If you’re someone who simply can’t afford any downtime, or someone who works outside and can’t avoid the sun, the ZO Skin Health Stimulator Peel might be a great option. Expect a tingling sensation as the peel is applied, then after 2-3 passes we neutralize the entire area. This is a great “lunchtime peel” that stimulates cell turnover, reducing fine lines and improving skin tone and texture. How Do I Take Care When I Go Home? Regardless of what type of peel you decide upon, or where you get it, be sure to follow your practitioner’s instructions to the letter. You’ll want to pause any at-home retinol applications prior to your appointment. Post care is critical to ensure you don’t end up with unexpected pigmentation, such as might be caused by unprotected sun exposure, or unwittingly thwarting the action of the peel by using the wrong products at home. Ask all your questions and don’t leave your appointment until you’re certain you understand your post-care instructions. You’ll want to be ready to soothe your skin directly after treatment. _________________ Evette Ford is the Lead Medical Aesthetician and A.S. Research Developer at Halcyon Med Spa. She is a state licensed cosmetology operator and a former educator at Aveda Institute. Halcyon Med Spa is solely owned and operated by Dr. Lonnie Schwirtlich. All medical services are performed by Allergan Master Injector Heather Lenhart, FNP-C, Donna Jackson, FNP-C and Dr. Katie Boyle. Tags: acne scars, chemical peels, peels, scar revision

At this point in summer, when despite best efforts, we’ve gotten more sun than we intended, many people in south Texas may begin to notice dark, uneven spots on their face. This may be due to a common condition known as melasma. Melasma is usually seen on the cheeks, upper lip, and forehead. It is characterized as uneven patch-like areas. This happens when melanocytes, which produce pigment, overreact to sun exposure and produce so much extra pigment that you can see patches on your face. Hormonal imbalances reacting to the sun are the main causes. Many women develop melasma while on a birth control pill or while pregnant. Melasma is so common while pregnant, that it’s called the pregnant mask. This is a very difficult condition to treat so you want to prevent the areas from darkening by using sunblock. The best sunblock is one which contains both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. These are physical barriers that prevent UV radiation from damaging the skin. Look at the active ingredients of what you are currently using and you might be surprised to see that they rely on chemicals and don’t contain these superior physical sunblocks. Elta MD has introduced a new physical sunblock that not only delivers 10% zinc oxide and 5.5% titanium dioxide to block sun damage, it also contains hyaluronic acid to plump fine lines, and vitamin C and E for antioxidants. This all in one, medical-grade sunblock would replace your moisturizer and should be worn everyday. To improve your sun protection, look for mineral makeup from brands like Jane Iredale, a medical grade line of products with infused zinc and titanium. Jane also carries a SPF powder with 17% titanium dioxide so you can blot and protect your sensitive skin on the go. But once the damage is done and you are seeing melasma, there are few effective treatments for this frustrating condition. Fortunately for Corpus Christi, Halcyon Med Spa has invested in the Enlighten laser by Cutera. The Enlighten laser uses Pico technology to shatter pigment cells and provide clearance. This 2-in-1 laser destroys pigment and also provides skin rejuvenation. Another option is the popular HydraFacial, when combined with custom formulations for your skin type from ZO Skin Health. The Brightalive serum is a medical grade product designed to lighten areas of hyperpigmentation. During the treatment, exfoliation, extractions, a peel and more, all help the serum to penetrate and lighten problem areas. Besides the restorative benefits of the procedure, clients can take home the remaining Brightalive serum to continue to improve the results at home. For more information on treatments to reduce pigmentation and treatments such as chemicals peels it is always best to schedule a consult for a customized approach. Halcyon Med Spa offers free consultations that allow you to explore your options without a financial commitment. For more information on effective sunblocks, mineral makeup and the newest lasers and procedures, visit us in person or online at halcyonmedspa.com. Article originally posted in The Bend magazine. _________________ All medical services are performed by Heather Lenhart, MSN, FNP-C, Donna Jackson, MSN, FNP-C and Megan Richardson-Cobb, MSN, FNP-C. Heather Lenhart is also an Allergan Master Injector.

Minimally invasive aesthetic procedures have become accessible to all, and men’s interest is influencing the way we think about cosmetic maintenance. Technology and social pressure is a factor for all of us. We’re able to keep up with high school classmates online, accompanied by an endless stream of good time selfies that also document aging. In our practice, many male clients have shared that changes to their appearance have motivated them to learn more about rejuvenation services. KRIS Special Report: More men say ‘yes’ to Botox Products today are sophisticated tools to help us look better, not different. For men, the jaw is a classic characteristic of youth and strength. However, gravity and natural aging draws fat down, costing youthful volume in the face and adding unwanted fullness in the chin and jaw. In response, injectable products like Kybella, which permanently kills fat cells in the double chin, and options like TruSculpt 3D, which uses heat to kill fat cells and tighten loose skin, are game-changers for men who want more control over their appearance. Holding on to your jawline from your 20s is a victory for men who don’t want to drastically change their face, just enhance what’s already there. But it isn’t just the perfect selfie that’s changing the tide. Competition in the workplace has prompted men to learn about medical spa procedures to improve their competitive edge and look younger, longer. Appearance plays a big role in how individuals are perceived in the workplace. Millennial men are rewriting the rules that Baby Boomers or Gen X might have followed about aesthetic treatments, and popular pharmaceuticals like Botox or Dysport can deliver well-known advantages. Each can take years off the face by smoothing lines, crow’s feet and forehead wrinkles, but less well-known benefits for Botox clients include its usefulness to control sweating and migraine pain. Different types of fillers are commonly requested to plump shadows that start to form around the nasolabial folds, or smile lines. This is especially common for men who have led an athletic lifestyle, and have less body fat. But no discussion about men’s aesthetic services would be complete without addressing PRP (platelet rich plasma), the most impressive technological leap that has been made for hair restoration. PRP is an innovative procedure that naturally elongates the hair shaft. It increases the number of hair follicles, increasing hair thickness, using the patient’s own blood products originating from a simple blood draw. Providers have many ways to deliver high impact results from aesthetic treatments, even if those results are as subtle as looking well-rested. As with any medical service, your best first step is to consult with a board certified professional that you trust with your image. _________________ Halcyon Med Spa is solely owned and operated by Dr. Jonathan Dancel D.O. All medical services are performed by Allergan Master Injector Heather Lenhart, MSN, FNP-C, Donna Jackson, MSN, FNP-C and Megan Richardson-Cobb, MSN, FNP-C. Heather Lenhart is also an Allergan Master Injector. Tags: neurotoxins, Skin care, botox, dysport,

A picture’s worth a thousand words! Ultherapy’s unique imaging component allows practitioners to visualize onscreen the deep layers below the skin to target collagen and elastan containing layers of tissue. We’re hosting a Collagen Consult Day on Nov 4th, it’s your opportunity to have an analysis scan performed by Marc Repp, our Ultherapy representative. Marc is an experienced Ultherapy trainer, and a valuable resource for us and our clients. During your consult appointment, you’ll see ultrasound imaging of your own collagen layers and learn about the collagen stimulating procedure that is 100% customized to you. Collagen is a natural protein that gives skin its elasticity by keeping it firm and toned. As we age, collagen breaks down, and the result is a loss of skin strength. Ultherapy is the only FDA cleared technology to revive collagen production and create natural, noninvasive lifting on the face and neck. Enjoy event package pricing, refreshments and a terrific gift with purchase. Mark your calendars and contact us now to hold your appointment!

Something we rarely talk about as we age and after the babies grow up: urinary incontinence and intimate physical changes. Juliet Laser Rejuvenation is a hormone and surgery free approach to treating unwanted symptoms of aging and childbirth. We want to be part of the light that shines on improving women’s gynecological health. Please join us for a ladies-only conversation about vaginal rejuvenation. One lucky attendee will win free B12 shots for a YEAR!