Medspa 101: A cheat sheet for the most popular Charlotte treatments

It has been updated since its original publication.

From Botox to HydraFacials, it can be hard to keep up with the newest skincare treatments and cosmetic procedures.

No one knows more about state-of-the-art skincare treatments than the experts at Criswell & Criswell. They have lasers and modalities from Botox and fillers to medical-grade skincare products that will keep you looking young and beautiful.

The definitions

BBL: BBL stands for “BroadBand Light” and is a light technology used to treat sun damage, acne and rosacea. It can reduce the appearance of small blood vessels, and it can also be used to tighten skin and for laser hair removal.

Pro tip: Combining the Halo and BBL lasers can maximize your results with the BBL hitting the surface level of the skin and the Halo penetrating deeper imperfections. The Halo can wipe out pigment by itself, but depending on the patient, it can be beneficial to do one or the other. But in most cases, both lasers together is the gold standard.

Related story: I got two lasers to the face for beauty – the price, the pain and the payoff

Botox: An injectable used to reduce lines & wrinkles on the face. It can also be used to treat hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating in the armpits). 

Contour TRL Laser: A laser that safely removes layers of the skin to reduce imperfections such as age spots, lines and wrinkles, and uneven skin tone or rough texture. The depth can be customized by your provider.

Dermaplaning: A manual exfoliation treatment that removes dead skin cells and vellus hair (peach fuzz).

diVa: Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation that treats urinary incontinence, vaginal laxity, dryness, discomfort during intercourse, difficulty with orgasm and many other symptoms women experience after menopause or after chemotherapy. 

Facial fillers: Injectables used to decrease deeper lines by adding volume to lines, creases and areas that have lost volume in the face. Different types of fillers are available and are selected by your provider based on the area of treatment and your goals.

Halo: A hybrid fractional laser that inspires new collagen and elastin growth. It’s used to treat sun spots, age spots, fine lines, wrinkles, and texture and tone irregularities. It leaves skin bright and fresh and is safe for all skin types.

Chemical peels: A solution applied to the skin to help treat acne, hyperpigmentation, texture, dullness, melasma, pore size and other signs of aging. They have chemical peels ranging from light to medium depth, which your provider will select based on your skin concerns.

Microneedling: A treatment that uses tiny needles to create a “controlled injury to the skin,” which stimulates collagen that improves acne scarring, texture, tightness and tone. It’s safe for all skin types. 

Pro tip: We have two different microneedling devices. Scarlet RF(Radio Frequency) Microneedling and Skin Pen. For more aggressive results and more tightening concerns, Scarlet RF is a better option for you.

PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) hair restoration: A non-surgical technique for natural hair restoration during the beginning stages of thinning. PRP is produced through an extraction process with your own blood cells, then meticulously injected into your scalp at various intervals to stimulate the hair follicles.

PRP injectable: PRP can be used as an injectable in the tear-throughs to improve the “tired look” under the eye and improve your skin’s tone, texture and volume.

PRP topical: PRP can be added to Halo, Scarlet RF microneedling, SkinPen microneedling and diVa treatments to speed healing time and amplify results.

SculpSure: An FDA-cleared non-invasive laser treatment that eliminates stubborn fat on the abdomen, flanks, back, inner thighs, outer thighs and submental (under the chin) area. Leaves the treated area firmer, flatter and tighter.

To learn more about these treatments as well as others, visit Criswell and Criswell’s website.

Set up a consultation — Medspa consults are $50.