Medical Spa FAQ
When choosing among the many medical spa treatments available in San Diego, it's only natural that you will have questions about which treatments can help you achieve the look you desire. La Jolla Dermatology offers a range of the most effective procedures and treatments selected by our board-certified dermatologist for our San Diego patients. To help you choose what's right for you, we've compiled a list of common questions women and men have about these treatments.
Are you ready to see how you can achieve a refreshed and glowing complexion with one of our relaxing and effective treatments? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Susan M. Stuart by calling (858) 623-6333, or you can request a consultation online.
How long do BOTOX® Cosmetic treatments take, and how long can I expect my results to last?
For women and men in San Diego, BOTOX® Cosmetic is a quick and effective treatment option. The entire nonsurgical procedure can take as little as 10 minutes, depending on the extent of your treatment. Most patients enjoy results for up to 4 months, but people commonly find that results last longer if treatments are scheduled on a regular basis.
How does laser hair removal in San Diego work, and how many treatments does it take to achieve permanent results?
Laser hair removal works by targeting pigment in the hair follicle with laser energy, which then travels to the hair follicle and disables it. Surrounding skin and tissue is not damaged, and treatment is approved for all skin and hair types. This effective procedure requires no downtime. Most patients return immediately to work or other daily activities. Patients require more than one treatment to achieve permanent results, as hair grows in cycles and only actively growing hairs are affected. Typically, laser hair removal is repeated 4 times, with 8 weeks in between each session.
Is there a way to achieve a glowing complexion without using lasers or injectable treatments?
At La Jolla Dermatology, we offer a variety of designer facial treatments that can be selected to match your specific skin needs. If you're interested in restoring a luminous appearance to your face, we offer a special facial infused with vitamin C to help reduce the appearance of fine lines. Dr. Stuart also has developed a series of treatments that target skin conditions such as acne, puffy eyes and dry skin.
What is microdermabrasion, and is it painful?
Microdermabrasion uses finely crystallized aluminum oxide to smooth away a number of skin imperfections. Our patients have experienced a significant improvement in the appearance of stretch marks, blemishes, enlarged pores, fine wrinkles, age spots, acne, oily skin and hyper-pigmentation. Your body will naturally regenerate healthy skin cells to replace the dead cells that are removed during treatment. Most patients report that treatment is not painful, and Dr. Stuart can customize your procedure based on your skin sensitivity.
How does permanent makeup work?
Permanent makeup is administered through a tattooing process. This is repeated until the level of desired enhancement is achieved. Depending on the extent of the treatment, most patients are scheduled for hour-long sessions. A topical anesthetic is administered to minimize discomfort, and your skin will naturally heal within a week of treatment.
What is the recovery process like for fillers?
Treatment with fillers is extremely popular for a number of reasons, especially the minimized recovery time. The procedure takes anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes, and you can return to your regular schedule immediately after you leave our office. This makes fillers a great solution for people with active lifestyles or busy work schedules.
How will I know which treatment is best for my cosmetic needs?
One of the best ways to determine which of our medical spa treatments will be most effective for you is to talk with our experienced staff. We recommend scheduling a consultation with Dr. Stuart, a well-respected dermatologist in San Diego, to discuss your personal needs.

