FAQ

Updated Booking Policy

New client consultations are now a $50 flat fee as opposed to complimentary due to high demand. Consultations can be booked for any of our services. All consults, including dedicated phone consultations are 20 minutes long and are designed to help the client and provider gather a detailed understanding of the client’s needs. These can be booked online or over the phone for in person or phone consults. The $50 deposit will then be used as a credit towards the first treatment or skincare regimen! Deposits are non-refundable for no shows or cancellations before 48 hours.

A valid credit card must be entered to submit the appointment request. The card will be stored on file but not charged until your service has been completed. Please notify our staff if you would like to change your payment method on the day of your service.

Cancellation Policy & No Show Policy: All appointment cancellations must be made 48 hours prior to your scheduled appointment time. Any late cancellations or missed appointments will result in a $100 charge to the credit card on file.

Cancellation Policy

We require a 48-hour notice on appointment cancellations. Each time a patient misses an appointment without providing proper notice, another patient is prevented from receiving care and our providers miss out on potential commissions and wages.

Therefore, our policy at Charleston Medical Spa requires a a fee of $100 for all missed appointments or “no shows” which are not cancelled with a 48-hour advance notice. We require a credit card on file upon booking. “No Show” and last minute cancellation fees will be charged to the patients card on file.

Return and Refund Policy

Charleston Medical Spa requires payment of services immediately following each treatment. In the event that a treatment or series of treatments is not performed up to ones standards, we ask that you contact us directly to resolve the issue. Within our consent forms you will find that all treatments have results that vary on a case by case basis, Results are best maintained with the addition of at home supporting skincare regimens. We offer complimentary skincare consultations so our clients can have adequate access to explore treatment options while learning to maintain optimal skin health at home to encourage optimal outcomes.

Treatments that are banked or for paid up front are non-refundable. The dollar amount may be shifted to another treatment option offered at Charleston Medical Spa in the event that a more suitable option may replace the promotional treatment.

Charleston Medical Spa takes pride in the products that we offer. We have close relationships with our vendors, therefore we guarantee your satisfaction on all product sales. If you develop a reaction to a product, we ask that you please notify us and return the unused product within 14 days and we will issue a full refund on that individual product or we can apply the value of the returned product towards a substitution. May it also be noted that developing proper expectations of products is important and you will find that most products require approximately 12 weeks of consistent use to show their effectiveness.

COVID-19 (Coronavirus)
At this time, we are taking extended measures to further protect all our patients and team with the following additional protocols: Stay home if you or a family member are not feeling well, have a cough or fever. A credit card on file is required to minimize contact of surface areas. As a courtesy to our staff and other patients, if you need to reschedule your appointment, please call at least 24 hours prior to your appointment. We are available now to answer any safety concerns, questions, or to schedule your appointment. We look forward to seeing you very soon!
I would like to come in for a consultation, which one do I book?

Consult Skincare

Not sure what you need? Schedule a Consultation with a Licensed Esthetician and go over all of your options. Charleston Medical Spa utilizes the most sophisticated laser equipment available and provides state-of-the-art non-surgical anti-aging medical procedures, treatments, and skin care. We use diagnostic evaluation, health assessment, personalized treatment plans, and comprehensive long-term monitoring to achieve optimal results. Let our experts help restore your youthful glow and rejuvenate your skin from the outside in.

Product Consult

Let’s get your at home skin care regimen in check! Bring in your current products or start with a clean slate. Our Licensed Estheticians can evaluate your skin care issues or needs and prescribe Medical Grade Skincare to get results! We offer ZO Skin Health, Revision Skincare and Epionce.

Make-Up Consult

Schedule a appointment to be matched and test Jane Iredale. Jane Iredale foundations form a protective barrier on the skin that allows it to breathe and function normally. Laboratory tests confirm that all of Jane Iredale products are non-comedogenic and do not block pores.

Botox Consult

Botox® Cosmetic offers individuals with wrinkles smoother skin and a natural well-rested appearance. As the years go by, facial muscles beneath the skin contract with every facial expression and eventually form “dynamic” wrinkles such as: Frown Lines Between the Brows Horizontal Brow Furrows Crow’s Feet Bunny Lines in the Nasal Area. We offer Botox, Xeomin and Jeuveau.

Filler Consult

Dermal Fillers are used as a wrinkle treatment to reduce the appearance of facial wrinkles, add volume and fullness to the contours of the face and increase the fullness and plumpness of the skin for a more youthful appearance. A number of dermal fillers, which are injected beneath the skin’s surface, are available: JUVEDERM ULTRA XC® JUVEDERM VOLBELLA® JUVEDERM VOLLURE® JUVEDERM VOLUMA® RADIESSE® BELOTERO® VERSA® At Charleston Medical Spa, dermal filler treatments are performed by a registered nurse, nurse practicioner or a board-certified medical physician.

Laser Hair Removal Consult

Forever Bare BBL from Sciton is a revolutionary technology in hair reduction. Traditional hair reduction devices apply all of their energy to any given area all at once, leading to discomfort and the potential for missed areas. By sending multiple lower fluence pulses at a high repetition rate, Forever Bare BBL provides a treatment that is safe, fast, effective, and comfortable. The motion BBL technology allows for extremely even heating of hair follicles, and minimizes missed areas that occur with traditional hair reduction devices.

Exilis Body Contouring Consult

Exilis offers a revolutionary non-invasive form of treatment for the reduction of wrinkles and for the reshaping of targeted fat deposits. Exilis is radiofrequency technology that offers cosmetic improvement without surgery. Exilis is recommended for any patient who desires cosmetic improvement, particularly those areas that show the signs of aging, unhealthy lifestyle and have not responded to other treatment options.

What is a medical spa and why choose one?
The American Med Spa Association defines a medical spa as a hybrid between an aesthetic medical center and a day spa with four core elements: (1) the provision of non-invasive (non-surgical) aesthetic medical services; (2) under the general supervision of a licensed physician; (3) performed by trained, experienced and qualified practitioners; (4) with onsite supervision by a licensed healthcare professional. You’ll get the luxury of a spa with the medical expertise and supervision that’s paramount to keeping your skin healthy. So why choose a medical spa? The environment is typically the main reason but something else to consider is that medical spa employees focus solely on aesthetics on a day to day basis, which ensures daily experience in the field. At Charleston Medical Spa, all procedures are overseen by Dr. Melanie King or Sarah Helfrich, Nurse Practitioner. Things to consider: It’s vital to let your aesthetician, MD or NP know if you’re allergic to anything. Someone who is allergic to aspirin may not know that an anti-aging facial contains aspirin. It’s also important to let the aesthetician know if you have any health conditions. Someone with a history of herpes simplex who gets a laser treatment without taking prophylactic (preventive) medication first could get herpes all over the face as a result. And don’t forget to mention medications you take regularly. If you’re on a blood thinner or a medication that makes you sensitive to light, for instance, getting laser treatment could cause severe bruising and irreparable white or dark spots on your skin.
I don’t know if I need Botox or Fillers?
In general, the upper face would be Botox and the lower face would be Fillers. There are exceptions to the rule for example, filler can be placed in the temples or botox can be placed in the chin, above the lip for the “lip flip” or for vertical lip lines. Common places where filler is used are the lips, nasolabial folds (smile lines), the cheeks as well as the jawline and chin.
How many units of Botox do I need?
It is impossible to estimate over the phone or even with photos, ranges are on a case by case basis and depend on the areas being treated which is why we offer complementary consultations.
My Botox results aren’t as good as they used to be. What can I do?
While Botox is excellent for treating dymanic lines and wrinkles the health of your skin overall must be taken into consideration as well. A comprehensive skin care regimen and/or periodic procedures or treatments are also necessary for anti aging in conjunction with your botox treatments. Alternatively you could try another toxin such as Xeomin or Jeuveau to see if your results are improved. You also may need more units.
What are Hyaluronic Acid Fillers and how long do they last?
Injectable hyaluronic acid (HA) is a type of temporary dermal filler. Hyaluronic acid is found naturally throughout the body, with the highest concentrations in the joints, eyes, and skin. In the skin hyaluronic acid attracts water, which allows the skin to become more hydrated. As we age, the fat, muscles, bone, and skin in our face begins to thin. This loss of volume leads to either a sunken or sagging appearance of the face, fine lines, wrinkles, folds, and thin lips. Injectable HA is used to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, facial folds, and to create structure, framework, and volume to the face, lips and even hands. The effects of injectable hyaluronic acid are seen immediately. Outcomes and longevity vary from patient to patient and are influenced by the location of the injection, the individual properties of the hyaluronic acid filler, the age of the patient, and the individual characteristics of the patient’s skin, including the patient’s metabolism. For example, results in the lips may last 6-9 months, but those in the nasolabial folds may last 9-12 months or longer. Voluma can last up to 24 months when injected in to the cheeks. After that time, additional injections are required to maintain the desired effect.
Can I get Botox or Fillers the same day as other treatments?
There are a lot of questions about having Botox or Fillers after facial treatments. At Charleston Medical Spa we allow Botox or Fillers immediately after Custom Facials Hydrafacial and Dermaplaning. We recommend 1 week between Microneedling, Nano Peel, Chemical Peel, BBL, YAG, Exilis of the treated area, Microdermabrasion and Botox or Fillers so the skin can heal. After Halo and Microlaser Peel we recommend two weeks.
I am interested in a laser treatment, what do I need to know before I book?

We offer complimentary consultations 6 days a week, for best advice, come see us so we can take a look at your skin. Here are some things to consider:

Pre-Treatment Recommendations

For best results, patients should avoid sun exposure, tanning beds and tanning creams for 2-3 weeks prior and throughout their treatment. Sunless Tanning Lotions must also be avoided for 2-3 weeks prior to treatment. However, if sun exposure is not avoidable, treatment sessions need to be increased because treatments on sun exposed skin will require lower settings to to protect the epidermis. Too recent sun exposure may result in cancellation of treatment. It is also recommended to implement a skincare program before treatment to enhance results.

If you have previously suffered from facial cold sores, there is a risk that the treatment could contribute to a recurrence. If you have taken Accutane or its generic forms in the last year you may not be a candidate for treatment. If you take anti-coagulants you may not be a candidate for treatment.

While being treated, the laser may feel like pin pricks, bursts of heat or similar to a sunburn. If you have any allergies to topical anesthetics please consult your provider.

What can I expect after a laser peel?
Downtime varies depending on the peel and the depth of treatment. Along with the laser being used. Patients must understand that results vary with each individual. Swelling is common and should be expected. You can expect a difference in downtime and treatment depending on whether you get a Nano Peel, BBL, Micro Laser Peel or Halo Laser Treatment. Typically a topical anesthetic is applied to lessen the sensation of the laser as it interacts with the treated area. Multiple treatments may be necessary over a time span of 2-4 week intervals to reduce pigmented lesions. Darker pigmented areas will darken and then disappear or appear lighter over a timeframe of approximately 2-3 weeks. Do not pick these areas or heavily exfoliate. Erythema or a mild sunburn sensation can be noticed in the treatment area for up to a few days after treatment. Patients should not feel significant discomfort. Quick, warm showers are recommended but avoid hot, long baths. Aerobic exercise, use of saunas, and hot tubs should be avoided for 24-48 hours. Itching may occur as the old skin is shed and the new skin is being formed. If the skin is broken or a blister appears, give us a call. The area should be lubricated to prevent crusting or scabbing of tissue. A total sun block not a sunscreen should be applied. A broad spectrum UVA/UVB block with an SPF of 30 must be applied 15 minutes prior to causal sun exposure. Prolonged sun exposure requires repeated application of sun block. If further treatment is needed a commitment to stay out of the sun is necessary. Sun exposure may cause certain complications such as the possibility of blistering or hyperpigmentation. Sun block should be used vigilantly for up to 3 months post procedure. Cleanse the skin two times a day with plain lukewarm water and a gentle cleanser beginning the morning after treatment. Use your hands and pat dry. Do not rub or scrub the skin, doing so can result in scarring and pigmentation complications. There will be some degree of swelling post procedure, however if you experience any signs of infection such as drainage (looks like pus), increased warmth at or around the treated area or a fever of 101.5 or greater contact immediately.
I want to get laser hair removal, how many treatments will I need?
It varies on a case by case basis. 4-12 treatments is the safest answer. The darker and thicker the hair, the better it responds to the laser. Hair has three phases of growth: active growth phase, an intermediate non-growth phase, and a resting phase with no follicle present. Duration of the hair growth cycles vary depending on the location on the body. The laser can only eliminate the hair that is currently in an active growth cycle so multiple treatments are necessary over a time span of 4-8 week intervals. Final results may not be apparent for months post treatment. The treated hairs may take 7-14 days to exfoliate and may appear to be “growing” during this time. After treatment do not pluck, wax or use a chemical exfoliant between treatments. Do not shave or trim the treated area for the first 3 days.