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Spa Treatment
Medical day spas are growing in popularity, but what are they?

The Observer & Eccentric
Sunday, December 21, 2003

The face of day spas is changing.

And Michael H. Freedland, M.D., ... [is] part of that change.

The Bloomfield Hills couple opened Visage a year and a half ago. The spa not only offers traditional pampering such as massages and facials, but medically supervised skin care services such as the popular Botox injections.

The "medical day spa" is a trend whose time has come — at least to the Midwest, said plastic surgeon Freedland, who is medical director of the spa....

Nurse Fran Tiefry prepares to administer a collagen injection into the upper lip of Nichal Leininger, of Sterling Heights, at Visage in Bloomfield Hills.

"Most of our ideas came out of New York and California, where spas like this are very popular" said Freedland of Visage in Bloomfield Hills.

Another spa offering those medically supervised services is Aura Spa Salon Wellness Center, which opened last month in Farmington Hills.

"I think it's a creative way to help people get more services under one roof," said Dr. Glen Saperstein, D.O., of West Bloomfield, an emergency medicine physician studying for board certification in cosmetic surgery.

Aura owners are West Bloomfield couple Neal and Vickie Levey, who offer clients a comprehensive list of spa services that include a hair salon and wellness center.

"It's a big advantage because we feel that we are trying to do everything for the skin and the body," said Neal Levey of having Saperstein on staff. "Aura means your total body and soul:"

DIFFERENCES

Popular at both Visage and Aura are Botox injections, used to ' temporarily weaken the muscles in' targeted areas of the face for a more rested appearance.

OTHER BENEFITS

Freedland previously had a private practice in Troy. Now he consults with his patients from Visage, while doing cosmetic surgery at Straith Hospital in Southfield and Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak.

Freedland said for him, the biggest benefit of operating from a medical day spa is being able to help his, cosmetic surgery patients with the "continuum of skin care," before, during and after plastic surgery.

Spa employee Cristen Pickell of Rochester walks through the halls of the Freedland spa.

For instance, he can refer postoperative patients to the spa for procedures such as a lymphatic massage to promote healing.

He can also see that clients care for their skin in the best way possible.

"I compare it to the dentist. Going to the dentist won't help if you don't brush your teeth daily."

Therapeutic skin products, from sunscreen to custom-blended foundation, are sold at Visage. These "cosmeceuticals" are made with pure, chemical- and perfume-free ingredients, said Freedland.

Visage facialists will also advise on the client's skin care needs. .

"Most people are not getting the medical skin analysis of what they need;" said Freedland.

Saperstein also finds that the spa environment is complementary for his patients.

"My Thermage patient this morning spontaneously got her hair done right after the procedure," he said.

He is finding his own benefits, too.

He continues to enjoy his emergency room work at Henry Ford Hospital and North Oakland Medical Center, and compares the two positions by saying, "You are treating well people here, it's a good yin-yang type thing."

Also, "I had a very rough hockey game last night, so it was nice to be able to come in this morning and get a massage.".

To contact: Visage, 36880 Woodward Ave., Suite 201; Bloomfield Hills. (248) 901-0022. www.visagespa.com
Aura Spa Salon Wellness, 31196 Haggerty, Farmington Hills (248) 592-1622.

SPA SERVICES Chocolate mint cellulite body therapy: The aromas of chocolate, mint and vanilla spice stimulate the senses as the treat ment exfoliates and stimulates problem _ areas of the lower body, breaking down cellulite and tightening loose skin.(Visage) Ashiatsu Oriental Bar therapy. Sara Rozell, spa director, uses "deep, soothing strokes applied to all muscles, of the back using foot pressure in order to induce deep relaxation, release tight muscles, and stimulate the body's own self-healing capabilities:' (Aura Spa, Salon and Wellness Center) Both spas offer gift certificates for last-minute holiday shopping.