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Wrinkles, Acne and
Scars Melt Away to Smiles at New Medical
Aesthetics Service
Without saying two words, a young medical student sat
through her first acne facial treatment under the hands of Daunette Bowden at
the Western Medical Group in Torrance. “She was so closed up and ashamed,” Bowden
recalled. “As a medical student, she knew patients would be looking into this
face for reassurance. With the acne, she felt dirty, embarrassed and unsure she
could deliver that assurance.” But after three sessions, the student was laughing and talking about her classes and medical future. Her acne was clearing up. “That was great for her,” Bowden said. “And it made me feel so worthwhile.” As director of the new aesthetics department at the Western Medical Group, Bowden is putting lots of smiles on faces in place of scars, acne and wrinkles. New Services,
Lower Costs “This is what medicine is all about – making people feel better,” said Dr. Gary Hathaway, who heads the clinic. “Traditionally, these services have required trips to specialists like dermatologists and plastic surgeons. I’m delighted that we can offer them here, and at a lower cost so they can be available to more people.” Licensed in 1968, Bowden came from a plastic surgeon’s practice to open the new department at Western Medical. She and Cindy Williams, who also works in the department and previously worked with a plastic surgeon, are qualified medical aestheticians. “Many of our services are medical grade, which means they can only be provided under the supervision of a doctor,” Bowden said. People often hear of
microdermabrasions and peels offered at spas and beauty clinics, Bowden said.
But under medical care, Bowden said, she can use more powerful machines and
creams.
Microdermabrasions
to Peels Among the most popular services is the medical-grade microdermabrasion, a non-surgical, non-painful resurfacing of the skin that eliminates acne, scars and changes in skin texture. It can also soften fine wrinkles and even out pigmentation, she said. The aesthetics department also offers a new refinity peel – the first 70% glycolic acid peel coupled with protective cosmoderm-7. The peels remove surface oils and dead skin cells as well as diminish fine lines and pigment problems. “Cosmoderm-7 protects the skin so we can use a higher concentration of glycolic for better results,” she said. “This peel is so popular and safe that we have clients who come in during their lunch hours and go back to work after 30-minute sessions.”
Full
Services Available Among the aesthetics department’s other services are: · European facials – a deep cleansing, exfoliation to expose new cells and extraction of impurities, coupled with personalized recommendations for continued home care. · Acne facials for teens and adults – a gentle, yet effective dissolving of active acne that is both healing and anti-bacterial, followed with an anti-inflammatory mask to sooth skin. · Reflexology – an ancient massage that stimulates reflex points on hands and feet, increases circulation and reduces stress. · Bio-peel facials – an enzyme peel to remove dead skin cells, massage, masque and tone the skin, resulting in a smooth, softer texture. · Manual Lymph Drainage Massage – the most popular massage in Europe today, it stimulates tissue drainage while softening wrinkles and regenerating skin elasticity. The aesthetics department also offers free skin consultations. Appointments may be schedules for Wednesday through Saturday, and some evenings, by calling (310) 782-3300. The Western Medical Center is at 21081 Western Ave., Suite 150, in Torrance, near Torrance Boulevard. |