Medical Facials vs. Spa Facials

Interview with Amber Lewis, Owner & Lead Aesthetician / Cosmetic Injector / Surgical Assistant / Medical Assistant

Medical facials at Luminous Aesthetics are designed for women who expect more—more science, more results, and more intentional care behind every product and technique. These aren’t spa facials. They’re medically driven, deeply customized treatments created to improve skin health, boost collagen, refine tone and texture, and keep you looking vibrant in every role you lead. In this Q&A, Amber breaks down what sets medical facials apart and why high-performing women trust them as a cornerstone of long-term skin health.

When you use the term medical facial, how do we distinguish it from a spa facial, especially for clients with aging skin?

I never want to diminish anyone’s profession—there is absolutely a place for traditional estheticians who offer spa facials that are relaxing, feel-good facials. Those treatments absolutely help with stress, the nervous system, and overall well-being.

But in our office, I focus on medical facials because every ingredient I use is medically purchased and backed by clinical-grade skincare. You’re getting products that are formulated to treat specific skin concerns—not just make your skin feel/look nice for the day. I also have the ability to work at deeper depths because of my medical certifications. That means if I see something that needs deeper work, I can ask, “Are you interested in treating this?” and actually address it.

Medical facials use medical-grade products and advanced tools to address specific skin concerns like acne, fine lines, and sun damage, while spa facials focus on relaxation and superficial cleansing with over-the-counter products. Medical facials are ideal for people who want relaxation and results—actual changes in their skin while they enjoy the treatment.

Your clients are savvy. This isn’t their first facial. Medical facials are premium—how do you articulate the value of the cost with your medical-grade products, expertise, and treatments?

When someone comes in and says, “I want my skin glowing and tight,” great—I can customize the treatment with electronic muscle stimulation, red light therapy, and medical-grade products that feel good but also elicit real improvement.

It’s important that we’re on the same page. If you want relaxation and facial massage and lymphatic drainage because you’re feeling puffy, I can absolutely do that. I’ve specialized in lymphatic drainage since working in plastic surgery, and it’s essential for facial health.

But if you’re investing money into your skin, you want products and treatments that actually do something. That’s where medical facials matter—they’re not just pampering. They’re targeted skincare backed by medical training.

How do you talk about realistic results when someone comes in for a facial, but what they really want might require microneedling or filler?

Great question, and I get this a lot. Someone will lie down and literally pull their skin back and say, “I want the facial to do this.” But no facial can physically lift tissue. That’s simply science.

Most of my clients are very savvy—they know what a facial can realistically do. But not everyone wants injectables, and that’s totally okay. For those clients, there are options like collagen-boosting treatments, EMS, oxygen facials, or chemical peels.

If someone asks me whether filler would help a certain area, then the door is open for that conversation. But I don’t push injectables on someone who came for a facial. I’m here to assess the skin for the service they booked, and if they want to explore more, they’ll tell me.

The benefit is that I can do both—you can keep it natural, or we can create an all-star combination of options. It all depends on your goals.

How do Luminous Aesthetics memberships help your clients maximize their results and budget?

Memberships are amazing because they let me enhance you based on what your skin needs—not what you’re guessing it needs.

I love clients who take advantage of our memberships! Not only do I always know exactly what we’ve done before, but we are mapping out a plan so I can stack care strategically. If you need microneedling that month, great. If your skin looks dry, we can do an O2 oxygen facial or a Hydrafacial. If you’re due for Botox, I already know the timing.

It takes all the guesswork off your plate. You get the benefits; I handle the plan. I’ll say things like, “Your skin is looking a little dry, Susan. Nobody invited that to the party. Let’s fix it.” That’s the beauty of memberships—consistent results without having to think about it. Plus, putting it on the calendar keeps it a priority for you and less hassle trying to make room in your busy life. The consistency layers on value when we stack your options according to your care plan. Bonus, for my thirfty clients - the discounts for members are fabulous.

What are “red carpet facials”—walk in, walk out glowing? Are there any facials that have downtime?

Most facials have no downtime unless we pair them with something like a chemical peel. Dermaplane requires some sun awareness afterward, but it’s not true downtime.

Most clients come for hydrafacials, bubble facials, or our signature medical facial and then head straight to an event. Makeup goes on beautifully afterward, and the glow is instant.

If you’re a member and want to upgrade to something deeper—microneedling, chemical peels, resurfacing—you get a discount on all add-on services. So you can scale up or down depending on your goals and your schedule.

How do you follow up with clients after treatment to communicate long-term investment in their skin and ensure they’re getting the best outcome?

I follow up the next day, of course—but I also ask clients to follow up again at two weeks. At that visit, anything they need adjusted is complimentary. Whether it’s Botox, filler, or a facial result they want to talk about, that two-week check-in is always included.

I had a client bring her husband in recently. He was concerned about getting Dysport, but I was concerned about a spot on his cheek. I used to work in dermatology and oncology, so I look at your face as a whole—health first. I injected him with Dysport but referred him to a dermatologist for the spot because that was the priority.

I’m not here to look at just one wrinkle or one concern. I’m here to assess the entire face and your long-term skin health. My follow-up makes sure you’re happy with results, but also that you’re safe and supported as a whole.

Your skin deserves the same level of intention and expertise you bring to the rest of your life. Book a medical facial or reserve a complimentary consultation, and together we’ll design a clinically backed, luxury-level skincare plan that keeps you looking—and feeling—luminous.