Imagine a tranquil day spa where guests unwind with relaxing facials and hot stone massages. Now think of a medical facility that can turn back the hands of time by fading wrinkles and brown spots. The best of both of worlds have come together in Algonquin at Aleyra MediSpa (2575 W. Algonquin Road).

Dr. Shahwar Syed is the founder and practicing physician behind Aleyra MediSpa. Named after her two daughters, Aleyra opened in 2006 at the behest of many of Syed’s female patients. In private practice since 1986, Syed took their advice and created an adjacent spa space where patients can now enjoy aesthetic treatments from a doctor they know and trust.

A medispa (or medical spa) is a spa, operated by a licensed health care professional, that offers nonsurgical, evidence-based cosmetic treatments. Whereas a dermatologist treats skin diseases, a MediSpa focuses mainly on aesthetic treatment. And where a regular day spa maintains a list of personal care services more akin to a beauty salon without the constant supervision of a medical practitioner, MediSpas clinically appraise the root cause of a skin abnormality and suggest curative treatment.

Serving the Client

Syed and her team efficiently assess each client who comes through the door. “There’s a reason behind what kind of treatment we suggest, ”Syed said. “Someone may come in and say ‘I have a lot of brown spots’ or ‘I have lots of wrinkles.’ After analyzing, we determine, is the person dehydrated? Is there sun damage? Are the pigments irritated? We go to the root cause and the initial consultation is free.”

After the analysis, the team determines what is going on underneath the skin, where the bacteria is growing, where the elastic tissue is damaged and whether there is sun damage. Treatment is given based on their findings and prices are kept very low. “We want clients to be aware of the problem they have,” Syed said. “[And to ] give them the knowledge and the options that are available. Once they have that, they can take better care of themselves.”

All the treatments – except for facials – are done by Syed. A physician is always present. “We explain everything at length during the consultation,” she said.

There is no pressure to sell at Aleyra. “That’s why we offer the skin analysis completely free,” Syed said. “Other spas may charge up to $125 for the basic skin analysis before they even start treatment.”

First-time clients are asked, “What bothers you on your face? What do you want changed? How much time and money are you spending on your face right now?” This allows Syed the opportunity to get to know the patient and alleviate any stress or pressure. Treatment is suggested based on what they can afford. Follow-up visits will help clients move forward in their overall improvement, following a diagnosed regimen tailored for their personal skin type and budget.

Clients leave Aleyra armed with information on what can help or hurt their skin. Syed cautioned, “Women pay attention to how they should have their hair done or their nails, but if the skin is not good, the hair and nails are not going to look good.”

Skin charts are posted in every exam room and nutritional lists are handed out to each client. Even issues such as keeping the facial muscles active to help with drooping skin are addressed. Syed helps her patients avoid hiding or camouflage. Instead, through specific treatment she can bring skin back to a healthy and natural glow.

Repeat business comes from satisfied customers and word of mouth. The staff takes before and after pictures and their success rate speaks for itself. Clients are quick to spread the word about the service and deals they’ve received at Aleyra MediSpa.

Innovative Technology

Typical Aleyra customers are middle-aged women, 45 to 65 years old, teenagers with skin hygiene concerns and men with acne, wrinkles or scars. Back skin conditions, skin beyond just the facial area and even nail fungus issues are treated. Acne is the No. 1 treatment at Aleyra. One of the more popular acne treatments is Isolaz® – a deep-pore laser therapy acne treatment utilizing vacuum technology and broadband light for deep cleaning and purification of the pores.

Also very popular is Aleyra’s Lunchtime LaserPeel where skin is rebuilt from the inside out, creating more robust collagen. It’s dubbed “Lunchtime LaserPeel” because this service is so efficient it can be completed over a lunch period, anywhere from 15 minutes to a half hour. There is virtually no downtime afterward, little or no redness, and women can apply makeup right away and return to their day. “In the same week, you can see the difference in the texture of the skin, shrinking of the pore size,” Syed said. “It is much brighter and the light reflects better.”

Aleyra MediSpa offers special summertime deals and discounts on acne treatments along with free sun damage skin analysis. Now customers can have this service done without any pressure and get a comprehensive peek at the health of their skin.

Delivering the Reality

Credibility and integrity are vital to Syed and her team; “truth is important” in caring for the skin. Microdermabrasion will make wrinkles softer, but won’t ultimately eliminate them. The doctor’s goal is to give clients more vibrant skin, overall improvement, a refreshed look, less pigmentation and an even complexion. “Forty years old cannot be 14 years old again,” Syed warned. “If they’re coming in with those expectations, they’re coming to the wrong place.” 

Aleyra MediSpa believes that a difference can be made in and around five to 10 years of a client’s age. “We do not make any false promises. We do not sell the promise – we deliver the reality,” she said.

Services offered at Aleyra MediSpa are some of the most innovative in the area. Photofacial is another one of their more successful treatments, which addresses facial veins, wrinkles and sun damage.

“I have not seen a patient who is unhappy after receiving this treatment,” Syed said. “It makes a huge difference.”

Another skin rejuvenator is the GentleWaves machine which uses an energy light source to restore the complexion. Like photosynthesis in plants, the body activates cells and produces more collagen. Aleyra MediSpa also uses Oxy-Mist from biO2. This new oxygen facial treatment improves healing time and is an inventive burn healing method. The oxygen is delivered with pressure along with amino acids, penetrating the skin and offering real medical benefits. Syed explained that the U.S. Army and university burn centers are currently using these methods to heal wounds and help with burn scars. “Our products are like luxury treatments and real treatments,” she said. 

As her business grows, Syed and her staff still maintain the core values that they started with back in 2006 – no pressure on sales, keep clientele well-informed so they can make the right decisions for themselves, and make the treatment reasonable and affordable. Aleyra keeps its prices low and the information available so their customers can make informed decisions for optimum aesthetic health and well-being.

>>Learn more about Aleyra MediSpa at www.aleyramedispa.com. To schedule an appointment, call 847-458-1001.