Talk “30” to me: The co-founders of Aesthetica MedSpa share secrets of aesthetic procedures

Turning that big 3-0 up doesn’t mean what it used to mean – it’s certainly an important milestone, but with new attitudes and representations of aging redefining cultural concepts of “old,” the late 20’s don’t hold up meaning the same stigma as it once did.

Unfortunately, for many people, this reality doesn’t mean that the changes in appearance that show up around 30 – and the resulting uncertainty about them – aren’t real either. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons estimates that US$16.7 billion was spent on cosmetic procedures in the United States in 2020: approximately 137,000 minimally invasive procedures and 2,314,720 surgical procedures.

It’s hardly surprising why the market for minimally invasive options available to the public has exploded. From over-the-counter skincare and home gadgets to filler injections, the beauty and cosmetic medicine industry has no trouble convincing people how to spend their money.

dr Debra Ibrahim and Maneeha Mahmood, co-founders of Aesthetica MedSpa in Bergen County, set out to clear up some of the confusion consumers face when dipping their toes in the medicinal spa water for the first time. They opened the doors to their joint venture in 2019 after noticing changes to their own bodies and feeling overwhelmed by the chorus
many conflicting voices telling them how to proceed.

“When we start Googling skin tightening or wrinkles, so much information comes up at once. It is difficult to decipher who is a serious doctor. What are natural results? What can I expect from my appointment?” Mahmud said. “So wanted Dr. Ibrahim and I bring a concierge med spa and cut all the BS hype around everything and really have a curated menu.”

“When I turned 30, I saw age spots on my face and saw my face finding age, which sparked my interest in aesthetics,” Ibrahim said. “I think from a professional personal perspective I can relate to everyone because I am them.”

Experts in modern aesthetic offerings, Jersey’s Best recommended their top tips for those who want to try a service but are feeling overwhelmed, as well as the non-invasive options that might work for you.

What can I expect in my early to mid 30s?

Many people panic when they start seeing the changes in themselves that typically occur between the ages of 30 and 35. Mahmood said people in their 30s often come first because they are concerned about the onset of fine lines in areas like the forehead, eyes and around the mouth.

“They say, ‘Oh, every picture I take, I see these lines, and I don’t want them to get any deeper,’” she said. “So they all come in for their first botox treatment, they’re just entering the world through botox. When you hit 30, your body naturally begins to decrease its collagen production, and collagen is what makes our skin look delicate.”

Number two, she added, is that people are starting to see sunspots on their faces because of UV exposure.

How can I counteract early changes?

First things first: Always wear sunscreen, Ibrahim and Mahmood advise, even if you’re not heading to the beach. Prevention is the best way to maintain your desired look, so lather up with at least SPF 30 every time you’re out in the sun.

“I think that’s the secret: you can still fix a lot of things, but if you prevent it with the right skin care, the right routine, then at the end of the day you just don’t need as much intervention from me,” Ibrahim said .

“We can’t control our genetics, but there are so many environmental factors we can control, like smoking.”

For those who want to address their concerns with a minimally invasive procedure, the co-founders say injecting Botox into the face isn’t the only option. Today, treatments like chemical peels and lasers can help fade sun damage.

Microneedling is another technique that can help prevent wrinkles from forming or worsening. A technician takes a pen with 14 tiny needles and rolls it over the face to create controlled trauma, which the body then quickly repairs.

“We recommend this to all of our women in their 30s just to counteract the collagen that you’re going to stop producing,” Mahmood said. “It’s not dramatic at all. This is more to keep your face looking the way it is, more like preventative treatments.”

How do I choose a Med Spa?

With people putting their face on the line, it’s important to ensure a medical spa is safe and has good results.

“You really need to research where you’re going, consider it homework,” Mahmood said. “Number one, if you are reading reviews for your dog groomer, you should check the reviews for your static injector. We want to see what the community says about them.”

Next, look at how your injector was trained and how long the clinic has been in business. Your first appointment should be a consultation where your injector will ask you about your concerns, have you make different facial movements to see where your lines are going, and show understanding of your goals.

I’m interested in trying a treatment but I’m nervous.

Facials are a way for the anxious to enjoy a medical spa without diving into something more intense, the co-founders said.

In practice, patients can ask for prescription skincare, which Mahmood and Ibrahim recommend for anyone entering or approaching their twenties.

Where do I start with skin care?

The skin care market is saturated and not all are created equal. Ingredients are important and consumers should pay particular attention to active ingredients and their percentages.

Ultimately, most consumers only need three products. Mahmood said every morning skincare routine should start with SPF and a vitamin C-rich product like SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic. Vitamin C helps protect skin from environmental damage, especially if you use SPF in conjunction.

At night, experts recommend a retinol, which helps with the skin’s cell renewal process to keep wrinkles at bay.

I have other issues besides anti-aging that I want to address.

It turns out a lot of other people do too. Some lesser-known treatments that Mahmood and Ibrahim shared include reducing veins and capillaries on the face with a laser.

“Some of the treatments are kind of underestimated but can really affect how a person looks,” Mahmood said. “The results are immediately visible. People always say, ‘Oh my god, I had this giant ruptured capillary near my nose, my nostril, and the laser cleared it up in a minute.’ ”

Another common problem is melasma, or facial discoloration, which many patients don’t realize can go away with the help of a chemical peel. Many women experience them during or after pregnancy.

“Tech neck” or neck creases caused by staring down at a phone or computer for a long time are also becoming more common in people of all ages. It can be treated with injectable filler, making them much less noticeable, according to Ibrahim and Mahmood.

Is there anything I shouldn’t do?

Mahmood and Ibrahim said that people who are generally happy with the dimensions of their face shouldn’t feel pressured to jump into filler. Although it may seem like everyone and their mother does, think carefully before making a decision.

“If you’re young and someone wants to give you cheek fillers and you’re not really showing any signs of aging, then give them some
Are you wondering if I really need fillers? ”

In their own practice, Mahmood and Ibrahim do not inject filler into the nasal area as it could disrupt the blood supply to the skin around the nose. The consequences require additional procedures.

However, Mahmood said it is possible to safely inject fillers into the nose, and many medical spas offer this as an option. Just make sure you do your due diligence if you are determined to make any adjustments to your nose without rhinoplasty.

ME Lewis is a Jersey tomato currently growing on a Brooklyn vine. She’s covered South Jersey, Union County, and Newark, spending a lot of time uncovering all the weird and cool things about her home state.

This article originally appeared in Jersey’s Best Spring 2022. For in-depth access to everything that makes the Garden State great, log in here.