Hydrafacial™ in Grand Rapids, Michigan

The immediate glow and hydration from a Hydrafacial™ typically lasts five to seven days (sometimes longer, depending on your skin type and how well you maintain your results at home).  

The real value of Hydrafacial™ treatments is their cumulative effect. Patients who maintain a regular schedule (typically once a month) can see lasting improvements in texture, clarity, radiance, hydration, and overall skin health that build over each session.

If you'd like Hydrafacial™ to be part of your long-term skincare strategy, our aestheticians will develop a maintenance plan that suits the unique needs of your skin, as well as your budget and schedule.

No. There is zero downtime after a Hydrafacial™. You can go about your day immediately after your appointment, including applying makeup if you wish. Some patients notice mild redness for 30 to 60 minutes, similar to the flush you might see after a brisk walk, but it is typically not disruptive.

This is what makes Hydrafacial™ one of the most popular "lunchtime treatments" we offer at Symmetry Med Spa. Many of our patients book afternoon appointments and head straight back to work after.  

Both treatments exfoliate, but they do it in different ways. Microdermabrasion uses crystals or a diamond-tipped wand to physically abrade the skin's surface. Although it's effective, it can leave your skin red and irritated, especially if you have sensitive or reactive skin.

Hydrafacial's hydradermabrasion technology is gentler. It uses suction to clear away debris and infuses moisture at the same time. This means it requires less aftercare and is suitable for a wider range of people. In our experience, patients with rosacea, acne, sensitivity, or generally reactive skin tend to tolerate Hydrafacial™ much better than traditional microdermabrasion.

For ongoing maintenance of your skin, we recommend a Hydrafacial™ every four to six weeks. This allows each treatment to build on the last so you see the greatest benefit. Every patient's skin is different, so we factor in things like your home skincare routine, your lifestyle, and seasonal changes when we build your treatment plan.

Hydrafacial™ is one of the gentlest treatments available at Symmetry Med Spa, and side effects are minimal. The most common response is mild redness or a slightly flushed appearance immediately after the session. This typically fades within 30 to 60 minutes. Your aesthetician will walk you through what to expect based on your specific skin type so there are no surprises.

Yes. One of Hydrafacial's greatest strengths is its versatility across virtually all skin types, including Fitzpatrick types I through VI. Because the treatment doesn't use heat or target melanin the way certain laser treatments do, patients with darker skin tones can enjoy the benefits without the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

For patients with sensitive or reactive skin, our aestheticians control the suction intensity and select serums that are appropriate. The Rozatrol™ booster, for example, is specifically formulated to calm redness and irritation, making it a helpful add-on if you have rosacea-prone skin.  

Hydrafacial™ can be a helpful part of your treatment plan if you have mild to moderate acne. The extraction step removes the pore-clogging debris that contributes to breakouts, and the Beta-HD™ serum contains salicylic acid, which helps manage excess oil production. Many of our acne-prone patients find that regular Hydrafacial™ treatments keep their skin clearer between visits.

We don't recommend Hydrafacial™ for all types of acne. If you have active, inflamed cystic acne, we may recommend addressing it with other treatments before introducing Hydrafacial™ into your routine.

During a chemical peel, an acid solution is applied to the skin, causing the damaged outer layers to dissolve or shed. Our options from VI Peel® range from mild (little to no peeling) to moderate (several days of visible flaking). Stronger peels typically require some social downtime.

Hydrafacial™ also exfoliates, but it is gentler than many peels, and there is no downtime. In our experience, the two treatments can complement each other well. Hydrafacial™ is excellent as a maintenance treatment that keeps your skin consistently clear and hydrated, while chemical peels are good for targeted intervention for concerns like uneven pigmentation or texture irregularities.

Your skin will be freshly exfoliated and more receptive to products, which is great for your skincare routine, but it also means your skin is more vulnerable to irritation.

For the first 24 to 48 hours, avoid direct sun exposure and wear a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher (we offer medical-grade sunscreens online and at both our Grand Rapids and Byron Center locations). Skip retinoids and active exfoliants for at least 48 hours. Stay well-hydrated, and use a gentle moisturizer to extend the hydration benefits.

Your medical aesthetician will send you home with specific aftercare instructions based on your treatment and skin type, so you'll know exactly how to maintain your results between sessions.

With overall rejuvenation under control after a Hydrafacial™, many patients decide they also want to address visible signs of aging not covered by the treatment alone. Dermal fillers are ideal for adding volume into the face, whether it's a smoothing-out of nasolabial folds with JUVÉDERM, or a re-contouring of the mid-face area with the apple-restoring JUVÉDERM Voluma.

BOTOX is always a popular choice for patients who want to revitalize their face. This injectable focuses on the upper half, relaxing muscles that cause frown lines and crows' feet. We also offer Dysport and DAXXIFY.

Our team of licensed medical aestheticians can assess your face and recommend the best treatment or combination of treatments to deliver youthful results. VISIA® skin analysis is an integral part of our planning process, so we can address what’s visible to the eye as well as the invisible concerns hidden below the surface. Let us show you what your skin can do!

Your licensed medical aesthetician will recommend a booster based on your skin assessment, including findings from VISIA® Complexion Analysis when applicable. If you're focused on aging, hydration, redness, dark spots, texture or breakout-prone skin, there is a booster designed for your concern. Many patients find that their booster selection changes with the seasons, their life stage or other treatments they’re undergoing. It’s a simple way to ensure your Hydrafacial™ is always tailored to your skin’s needs in the moment.

The cost of your treatment depends on which Hydrafacial™ you choose: Express Hydrafacial™, the Elite Hydrafacial™ or the Platinum Hydrafacial™. Add-ons for the neck, décolleté and hands are available at an additional cost. We offer package pricing for patients who plan to make Hydrafacial™ a regular part of their routine.  

Most patients describe the treatment as comfortable and even relaxing. During the cleansing and exfoliation steps, you may feel a gentle brushing sensation across your skin. The extraction step uses mild suction that can feel like a small vacuum gliding over your face. The peel step can produce a slight tingle, similar to what you might feel with a mild at-home chemical peeling product.

Hydrafacial™ is generally considered safe during pregnancy and nursing. However, certain boosters and the peel step may contain active ingredients that are typically avoided during pregnancy, such as salicylic acid or retinoids.

If you are pregnant or nursing, let your medical aesthetician know before your appointment. They will adjust your treatment plan to include only ingredients that are appropriate for you. There are plenty of pregnancy-safe options that still deliver a noticeable result.

A spa facial may involve manual cleansing, steam, extractions by hand, a mask and/or some form of massage. The products and techniques vary widely depending on where you go and who performs it. The experience is pleasant, but it is designed more for relaxation than clinical results.

Hydrafacial™ is a medical-grade system capable of delivering more significant and longer-lasting results. It is also highly customizable. With the booster system, your Hydrafacial™ can target specific concerns more effectively than a one-size-fits-all spa facial can. Lastly, because it is performed by licensed medical aestheticians, your treatment is guided by a clinical skin assessment rather than selection off a standardized menu, and your plan takes into account any other treatments you are receiving at Symmetry Med Spa.

We recommend scheduling your Hydrafacial™ one to five days before a special event. This gives your skin time to settle from any minor, temporary redness that may occur after the treatment, and lets you reach peak hydration and radiance. If you have sensitive skin or have never had a Hydrafacial™ before, your medical aesthetician may recommend a longer timeframe.

Dermaplaning is a gentle exfoliation technique that uses a sterile surgical blade to remove dead skin cells and fine vellus hair (better known as peach fuzz) from the surface of your skin. It is included in both the Platinum and Elite Hydrafacial™ tiers at Symmetry Med Spa.

Dermaplaning creates a clearer, more receptive “canvas” for your Hydrafacial™. Removing the barrier of surface debris first helps the Hydrafacial™ more effectively cleanse, exfoliate and infuse your skin with serums. Both are gentle treatments that nearly all skin types can safely undergo.

The length of your treatment depends on which Hydrafacial™ you choose:

• Platinum Hydrafacial™: 65 minutes
• Elite Hydrafacial™: 55 minutes
• Express Hydrafacial™: 30 minutes

Plan for additional time if you choose add-ons for the neck, décolleté and/or hands.