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What is a Medical-Grade Facial?  

A medical-grade facial is a professional skin treatment performed by a licensed medical provider using clinical-strength ingredients, advanced techniques, and medical-grade skincare products. Unlike facials at a traditional day spa — which focus mainly on relaxation and surface-level cleansing — a medical facial at Thrive is designed to produce real, visible, lasting results.

At Thrive, your facial may include a customized combination of:

  • Deep cleansing to remove impurities, excess oil, and environmental buildup
  • Exfoliation using professional-strength acids like glycolic or salicylic acid to remove dead skin cells and stimulate cell renewal
  • Extractions performed safely by a trained medical provider to clear congested pores without damaging the surrounding skin
  • Serum infusion with targeted active ingredients for hydration, brightening, anti-aging, or acne control
  • Facial massage / lymphatic drainage to improve circulation and reduce puffiness
  • Masks and moisturizers customized to your skin’s specific needs
  • Add-on treatments such as light therapy or a light chemical peel for enhanced results

Patients can also choose from signature options, including our HydraFacial, a multi-step treatment that simultaneously cleanses, extracts, and infuses the skin — or a customized facial built entirely around your skin profile.

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“Overall, I would highly recommend Dana to anyone seeking a nurse injector. Her professionalism, knowledge, and compassionate care are truly exceptional, and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work with her.”

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Who is a Candidate for a Facial?  

Almost everyone. Facials are one of the most inclusive skin treatments available — there’s a variation that works for virtually every skin type, age, and concern. Unlike more intensive treatments such as laser resurfacing or deep chemical peels, customized facials are gentle enough for sensitive skin and require no recovery time.

A facial at Thrive may be a great fit if you’re dealing with:

  • Dull or uneven skin tone
  • Clogged or enlarged pores
  • Mild to moderate acne or breakout-prone skin
  • Dry, dehydrated, or flaky skin
  • Fine lines and early signs of aging
  • Sun damage or hyperpigmentation
  • Oily or combination skin
  • General skin maintenance and prevention

Facials are also an excellent starting point for patients who aren’t yet ready for a chemical peel, laser treatment, or other more advanced procedure, or who want to complement those treatments with regular professional maintenance.

What to Expect During Your Facial at Thrive

Every facial begins with a skin assessment, so Dana can evaluate your skin’s current condition and tailor the treatment accordingly. From there, your appointment will typically follow this flow:

  1. Consultation & Skin Analysis — Dana reviews your skin concerns, goals, and any sensitivities before selecting the right products and techniques.
  2. Cleansing — A thorough cleanse removes makeup, oil, and surface buildup to prep the skin for treatment.
  3. Exfoliation — Professional-strength exfoliants gently resurface the skin, encouraging cell turnover and a brighter complexion.
  4. Extractions (if needed) — Clogged pores are cleared using precise technique to avoid irritation or scarring.
  5. Treatment Infusion — Targeted serums, masks, or specialty treatments are applied based on your skin’s specific needs.
  6. Massage & Finishing — Lymphatic drainage massage improves circulation, and a customized moisturizer and SPF are applied to complete the treatment.

Most facial appointments take approximately 45–60 minutes.

Is There Any Downtime After a Facial?

No downtime required. Most patients leave with an immediate improvement in skin tone, clarity, and radiance — and return to their normal routine right away. Some patients may experience mild, temporary redness, which typically resolves within a few hours.

How Long Do Facial Results Last?

The skin-renewing benefits of a single facial are noticeable right away, but the real power of professional facials comes from consistency. Regular treatments — typically every 4–6 weeks — allow results to build on each other over time, leading to progressively clearer, healthier, and more resilient skin.

To extend and enhance your results between appointments, Thrive offers ZO Skin Health medical-grade skincare products — formulated with higher concentrations of active ingredients than retail products, and available exclusively through licensed medical providers.

Why Choose a Facial at a Medical Spa Instead of a Day Spa?

It’s a fair question. Here’s the key difference: at a traditional day spa, facials are performed by licensed estheticians using cosmetic-grade products, with a focus on relaxation and short-term glow. At a medical spa like Thrive, your facial is performed or supervised by a licensed medical provider — in Dana’s case, a board-certified nurse practitioner — using medical-grade formulations and clinical techniques that penetrate deeper and deliver more targeted results.

That means your skin isn’t just pampered. It’s actually treated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are facials safe for all skin types?

Facials are generally safe for all skin types, but the specific products and techniques should be tailored to individual skin conditions and sensitivities.

What types of facials do you offer?

We offer customized facials tailored to your individual skin concerns, as well as the HydraFacial — a signature multi-step treatment that cleanses, exfoliates, and infuses the skin simultaneously. We can also incorporate a light chemical peel as part of your facial for additional resurfacing benefits.

How do I know which facial is right for me?

That's exactly what your consultation is for. Dana will assess your skin, discuss your goals, and recommend the approach most likely to get you the results you're looking for.

What can I expect during a facial treatment?

During your facial treatment, you can expect to relax in a comfortable environment while our esthetician cleanses, exfoliates, and treats your skin using professional-grade products and techniques. Depending on the type of facial you choose, additional steps such as extractions, masks, or massages may be included.

How long does a facial treatment take?

The duration can vary depending on the type of facial and additional services included. Your esthetician will provide you with a more accurate timeframe prior to your facial, but most facials typically range from 30-90 minutes in duration.

Is there any downtime after a facial?

Our facials typially require little to no downtime, allowing you to resume daily activities immediately after your appointment! Some sensitivity or redness can occur, but is not likely.

How often should I get a facial?

For most patients, a facial every 4–6 weeks aligns with the skin's natural renewal cycle and helps maintain consistent results. Dana will recommend a personalized cadence based on your skin type and goals.

How should I prepare for a facial?

To prepare for a facial, you'll want to avoid waxing or shaving, remove makeup beforehand, use SPF, and hydrate.

Are facials safe for sensitive skin?

Facials are generally safe for all skin types, but the specific products and techniques should be tailored to individual skin conditions and sensitivities.

Can facials help with acne?

Yes. Professional extractions, salicylic acid exfoliation, and targeted anti-acne serums can all be incorporated into a facial to address active breakouts and help prevent future congestion. For more significant acne concerns, Dana may recommend combining your facial with other treatments.

Can I combine a facial with other treatments?

Absolutely. Facials pair well with injectables, chemical peels, and other skin treatments. Dana will advise on the right sequencing to get the best results safely.

Experience the Thrive Difference

At Thrive Wellness + Aesthetics, you won’t find a menu of one-size-fits-all treatments. Dana Protomastro, AGPCNP-BC, takes the time to understand each patient’s skin and goals before recommending a treatment plan — and adjusts that plan as your skin evolves. It’s the kind of personalized, medically grounded care that has made Thrive a two-time Westchester Magazine Best of Westchester award winner, recognized for both Best New Medspa and Best Cosmetic Procedures.

We serve patients from Mount Kisco and throughout Westchester County and Connecticut.

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Thrive Wellness and Aesthetics specializes in combined spa services and skin rejuvenation for relaxing cosmetic treatments. Schedule a consultation today for a customized facial in New York by calling our office or filling out an online contact form.

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Founder, Nurse Practitioner at  |  + posts

Dana Protomastro, AGPCNP-BC, is a certified primary care nurse practitioner who is a proven leader in the medical community. She has over 25 years of experience delivering exceptional care with a holistic approach in perioperative care, plastic surgery, and aesthetic medicine.

Dana has introduced cutting-edge, non-invasive technologies into her practice as wellness-based alternatives to surgical procedures. She works closely with men and women of all ages to determine the best treatment method for their individual needs. Some of her specialties include laser treatments, micro needling, Botox, fillers and the integration of skincare products.