FAQ

ALTERNATIVE FORMS OF PAYMENT

Do you accept Care Credit? Yes! We accept Care Credit when there is a minimum of $200 spent. Click here to learn more!

What do I need to bring with me to the appointment? Bring your account number and 2 forms of ID, including a photo ID.

From March 1 to May 31, 2021, new CareCredit cardholders can earn a $50 or $100 gift card by completing the steps below by May 31, 2021.*

  1. Open a new CareCredit credit card account.
  2. Use your new card to pay for purchase(s) totaling $200 or more to earn a $50 gift card, or totaling $1,000 or more to earn a $100 gift card.*
  3. Register for this offer online.
    • Go to carecredit.com/promotions
    • Enter promo code GIFT2021
    • Complete the registration form


SCARS

What kind of options does Hela have for treatments on scar tissue, specifically a c-section scar? Text now to book a consultation. Depending on your scar, we will recommend a hybrid of modalities to include a Fractional CO2 with Erbium Laser. We also see great results with a combination of microneedling.


LIPs

What is a lip flip? Lip flips use botox to relax the muscles around the mouth just enough to flip, or roll the upper lip outward, giving a subtle pout-magnification. If filler is done after, the upper lip, instead of potentially protruding out, can appear noticeably fuller.

How long does a lip flip last? Usually lip flips last between 2-3 months, depending on the individual's metabolism.


Tear Troughs

What do you recommend for tear troughs and under eye circles? We recommend that you book a consultation to see what would be the best service for you. We offer toxin, filler, PRP or fractional CO2 laser for the tear trough area.


FILLER

Do you offer half syringes? We do not offer 1/2 syringes to prevent any possibility of contamination and to ensure the highest level of safety.

What do you charge a flat fee instead of by the syringe? You are paying for the skill of the injector. Filler injections are an art of proportion and beauty. It's not about how much volume but about how we inject.


Botox

How long does Botox last? About two to three months.

What else do you treat with Botox at Hela Spa? Other than wrinkles and frown lines, we treat migraines, hyperhidrosis (sweating), TMJ (jaw grinding), and to stop excessive sweating, as Botox blocks glands the same way it blocks nerves in muscles.

Why does Botox metabolize faster in some people? Physically active bodies tend to heal faster and have a metabolism that runs at a higher rate than most people, which will reduce the Botox from their body at a faster rate. Hela Spa can can create a custom treatment plan to best achieve your desired long-term results.

Do you offer all types of Tox? Yes! We carry Botox, Dysport, NewTox and Xeomin. Your provider can help determine which is the best choice for you!

How soon after Botox is it ok to get a facial with a peel or microdermabrasion? You should wait at least 2 weeks post botox/filler in order for your product to set and hold properly.


Rewards

Do you participate in Brilliant Distinctions? Yes we do! Please tell our front desk and your injector that you want to use BD points prior to your appointment to make sure Allergan products are used.

Do you participate in Aspire rewards? Yes we do! Please notify our front desk and your injector that you wish to participate in this, so the correct Galderma product is used.


SKIN CARE

Which is right for me? Chemical or Physical Sunscreen? While you should know first that sunscreen is important to wear every day, there are two types of sunscreens you should know about. Physical sunscreens create a barrier on the skin that filter out UV rays, while chemical sunscreens absorb and scatter the sun’s harsh UV rays. Physical sunscreens: Pros: UVA and UVB protection, safe for babies, pregnancy, immediate impact, less irritation. Cons: Can rub off more easily, so need to re-apply, can appear white on skin, needs to be generously applied. Chemical Sunscreens: Pros: Thinner and spreads on the skin smoothly, less product is needed, easier to use with other products, great for daily use. Cons: Irritating for some, effective only 20 mins after applied, can lead to increased redness for some, can clog pores and increase breakouts.

What is retinol and is it safe? Retinol is a derivative of antioxidant-rich, Vitamin A. It is sold in both natural forms (for example, in rosehip) and synthetically derived forms. Retinol helps increase your skin’s natural exfoliation process from the bottom up by stimulating and increasing the production of healthy skin cells. This cell turn-over can lead to an even skin tone and a brighter complexion, as it boosts your collagen production, leading to a reduction in wrinkles, and firmer skin. It can even help unclog pores, which is why so many dermatologists recommend it for teens fighting acne. However be sure to wear sunscreen when using the product, or you can get burned.

I have a blackhead, help! The gunk that naturally builds up in everyone’s pores is a blend of dead skin and debris that settles into the skin and sticks to your natural oils. That buildup turns brown or black when your skin gets exposed to oxygen — that’s where it gets the name! The best way to care for blackheads is to come in for a professional facial where we can extract for you. What you do at home each day between visit will have a great impact on that debris. We take the skin through a multi-step deep cleansing process to hydrate and soften the skin and loosen the pore’s grip on debris. Then we gently manipulate the skin to remove blackheads and buildup. After treatment, we will explain what’s happening with the skin, we’ll always treat the area in the most effective way possible for the day, and make sure you leave with the short term game-plan for daily home care that will help prep for your next session and still allow you to see continued results. Take home tips: cleanse every night, moisturize if your skin is dehydrated. which will help with extractions, exfoliate 1-3x weekly to keep your skin renewing itself and gunk from getting trapped.

What Hela Spa products are best for treating acne?

Our recommended acne products currently for retail include the following:

  • Elta MD Sunscreen- great for acne prone skin, has niacinamide, zinc oxide, antioxidants
  • Sheer Free Moisturizer from Hela private label is oil free
  • iS Clinical Active Serum- blend of botanically derived salicylic, glycolic, and lactic acid.

  • iS Clinical Cleansing Complex- blend of botanically derived .2% salicylic acid and glycolic.

  • iS Clinical Tri Active Exfoliating Masque- blend of Enzymes and Salicylic Acid

  • iS Clinical Warming Honey Cleanser- light blend of enzymes exfoliant for sensitive and hydrates acneic skin

  • iS Clinical Hydra Cool Serum- antioxidant benefits to nourish the complexion. It can also be used to calm mild acne symptoms or help with post-procedural healing.

  • Skin Ceuticals- Blemish and Age Defense- blend of Salicylic and Glycolic acid

  • Skin Ceuticals- Phyto Corrective Gel- anti inflammatory, eliminated redness

  • Neova- 20% Glycolic Serious Reveal Exfoliator

  • Neova- Radiant Wash with buffered fruit acids

  • Skin Better Alpharet Exfoliating Peel Pads- blend of Retinoids, Glycolic, Salicylic, and Lactic

  • Skin Better Alpharet Clearing Serum- Retinoic Acid, Glycolic, Salicylic, and Lactic, Niacinamide

  • Skin Better Alpharet Overnight Cream- a proprietary blend of Lactic acid, Retinoids, and Niacinamide

  • Skin Better Refreshing Cleanser- blend of Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Salicylic Acid, and Malic Acid

Shop products now by clicking here: helamedical.com/products-washington-dc or text us at 202.333.4445 to order a product for curbside pickup!

What Hela Spa services are best for acneic skin? Deep Pore Facial, Allure’s Best All-Natural Facial, Fire & Ice Facial, Everglow Facial, Pumpkin Enzyme Peel, E2 Everglow + Exfoliate, Radiate with LED


tween skin

Tween skin, aka 8-12 yrs old, isn’t like a baby’s skin or like an adult’s skin. It’s a hybrid with specific differences and demands. Tweens can start by making safer choices and reducing the number of body care products they use, checking out ingredients and viewing marketing claims with skepticism.

  • Children’s skin has a higher water content and a thinner epidermis. It’s important to use gentle products to protect their skin’s barrier function.

  • Adult products can irritate a tween’s skin

  • Before a child reaches 12, they secrete less sebum than those older, which makes them 6x more susceptible to skin penetration from harmful, synthetic chemicals that can act as hormone disruptors, impacting development in girls entering puberty. Such chemical ingredients can can be found in various haircare, skincare and bathing products.

Avoid these ingredients:

Acne products with: Triclosan, parabens, PEGs and ceteareth

Perfume products with: Pthalates and “fragrance” (listed as an ingredient)

Make-up products: Loose powders, Vitamin A (listed as retinol or retinyl) in skin and lip products


facials

How long before my wedding or special event should I receive a facial? 1.5-2 weeks to allow the skin time to peak at its best

How to get skin red carpet ready? Definitely come in for our Fire & Ice Facial. It is the perfect, no down time facial for refreshing the skin, resurfacing and deep hydration.

Is dermaplaning for everyone? Safe for all skin types and tones; except excessively oily and those with heavy breakout activity. Dermaplaning is also a great option for pregnant clients.

How often should I receive facial treatments? Every 4-6 weeks

What are the benefits of dermaplaning? Dermaplaning is recommended to treat dry, rough skin, acne scarring, uneven skin tone, fine lines and unwanted vellus facial hair. It leaves a smooth texture, brighter complexion and is beneficial for overall skin rejuvenation, boosting the production of collagen and elastin. It also allows a much greater penetration of skin care products and smooth make-up application.

How often can dermaplaning be done? It is recommended to perform dermaplaning every 3-4 weeks.

Does the hair grow back darker or thicker? No, the only way that the hair could grow back thicker or darker would be due to hormonal changes. As we remove the vellus hair we are cutting it at the thickest part of the hair follicle so it may appear thicker or darker for a brief period of time.

How do I address my anti-aging skincare needs? Book your consult now!


Ultrashape Power

What is UltraShape? UltraShape is the first and only FDA-cleared, non-invasive, body-shaping procedure that uses focused, pulsed ultrasound for selective fat destruction. The UltraShape procedure targets and instantly destroys stubborn fat, without discomfort or downtime.

How does UltraShape work? UltraShape delivers ultrasound energy directly into the stubborn fat below your skin's surface. Rapidly changing pressure waves create vapor cavities in the fat cells. This stresses the fat cell membranes, causing them to rupture—all while leaving the surrounding skin, nerves, and blood vessels unharmed.

Is UltraShape right for me? UltraShape is ideal for people with stubborn fat or genetically acquired problem areas. For best results, maintaining a healthy lifestyle with diet and exercise is recommended. UltraShape is not recommended for major weight loss.

How many treatments will I need? Three treatments spaced 2 weeks apart are recommended. This timing gives your body time to clear the fat cells from your system, maximizing your results.

Will there be visible signs of treatment? No, the UltraShape procedure does not leave visible signs of treatment.

Can I return to normal activities after treatment? There is no downtime—not even social downtime—after an UltraShape treatment. You can resume your normal daily activities right away, even go to the gym!

How soon can I expect to see results? Many people see results as early as 2 weeks after their first treatment, but patients can expect to see the best results after a series of 3 treatments, 2 weeks apart. End result is seen 12 weeks after the last treatment.

Are results permanent? Yes! The fat cells being treated are permanently destroyed. However, while the treated cells cannot regrow, other neighboring fat cells can increase in size, so—for best results—it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle with diet and exercise.

Where does the fat go? The body breaks down the destroyed fat cells, just like it breaks down other fats. After being processed by the liver, the waste is eliminated naturally.

What makes UltraShape Power different? Unlike other fat-reduction procedures, UltraShape Power treatments are very comfortable and show no visible signs of treatment. Plus, with UltraShape Power, you get measurable, visible results as early as 2 weeks and the highest reduction of fat thickness layer on the market at 32% reduction.


pregnancy

What are the best treatments during pregnancy? Dermaplaning express, the standard facial, allure’s best all-natural facial, fire and ice facial, radiate facial.

Can I do LHR treatments while breastfeeding? We practice safety, so at Hela, we suggest that if you are breastfeeding, pump for a few days before getting treatment, and take two or three days off post procedure.

What are the best treatments for acne scars and melasma while still nursing and post-giving birth? Fire and Ice Facial from iS Clinical is safe for pregnancy and breast-feeding. This signature resurfacing treatment has been the number one treatment at the Four Seasons, Beverly Hills for 12 years now and bridges the gap between a facial and a chemical peel. It resurfaces the skin, addresses problematic areas and fine lines and encourages cell renewal, with no down time!


Gift card

How do I buy a gift card? Click here for gift card info! You can email us at info@helaspa.com, text or call us at 202-333-4445 or fill out this form to purchase a gift card.


bridal services

When should I start receiving treatments? The sooner the better! once we have discussed a timeline and assessed your skin care goals, we can achieve a skin care treatment plan that will fit your needs. we can design treatment plans between 12 months to 1 month prior to your big day.

Any last minute skin care tips? We recommend that you don’t try any new products or treatments that you haven’t already been using for at least a month before your wedding date.

How much time before my wedding date should I receive my last facial? We recommend having your last facial treatment at least one week before your wedding date.


Timing of appointment

Is it recommended to do the permanent make-up before or after my Botox and Filler appointment at Hela? It should either be done either before or after your tox/filler appointment by at least two or three weeks.


Wellness Surcharge

What is the wellness surcharge? The wellness surcharge creates a fund for health stipends for support staff. Thank you for helping us provide the vitals for our incredible staff.