Confessions of a Medical Aesthetician: What's Really Worth the Hype?
- Aug 25
- 7 min read
Six years, dozens of treatments, and a lot of honest opinions. Here's what one Kansas City aesthetician actually keeps in her own routine.
IN THIS BLOG POST:
Meet Breck, Your Kansas City Aesthetician
Hey there! My name is Breck, and I am a medical aesthetician in Shawnee, KS. I have been doing medical aesthetics since 2020, so that is over six years now. I started my career in a dermatology and plastic surgery office, where I made wonderful friends and peers who I can really attribute a lot of my knowledge to.
When I first got out of school, I knew I wanted to be the best provider I could be. Expanding my knowledge of skin conditions, common diagnoses, the functions of the skin, and being able to identify when something is out of my scope has been my best friend. Because I laid that foundation, I am a better-equipped provider. I can recommend things more clearly and maximize my clients' results. I have always been hungry to bring the best to my clients in the Kansas City area.
Over the last six years I have had the privilege of trying many different treatments, devices, and products. Some changed my skin completely. Others flopped. Today I am going to break down what I have done and tell you exactly how I feel about it.
Everything below is my honest take, as both a provider and a patient. Aesthetics really is all about realistic expectations, so I will tell you who each treatment is right for, not just that it is "good." If you have questions about any of these, you can always reach out to me here at Horizon in Shawnee.
Chemical Peels: VI Peel
The VI Peel is a medium-depth chemical peel, and it has a big spot on social media for good reason. VI offers different formulas based on your skin concern, and it is safe for all skin types. It is great for acne, pigment, texture, PIE, PIH, melasma, fine lines, and general skin rejuvenation.
I like the VI Peel compared to other brands because of its consistency in results. Each peel comes with a week's worth of post-care: cleansers, peel pads, moisturizer, SPF, and instructions. There is even an app if you want extra detail on the recovery process. I have also used these peels as a stackable add-on to other treatments and never had an issue, just glowing skin. I love it.
Microneedling with SkinPen
SkinPen is my secret weapon for younger clients looking into skin-quality treatments. It is ideal for someone who does not want a lot of downtime but is ready for a step up from a facial. I have seen it help with texture, pore size, and acne scarring when done in a series.
For myself, I think it is worth the hype if you are the right candidate. I will always do one to two treatments a year for maintenance. But for someone who is 60 and has never done anything to their skin? There are better options for the result they are looking for. Realistic expectations, always.
Laser Resurfacing: Halo and CO2
Halo was one of the first laser treatments I really tried. I wanted to experience it so I could speak to it from experience and understand the device better. I enjoyed it and find it very comparable to a fractionated CO2 laser. They are different wavelengths and different types of lasers, but they have a similar downtime and outcome.
Which brings me to my personal pick: CO2 laser resurfacing. This is a fractionally ablative resurfacing laser, which means it leaves behind MENDS (little sandpapery dots) on the skin, along with healthy tissue that helps the healing and collagen-remodeling process. That is what gives you less downtime than a fully ablative treatment. It is wonderful for texture, pore size, fine lines, wrinkles, and sun damage, and it even helps with skin tags, moles, and other benign lesions.
I try to do one resurfacing laser a year as healthy maintenance. The nice thing about our CO2 device here in Kansas City is that I have complete control over the settings and can be really precise on specific areas of the face, rather than just rolling over the skin.
IPL: My Holy Grail
IPL is my holy grail. I will do this every year, forever. IPL stands for intense pulsed light, and it helps with reds and brown discoloration in the skin. Lucky for me, I have both. IPL keeps my redness away and my freckles at bay. I cannot recommend it enough for anyone with concerns about rosacea or sun spots.
The Ones People Ask About: PRX, Vbeam, and Kybella
A few treatments I get asked about that I have tried but that are not part of my personal routine, or our menu:
PRX is one I tried once. We do not currently offer it at Horizon, but it is worth mentioning. It is a 33% TCA acid peel that does not leave you flaky like traditional TCA peels, so it is great for people who do not want downtime. I did not complete the recommended series, but I loved the no-downtime glow.
Vbeam is not something we offer either, but I refer people out for it when they need it. It is great for port wine stains, certain benign lesions, and broken capillaries that are not easily treated with IPL. I had it done on my body for a few cherry angiomas, and they are gone.
Kybella. Hot take, but I do not love it. I tried it for my double chin, and a few things happened: it hurt, it swelled, I lost feeling in the area for a while, and it did not really work for me. I think in 2026 there are better options out there.
HydraFacial
The HydraFacial is the only kind of facial I will ever give myself. Think of it like a club car wash, but for your face. It cleans everything off, clears your pores, and infuses the good stuff back in. It is perfect for my congested skin, and for dryness in the winter.
Injectables: Lip Filler, Neurotoxin, and Hylenex
Lip filler was one of the very first things I did when I got my first job in aesthetics. I have a naturally paper-thin top lip, and filler helped me correct that. I get so many compliments, and most people do not even know I have filler, which is honestly the whole goal.
On the flip side, sometimes you need to start fresh. Hylenex is a filler dissolver. I had a little old migrated filler on the wet border of my lip, and with just a little Hylenex I was able to reset and start over. If your injector ever tells you it is time to start fresh, listen to her.
For neurotoxin, I have tried a few different neuromodulators, and I prefer Dysport. It keeps lines away between my eyebrows, on my forehead, under my eyes (jelly rolls, I am talking to you), and on my chin.
Wellness: Semaglutide and IV Drips
Semaglutide is a GLP-1 made to help with weight loss, among other things. In 2024 I began my health journey and took semaglutide consistently to lose nearly 100 pounds. It took about 14 months, and in July of 2025 I hit my goal and started learning life in a new body.
IV drips are a no-brainer for me, and I think most people agree. There is nothing better than some extra hydration before a trip to the mountains, after a night out, or when you are recovering from being sick.
Book a Consultation at Horizon Med Spa & Wellness
Do not be afraid to try something new. Listen to your provider and the recommendations they give you, because the right plan depends on your skin, your goals, and your history, not what is trending online. If you have questions about anything I mentioned here, I would love to help you build a plan. You can find me and our team at either our Country Club Plaza or Shawnee location.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a medical aesthetician do?
A medical aesthetician performs advanced skin treatments in a medical setting, such as chemical peels, microneedling, IPL, laser resurfacing, and HydraFacials. Beyond performing treatments, a good aesthetician assesses your skin, builds a plan around your specific concerns, and knows when to refer you to another provider.
What is the best treatment for brown spots and redness?
IPL, or intense pulsed light, is often the go-to for both brown discoloration and redness, because it targets pigment and calms broken capillaries in the same session. It is a favorite for concerns like sun spots and rosacea. The right choice always depends on your skin, which is what a consultation determines.
Is microneedling with SkinPen worth it?
For the right candidate, yes. SkinPen is a great step up from a facial with minimal downtime, and it helps with texture, pore size, and acne scarring when done in a series. It tends to be best for younger skin or as maintenance, while more advanced concerns may call for laser resurfacing instead.
What is the difference between Halo and CO2 laser?
Both are resurfacing lasers that improve texture, pigment, and fine lines, and they have similar downtime and results. They use different wavelengths and work a little differently. At Horizon, our CO2 device gives the provider precise control over settings, so treatment can be tailored to specific areas of the face.
Does Horizon offer medical weight loss with semaglutide?
Yes. Horizon offers medical weight loss, including GLP-1 medications, through a provider consultation. Because these medications are prescribed, the first step is a consultation to confirm you are a candidate and build a plan.
Where can I see a medical aesthetician in Kansas City?
Horizon Med Spa & Wellness has two locations, on the Country Club Plaza in Kansas City and in Shawnee, Kansas. You can book a complimentary consultation with Breck or another member of the team to talk through your skin concerns and treatment options.
About Horizon Med Spa and Wellness
Horizon Med Spa and Wellness is Kansas City's premier destination for comprehensive aesthetic and wellness services. With two convenient locations in Shawnee, Kansas and the Kansas City Country Club Plaza, we combine cutting-edge medical treatments with personalized care to help you look and feel your best from the inside out.
Led by founder Kim Losik and our team of experienced providers, we specialize in hormone replacement therapy, medical weight loss, aesthetic treatments, and comprehensive wellness services.
At Horizon Med Spa and Wellness, we believe true confidence comes from feeling your best at every level. Whether you're seeking treatment for a specific concern or looking to optimize your overall health and wellness, our team is dedicated to creating personalized treatment plans that deliver real, measurable results. Schedule your complimentary consultation today and discover why Kansas City trusts Horizon Med Spa and Wellness for their aesthetic and wellness needs.
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