Confessions of a Medical Aesthetician: What's Really Worth the Hype?
Updated: 6 days ago
Six Years of Aesthetic Treatments: Insights from Your Kansas City Aesthetician
IN THIS BLOG POST:
Meet Breck, Your Kansas City Aesthetician
Chemical Peels: VI Peel
Microneedling with SkinPen
Laser Resurfacing: Halo and CO2
IPL: My Holy Grail
The Ones People Ask About: PRX, Vbeam, Kybella
HydraFacial
Injectables: Lip Filler, Neurotoxin, and Hylenex
Wellness: Semaglutide and IV Drips
Book a Consultation at Horizon Med Spa & Wellness
Frequently Asked Questions
Meet Breck, Your Kansas City Aesthetician
Hello! I'm Breck, a medical aesthetician based in Shawnee, KS. I've been in the field of medical aesthetics since 2020, which means I have over six years of experience. My journey began in a dermatology and plastic surgery office, where I formed lasting friendships and gained invaluable knowledge.
From the start, I aimed to be the best provider possible. I focused on understanding skin conditions, common diagnoses, and the skin's functions. This foundation has made me a better provider, allowing me to recommend treatments clearly and maximize my clients' results. My passion is to bring the best to everyone in the Kansas City area.
Over these six years, I've had the privilege of trying various treatments, devices, and products. Some transformed my skin, while others didn't meet my expectations. Today, I’ll share my honest experiences as both a provider and a patient. Aesthetics is about setting realistic expectations, so I’ll explain who each treatment is suitable for—not just that it’s “good.” If you have questions about any of these treatments, feel free to reach out to me here at Horizon in Shawnee.
Chemical Peels: VI Peel
The VI Peel is a medium-depth chemical peel that has gained popularity on social media for good reason. It offers various formulas tailored to specific skin concerns and is safe for all skin types. This peel is effective for treating acne, pigmentation issues, texture, post-inflammatory erythema (PIE), post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), melasma, fine lines, and overall skin rejuvenation.
I prefer the VI Peel over other brands due to its consistent results. Each treatment includes a week's worth of post-care products: cleansers, peel pads, moisturizer, SPF, and detailed instructions. There’s even an app for those who want extra guidance during recovery. I’ve also successfully used these peels as a stackable add-on to other treatments, resulting in nothing but glowing skin. It’s a favorite of mine!
Microneedling with SkinPen
SkinPen is my go-to treatment for younger clients seeking skin-quality improvements. It’s perfect for those who want to enhance their skin without significant downtime and are ready for more than just a facial. In my experience, it effectively improves texture, pore size, and acne scarring when done in a series.
For me, SkinPen lives up to the hype if you’re the right candidate. I personally commit to one or two treatments a year for maintenance. However, for someone who is 60 and has never had any skin treatments, there are better options available for achieving their desired results. Remember, realistic expectations are key!
Laser Resurfacing: Halo and CO2
Halo was one of the first laser treatments I tried. I wanted to experience it firsthand to speak about it knowledgeably. I found it enjoyable and comparable to a fractionated CO2 laser. While they use different wavelengths and techniques, both have similar downtime and outcomes.
Now, let’s talk about my personal favorite: CO2 laser resurfacing. This fractionally ablative resurfacing laser leaves behind micro-thermal zones (MENDS) on the skin, promoting healing and collagen remodeling. This process results in less downtime than fully ablative treatments. It’s fantastic for improving texture, pore size, fine lines, wrinkles, and sun damage. It even helps with skin tags, moles, and other benign lesions.
I aim to undergo one resurfacing laser treatment each year as part of my healthy maintenance routine. The beauty of our CO2 device in Kansas City is the precise control I have over the settings, allowing me to target specific areas of the face effectively.
IPL: My Holy Grail
IPL is my holy grail treatment. I plan to continue this every year, indefinitely. IPL, or intense pulsed light, effectively addresses red and brown discoloration in the skin. I’m fortunate to have both concerns. IPL helps keep my redness in check and my freckles under control. I can’t recommend it enough for anyone dealing with rosacea or sun spots.
The Ones People Ask About: PRX, Vbeam, and Kybella
There are a few treatments I often get inquiries about that I have tried but don’t include in my personal routine or our menu:
PRX is one I tried once. Although we don’t currently offer it at Horizon, I think it’s worth mentioning. This 33% TCA acid peel doesn’t leave you flaky like traditional TCA peels, making it ideal for those who want to avoid downtime. I didn’t complete the recommended series, but I loved the no-downtime glow it provided.
Vbeam is another treatment we don’t offer, but I refer clients to other providers when they need it. It’s excellent for port wine stains, certain benign lesions, and broken capillaries that IPL may not effectively treat. I had it done on my body for a few cherry angiomas, and they disappeared completely.
Kybella is a hot topic, and I have to admit I’m not a fan. I tried it for my double chin, and several things happened: it was painful, caused swelling, and I lost sensation in the area for a while. Ultimately, it didn’t deliver the results I hoped for. I believe there are better options available in 2026.
HydraFacial
The HydraFacial is the only facial I will ever give myself. Think of it as a club car wash for your face. It cleanses, clears pores, and infuses beneficial ingredients back into the skin. It’s perfect for my congested skin and combats dryness during winter months.
Injectables: Lip Filler, Neurotoxin, and Hylenex
Lip filler was one of the first treatments I received when I began my career in aesthetics. I have a naturally thin top lip, and filler helped enhance its appearance. I receive numerous compliments, and most people don’t even realize I have filler, which is the ultimate goal.
Sometimes, though, a fresh start is necessary. Hylenex is a filler dissolver. I had some migrated filler on the wet border of my lip, and with just a small amount of Hylenex, I was able to reset and start anew. If your injector suggests it’s time for a fresh start, take their advice.
For neurotoxin, I’ve tried several neuromodulators, but I prefer Dysport. It effectively keeps lines away between my eyebrows, on my forehead, under my eyes (yes, jelly rolls, I’m talking to you), and on my chin.
Wellness: Semaglutide and IV Drips
Semaglutide is a GLP-1 medication designed to assist with weight loss, among other benefits. In 2024, I embarked on my health journey and began taking semaglutide consistently. I lost nearly 100 pounds over 14 months. By July 2025, I reached my goal and started embracing life in my new body.
IV drips are a no-brainer for me, and I believe most people would agree. There’s nothing better than extra hydration before a mountain trip, after a night out, or while recovering from an illness.
Book a Consultation at Horizon Med Spa & Wellness
Don’t hesitate to try something new! Listen to your provider and the recommendations they offer. The right plan depends on your skin, goals, and history—not just what’s trending online. If you have questions about anything I’ve mentioned, I’d love to help you create a personalized 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, including chemical peels, microneedling, IPL, laser resurfacing, and HydraFacials. Beyond performing treatments, a good aesthetician assesses your skin, develops a tailored plan, 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. It targets pigment while calming broken capillaries in the same session. It’s a favorite for concerns like sun spots and rosacea. The right choice always depends on your skin, which a consultation will help determine.
Is microneedling with SkinPen worth it?
For the right candidate, yes! SkinPen is an excellent step up from a facial with minimal downtime. It helps improve 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 require laser resurfacing instead.
What is the difference between Halo and CO2 laser?
Both are resurfacing lasers that improve texture, pigmentation, and fine lines, with similar downtime and results. They use different wavelengths and techniques. At Horizon, our CO2 device allows for precise control over settings, enabling tailored treatment for specific areas of the face.
Does Horizon offer medical weight loss with semaglutide?
Yes! Horizon provides medical weight loss, including GLP-1 medications, through a provider consultation. Since these medications require a prescription, the first step is a consultation to confirm your candidacy and develop a plan.
Where can I see a medical aesthetician in Kansas City?
Horizon Med Spa & Wellness has two locations: the Country Club Plaza in Kansas City and Shawnee, Kansas. You can book a complimentary consultation with me or another team member to discuss 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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