One day, my reading glasses firmly planted on my nose, I looked into the mirror. Where skin once flowed smoothly from one side of my chin to the other, I saw actual drooping jowls framing a crevasse on each side of my nose and mouth. Yikes!
Plastic surgery might rectify the situation. However, I am understandably reluctant to go under the knife, as well as hesitant to spend my savings on an elective operation not covered by my health insurance. Then I learned about Morpheus8 from Chelsea Samo-Lipman, the owner of Custom Beauty Med Studio (www.custombeautymedstudio.com), located at 660 Pennsylvania Ave SE.
“Morpheus8 tightens the skin,” Samo-Lipman told me.
Morpheus8
Morpheus8 is an FDA-approved radio frequency (RF) microneedling device. During the treatment, ultra-thin needles plated in gold that emit radio-frequency energy are stamped into the skin to create a controlled injury, which in turn prompts the body to produce collagen and elastin.
It doesn’t produce as radical results as a facelift but it’s one of the most powerful RF treatments on the market, Samo-Lipman said.
Morpheus8 is just one of the minimally invasive treatments Samo-Lipman offers that she says can turn back your body clock.
Custom Beauty Med Studio
When Samo-Lipman moved to the Hill in 2017, she wanted to be able to walk to work. It’s a perfect location for her business. “Most of my clientele are in the neighborhood,” she said. “I like having close relationships with my clients and I like that they can come in easily for checkups and an occasional tweak.”
Samo-Lipman, a physician assistant, had worked in an emergency room. That stress, combined with personal loss in her life, caused her hair to fall out. The only treatment that worked for her was PRP (platelet rich plasma) injections. “They were so expensive. I decided to buy the machine to do the treatments myself.” At Custom Beauty Med Studio, Samo-Lipman offers PRF (platelet rich fibrin) treatments, which are an improvement on PRP. PRF contains no heparin or sodium citrate, so no added chemicals or added burn on injection. “It’s more effective and natural.”
Samo-Lipman broke several fingers and couldn’t work in the ER. Recovering, she visited her aunt, a nurse practitioner. Her aunt taught her how to ister most neuromodulators like Botox, Jeuveau and Daxxify. “I wasn’t planning on opening my own shop, but started offering treatments to nurses at work. It snowballed from there.”
During COVID, in addition to her job in the ER, Samo-Lipman owned a mobile med spa for two years. Masked, she traveled to homes, offices and a few gyms, istering treatments before she opened Custom Beauty Med Studio.
Samo-Lipman offers three tips to stave off the impact of aging. “Always use SPF 50 or greater daily, no matter what, even if you think you will be inside all day or it’s winter. It’s the best thing you can do for yourself. Drink lots of water. Do not smoke. I pride myself in helping everyone bring out the best version of themselves, which is what you looked like 10 or 15 years ago, and not look like someone else.”
“I called it Custom Beauty because everybody is different and every treatment needs to be customized,” she explained. “It depends on your goals, the condition of your skin and your lifestyle.”
Custom Beauty Med Studio has been open for about two years.
All types of clients visit. Botox is popular with men. “I have male clients who have been sent in by their wives.” Samo-Lipman also does body contouring that tones muscle and removes fat to shape different areas of the body. She offers non-invasive pelvic-floor treatments and dermal fillers for lips.
Hill resident Maria Lopez tried out a few treatments. “I wanted to look like I had a good night’s sleep but not look like I’ve had any treatments. Chelsea did exactly what I needed.” Lopez received Botox. She was also concerned about her dark circles which had not responded well to other treatments. Samo-Lipman suggested a filler and a laser treatment.
“It was incredible,” said Lopez. “I saw results right away. She explained how to take care of my skin. She told me I didn’t need to come back for seven months. I find her so honest and ethical.”
For more information, visit www.custombeautymedstudio.com.
Pattie Cinelli is a health and fitness professional and journalist who has been writing her column for more than 25 years. She focuses on nontraditional ways to stay healthy, get fit and get well. Please her at: [email protected].
