VALDOSTA — There is more to healthy skin than many realize. As the body’s largest organ, it is important to keep it clean and healthy for physical benefits, however emotional benefits can sometimes be just as important. A young teen with excessive acne or an aging business woman who is being compared to younger co-workers could both suffer from self-doubt and depression.

There are many places in the area to treat these scenarios, but one new facility takes it to a whole new level — a prescription level. Ageless Medical Aesthetics, located in Greystone office park, is a medical facility that gets serious about skincare and treatment.

The only two nationally certified medical aestheticians in the area, Christy Howell and Rhonda Tomlinson practice under the direction of plastic surgeon Shawn Vandemark. Together, these women hold more than 40 certifications, the most significant being from Society of Plastic Surgical Skincare Specialists and National Medical Aesthetics.

AMA offers all the services associated with aesthetics, like chemical peels and microdermabrasion, but all products, services and equipment used are medical grade and therefore far more effective. The facility stays up-to-date with all technology to ensure that customers receive the best treatment available. In fact, AMA is the only facility in the state of Georgia to have Profile ThermaScan laser, an infrared laser that improves wrinkles and loose skin.

Howell and Tomlinson also sell prescription-grade skin care products by Obagi, BioMedic and many more, as well as quality makeup lines like Jane Iredale Mineral Makeup and Teach Me Beauty. A full-time makeup artist, Kyle Brown, is on staff to provide makeovers and teach women how to use and apply makeup. Everyone who purchases a service is allowed a free makeup session with Brown.

AMA does have a medical atmosphere, but elegant interior design maintains a relaxing experience for customers. The focus is on treating skin and improving its health, not merely on appearance. Howell and Tomlinson look forward to serving people of all ages. Their goal is revealed in the business name: for customers to appear ageless through medical aesthetics.



Q: Why did you choose Greystone?



A: We liked the new development and felt like things are moving more towards North Valdosta.



Q: Do you like it here?



A: Oh yeah, it is building up a lot out here. Things have really taken off.



Q: What services do you offer?



A: Anything to improve the skin’s appearance: chemical treatments, laser treatments, facial and body waxing, laser hair removal, pigmentation treatments, electrolysis, light therapy and more.



Q: Specialties?



A: Acne, hyper pigmentation and Resaca.



Q: What is your most popular service?



A: Our laser treatments.



Q: Prices?



A: They are actually lower than most salons but you

get more out of it.



Q: Discounts/specials?



A: Military receives a 10 percent discount on all treatments, teachers get 10 percent on laser treatments and we run quarterly specials on services and products.



Q: What makes you unique?



A: Other than our medical grade products and services, our experience and extra training. Rhonda has 11 years experience and Christy has 4 years.





Q: What are your expectations?



A: We expect to grow out of this facility into a larger one, however we have no plans to open a second location. We want to grow and expand, but still be able to focus on our business without being spread too thin — we never want our service level to be compromised.



Q: What should people know?



A: You age everyday, so you have to do something to take care of your skin. We have a lot of training and knowledge and can treat any skin condition through up-to-date technology. Give us the opportunity to help you appear ageless.