Author Archives: Dr. Brian Sokalsky

Whether you want luscious lips or you’re seeking to reduce thinning lips and other signs of aging, Lip Fillers are the key to achieving your desired lip shape and size. Lip enhancement through dermal fillers is a highly effective option for volumizing, shaping and revitalizing the lips.

Susanna Phillips, DNP, APRN-C, is a highly trained and talented injector who has extensive experience performing non-surgical lip augmentation. Through her exceptional skill and expertise, Susanna can provide long-lasting lip augmentation results that look and feel natural.

Have you been wondering about getting a Lip Filler treatment? Susanna provides the answers to some of the most common Lip Filler questions our clients have at Jersey Shore Aesthetics and Wellness.

Does getting Lip Filler hurt?

Lip filler can cause discomfort. However, there are options to help reduce discomfort, including topical numbing, dental blocks, icing and distraction techniques. Our expert team at Jersey Shore Aesthetics and Wellness will determine a plan that works best for you!

What can I expect the day of my Lip Filler appointment?

After the numbing agent is working, your provider will do several injections via needle or cannula to achieve the outcome you desire. We will ice the area immediately after. You will be in and out in under an hour!

Can I expect there to be swelling?

The day of your appointment, you will have some swelling from the injections. This swelling can increase up to 3-5 days following your appointment. Swelling is no cause for concern. It will start subsiding after a few days and by the two-week mark you should start to see your final product

How long does Lip Filler typically last?

Lip fillers are not permanent and dissolve over time. You can expect to get 9-12 months of results with your lip filler. At Jersey Shore Aesthetics and Aesthetics, we recommend annual touch ups for maintenance.

Am I a candidate for Lip Filler?

To learn if you’re a good candidate for Lip Filler in the greater Jersey Shore area, schedule a free consultation with our expert injector, Susanna Phillips DNP, APRN-C, at Jersey Shore Aesthetics and Wellness in Linwood. Susanna is dedicated to learning about your beauty and wellness goals. She will help you create a plan that will help you look and feel your best.

Beauty and Wellness Consultation at the Jersey Shore

Lip filler can restore natural volume to mask signs of aging or provide plumping to small lips. It has minimal to no downtime and is reversible. Lip filler is just one of many aesthetic and wellness services offered at Jersey Shore Aesthetics and Wellness. Our expert team is ready to meet with you to determine what services we can provide you to help you look and feel great.

To schedule a free consultation in Linwood, N.J., call (609) 732-2244 or online HERE.

You may have heard about facials for acne sufferers. Acne is generally caused due to excessive oil production, called sebum, that clogs your skin’s pores. If you have mild acne on your face due to excessive oil production, facials might help you. Facials cleanse your skin to remove the excess oil and impurities from your skin. Facials also increase blood circulation and rejuvenate new skin cells.

If you have severe acne, facial exfoliation can cause more breakouts. There are services and products available to help severe acne. It is always a good idea to consult with an experienced aesthetician to determine which services and products will get you the best results for your skin concern.

Possible Reasons for Acne:

• Hormonal changes
• Not drinking enough water
• Stress
• Lack of skin hygiene
• Using certain cosmetics
• Poor skincare
• Using wrong skincare products
• Environmental factors
• Medications
• Diet

Facials for Acne at Jersey Shore Aesthetics and Wellness

The team of aestheticians at Jersey Shore Aesthetics and Wellness are experts at helping clients manage acne treatment. We will examine your skin condition and develop a plan of action customized to you. We will offer you services and refer products that suit your skin type and that are focused on reducing your skin’s breakouts. We will also discuss your lifestyle, habits and medications as they are a big part of your skin routine as well.

Facial treatments are beneficial with regular use. One facial treatment will most likely not reduce your acne. If your acne is mild, it is important to note that it might take three to four facials to see results.

Get August Treatment Specials in Linwood, NJ

Now is the time to schedule your facial for acne treatment. Jersey Shore Aesthetics and Wellness is offering:

• Clarifying Acne Facial for $95 ($110 Value) through the month of August.
• Bundle your Clarifying Acne Facial with Jan Marini Skin Research Duality Acne Treatment for just $175 ($205 Value).

Also available throughout the month of August, purchase a Jan Marini C Esta Serum and receive a C Esta Cleansing Gel for free!

Teachers receive $50 off two-plus areas of toxin and $100 off any syringe of filler.

Call (609) 732-2244 to schedule an appointment or to book an online appointment visit us HERE.

We want to help you get ready for summer and celebrate mom with great aesthetic and wellness specials that we are offering at our Jersey Shore Aesthetics and Wellness Medspa in Linwood.

Don’t miss out on these great savings through May 8th for the mom in your life. Or go ahead and treat yourself! When Mother’s Day is over, we will start Memorial Day promotions. As our days get warmer, remember our team of experts is ready to kick off the summer season helping you to feel and look great!

Mother’s Day Aesthetic and Wellness Specials

Pamper Mom or yourself! Gift Certificates and skincare products are available as well.

• $50 off Microneedling Treatment or $100 off Microneedling with PRP Treatment
• Microdermabrasion Treatment & 60 Minute Massage w/ Jade $160 ($175 value)
• Beauty IV and one Medical Facial of your choice for $240 ($260 value)

These specials are valid through May 8 and are available at our Medspa in Linwood, NJ.

To purchase, call us at or visit us online HERE.

Memorial Day Aesthetic and Wellness Specials

Reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin’s overall appearance. You will look and feel your best for long summer days and hot summer nights!

• $50 off all Filler Syringes
• $50 off Microneedling Treatment or $100 off Microneedling with PRP
• $10 off Performance IV Memorial Day Weekend in Honor of the Murph Challenge 2022

These specials are valid through May 31 and are available at our Medspa in Linwood, NJ.

To purchase, call us at 609-732-2244 or visit us online HERE.

Follow us on social media for “real time” and up-to-date information.

At Jersey Shore Aesthetics and Wellness MedSpa, we offer several effective acne facial treatments to help clear acne conditions. Located in Linwood, our aestheticians, have extended knowledge and experience regarding how to expertly treat acne-prone skin.

What causes acne?

Acne is a skin condition that occurs when your hair follicles become plugged with oil and dead skin cells. It causes whiteheads, blackheads or pimples. Acne is most common among teenagers, though it affects people of all ages. Acne affects millions of individuals across the country each year. Several different factors cause this skin condition:

• Changes in hormone levels, such as during puberty or menopause
• Hair follicles that get trapped with oil
• Dead skin cells that require exfoliation
• Bacteria called Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) residing on the skin and within pores
• Extra production of sebum via the sebaceous glands based on consuming certain foods
• Food sensitivities
• And the newest cause – Maskne – irritation caused by wearing a facial covering

Effective acne treatments are available, but acne can be persistent. The pimples and bumps heal slowly, and when one begins to go away, others seem to crop up. Depending on its severity, acne can cause emotional distress and scar the skin. The earlier you start treatment, the lower your risk of such problem.

What cures acne?

Curing acne can take time but adopting the correct treatment plan can help acne sufferers get on the path to clear skin. Gentle and effective cleansing routines via professional acne facials help to slough off dead skin cells and unblock pores, preventing future breakouts while calming and clearing existing acne lesions. By scheduling regular acne facials, an acne sufferer can ensure their skin is cleansed with products that are specifically designed to address acne concerns.

Professional Acne Facial Benefits

Jersey Shore Aesthetics and Wellness MedSpa offers you a relaxing atmosphere where you can choose from advanced treatments such as the proven and luxurious acne facial. Our medical and cosmetic skincare experts will thoroughly cleanse your skin and treat various breakout maladies.

Ideal candidates for acne facials include individuals who often report the following skin issues:

• Cystic acne
• Whiteheads
• Blackheads
• Hormonal acne
• Sensitive skin
• Clogged Pores
• Acne Scars

Our team will help you develop a personalized plan to address your specific type of acne. Whether it is by exfoliating dead skin cells, moisturizing dry skin or addressing excess oils on oily skin areas, our highly experienced team will rejuvenate your skin and restore its youthful elasticity.

Get the Results You’re Looking For

Don’t stress over acne any longer. Put your face in the hands of professional skin experts who use the best products and medical-grade solutions to give you better results than at-home skincare products alone. Let us help you with our acne facial and medical-grade Jan Marini acne products!

Book today for the SEPTEMBER SPECIAL – Acne Facial with Daily Skin Regimen for only $150 ($177 Value!)

Call 609-732-2244 or reserve online HERE.

Massage Therapy has come a long way. It has moved past the days of being something you do for yourself as a luxury to something you do as a holistic treatment – a tool that you can use to optimize how you use your body and as a preventative approach for a healthier lifestyle.

Every year the number of Americans who integrate massage into their lives continues to rise. Last year, 43% of Americans received at least one massage. There is long list of documented research that demonstrates the benefits of regular massage. It is now offered in Rehabilitation Centers, Gyms, Medical Spas, Hospitals and Integrative Healthcare Clinics. When intertwined with healthcare, massage helps individuals live more productive, happier lives.

What Are the Benefits of Massage Therapy?

• Lowers cortisol levels; reduces stress
• Reduces swelling and inflammation
• Lowers blood pressure
• Increases circulation
• Provides pain relief
• Decreases anxiety and replaces it with the “feel good’ hormone dopamine
• Helps reduce fatigue of overworked muscles
• Increases quality of sleep
• Helps prevent injury/ or speeds up recovery after injury
• Boost overall health by removing toxins and flushing out metabolic waste

What to Expect During a Massage

You will lie on a warm heated massage table, covered by a sheet and blanket. Make sure you are comfortable and always let your therapist know if you are not. Tell the therapist if you are cold, want to be covered, do not want an area of your body touched, do not like the music, or are experiencing discomfort with the technique or how it is being applied. Remember, you are in charge, and can ask for changes or stop the session at any time.

A professional massage therapist will never expose genitals or breasts, or any other areas you identify. Only the area the therapist is working on will be exposed. The therapist will play soothing music which aids the body into deeper relaxation.

How to Get the Most from Your Massage

Be Open. Relax and try let your thoughts go. One way to do this is to focus on how the touch or technique feels.

Remember to breathe, as this helps you relax. Sometimes people hold their breath when a sensitive area is massaged, but it is best to breathe through it. In the same way, tightening your muscles during the session is counterproductive. If you cannot seem to relax your muscles, let your massage therapist know. He/she may need to adjust the technique.

Be sure to inform the therapist if something feels uncomfortable or if you would like the therapist to adjust the pressure. Your therapist will adjust the pressure to your level of comfort to ensure that you feel safe, warm and comfortable throughout your entire massage.

Be Prepared. In the days before your session, drink plenty of water. Do not eat just before your massage. Give yourself enough time to arrive on time and relaxed. If you are rushing and arrive stressed, it will take longer to get into a relaxed state. Arrive with enough time to provide a health history and be prepared to offer information including medical conditions, areas of concern, level of pain or discomfort on good and bad days and contact information.

Meeting Your Massage Therapist

Before your massage, the therapist will review your health history and ask questions. Because massage can affect multiple body systems, be honest with the massage therapist about your health. You should also let the therapist know about any pharmaceutical drugs or botanical medicines you are taking. Knowing your history allows a therapist to determine if there are any reasons you should avoid massage or a particular technique. The massage therapist will ask questions to customize a session that meets your needs, concerns, and goals within the time allotted. Let the therapist know what areas of your body you would like worked on, if there are any areas to avoid, and if you have any techniques that you would like to use or avoid.

If you are concerned about undressing, discuss it with the therapist, who should be able to offer you some options. Do not be afraid to discuss any apprehensions or concerns. All information you give is confidential.

When it is Over

At the end of the massage, your therapist will leave the room so you can dress in private. Wait a few minutes on the table as you get grounded. Feeling light-headed is common and not concerning. Take your time getting off the table to get dressed. You should be offered a glass of water. Drink lots of water to help the body rid itself of toxins that may have accumulated. If possible, allow some quiet time after the massage and do not go back to work or other responsibilities immediately. How you feel after the massage will vary based on the style of massage used, the length of the session and the demands you place on your body afterward. Feelings range from being relaxed, renewed and centered, to invigorated, excited or experiencing a rush of clarity or new energy and insight. Different types of massage may leave the body free from chronic tightness or acute pain patterns but may replace it with a mild soreness from the pressure applied.

Realize that the benefits of massage tend to be cumulative, so typically, you will feel better as you schedule massages on a regular basis, generally every 2-4 weeks, depending on your goals and lifestyle needs.

Schedule a Massage with an Experienced Therapist

At Jersey Shore Aesthetics and Wellness, we are dedicated to meeting your wellness goals. Our experienced therapist has a tremendous amount of advanced education. She is focused on offering you a breadth of personalized, high quality massage therapy techniques to meet your health and lifestyle needs. Call 609-732-2244 or visit us ONLINE to schedule an appointment.

We are thrilled to offer Botox to our patients! Whether you have used Botox before or are considering whether you should, we want to provide you with the answers to a few common questions we get asked about Botox. After being stuck indoors all winter, are you ready to head into spring looking refreshed and putting your best face forward? We hope this helps to provide you with the tools you need to decide if this is the right treatment for you.

What is Botox?

The name Botox is a brand name derived from the full name botulinum toxin. Other brand names you may hear include Xeomin and Dysport. These products are made from botulinum toxin. This substance was originally found to paralyze muscles by blocking nerve signals. The muscles used to make facial expressions are then more relaxed. With time this helps decrease wrinkles formed by frequent muscle movement.

What is it used for?

Botox has primarily been used for its ability to decrease the appearance of facial muscles. The most popular areas addressed are the frown lines between eyebrows, forehead lines and crow’s feet on the corners of the eyes. Some people like to address nose wrinkling which we call bunny lines or relax lines around their mouth.

Is it only used for cosmetic reasons?

Absolutely not! Botox is used in medicine for a variety of conditions including migraines, overactive bladder, overactive sweating and chronic pain to just name a few.

Is Botox safe?

Botox is considered a relatively safe treatment but should always be performed by a trained medical professional. Having a medical professional perform your treatment decreases the chances of unwanted side effects.

What are the side effects of Botox?

Risks include bleeding and bruising at the injection site. These are the most common experienced by patients. Potential allergic reaction with itching and swelling although this is rare. Potential side effects will be discussed with you at your appointment with a licensed medical professional.

How does getting a the procedure feel?

After discussing your goals and performing an assessment of your facial muscles, your practitioner will clean the injection sites of any makeup. They will then perform the injections with a small needle. Each injection takes a couple seconds, and most people feel little to no pain! Immediately after your injection you may have small, raised areas that will resolve after 10-15 minutes. There is no down time, and most people tolerate Botox without any discomfort.

How do I know what areas I should address with Botox?

If wrinkles bother you, then they bother us! At your appointment, your practitioner will discuss areas that you are concerned with. After discussion and an assessment, your practitioner may suggest other areas based on your shared goals. We always strive for a natural appearance and always offer touch ups after initial treatment if you feel your concerns were not adequately addressed.

What if I have concerns other than wrinkles?

That is the great thing about our team at Jersey Shore Aesthetics and Wellness! We work with a nurse practitioner, registered nurses, and aestheticians to address all your needs from laser treatments, skin care, facials, IV hydration and much more. We feel that you benefit best from a comprehensive approach that addresses all your skincare concerns.

Still have questions? We would love to meet with you to help you put your best face forward. Contact Us for a skin consultation.

Who’s Feeling Lucky?

WIN a Rejuvenate Facial with the Jan Marini Luminate Lotion + Jan Marini Physical Protectant SPF45 ($253 value)

We will randomly select a winner on Sunday, March 21st!

The official rules;
Offer terms and eligibility requirements – 18 and over, and a US resident. The Jan Marini facial can only be claimed at 650 New Rd – Suite D, Linwood, NJ 08221 before June 30, 2021
This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by or associated with Facebook or Instagram. By entering this giveaway, you are granting a complete release of Facebook.

Acne can create a temporary skin problem or a long-lasting issue. It is important to uncover the truth about acne and find a treatment solution that will get results for you.

Acne is a generalized term referring to clogged pores in the face, neck and torso causing various types of nodules, papules or pustules on the skin. The exact mechanisms causing acne are still not fully understood, but we do know that the pores are clogged with a combination of dead skin, oils and bacteria. The clogged pores lead to increased inflammation and serve as a reservoir for bacterial growth. The resulting effects cause skin manifestations that can create significant psychological effects, including low self-esteem, depression and anxiety, particularly in adolescents.

It is reported that as many as 80-90% of teenagers will experience some level of acne with up to 50% of individuals experiencing it into their 20’s. However, acne is not just limited to teens. We also know that adults can get acne due to factors like health, stress and diet.

And now, more of us are managing “maskne” – pore blockages and oil build-up – caused by face mask irritation and increased humidity from the daily wear of our face masks / coverings.

Acne or maskne can be frustrating no matter what age you are. Here are some tips to prevent them and the stress associated with it:

Cleanse Properly

Wash your face two times per day to remove dead skin and oil. Washing more frequently can irritate or dry skin. Use a gentle cleanser designed specifically for the face. Harsh body washes can increase skin irritation. Use warm water; cold water does not clean the skin well enough and hot water dries the skin out. Use your hands to wash your face as cloths or other scrubbing material can increase skin irritation.

DO NOT Pick or Pop

As tempting as this may be, do not try to squeeze or pop pimples and blackheads. Squeezing can drive the bacteria deeper into the skin and spread the inflammation, which makes the breakout worse. Picking can also lead to scarring.

Protect Your Skin

Utilize a daily moisturizer to help maintain skin health. If you wear make-up, wash it off at the end of each day. Wear sunscreen daily, even in the winter. Some topical acne treatments contain ingredients that make your skin more sensitive to the sun. Make sure that all products you put on your face say “noncomedogenic” on the bottle or are water-based rather than oil-based.

Watch Your Diet

Diet can have a significant effect on inflammation throughout your body. While there are no trials providing dietary recommendations specific to acne, avoiding high-inflammatory foods could help. The most common foods identified with a relationship to acne are milk and highly processed, high sugar foods.

Hydrafacial for Acne

One of the best options available for acne treatment is the HydraFacial. This patented acne treatment consists of cleansing, exfoliation, extraction and hydration. Once all these steps are completed, hyaluronic acid, peptides and antioxidants are applied to your skin.

It is a highly effective non-invasive, non-surgical treatment that takes about 30 minutes. It does not require any downtime, and unlike many comparable acne treatment options, the treatment does not cause discomfort.

Treat Maskne

You can address skin issues brought on by wearing a mask or facial covering by keeping your skin clean and free of dirt and oil. If you are suffering from breakouts due to wearing a mask, refrain from wearing make-up, use a cleanser and acne treatment with salicylic acid and apply a light moisturizer. Make sure to wash your mask regularly or consider using disposable masks.

Schedule A Skin Consultation

At Jersey Shore Aesthetics and Wellness, we offer the latest in advanced skin and acne treatment. Our skin care expert will provide education, clear instructions and a custom treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.

For more information on how to protect your skin from an acne breakout or to treat a current one, CONTACT US to schedule a consultation

The holidays look a little different for everyone this year. But that does not mean we cannot learn new ways to celebrate.

Are you looking for a fun way to celebrate the Holidays safely with family, friends and co-workers? We have the alternative to typical office parties, going out on the town or even large parties at home! Our certified team of aesthetics and wellness professionals will host small-group parties for you and your group of “besties” at our Medspa in Linwood!

We can customize the types of services that your small group would like to receive and offer drinks and lite bites. In essence we are creating the party for you but in a “safer” and fun environment.

What better way to enjoy the Holidays (and some pampering) this year but safely and with us!

Small group party sample offerings include:

• Mini Hydrafacial
• Express Facial
• Lip or Eye Perk or Both!
• Tailored Botox & Fillers
• IV Hydration
• 20 Minute Massage

We are booking parties now. To schedule a party or get more information email aesthetics@jerseyshoremedicalalliance.com or call us at 609-732-2244.

Get a FREE Lip or Eye Perk with the purchase of a Signature Hydrafacial