Frequently asked questions
Our Integrative Approach
What is the "gut-skin-brain axis" and why is it important for my wellness?
The gut-skin-brain axis is the bidirectional communication network between your digestive system, skin, and brain. Imbalances in one area can affect the others, leading to issues like skin conditions, mood changes, and digestive problems. Align WellSpa addresses these connections for holistic well-being.
How is Align WellSpa different from a traditional med spa, wellness clinic, or a doctor's office?
Our integrated approach (combining conventional medical treatments with evidence-based complementary therapies to address the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual aspects of health and illness) & transparent pricing sets us apart. We combine medical expertise with advanced aesthetic therapies, all centered around the gut-skin-brain connection for long-term results, not just symptomatic relief.
Do you offer personalized treatment plans?
Absolutely. Our philosophy is rooted in customization. We conduct thorough assessments to create a plan tailored to your unique needs and goals.
What kind of results can I expect from your services?
Improved overall wellness, enhanced skin appearance, better energy levels, hormonal balance, and sustainable, long-term health benefits, rather than quick fixes.
Is a consultation required before starting any treatments?
Yes, a comprehensive initial consultation is essential to understand your health history, concerns, and goals, allowing us to recommend the most appropriate and effective treatments. Some of our therapies require a nurse consultation, while others will require a nurse and provider consultation.
Gut Health & Internal Wellness
How do you assess gut health?
Targeted vitamin and nutrient assessments, microbiome analysis, and detailed health history reviews.
What specific gut conditions can you help with that affect skin or overall health?
Common issues like bloating, indigestion, inflammatory skin conditions (acne, eczema, rosacea linked to gut), fatigue, and brain fog.
How do your customized healthy weight optimization plans work?
Our plans are tailored to individual metabolism, lifestyle, and gut health, focusing on sustainable practices rather than restrictive diets.
You and your doctor decide collaboratively which prescription medication best suits your goals and budget.
We provide additional services outside of the medication to optimize your goals such as vitamin injections, nutritional counseling, and monthly follow-up appointments to follow your progress.
You’ll come into our office once a week to receive your medication injection, or we’ll teach you how to self-administer at home.
It is important to note that our healthy weight optimization plans are not appropriate for everyone.
What is customized hormone replacement therapy (HRT)?
HRT involves balancing hormones (e.g., estrogen, testosterone, thyroid) based on individual needs, using bioidentical hormones where appropriate, to address symptoms like fatigue, mood swings, weight gain, and skin changes.
Is HRT safe?
When guided by experienced medical professionals and based on comprehensive testing, HRT is generally safe and effective. HRT is not without risks, our expert physician will go over the risks and benefits during your consultation. It is important to note that HRT is not appropriate for everyone.
What are customized IV therapies used for?
IV infusions deliver vitamins, minerals, and nutrients directly into the bloodstream for maximum absorption, addressing deficiencies, boosting energy, immunity, and supporting overall cellular function. IV infusions are particularly helpful for individuals with malabsorption issues (those that have a hard time absorbing vitamins properly in their GI tract). Plus, you receive 100% of the vitamin, whereas oral vitamins are absorbed at 60% to as little as 1% (Farsk Health, 2020).
How often should I receive IV therapy?
Frequency is individualized based on needs and goals. For chronic conditions, such as leaky gut or migraines, many individuals seek IV therapy monthly, whereas weekly IV therapy may be more appropriate for others. For acute issues, such as a cold or dehydration, you may only need a single IV infusion.
How long will my infusion take?
Plan on setting aside an hour and a half for your infusion. This allows ample time to complete and go over your paperwork, perform the consultation and assessment, get your IV started, plus the time it takes to receive your infusion. You can save time in two ways: by completing your paperwork via our online booking system and paying in advance.
Is there any reason I can’t get an injection or infusion?
Unfortunately, yes. There are some contraindications for why clients are unable to receive certain injections and/or infusions. Some vitamins and even IV fluids can be harmful if administered inappropriately. This is why complete and accurate health and medication histories are important to disclose with your nurse and provider. Your safety is of the utmost importance to us. If we feel for any reason that an injection and/or infusion is inappropriate for you. We have the right to refuse service.
Are your supplements high-quality?
Our supplements are chosen based on the highest quality standards. Our supplements are third-party tested, medical-grade supplements to ensure purity and efficacy.
Skin & Aesthetic Therapies
How do your aesthetic treatments connect to the gut-skin-brain axis?
Our aesthetic treatments address outer appearance, they are chosen with an understanding of how internal health impacts skin, and that combined with internal wellness, results are optimized and longer-lasting.
What types of advanced aesthetic laser treatments do you offer?
Our laser treats the appearance of benign pigmented lesions, freckles, fine lines and wrinkles, diffuse redness/rosacea, spider veins, and even onychomycosis.
What kind of skin concerns can your treatments address?
Our treatments address concerns like acne and acne scarring, anti-aging (fine lines, wrinkles, laxity), pigmentation issues, uneven skin tone/texture, skin hydration, and hair in unwanted places.
What is the downtime associated with your aesthetic treatments?
There are different downtimes associated with each treatment, and will be discussed during the consultation.
Are your aesthetic treatments painful?
Your comfort is prioritized with any of our aesthetic treatments. We have numbing options plus cooling options to help ease any discomfort you may experience during your treatment. This is partially why it is important to keep timely appointments, to ensure adequate numbing time before treatment begins.
Logistics & Policy
Do you accept insurance?
We do not accept medical insurance at this time. However, we will provide you with information to self-submit claims to your insurance.
How do I book an appointment?
The best way to book an appointment is through our online booking system on our website or via text message. We can of course book appointments over the phone, however expect that you may experience booking delays if we are currently with another client at the time of your call.
What should I expect when I book an appointment?
You should expect to complete several forms: including an intake form with demographic and medical information, any questionnaire that applies to your chosen service(s), our policies form, indemnification form, and consent form(s).
At the time of booking you should expect to save a credit card on file.
Otherwise, your card will not be charged unless the cancellation fee applies.
You will also receive an appointment confirmation, as well as an appointment reminder via text message.
The link in this text message will give you the ability to self check-in when you arrive to your appointment.
Is a deposit required to book an appointment?
No, however, we require a card on file to book any service. Your card will not be charged unless the cancellation fee or no show fee applies.
What is your late policy?
Arriving more than 15 minutes late to your appointment will result in a reschedule. Most of our treatments require adequate prep time for seamless delivery. We value our clients’ time and do not want to impose on another client’s scheduled appointment time. This will result in your card on file being charged for 10% of the price of your scheduled service, however we will be happy to apply this amount to your rescheduled service.
What is your cancellation policy?
If appointments are not cancelled with 24 hours of advanced notice, or you no-show for your appointment, this will result in your card on file being charged for 10% of the price of your scheduled service, however we will be happy to apply this amount to your rescheduled service.
What type of payments are accepted?
We accept all major credit cards, debit cards, and cash. Payment is due at the time services are rendered. Cash is preferred as it helps us save on fees. If we save on fees, so do you! We offer a 2.45% discount for cash payments.
Do you offer a military discount?
At Align WellSpa, we love our military and first responders! Ask how you can join our Military & First Responders Appreciation Membership for a 15% discount on most services, with the exception of laboratory/diagnostics and consultation fees.
Can I bring my child to my appointment?
For the safety of all patients and visitors, we kindly ask that young children not be brought to appointments. Our clinic environment contains sharps/needles, chemicals, medical equipment, and treatment areas where exposure to blood or body fluids may occur. These factors pose safety risks, and we are unable to provide childcare during visits. For this reason, young children may not be present in the treatment room, and unattended young children cannot remain in the lobby. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in helping us maintain a safe and comfortable environment for everyone.
What are your appointment hours?
Our services are by appointment only. We can accommodate appointments Tuesday - Friday from 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM & Saturday from 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM.