Rejuvenating the skin
New clinic offers Botox treatments and other cosmetic procedures not usually covered by insurance

By BILL CHAPIN
Times Herald

By TONY PITTS, Times Herald LASER TECHNOLOGY: Dr. Iltefat Hamzavi, president and medical director for Rejuvenation Professional Skin Care Centers, uses a laser to remove hair from Gina Fleming's underarm. Services offered ESTHETICS ROOM: Chemical skin peels, facials, waxing, therapeutic massage and makeup consultation. EPILATION ROOM: Laser hair removal. REJUVENATION ROOM: Botox treatments; sclerotherapy for spider veins; laser skin resurfacing; and facial vein, tattoo and brown spot removal. To learn more WHAT: Rejuvenation Professional Skin Care Centers. WHERE: 1201 Stone St., Suite 6, Port Huron. HOURS: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. ONLINE: www.rejuvenationcenters.com. DETAILS: (810) 989-9490. With a pleasant beep, the hair under Gina Fleming's arm received a fatal dose of laser light. The procedure is less painful, expensive and time-consuming than electrolysis. "It feels like a rubber band snapping on you or somebody pinching you," Fleming, 34, said, "but it doesn't hurt." Dr. Iltefat Hamzavi is responsible for medical procedures at Rejuvenation Professional Skin Care Centers, but it is a separate business from his dermatology practice next door, where Fleming works. The clinic specializes in laser hair removal and other cosmetic medical procedures, such as Botox treatments. Whereas the dermatology practice treats skin conditions that interfere with people's ability to function, Rejuvenation handles procedures not covered by insurance. Before the Stone Street clinic had its grand opening May 14, Port Huron residents often had to drive to Birmingham for these treatments. "People are really excited about having these procedures here," said Vice President and Executive Director Jameel Syed. "There's a huge demand that's not being met." The lobby features a contemporary oriental design with sleek metal surfaces, open space and tall bamboo plants. "This is designed to make the person comfortable when they come in," Syed said. The clinic has three rooms. One is strictly for hair removal. Another is reserved for laser surgeries, such as tattoo removal, which Hamzavi said "is a common problem in Port Huron." Eventually those rooms will evolve into three departments, Syed said, and the Port Huron clinic will be the first of several in Michigan. Originally published Friday, June 13, 2003 Contact Bill Chapin at (810) 989-0741 or bchapin@gannett.com.