Beauty & Spas in Merritt Island

At Neo Laser Medical Spa, two physicians, a registered nurse, and a licensed aesthetician use the latest technology to beautify skin. Their multiple laser systems form a cosmic tag-team that can rejuvenate bodies from head to toe. A fractional CO2 laser dramatically reduces pigmentation problems and other signs of aging, a Fraxel laser reduces wrinkles with minimal downtime, and a CoolTouch laser gently diminishes acne and acne scarring. The team also employs lasers to eradicate spider veins and unwanted hair and performs laser-assisted SmartLipo procedures that are less invasive than traditional liposuction.

But lasers aren't the only tools in Neo Laser's anti-aging kit. Clinical staffers combat wrinkles with Botox and dermal fillers, and customize facials or medical peels with petrochemical- and paraben-free Image Skincare products. The medical spa's complimentary consultations include a skin analysis with a detailed written report and photos, as well as 30 minutes with an aesthetician to discuss the best way to remove a mole or a mustache drawn on in permanent marker.

Skilled aesthetician Gayle Short draws on years of experience as a professional makeup artist and cosmetics salesperson to apply permanent pigment to patrons' façades at Permanently Pretty. During a two-hour session, Short utilizes a tattoo-like process to embolden eyebrows or trace around upper and lower eyelids. The epidermal embellishments aim to enhance natural facial features and, much like poems engraved into rubber, are designed to withstand water and smudges. A one-hour follow-up appointment ensures that new color sets properly. Vibrant magenta walls greet guests at Permanently Pretty's lobby area, where a cushy, floral-print sofa cradles awaiting visitors.

Dr. Christopher Meyer deals in two worlds—the cosmetic and the medical—and he draws from both when treating problem veins. He used to become frustrated when he heard that people with varicose and spider veins were having difficulty finding treatment, as many caregivers deemed the problem a purely aesthetic one. So he took up work at Florida Vein Care Specialists, where he now administers treatments such as VenaCure EVLT, a laser-based procedure, to eradicate veins in the interest of his clients' health and confidence. The noninvasive treatment sends laser energy through a small fiber that heats and seals off the vein. Each session takes about 30 minutes, and requires no downtime for the patient, who can walk around immediately after the appointment.

Natural light floods through the salon's floor-to-ceiling front windows, reflecting off of hardwood floors, elegant silver mirrors, and soothing taupe walls. Amid these cozy accents, skilled hair stylists do everything from snip away split ends to engineer flattering color highlights. Guests may also slide into a comfortable leather chair for a facial wax, or retreat to a private room for a one of the specialty anti-aging facial treatments.

Rio de Janeiro–born aesthetician Lucy Caporaletti and her staff at Brazilian Beauty by Lucy perform plenty of Brazilian waxes. But they pay equal attention to the skin and nails: Vitamin C facials, microdermabrasion, and chemical peels leave behind a youthful glow, and manicures pamper the whole hand. They're also adept at decorating nails with charming seasonal designs.

Complexions Center for Clinical Skin Care and Permanent Makeup revitalizes wearied faces with chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and dermaplaning. The center's repertoire of services includes chemical peels designed to treat acne or age-related blemishes. Specially concocted to the unique color, oiliness, and acne proclivities of each client’s skin, the acne peel bathes epidermises in alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids to usurp transgressing layers of skin and eliminate surface pimples. The anti-aging peel's glycolic acid exfoliates skin and stimulates new collagen growth, thickening skin and banishing pigmentation and fine lines caused by sun damage, and requires no recovery time or sacrifices of pricey organic produce to the sun. Microdermabrasion exfoliates skin's surface with microcrystals and promotes cell growth while treating enlarged pores and age spots. Dermaplaning carefully shaves away skin cells that, like a mall Santa still accepting wish lists in July, have overstayed their welcome, resulting in a smoother, tighter appearance with fewer wrinkles and clearer pores.