Beauty & Spas in West Haven

The husband and wife team of Leon and Barbara Prete helm Anti-Aging Centers of Connecticut's staff, who have spent more than 10 years shining bodies with non-invasive beams during laser treatments. Equipped with the brand-new Lipo-Light Pro and more Candela lasers than a hoarding supervillain, the aestheticians target hair, skin imperfections, and unwanted fat. The technology-based treatments combine with classic spa services, including massage, and holistic services, such as ear candling. Prior to each aesthetic or medical treatment, staff conducts consultations, during which clients can warm their hands and shivering finger puppets around cups of complimentary tea as they forge a customized treatment plan.

A seven-circuit labyrinth sounds like the setting for a Greek myth, but at Branford River Resort & Spa, it is a concrete place patrons visit to practice meditation. Relaxation is not reserved for the labyrinth, though—it pervades the spa and resort as a whole, helping to earn the establishment one of 2012’s Patch Readers’ Choice awards. Visitors can bask in the healing milieu of its infrared sauna, lounge in the onsite gazebo, or unwind during diverse spa treatments. 

The spa’s treatments encompass a vast array of facials, which can combat acne or aging, soothe with warm stones, or draw on the healing power of crystals. Massages range from traditional Swedish effleurage to the Shiradora indian head massage, which incorporates kneading upon the back and herbal oil conditioners, just like a cat clinic held in a soap shop. Body wraps ensconce physiques in materials from Dead Sea mud to mylar foil, and a complementary suite of salon services beautifies visitors with custom haircuts, highlights, and nail services.

At LaserMedica, a team of aestheticians and laser technicians works under the direction of physician Fausto Petruzziello, who is a board-certified internist, an international general surgeon, and an assistant professor at Yale. Under Dr. Petruzziello’s supervision, LaserMedica's doctors, physician assistants, and aestheticians combat wrinkles, sun damage, and other signs of aging through Botox, laser skin tightening, chemical peels, and microdermabrasion. They also harness intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy and lasers to destroy pigmented cells causing sun spots and to fade spider veins. The team enhances laser results with SkinMedica products and LaserMedica's own line of posttreatment skincare products, which is blended from ingredients such as rose hips, olive-oil extracts, and fairy tears.