San Jose Medical Center - Featured Topics Section

A new you-Cosmetic Services San Jose

"It's self esteem improvement, not vanity." That's how Clinical Esthetician Debi Hammond, CE, views the work she and her team do every day at the Kaiser Permanente San Jose Cosmetic Services department. "If you wake up and feel better about yourself, more confident, and more self-assured, you're going to be a little happier that day." Each year millions of men and women decide to have cosmetic surgery or procedures to enhance their appearance. What many KP members don't know is that they can get those procedures at Kaiser Permanente. From Microdermabrasion and Botox injections to breast enhancement and tummy tucks, Cosmetic Services San Jose offers a broad range of services to both the San Jose and Santa Clara areas. Service Unit Department Manager Nova Kay explained that even though the services are not covered under KP's health plans, there's an important reason to think of KP when you're thinking about a cosmetic procedure. "Even though it's fee-for-service, it's important to remember you are with a Kaiser Permanente physician, so you know you are going to get good, quality service."

Ronald Milliken, MD echoed that sentiment. Specializing in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, he is one of the staff physicians at Cosmetic Services San Jose. "Because we are part of the Kaiser Permanente system, you know what you're getting," said Dr. Milliken. "Our physicians are qualified and have gone through peer review. With someone in private practice, you don't always know what you're going to get." Getting cosmetic services at KP started almost ten years ago. San Jose Medical Center was one of the first pilot programs for cosmetic services program-wide. Dr. Steven Swengel was one of the first physicians involved in the pilot, and Debi Hammond was one of the first clinical estheticians to come on board. What does she want people to know about Cosmetic Services San Jose? "That we exist!" said Hammond. She also wants people to know the difference between going to a spa for a facial and visiting a clinical esthetician. "We can do what they can't," said Hammond, "because we are clinically focused. We only use products and procedures that bring about true histological changes in the skin." Meaning, the products actually do something. The same can't be said for over-the-counter products. "We do a lot of education to help people understand what's hype and what's real," said Hammond.

If you'd like an education about what's available at Cosmetic Services San Jose you can visit the website at www.KPCosmeticServices.com and click on the San Jose location. You'll find a complete listing of fee-for-service offerings.

Cosmetic Services San Jose
2440 Samaritan Drive
Suite #2
San Jose, CA
To schedule a consultation call: 408-369-7100

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