Many of us want little touch-ups to our look and some are even ready for a total body transformation. But, when there are so many different products, lasers and injectables out there, where do you begin? Karma Nguyen can help you. She is the owner of Defining Beauty Wellness & Med Spa in the New Tampa Professional Park off Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. in Pebble Creek and her education as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse-Family Nurse Practitioner (APRN-FNP) makes her well-qualified to educate and administer the latest image-improving treatments.
You may have gotten a facial before, but Defining Beauty has five options for facial skin care. If you have facial hair or acne, no problem. Men, women and teens can receive personalized facials from Karma with recommendations for daily skin maintenance care afterwards. The spa is also known for offering HydraFacial™, a facial performed using a device with a vacuum-like effect to cleanse, moisturize, and brighten the skin. You also can get a PRX Derm Perfexion or PRX-T33 facial, microneedling with or without plasma-rich protein derived from your own blood, or chemical peels with superficial, medium, or deep skin activity.
Are you interested in IV infusions? Karma offers more than a dozen different IV therapies that offer specific combinations of vitamins, minerals and amino acids for different needs, including hydration, mental health, athletic recovery and performance.
With all of these specialized treatments, it is often recommended or required to receive them from a licensed professional only. Thankfully, Karma has been a licensed nurse since 2003. She obtained her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degrees through a combination of online coursework and on-site clinical rotations, from Chamberlain University, based in Chicago, IL. After graduating with her MSN degree, Karma became an APRN.
Karma says that one of her clinical rotations exposed her to the work of an aesthetic nurse. That sparked her interest in aesthetic treatments and since then, she has traveled to New York, Texas and different parts of Florida to obtain additional certifications, including her national certification as an FNP through the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), as well as hands-on training in aesthetic techniques before opening Defining Beauty in July 2021. Dr. Binu Jacob, M.D. is the med spa’s medical director.
“Every person has a different anatomy and wants to achieve a different look,” Karma says. “To get pronounced, versus subtle results, it is important to know the different ways to inject or apply products and devices.”
When it comes to cosmetic needs like wrinkles, sagging skin, hair removal and restoration, or medical conditions like acne, psoriasis and rosacea, there are many laser and injectable treatments available that can help. In order to decide the best option for your needs, you need a specialist who will be honest about each one’s pros and cons.
Before providing any treatment, Karma performs a thorough consultation with each client to understand their current state of health, address their skin care or body concerns and figure out what they hope to achieve.
“Often there are different options for various skin care or body goals,” she says. “I go over the options with the patient to see their comfort level and interest. And, most important is that I am open with my patients so they have realistic expectations. You can’t achieve surgical-type results without surgery, but I can let you know what you can reasonably expect.”
Do Your Research
Karma says she appreciates patients who like to do their own research. On Defining Beauty’s website (see link below), there is a detailed Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section for each proprietary laser (Neo Elite®, Lumecca IPL, and Morpheus8) and injectable product (Botox®, Juvederm®, Kybella®, Ozempic® and more) she uses. This is really helpful to answer your basic questions including what to expect, who should and should not receive treatment, the possible risks, side effects and recovery period for each treatment and how long you can expect your results to last.
After reviewing the different options, Karma will develop a patient-specific treatment plan and schedule a treatment session that same day or, if more time is needed, within the next few days.
Karma, who lives in New Tampa with her mom Lucy and youngest son Kevin (a high school senior), does her best to accommodate patients by offering weekend and evening appointments.
Kimberly Clawson (photos below) is a Defining Beauty patient who speaks highly of Karma’s professionalism, expertise and flexibility.
“I was referred to Karma by a close friend,” says Kimberly. “My main (goals were) continuing my weight loss journey on Ozempic® and finding a more affordable option for some cosmetic issues that have been bothering me for a few years. I have been a cardiac nurse for almost 20 years in the Tampa and Wesley Chapel area, so the first thing I did was my research. I found that Karma has the same amount of medical experience under her belt; and her reputation in the community is that she is trustworthy, dependable, and competent.”
“I was a regular at a med spa in south Tampa, but after my first visit with Karma I made the switch. Karma works with my schedule — including appointments on the weekends — and her pricing is about half the cost of what I was paying [before], and the location is very convenient.”
Kimberly adds, “To date, I have lost 42 pounds under her careful guidance on Ozempic. She leans on the side of caution by requiring lab work, ensuring my dosing is safe, providing dietary counseling and checking in with me regularly. Now that I have reached my goal weight (over about 5 months), I am on a maintenance dose of Ozempic, which she monitors closely.”
And finally, she says, “I can also testify that Karma will not perform any services that could cause unintentional harm to her patients. I begged her to restore my Juvederm® lip injections. However, she noted my history of angioedema (severe allergy) while taking a (blood pressure) medication called Lisinopril® at the same time as Juvederm®, and advised me that she would not do that. Even though I no longer take that medication, she refused to take any chances with Juvederm®. Instead, she performed a “Lip Flip” using Botox®, which evened out the embarrassing damage caused by my previous experience. Finally, after 3 years of fearing my lips would remain grossly uneven, I smile with confidence!”
If you want to continue your beauty maintenance process at home after your spa visit, Defining Beauty offers a large selection of ZO® and Obagi Medical® skin care products. From quality cleansers and toners to specialized acne, anti-aging, redness and cellulite control products, Karma will let you know which product or combination of products will offer the best results.
Monthly memberships also are available for clients who want regular treatments at Defining Beauty. Gold ($160), Platinum ($200) and Diamond ($240 per month) members will receive a free HydraFacial® each month plus 50% off any additional facials as well as discounts on products, injectables and packages. Monthly treatments can be gifted to another person once every 4 months for a $20 transfer fee and there is a free add-on given during the member’s birthday month.
Karma has plans to expand Defining Beauty in the near future. She has brought on a Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) named Michael to offer massage services at the spa. She also is adding a new treatment option for rejuvenation to improve wrinkles and skin laxity near the eye.
Contact Karma at Defining Beauty Wellness & Med Spa today to see how she can help your with your cosmetic and wellness needs.
Mention Neighborhood News to receive 30% off of your first service. Defining Beauty Wellness & Med Spa is located at 8911 Regents Park Dr., Suite 510, #9. The spa is open by appointment only. Call (813) 955-0408, visit definingbeautymedspa.com. You also may follow “Defining Beauty Wellness and Med Spa” on Facebook or “@definingbeautymedspa” on Instagram for pictures, tips and special offers.
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