An Interview with Dr. Amy Marvin

Southside Place Sightings recently sat down with Southside resident Amy Marvin (AM) to learn more about her new business, Glow Medical Aesthetics. Amy graduated from Texas A&M and UTMB Medical School. Her internship was at UT Houston in Internal Medicine followed by a residency in Emergency Medicine. Amy has been an Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine at UT Hermann and LBJ, a staff physician at Hermann and St. Luke’s. She has spent the last two years working toward her board certification in Bariatric Medicine (care for the morbidly obese).

SPS: Amy, how did you get from Bariatric Medicine to starting a business in West U?

AM: Some of the patients I had worked with had lost over 100 pounds and wanted aesthetic treatments. I began using lasers in our office in the Medical Center, but I kept thinking that I could do aesthetic treatments here as well.

SPS: So what does “Medical Aesthetics” mean? I’m clueless here, Amy.

AM: We use medical technology such as LASERS and pharmaceutical grade products to improve the look and texture of the skin.

SPS: Amy, what are some of the services and approaches that distinguish Glow from similar firms?

AM: Nancy, I’m glad you asked because I’ve tried to put together offerings that are safe, effective and can provide a menu of choices for Southsiders. My laser uses ELOS technology. It stands for Electrical / Optical Synergy. It's a combination of IPL (intense pulse light) and bipolar radiofrequency. It's the only one of it's kind and can treat all skin types (light to dark) and all hair colors. Every other laser on the market is straight IPL. The ELOS is safer, more effective, and hurts less. We also have VELASHAPE. It's the latest approach to noninvasive cellulite treatment. All the celebs are getting it (a la Kim Kardashian) I personally administer these treatments. It's not done by an employee or technician. I do it, because I want it done right. I carry physician grade skin therapeutics... Obagi and Skin Medica. I'll be having the reps for each company come to an open house to discuss why their products are unique. There will be a variety of treatments, both laser, facials and topicals geared toward helping teenagers and young adults with acne. We have a variety of clear skin solutions and have great results with Rocacea using laser treatment and topicals. Botox and Juvaderm (an injectable filler) are also available. I also have Glo Mineral Make-up!

SPS: Amy, I’m exhausted just thinking of you doing this all alone. Will anyone be assisting you?

AM: Nancy, I couldn’t do it all! I have an outstanding Licensed Esthetician, Erin Malone. She comes from Atlanta with a wealth of experience she gained while working with a large group of plastic surgeons. She offers custom facials, Medical grade Microdermabrasion, and a variety of facial chemical peels. She is extremely familiar with my laser. She has years of experie nce with fotofacial, refirm, matrix, hair removal and leg vein treatment, using the ELOS technology. Erin will be the person to go to for a skin consultation when determining what treatment program is best. She knows her stuff. And, the women in this neighborhood will love her!

SPS: This sounds great, Amy, but in the end how are you going to help me “create” time so that I can try some of these wonderful services.

AM: For you and the other busy moms and dads, I’m offering flu shots in the fall and school, camp, and sport physicals year round. I can also do minor medical evaluations for simple things like ear and throat infections. Of note...I'm not here to diagnose or treat skin disease or skin cancer. Regular dermatology visits are recommended. We will educate and refer all to a Dermatologist for regular skin care and treatment. This studio is for the fun stuff. We aim to do it in a professional, medically responsible way. In a setting that is relaxing, fun and welcoming. And, a short walk from home! We are open 9-5 Monday through Friday, and every other Saturday. And I am always willing to see people after hours.