Once a month, Juliet Wenger escapes to a very special place.

It’s a place where she can enjoy her special blend of coffee, and relaxing conversation while a friendly staff of dedicated professionals revitalizes her mind, lifts her spirit and rejuvenates her skin.

Not what you’d expect from a typical cosmetic treatment, but it’s exactly what keeps Juliet Wenger returning to Rockport-based M&M Medical & Surgical Clinic.

In fact, Juliet is one of a growing number of individuals who freshening their skin and erasing their wrinkles through the latest advances in cosmetic medicine.

At 88, Juliet is not your typical patient.  Then again, she has always done things her own special way.  “I’ve been a writer all my life,” she says, as she reflects on her continuing popularity as a journalist and frequent guest on radio talk shows, even as most her age are enjoying retirement.  “Everyone around here knows me for my newspaper column. But I’m not used to being stopped on the street. When I started going for my skin treatments, people would come up to me, saying, ‘oh, you look so good!’ And that really makes you feel good about yourself.”

Dr. P.J. and Beverly Marshio, who have been treating Juliet Wenger at M&M Medical & Surgical Clinic for nearly a year, understand what all the fuss is about. “Ms. Wenger is somewhat of a celebrity in this area,” says Dr. Marshio. “She’s been all over the world. She’s lived in Central America. She’s really a fascinating person.”

But according to Juliet Wenger, it’s the Marshio’s that have given her a new lease on life. “I remember I had these blemishes on my face,” says Juliet. “And by the second or third treatment, I would make my rounds and all of a sudden, everyone would look at me and say how beautiful I looked. So I go back every few weeks for another treatment.”

Why exactly does such an accomplished woman seek out cosmetic treatments? Beverly Marshio believes it’s associated with her desire to feel good about herself. “Here at M&M, we’re all about the mind, body and spirit”, says Beverly. “When Ms. Wenger comes in for a treatment, the goal is to not only help her look good, although we do, it’s to help revive her spirit.”

The key to Juliet’s transformation is her Medical Microdermabrasion treatments, a procedure that is gaining popularity nationwide, because it is quick, painless and relatively inexpensive. 

Microdermabrasion (often referred to as “microderm”) requires no anesthetic. Often referred to as a “lunchtime” procedure, this beautification process takes 30-40 minutes and is kind and gentle enough to the skin that patients can return every 4-6 weeks for treatment. In fact, a series of microderm treatments can help a patient look younger by reducing fine lines and wrinkles. It can also reduce the appearance of blemishes caused by sun damage. Additionally, microderm can help acne sufferers by unclogging oil build-up and eliminating white and black heads.

How does it work? Microderm essentially removes only the very top layers of damaged skin by “sand blasting” them with tiny crystals. Particles are usually suctioned off using a small vacuum attached to a wand. This technique exfoliates and resurfaces the skin, promoting the formation of new smoother skin. And the Marshio’s add their own special touches to the process, including a chemical peel, facial mask, oxygen therapy, facial massage, and a complimentary makeover. Patients leave their care ready to take on the world.

Why are procedures such as this becoming more common each year? Perhaps Juliet Wenger has an answer when she talks about her loyalty to the Marshio’s. “I’m very fond of the Marshio’s. It goes beyond a business relationship’” she says. It’s personal. It’s more of a friendly visit than anything.”

Perhaps Juliet Wenger is onto something. People may first visit a spa or clinic because of the services they offer.  But they’ll keep coming back because of the personal relationships they develop and the way they feel about themselves.    

Juliet Wenger has got it right. She celebrates the human spirit. And in a world that celebrates youth, isn’t it great that we have learned something about humanity from someone supposedly in her twilight years? 

No twilight for Juliet Wenger. She has places to go and people to see. And she looks younger every day.

M&M Medical & Surgical Clinic specializes in minor surgery and non-surgical cosmetic procedures including Medical Microdermabrasion, Botox, Restylane, Lipodissolve, Mesotherapy, Laser Hair and Vein Removal, and Photo Facial.

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Feature Article - Gulfscapes Magazine “Fine Living”  - September 2006 Issue