Thrive Integrative Medical Spa

Thrive Integrative Medical Spa is located inside Illinois Masonic Hospital, which is at the intersection of Halsted and Clark streets in Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood. Thrive is an innovative medical and wellness center that combines clinically advanced skin care treatments with Eastern-inspired medicinal practices and holistic healing.

Created on the principle of providing the highest standard of care, Thrive showcases an extensive, varied assortment of medical and minimally invasive aesthetic treatments while focusing on clients' overall well-being. Founded in June 2006 by Dr. Barry Summers, who originally started down this path of medicine with Northside Vein Care six years ago, Thrive incorporates the knowledge and skills of several highly qualified, board-certified physicians and medical professionals. Dr. Lindner, Dr. Weismann and Dr. Zou are a few on the roster who specialize in energy balancing, women's health, nutrition, fertility and cancer healing. Two full-time MDs administer and prescribe the facility's medical-grade skin care treatments and products.

Asian minimalist touches, soothing waterfalls, cocoa-colored suede chairs, warm latte-hued walls and therapeutic music fill the waiting room. When I arrived I was greeted by a friendly staff member who offered me a hot cup of tea from an array of decaffeinated herbal varieties, and the knowledge that I was actually inside a hospital washed away.

My first treatment was the Time Eraser Facial, Thrive's prescription for glowing skin and preventative aging. Before any physical work began, an esthetician conducted a live, integrated Cutera computer demo to show me exactly what would happen and how my skin should feel during and after the treatment. The facial started with a mini dose of microdermabrasion using the Diamond Tip microdermabrasion wand. With just one pass of this amazing tool, my skin felt instantly exfoliated without any pain or sensitivity.

My second service was all about banishing sun and age spots from my face and chest. At 28 years old, I didn't think I had much to worry about, but I was mistaken. The esthetician performed a Photo Facial on the area, a type of skin rejuvenation that uses an IPL laser to target the top layer of skin, which literally erased all of my freckles. What stood out about this procedure to me was the span of the IPL which cast a wide radius that allowed her to target the entire area in only two passes, as opposed to more concentrated lasers that can take much longer to cover a widely affected area. The sensation I felt was warm but without any pain. To sooth any minor discomfort, the esthetician ran a small device that emitted cool air over the treated area. Much to my surprise, she had completed the laser treatment in just 10 minutes.

My final treatment was a 30-minute acupuncture service performed by Thrive's resident acupuncturist who studied in London and Shanghai. First, she imparted a little education on the different channels of "Chi" running throughout the body and how they affect one another. Acupuncture is known to have several benefits including stress reduction, deep relaxation, boosting the immune system and increasing energy. She started by placing thin, sterile needles at my pressure points (ankles, ears, wrists and belly to name a few), and I was amazed that I could barely feel their presence. The acupuncturist then explained that I may begin to feel sleepy and dozing off was normal. She said she would return in 20 minutes, and before I knew it, she was gently waking me up. She said the drowsiness would soon dissipate and a burst of energy was headed my way within the hour; not long after I felt completely revitalized.

As a medical center, Thrive is leading the way with the latest technical tools and patented advancements in skin care. Other significant treatments include laser hair removal, rosacea treatments, acne and acne scarring treatments, tattoo removal, vein therapy, chemical peels, Botox®, Restylane®, Radiesse® and Titan Tissue Tightening. Improving the body are massage, chiropractic services, ayurveda and reiki among others.

What really sets this medical spa apart is that Thrive Integrative Medical Spa "thrives" on treating the mind and pampering the soul. Therapy-style treatments cover issues like age management, health and wellness counseling, life coaching, psychotherapy, weight management, diet, nutrition and fitness, hormone replacement therapy and integrative medicine.

My experience at Thrive Integrative Medical Spa was completely different from any other medical spa I've visited. The warm, knowledgeable staff members took a generous amount of time to educate me about and explain the benefits of the treatments they performed. And I found I was really motivated to learn more about medicine's Asian influences, from nutrition to Asian massage. Leaving Thrive I felt very calm, soothed and refreshed, both mentally and physically.