Anti-Aging Treatments in Charleston
For many people, aging doesn’t arrive all at once. It creeps in subtly: a little less energy; skin that doesn’t bounce back the way it used to; workouts that feel harder; brain fog; a general essence of tiredness. At Luminus Aesthetics, those vague frustrations often are what bring patients through the door.
“People come in discouraged,” said Chris Michaelis, DO, of Luminus Aesthetics. “They can’t always put a finger on what’s wrong. They just know they feel tired, older than they should or not like themselves anymore. And the truth is, there are real reasons for that, and there are real ways to address it.”
Addressing Aging at Its Roots
Rather than chasing a single cosmetic fix, Luminus Aesthetics focuses on addressing aging at its roots. Dr. Michaelis explained that whether patients are seeking aesthetic improvements or wound care, internal and external factors drive how the body ages and heals. Three main processes play a role: insulin resistance, systemic inflammation and the body’s declining ability to repair itself.
“Insulin resistance can start much earlier than people realize, even as early as the 30s,” he said. “It affects energy levels, brain function and how tired and foggy you feel day to day. Add chronic inflammation and gradual muscle loss, and people start to feel like aging is inevitable. It doesn’t have to be.”
Personalized Plans Built on Lifestyle and Medical Support
At Luminus Aesthetics, each patient starts with a conversation. What feels off? What’s changed? The team first examines sleep, nutrition, exercise and stress, then adds medical support if needed. One of their most powerful tools is peptides.
Peptides and Systemic Aging Support
“Peptides give you the biggest bang for your buck when it comes to systemic aging,” Dr. Michaelis said. “Peptides are short chains of amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins in the body. They’re safe, noninvasive and can support cellular repair, tissue healing, energy levels, immune health, hair and skin quality and fat metabolism.”
Skin Aging, Root Causes, and a Multi-Modal Strategy
That inside-out philosophy also shapes Luminus’ approach to aesthetics. While many patients focus on fine lines or wrinkles, the team examines underlying causes of visible aging such as dehydration, muscle wasting, cellular degeneration and pigmentation changes and then builds a personalized plan.
“There’s no silver bullet,” Dr. Michaelis said. “People want one treatment that fixes everything, but real results come from addressing multiple contributing factors.”
CO2 Laser Resurfacing with the Solaria Laser
An impactful tool in their arsenal is CO2 laser resurfacing. Luminus uses a state-of-the-art Solaria laser, adjustable to each patient. Lighter treatments address acne scars, pigmentation and texture changes with minimal downtime; stronger settings target deeper wrinkles, pore size and skin tightening.
“A non-aggressive CO2 laser can take years off your face,” Dr. Michaelis explained. “People are often surprised by how quickly they see improvement, sometimes within three to five days.”
Combining Treatments for Natural, Longer-Lasting Results
For many patients, combining CO2 laser treatments with modalities such as Morpheus8, targeted skin care or even a small amount of Botox produces more natural, longer-lasting results than relying on injectables alone.
Hormone Optimization and Preserving Vitality
Defying aging also means preserving vitality. Hormone optimization is key, especially testosterone, which declines in both men and women. Restoring healthy levels can sharply boost energy, enhance muscle mass, accelerate fat loss and revitalize libido.
Luminus Aesthetics empowers people to resist cognitive decline, lasting fatigue and physical loss associated with aging, allowing them to stay engaged and sharp.
“With the right guidance, education and treatments, people can age better. They can feel stronger, think more clearly and enjoy their lives more fully. That’s what we’re here to do.”
To learn more, visit luminusaesthetics.com.
By Anne Toole
