SKIN DEEP

Sarasota Plastic Surgery spa director Vanessa Schadt says the industry is excited about Perlane, a new injectable that can correct deep facial lines, wrinkles, crow’s feet and folds. Brought to you by the makers of the popular wrinkle filler Restylane, Perlane restores volume and fullness to the skin and can soften the appearance of jowls in one treatment. Perlane lasts longer than collagen fillers—up to nine months—and, unlike Botox, doesn’t numb the area it affects. $500 per treatment. Sarasota Plastic Surgery Center’s Medical Spa, 2255 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota;

(941) 364-5959.

Dermaplaning is a great way to treat sun-damaged skin by removing dead skin cells through controlled surgical scraping. Scraping? As bad as it sounds, the method is painless—even gentle—and followed with a mild pomegranate peel and exfoliation that leaves your face baby soft. The process also promotes the skin’s natural production of collagen and elasticin, resulting in a more youthful, healthy appearance. There is no redness or inflammation, so you can go from spa to gala without a hitch. $125. Mandala Medi Spa, 1715 Stickney Point Road, Sarasota; (941) 927-2278.

Fraxel Laser is hyped as the most effective no-down-time laser treatment that quickly reduces wrinkles, scars, sun-damaged skin and those pesky brown spots—a sure sign of aging. A laser penetrates and eliminates damaged collagen cells, stimulating the skin to produce fresh collagen and elastic tissue. Fraxel is used on the face, neck, chest and hands. The better news? The procedure takes no healing or down time, although you may need three to four treatments to achieve optimal results. $950 per treatment for face; $700 for neck; $450 for hands. The Plastic Surgery Center, 1219 East Ave. S., Suite 201, Sarasota; (866) 912-2717.

TESTS OF TIME

Turning 50? It’s time to turn to anti-aging medicine. Dr. Dan Watts’ Sarasota practice, The Renewal Point, is based on the early detection, prevention and reversal of age-related diseases. “We’re dying off quicker than we should be, largely due to preventable diseases,” Watts says. “Degenerative diseases such as cancer, heart disease, arthritis, diabetes, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s can’t always be prevented, but they can be controlled.” How? The process begins with a comprehensive range of tests exploring the entire body, from hormone balance to toxicity levels to cardiopulmonary health. The combined data reveal your biological age and state of health on physiologic, cellular, molecular and genetic levels. Watts and his team then design a customized approach to attain a younger and healthier you. Price tag for initial screenings and follow-up program: $8,500 to $12,000. The Renewal Point, 4905 Clark Road, Sarasota; (941) 926-4905.

Heart attack and stroke are the nation’s top killers, and deaths from heart disease are projected to increase 130 percent by 2050. If this gets your heart racing, there’s something you can do about it: Get a 64-slice CT scan. This heart-imaging test uses digital processing to detect coronary calcification caused by atherosclerosis even before symptoms develop. Dr. Stephen Miley, managing director of Axcess Diagnostics, a Sarasota-based outpatient imaging enterprise, says the scanner is so fast it records images of the heart between beats.

“With today’s technology and diagnostic tools, there’s no reason to have a heart attack,” he says. $550. Axcess Diagnostics, 600 Cattleman Road, Suite 100, Sarasota; (941) 342-0505.

Why not go all the way and get a snapshot of everything inside your body? Total body PET/CT scanning gives radiologists an up-close-and-personal look at the head, chest, neck, abdomen and pelvis. This mother of all scans can detect potentially malignant tumors in the lungs and brain, aortic aneurysms, kidney stones, enlarged lymph nodes, abdominal masses and aneurysms, and spleen and liver abnormalities. Who should do it? Anyone over 45; anyone with risk factors such as recent smoking, excess weight, high blood pressure or a sedentary lifestyle; anyone with a personal or family history of heart disease or abdominal aneurysm. $1,500; $1,750 with heart scan included. Axcess Diagnostics, 600 Cattleman Road, Suite 100, Sarasota; (941) 342-0505.

SPA SWEET SPA

Hard day at the office? Try one of these quick ultra-luxe spa treatments.

An age-management facial using DermaQuest is packed with anti-aging ingredients, including antioxidants like Co-Enzyme Q10, alpha lipoic acid and Vitamin C, all of which work to reduce fine lines, amplify collagen production, accelerate tissue repair and stimulate muscle tone. Try a series of six sessions, twice a year. $175 per session. Body & Spirit, 500 Southgate Mall, Sarasota; (941) 921-1388.

Treat your body to a full-body Marine Sea Salt Polish with Hydrating Cocoon at M Spa & Salon at the Met. Every inch of your body is massaged, scrubbed and exfoliated with an invigorating mix of sea salt granules, green tea and aromatherapy oils. After a refreshing Vichy rainfall rinse, the esthetician covers your body with an ultra-rich body cream and wraps you in a toasty cocoon for 15 minutes. $125. M Spa & Salon at the Met, 35 S. Boulevard of Presidents, Sarasota, (941) 388-1772.

The Balinese Floral Soak at the Mandala Medi Spa & Yoga Sanctuary is the perfect complement to a deep tissue massage. After your massage, sink back into a soothing bath infused with a traditional Balinese herbal remedy used to relieve sore muscles and joints. $150 for massage and soak. Mandala Medi Spa & Yoga Sanctuary, 1715 Stickney Point Road, Sarasota; (941) 927-2278.

MEDICAL SPAS: JUST SAY “AHHHH”

Medical spas combine comprehensive medical testing and integrated healing programs with all the luxury and pampering of a destination spa. Here are three of the best:

Canyon Ranch, in Tuscon, Ariz., and Lenox, Mass., offers celebrated health experts, fully equipped medical facilities and a groundbreaking, integrative approach to wellness, all within the context of an award-winning resort. From $3,520 to $7,690 for four nights. www.canyonranch.com; (800) 742-9000.

The Pritikin Longevity Center & Spa offers comprehensive medical screenings and programs for weight loss, heart disease, diabetes, cancer prevention and more. Mother Nature gets credit for the setting, a sumptuous tropical paradise near Miami. From $3,500 for seven nights. www.pritikin.com; (800) 327-4914.

The Chopra Center’s healing programs blend Eastern and Western healing methods and mind-body techniques and principles taught by Drs. Deepak Chopra and David Simon at the plush La Costa Resort in Carlsbad, Calif. From $4,800 for a five-day “Perfect Health” program. www.chopra.com; (888) 424-6772.