"We felt that offering the services with the backing of physicians would appeal to women and, as we were already dealing with women's health and more private issues for women, that it went along well," said , VPFW office manager.

MD Cosmetic treats skin conditions including acne, rosacea, sun damage, port wine stains, and fine lines and wrinkles. , a registered esthetician who currently performs all the services for MD Cosmetic, said patients feel more at ease because of the division's affiliation with VPFW.

"They trust us as a medical provider that we'll give good service and that they can trust us with their needs," she said. "A lot of the patients we have here are patients who have been referred by our doctors."

"It's good to have doctors on hand . . . I've had to go talk to them about certain issues, whether it's hormonal or vascular issues that we've had to confer with them on," she said. "That's been very helpful."

"We wanted to offer something women were looking for that they could get in the same building as their annual Ob-Gyn appointment," Simpson said.

In addition, MD Cosmetic offers a skin care line - - infused with oxygen to promote healthy and younger looking skin, according to MD Cosmetic's Web site.

But VPFW isn't the only area practice offering spa services and products in a medical environment. has launched , which provides skin rejuvenation, pigment removal, laser hair removals, chemical peels and more, as well as skin care products.

Simpson said interest in cosmetic and laser services continues to grow as people discover what's available. For many, she added, laser treatments are an alternative to plastic surgery.

"Some people don't really want to go under the knife, but because they see so much on TV now, whether it's plastic surgery or different procedures, it plants a seed that they want to look younger and there's something they can do and afford," Simpson said. "It doesn't change the way you look - just gives you a boost."

For other women, it's simply about improving self-confidence. Simpson said that women are self-conscious about everything from unwanted facial hair to spider veins on their legs, where they're often so embarrassed that they won't wear shorts in warm weather.

The winter months are a popular time to receive laser services, Simpson said, because patients want to be finished with treatment when summer arrives. Prices vary according to individual needs and both MD Cosmetic and Medical Skin Solutions require a consultation before beginning any procedure.

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