VENA CAVA

Vena Cava Holistic Facials is a holistic facial studio run by founder Jessi Slavich, with team members Lydia and Louise. Visits are by appointment only, and the studio describes its care as individualized and attentive to each client. Appointments are released on a rolling six-week schedule with openings added ongoing, and a waitlist lets clients note preferred days and times and be notified when a spot opens.

The Meder BioFacial is a medical-grade facial built on Meder Beauty Science products and customized to each client's skin. It may include myofascial release, deep tissue massage, lymphatic drainage and extractions, and it also includes a red light LED treatment for the hands. The 90-minute version costs $285 and the 60-minute version $195; adding the LYMA Laser brings the 90-minute session to $345. The business describes the Meder line as revolutionary and microbiome-friendly. It is made in Switzerland and free of retinols and acids. The Monastery Facial is a 90-minute facial using plant-oil skincare from the Monastery line, customized during the session. It includes lymphatic drainage, myofascial release, craniosacral therapy and collagen-stimulating massage, and always includes a red light LED treatment for the hands. Extractions are done on request when suitable for the skin. The business describes the line as cult-favorite. The 90-minute facial costs $265, the 60-minute version $180, and the version with LYMA Laser $325.

The Sculpting Buccal Facial is a non-invasive facial and neck treatment that combines lymphatic drainage, deep tissue massage and intraoral massage. It is best done as a series with monthly maintenance afterward, and the business says the 90-minute session is its most popular. A single 90-minute session costs $350, a 105-minute session with LYMA Laser and a customized mask costs $445, and a 120-minute session costs $460. Six weekly 90-minute sessions cost $1,900 and eight cost $2,500; six weekly 105-minute sessions cost $2,470 and eight cost $3,360. Written informed consent is required, and all genders are welcome. It is not offered during the first or third trimester of pregnancy. Clients with acute inflammatory skin conditions such as acne or rosacea are contraindicated unless the condition is mild and treated with extra care. Clients should wait five weeks after Botox and at least three months after a mesothread or thread lift. Fillers such as Radiesse and Sculptra rule the treatment out, and clients in cancer treatment or remission need oncologist clearance before booking.

The LYMA Laser is a 15-minute cold laser treatment for the skin, described as FDA-cleared and 500mW. The business says it is 100 times more powerful than LED therapies. It is recommended as an at-home treatment used daily for 30 days, then maintained regularly. Flower essence consultations last 45 to 60 minutes, in person or over Zoom, and cost $120. The consultation includes a custom blend to take four times a day for one month, delivered within a week. A dosage bottle without a consultation costs $40, and a bottle of Five-Flower Formula is included for stress and anxiety.

Shopping appointments are offered every day: Lydia takes them Saturday to Tuesday and Jessi Wednesday to Friday. Clients can text before a shopping visit to confirm a product is in stock. The studio sells cleansers, mists and tonics, face oils and moisturizers, masks, eye and lip products, sun protection, body tools, tea and supplements, and digital gift cards through its booking app; gift cards do not guarantee a specific provider or time. Hours are 10 am to 6 pm on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and 11 am to 7 pm on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. Clients should arrive on time or up to five minutes early, as the door unlocks five minutes before the start time; late arrivals shorten the appointment, with a 20-minute grace period before it is treated as missed. Cancellations or changes need at least 24 hours notice. Later changes are charged 50% of the service cost, and no-shows or same-day cancellations are charged in full. Fees are not refundable or transferable. Clients are not held to the cancellation policy during snow and ice. Clients are asked to avoid face waxing, exfoliation, retinols and peels for one week before a treatment. Makeup can be worn and is removed during cleansing. Gratuities are not accepted, as prices are stated to include everything. Children and pets are asked to stay home. Paid street parking is available nearby.

Individualized, holistic care: treatments are customized to each client, with at-home product use recommended where it fits the treatment.