To Margaret Haley, self-care is powerful. It’s moments like helping a soon-to-be-bride clear up scarring or a stressed workaholic lighten her complexion that affirms why she opened My Derma Clinic nearly 10 years ago.
As owner of the Pinecrest medical spa, Haley helps dozens of clients take better care of themselves. From eliminating sunspots and repairing broken blood vessels, to more luxurious treatments such as massages, injectables and facials, her business offers a variety of procedures.
“There’s always been many hair and nail salons in the area,” she says, “but hardly any day spas. I wanted to create a space that is welcoming and not outrageous, price-wise … something that could keep Pinecrest locals close to home.”
As a former lawyer, Haley was new to the world of beauty and became licensed as an aesthetican, massage therapist and electrologist. Opening My Derma Clinic began as an investment for her. But once Haley realized the concept could change her life, it gradually became her life’s mission.
“People say I look better now,” she laughs. “But in all seriousness, it really did change my lifestyle. I lost weight, and I got a lot healthier. I was first drawn to the concept as someone who needed it, and now I want to bring it to as many people as possible.”
Haley describes the clinic as providing a way to “age gracefully” and a place that is “more than just a spa.” The full-service facility has a medical director and nurse practitioners. The licensed therapists also provide massage modalities including Swedish, reflexology and hot-stone variations.
Haley is enthusiastic about using state-of-the-art devices, which explains why she was the first to bring the Venus Freeze—a non-invasive anti-aging treatment that firms skin and reduces wrinkles—to Pinecrest.
“I want to make treatments available that aren’t very widespread,” she says. “We were the first to offer a salt room in Pinecrest, which is used to help people with sinus issues and allergies.”
One of My Derma Clinic’s most sought after treatments is CoolSculpting, a nonsurgical fat-reduction procedure that targets trouble spots resistant to diet and exercise.
“It completely offers permanent and lasting improvements,” she says. “But it’s not for everyone. For the right candidate, it’s perfect.”
Before beginning a treatment, such as CoolSculpting or the Venus Freeze, a practitioner discusses goals, hopes and insecurities with first-time and long-time clients to give each one personal attention. Clients are shown an array of photos with varying degrees of success and are vetted to confirm that a treatment will be beneficial.
“We work with clients’ lifestyles and budgets,” she says. “We’re not going to recommend a peel if a client is always out on a boat in the sun. We try to set very realistic expectations with our patients.”
Haley is proud of My Derma Clinic’s affordability, too. “Our peels start at around $75,” she says. “The technology is here, the accessibility is here and the prices are highly competitive. We often price things on a case-by-case basis. We never sell things for the sake of selling.”
As someone who has lived in the Pinecrest area for more than 20 years, Haley was one of the first to bring a leading medical spa down south, as opposed to Coral Gables or Miami Beach where many are concentrated.
“All of my life is spent between 136th Street and 88th Street,” she laughs. “Most people stay in this area when they live here. We needed a place like this.”
Though she caters to locals, Haley attracts clients from across Miami-Dade County, including Homestead and Miami Lakes.
“When you look better, you feel better,” she says. “But we also tell clients to not get obsessed. It’s important to maintain a balance and to not be so critical.”
As My Derma Clinic journeys into another decade of both beautifying outer appearances and uplifting inner selves, Haley finds comfort in helping others, “this is what I was meant to do.”
My Derma Clinic 8517 SW 136th St., Pinecrest 305.253.4772; mydermaclinic.com
