FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions | The Summit Aesthetics Medical Spa in Clarks Summit and Scranton, PA
This page answers the most common questions about visiting The Summit Aesthetics as a patient – covering our hours, location, booking process, payment options, provider policies, safety across life stages, and other practice-level topics. For questions about specific treatments (Botox, dermal fillers, laser treatments, chemical peels, and others), each treatment page includes its own treatment-specific FAQ section. If your question isn’t answered here or on a treatment page, please call (570) 585-0201 during business hours or contact us → – we’re happy to answer directly.
First Visit & Consultations
7 questions
What should I expect at my first visit to The Summit Aesthetics?
Your first visit begins with a complimentary consultation with Dr. Charles Dennis (for injectable interests) or Lori Barone (for laser, skin health, and body treatment interests). The consultation runs approximately 30 to 45 minutes and includes a brief intake, physical assessment of your specific concerns, discussion of your goals, and a written treatment plan you take home. There is no fee, no card required to book, and no obligation to move forward with treatment. If you decide to proceed, treatment is typically scheduled at a separate follow-up visit – not the same day – to allow the plan to settle and any questions to surface. Learn more about our approach on our The Summit Method page.
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How do I book my first consultation?
Call (570) 585-0201 during business hours to speak with our team, or request an appointment through our online booking form. When you call, you’ll be asked which category of treatment you’re considering – injectables (Botox, fillers), laser (hair removal, IPL, resurfacing), skin rejuvenation (peels, facials, microneedling), or general “not sure yet, want to explore.” Your consultation is booked with the appropriate provider based on your interest.
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Is the consultation really free? Are there hidden fees?
Yes, genuinely free. No fee at booking. No credit card required. No obligation to book treatment. No follow-up sales pressure. Consultations at The Summit Aesthetics are complimentary because we believe the first visit should be about assessment and planning, not commitment. This applies to new patient consultations for any treatment category we offer.
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What should I bring to my consultation?
Bring photos of concerns you want to discuss (especially if concerns vary by lighting or facial expression), a list of your current skincare products, your current medication list including supplements and blood thinners, a rough budget range if you have one in mind, and any specific questions you want answered. For facial-focused consultations, come without makeup if possible. For laser consultations, avoid tanning and self-tanner in the treatment area for 4 weeks before your visit.
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Can I bring my partner, friend, or family member to my consultation?
Yes. Many patients find a second set of ears helpful for absorbing the treatment plan discussion. Partners, friends, family members, or another advocate are all welcome to accompany you. There is no requirement to come alone.
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How long is a typical consultation?
New patient consultations run approximately 30 to 45 minutes. Longer for comprehensive multi-treatment planning where you’re considering treatments across multiple categories. Shorter for returning patients with focused questions or maintenance planning.
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How far in advance should I book my consultation?
New patient consultations at our Clarks Summit medical spa typically book two to three weeks out. If you need to see a provider sooner, please call – occasionally we have cancellations that open up sooner appointments. Returning patient appointments generally book with shorter windows.
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Hours, Location & Parking
6 questions
What are your hours?
Our current hours are Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday: 10 AM to 6 PM. Wednesday: 10 AM to 7 PM (extended evening hours). Friday: 10 AM to 2 PM. We are closed Saturday and Sunday. Hours are subject to change; please call ahead if scheduling outside our standard windows or check our Google Business Profile for the most current hours.
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Where is The Summit Aesthetics located?
We are at 116 North State Street in downtown Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania – approximately 15 minutes north of downtown Scranton via I-81 North (Exit 194). Our location serves patients across Clarks Summit, Scranton, Abington, Dunmore, Waverly, Dalton, Kingston, Wilkes-Barre, and the wider NEPA region.
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Is there parking at your practice?
Yes. Free on-site parking is available directly at the practice. No parking meters, no garages, no walking blocks from the car. Handicap-accessible parking is also available.
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Do you offer evening or weekend appointments?
Wednesday evening hours (until 7 PM) are our latest weekday appointment window. We do not currently offer Saturday or Sunday appointments. Many working patients schedule during our Wednesday evening hours to accommodate work schedules.
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Do you offer virtual consultations?
For most treatments, an in-person consultation is required because physical assessment is a critical part of building an accurate treatment plan. For returning patients with focused questions between visits, brief phone consultations can sometimes be arranged – call to discuss whether that fits your situation.
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Is your practice accessible for patients with mobility limitations?
Yes. Our practice is accessible for patients using mobility aids. If you have specific accessibility questions or requirements, please call ahead and we’ll ensure your visit is properly accommodated.
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Providers & Practice
7 questions
Who will actually perform my treatment?
For any injectable treatment (Botox, Daxxify, dermal fillers, lip fillers), your provider is Dr. Charles Dennis, our physician-owner. Dr. Dennis personally performs every injectable – no delegation to nurse injectors or aestheticians. For any laser, skin rejuvenation, or body treatment (all laser treatments, chemical peels, Diamond Glow, dermaplaning, Virtue RF, EVERESSE, TruSculpt iD), your provider is Lori Barone, our Certified Cosmetic Laser Technician with more than 5 years of experience. Lori personally performs every treatment in her scope.
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Are you the same practice as Abington Center Medi Spa?
Yes. The Summit Aesthetics is the same practice that operated for years as Abington Center Medi Spa – same physical location on North State Street in Clarks Summit, same physician-owner (Dr. Charles Dennis), same lead aesthetic provider (Lori Barone), same clinical standards. The rebrand changed the name; nothing else changed. If you have prior treatment history under the Abington Center name, your records and treatment plans have all carried forward.
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How long has the practice been open?
The practice has been in operation at our Clarks Summit location for more than 20 years – operating as Abington Center Medi Spa until our recent rebrand to The Summit Aesthetics. Dr. Dennis has been the physician-owner throughout. Lori has been the lead aesthetic provider throughout.
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What are Dr. Dennis's credentials?
Dr. Charles Dennis is a licensed physician with specific training in aesthetic medicine and injectable treatments. His full credentials and biography are on our Providers page.
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What are Lori's credentials?
Lori Barone is a Certified Cosmetic Laser Technician (CCLT) with more than 5 years of experience – including extensive experience on the Cutera XEO laser platform. She holds specific manufacturer certifications for the devices used at our practice. Her full credentials are on our Providers page.
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Can I request a specific provider?
The provider assignment is determined by the treatment category, not by patient request. All injectable treatments are performed by Dr. Dennis; all laser, skin rejuvenation, and body treatments are performed by Lori. Because we do not have rotating providers within categories, you will always see the same provider for your specific treatment.
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What if my usual provider is on vacation or out sick?
If your provider is unavailable, we reschedule your appointment rather than substituting a different provider. This is a core commitment of our practice structure – the specific provider who built your treatment plan is the provider who performs your treatments. Occasional rescheduling is the tradeoff we make to maintain that continuity.
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Booking, Cancellation & Rescheduling
6 questions
How far in advance should I book my treatment?
New patient consultations typically book two to three weeks out. Follow-up treatment appointments (after your initial consultation) can generally be scheduled sooner if the provider has openings. For series treatments where you want specific timing, book the full series at once to secure your preferred times.
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What is your cancellation policy?
We ask for at least 24 hours notice for cancellations or rescheduling so we can offer the appointment to another patient. Late cancellations (less than 24 hours) and no-shows may be subject to a cancellation fee for treatment appointments. Consultation appointments do not have cancellation fees, but please give notice so we can rebook the time.
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Can I reschedule my appointment?
Yes. Please call as soon as possible to reschedule so we can find you another time that works. We will do our best to accommodate your schedule while maintaining continuity of your treatment plan.
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Do you offer online booking?
Yes. You can request an appointment through our online booking form on the website. Note that requests through the form are confirmed by our team – you’ll receive a call or message to confirm the specific time. For same-week appointments or urgent scheduling questions, calling (570) 585-0201 directly is usually fastest.
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What if I run late for my appointment?
Please call to let us know as soon as possible. Depending on how late you are, we may need to reschedule or shorten your appointment to stay on schedule for the patients after you. We appreciate advance notice so we can plan accordingly.
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Do you have a waitlist for sooner appointments?
Yes. If you’d like to be added to our waitlist for cancellations, please let our team know when booking. We’ll call you if a sooner appointment opens up.
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Payment, Pricing & Financing
7 questions
Do you accept insurance?
No. Medical spa aesthetic treatments – Botox, dermal fillers, laser treatments, chemical peels, and other cosmetic services – are not covered by health insurance because they are elective cosmetic procedures rather than medically necessary treatments. This is standard across all medical spas. Insurance coverage is not available at our practice or at any other aesthetic medical spa.
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How much do treatments cost at The Summit Aesthetics?
Specific pricing varies substantially by treatment, treatment area, and treatment plan. Injectable pricing is per-unit (for neuromodulators like Botox and Daxxify) and per-syringe (for fillers). Laser treatments are priced per session or per series. Skin rejuvenation treatments are priced per treatment. Dr. Dennis or Lori will provide specific pricing during your complimentary consultation, along with a written treatment plan that documents estimated total investment. We do not publish specific prices on the website because appropriate pricing depends on your specific plan, not on a menu.
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Do you offer financing or payment plans?
Yes. We partner with Cherry, PatientFi, CareCredit, and Alle for patient financing. 0% APR options are available for qualifying patients. Most applications are processed in minutes with no impact on your credit score. Financing details are discussed during your consultation. See our Financing page for complete details.
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What payment methods do you accept?
We accept major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover), debit cards, cash, and financing through our partners (Cherry, PatientFi, CareCredit, Alle). Personal checks may be accepted for existing patients – please call to confirm.
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Do you offer gift certificates?
Yes. Gift certificates are available for purchase in specific dollar amounts. They can be used toward any treatment or consultation at our practice. Gift certificates make particularly good gifts for patients considering their first medical spa experience – the recipient can use the value toward their consultation or any recommended treatment. Call (570) 585-0201 to purchase.
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Do you offer treatment packages, series discounts, or memberships?
We offer series pricing (bundled discounts) on treatments that are typically done in a series – including chemical peels, Virtue RF Microneedling, Laser Genesis, Laser Hair Removal, and Diamond Glow. Dr. Dennis or Lori will discuss series pricing at your consultation for any treatments recommended in a series format.
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Is your consultation really complimentary, or is there a fee?
New patient consultations are complimentary – there is no fee, no credit card required at booking, and no obligation to move forward with treatment. This applies to consultations for any treatment category. The consultation includes a written treatment plan you take home.
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Age, Health & Safety Across Treatments
8 questions
How old do I have to be for medical spa treatments?
Botox is FDA-approved for cosmetic use in patients age 18 and older. Most other injectable and laser treatments require age 18 or older. Some treatments (dermaplaning, some facials) can be performed on younger patients with parental consent. Age policies vary by treatment; specific policies for your intended treatment will be confirmed at consultation. Patients under 18 are not typically candidates for aesthetic injectable treatments.
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Can I get medical spa treatments while pregnant?
Most medical spa treatments are contraindicated during pregnancy – including Botox, dermal fillers, all laser treatments, chemical peels, Virtue RF Microneedling, and EVERESSE. Dermaplaning is one of the few treatments generally considered safe during pregnancy. Diamond Glow may be performed with modified serums (avoiding certain actives) at some points in pregnancy but is generally deferred until after delivery. We do not perform contraindicated treatments during pregnancy under any circumstance. If you are or may be pregnant, please disclose at booking so we can plan accordingly.
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Can I get medical spa treatments while breastfeeding?
Most injectable treatments (Botox, Daxxify, fillers) are typically deferred during breastfeeding due to limited safety research – not because of known risk, but because the caution is standard. Laser hair removal, most laser treatments, and dermaplaning are generally considered safe during breastfeeding. Chemical peels may be performed with peel-specific safety considerations. Please disclose breastfeeding status at consultation so we can build an appropriate plan.
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Can I get treatments if I'm on Accutane (isotretinoin)?
Not during active treatment or within 6 months of finishing isotretinoin. Isotretinoin substantially affects skin healing and dramatically increases the risk of scarring from lasers, chemical peels, dermaplaning, and other resurfacing treatments. The 6-month waiting period after finishing isotretinoin is a standard safety protocol. Please disclose isotretinoin history at consultation.
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What if I have allergies?
Disclose all allergies at consultation – including drug allergies, latex allergies, and specific ingredient sensitivities (e.g., lidocaine, hyaluronic acid, botulinum toxin components). Some allergies preclude specific treatments; alternatives are usually available. Anaphylaxis history requires additional discussion. We take allergy safety seriously and adjust treatment planning accordingly.
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Can I get treatments if I have an autoimmune condition?
Depends on the specific condition. Autoimmune conditions affecting the neuromuscular junction (myasthenia gravis, Lambert-Eaton, some others) are absolute contraindications for neuromodulators like Botox and Daxxify. Other autoimmune conditions (rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Hashimoto’s) may require modified planning or specialist clearance. Disclose all autoimmune conditions at consultation so Dr. Dennis or Lori can build an appropriate plan.
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Can I get treatments while taking blood thinners?
For injectable treatments, blood thinners increase bruising risk but are usually not an absolute contraindication if you are on them for a specific medical reason. For elective use of blood-thinning supplements (fish oil, high-dose vitamin E), we typically ask you to stop 5-7 days before injectable treatments. Disclose all medications, supplements, and OTC pain relievers (like ibuprofen) at consultation so we can plan bruising minimization.
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What if I have herpes (cold sores) or another active infection?
Active herpes outbreaks, cold sores, or other active infections in the treatment area preclude treatment on that visit. For patients with history of frequent cold sores, prophylactic antiviral medication (prescribed by your physician) may be recommended before treatments in the peri-oral area. Reschedule if you have an active outbreak on your appointment day.
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Combined Treatments & Planning
4 questions
Can I combine multiple treatments in one visit?
Often yes. Combined-treatment visits are common at our practice. Common same-day combinations include Botox plus dermal filler in one injectable visit, Dermaplaning plus Chemical Peel or Diamond Glow, and Laser Genesis plus Limelight IPL. Combined visits typically take 60 to 90 minutes total. Whether a specific combination is appropriate depends on the treatments involved and your individual situation – Dr. Dennis or Lori will discuss combined-treatment planning at consultation.
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How do I plan treatments for a specific event (wedding, reunion, photo shoot)?
Give yourself as much runway as possible. For Botox: schedule 2 to 3 weeks before the event so results are at peak. For fillers: schedule 2 to 4 weeks before to allow any bruising or swelling to fully resolve. For dermaplaning or Diamond Glow: schedule 3 to 5 days before for the “glow.” For chemical peels or laser resurfacing: schedule at least 3 to 4 weeks before to allow full recovery. For series treatments (Virtue RF, Laser Genesis): plan 6 to 12 months of runway if possible. Book consultation early to give the plan time to work.
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Can I have injectables and laser treatments in the same visit?
Injectables and laser treatments in the same visit are sometimes possible but depend on the specific treatments involved. Some combinations (Botox plus non-ablative laser) are typically fine same-day; other combinations (fillers plus certain lasers) may need to be spaced out because the laser could theoretically affect the filler. Because injectables are performed by Dr. Dennis and laser treatments are performed by Lori, combining these in a single visit also requires coordinating both provider schedules. Discuss combined-visit planning at consultation.
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What is the best order for a series of treatments?
Depends on your specific concerns and treatments. Common sequencing patterns: chemical peel series before Virtue RF Microneedling series (address pigmentation first, then texture); Laser Genesis series before ongoing Diamond Glow rhythm (address chronic redness first, then maintain); Botox as the entry point to injectables, then filler after seeing how you respond. Your written treatment plan will document the specific sequence recommended for your situation.
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Photography & Privacy
4 questions
Do you take before and after photos?
Yes, in most cases. Before/after photos are important for tracking treatment progress across visits and evaluating results objectively. Photos are stored in your patient file for clinical use. Photos are only used for public purposes (marketing, website, gallery) with your specific written consent – which you can decline or revoke at any time without affecting your care. If you prefer no photos at all, please let us know at your first visit.
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Is my personal and health information confidential?
Yes. We follow HIPAA guidelines for protecting your health information. Your treatment records, photos, and consultation notes are confidential and not shared without your specific written consent. Payment information is processed through secure systems and is not stored in a way that would expose it if our systems were compromised.
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Can I bring my phone and take photos during my visit?
Yes, you’re welcome to take photos of your own results at any time. We appreciate if you’d avoid photographing other patients or providers without permission (some patients prefer privacy). If you’d like a photo of you with your provider for a social post, just ask – our team is happy to help.
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Do you share patient information with third parties?
No. Your patient information is not shared with third parties for marketing purposes. We do share information as required by law (medical necessity, court orders) and with your treatment team as needed for care coordination. Financing partners receive only the information you specifically authorize when you apply for financing.
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Complications, Follow-up, and Results
5 questions
What if I experience a complication after treatment?
Call our office immediately at (570) 585-0201 during business hours. For after-hours concerns that cannot wait, use the emergency contact information provided at your appointment. Complications from medical spa treatments are uncommon but not zero. Rare but more serious complications (vascular occlusion, allergic reactions) require immediate attention – which is why physician oversight from Dr. Dennis matters. We take complications seriously and manage them at physician level with immediate follow-up.
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Do you provide follow-up care?
Yes. Follow-up appointments are part of most treatment plans – both for maintenance (returning for Botox in 3-4 months, for filler touch-ups, or for treatment series continuation) and for post-treatment assessment (checking how a specific treatment is settling in). Some follow-up appointments are complimentary (initial touch-ups within a specific window); others are billed. Your treatment plan will document what follow-up to expect.
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What if I'm not happy with my results?
First: talk to us. Contact the office to schedule a follow-up assessment. We’ll discuss what specifically isn’t meeting your expectations and identify options. For hyaluronic acid fillers, hyaluronidase can dissolve unsatisfactory results – usually giving us a clean starting point to rebuild. For neuromodulator treatments, the effect wears off within 3-4 months (Botox) or 6-9 months (Daxxify) so any unsatisfying result is temporary. For laser or skin treatments, additional session(s) or a different approach may address the concern. We don’t offer refunds for treatments already performed, but we do work to make sure you’re satisfied with your care.
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When will I see full results from my treatment?
Depends on the treatment. Botox and Daxxify: initial effect at 3-5 days, peak at 2 weeks. Dermal fillers: immediate result with 2-week settle; final at 2-4 weeks. Laser Hair Removal: cumulative reduction over 6-8 session series. Chemical Peels: initial result at 7-10 days after peeling; cumulative results over 3-4 peel series. Virtue RF Microneedling: results build over 3-6 months. EVERESSE: results build over 3-6 months. Your specific treatment plan will document the expected results timeline.
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Do I need to book maintenance appointments?
Depends on the treatment and your goals. Most injectable treatments have a maintenance rhythm (Botox: every 3-4 months; fillers: every 12-24 months depending on product and area). Multi-session laser series typically transition to less frequent maintenance after the initial series. Ongoing skin rejuvenation rhythm (monthly Dermaplaning + quarterly Diamond Glow, for example) is optional but many patients maintain it long-term. Your written treatment plan will document maintenance recommendations.
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Question not answered here?
If your question isn’t answered on this page or on the specific treatment page for the treatment you’re considering, we’re happy to answer directly. Call our office during business hours or send a message through our contact form.
Call (570) 585-0201 or send us a message →
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