Barbara Kowalczyk, FNP-BC
Board-certified nurse practitioner · Director of Medical Spa Services
Leads injectable treatment planning and has directed medical spa services at the Downers Grove practice since 2019, following an ICU nursing background.
Methodology
What we verified, and what we refuse to publish
Updated September 2026
Skin Med Spa Reviews is an independent resource. It is not written, reviewed, or paid for by Skin Med Spa, and it earns nothing from bookings. Every factual claim about the practice traces to information the practice itself publishes; every review is quoted verbatim with a link to its source. Where we cannot verify something, this page says so rather than filling the gap.
1
Physical location
29
Treatments documented
25
Communities covered
38
Sourced reviews published
The two lists
Verified from published sources
- Single location at 960 Warren Ave in downtown Downers Grove, Illinois.
- Treatments performed by two board-certified nurse practitioners and a licensed esthetician / certified laser technician.
- 29 treatments published across four categories: injectables, laser, skin, and body/wellness.
- Same-day appointments offered most days; walk-ins accepted when capacity allows.
- Saturday hours (10am–3pm, later by appointment) in addition to weekday hours.
- Closed Wednesdays and Sundays.
- Cherry financing offered to split treatment cost into payments.
- Within walking distance of the Main Street Metra station on the BNSF line.
Not verified — treat as unknown
- Whether the rating shown on the practice's public profile (4.9 stars from 298 reviews when we collected it) is still current — ratings move, so check the live listing.
- Prices for any treatment. The practice quotes at consultation; the ranges on this site are regional market context, not its prices.
- Whether a named physician serves as medical director. Not published — worth asking directly.
- Which provider performs a given treatment on a given day, or which devices are operational when you visit.
- Clinical outcomes, complication rates, or before-and-after authenticity.
Providers, as published
Credentials below are taken from the practice's own provider page. Illinois licenses are public — verify any of them through the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.
Michael Fressola, ACNP-BC
Board-certified acute care nurse practitioner
A Rush University graduate with roughly two decades in cosmetic treatments and surgery, previously a partner at a surgery center and advanced cosmetic practice.
Noelle Trost, LE
Certified laser technician & licensed esthetician
Performs laser resurfacing, hair removal, IPL, and medical-grade facial protocols.
Every review we publish, with its source
All 38 of them, quoted verbatim from public Google, Yelp, and practice-website reviews. Star values are shown only where the source shows one.
On Care
"Barb & Mike are great!! And the front desk staff also has been friendly. I have had a handful of treatments at their office. And when am nervous or scared they have numbed me up good (lol) and talk me through it and always are so comforting. Am over 40 so I officially now need maintenance haha. Prices are totally reasonable. Beautiful space. Clean. They take before and after pics. They really listen and take care of your needs. Highly recommend them!"
On Atmosphere
"Enjoyed the event 23rd of April! Now I got to get my treatment. They are professional the spa is absolutely Beyoutiful and I'm over the moon on my experience & how my treatment came out. This spa is a class of it own. Barb & Mike and the Skin Med spa family are welcoming, absolutely professional & spa is impeccable. Will be looking forward to many more treatments with you all. As well as my whole family. Grateful, we came across each other! 5 stars across the board."
On Results
"Never have I felt more beautiful inside and out, thanks to Barb and Mike opening Skin Med Spa in Downers Grove!!! I have had a ton of their offered services done and have been satisfied each and every time! Botox, love it. Laser treatment, love it! Lips, always looking beautiful and last such a long time! Hair removal was a must too! Sometimes we don't know what we want but just know we need a "pick me up", Barb and Mike are very professional and can be trusted to help guide you on your way to feeling and looking the best you ever have!! Highly recommend you give them a call, and stop in."
On Results
"This place is fantastic! Barb and Mike are wonderful and are incredibly good at making people look their best. They truly are amazing at their jobs! I got threads done and was so impressed with the results. It was such a huge improvement. I am 57 and the lift was amazing!"
On Results
"I have been Barbara's client for over a year and i love everything about this salon. I did laser hair removal treatment and it took me 5 sessions to get 90% of the hair removed."
On Expertise
"I honestly can't say enough good stuff about this place! They offer so many different things to fit everyone's personal needs, and Barb is literally the best nurse injector ever! She always does an amazing job on my lip fillers and occasional Botox. I have also started getting the IPL laser treatments on my face to help remove pigmentation and I am obsessed my skin has never looked better! She's the only person I trust with my face so schedule your appointment because it will be the best decision you have ever made."
On Value
"I read some reviews and decided to try this new "Medical Spa" in DG, within walking distance from my house so thought I'd give it a try! Impressive when I walked in, very clean and welcoming. I got some sun spots removed from a gal I read a review about "Barb" thought she was very knowledgeable, kind and not pushy! Appreciated! The prices are VERY reasonable. My sun spots are removed and I will be back!! I also met another person Michael that was very knowledgeable and helpful as well and easy to talk to! Next on my list is a PRXT! Ladies don't feel intimidated go a treat yourself here because it's a comfortable setting, professional and my new "mini vacation" I come back looking rested and look GREAT I give them 5 stars."
On Expertise
"I'm only 33 but my sun spots have become increasingly dark over the years. I visited businesses that recommended expensive topical creams. It was until I came to Skin Med Spa that they suggest laser treatment to help. They walked me through options and helped to explain each process. I've also received injections and have been very happy with my results. This has been a great center to help with my facial skin needs!"
On Consultation
"So i decided to gift botox and lip filler to my girl. I researched highly reviewed spas and Skin med spa definitely has the stars. It truly is a 5 star place. We got there on time and was given some papers to fill out. I thought, like most offices there would be a long wait but not at all! Apparently they have a no wait policy. How refreshing. So we had a lengthy consult with 2 nurse practitioners Mike and Barb. Kinda like a cable show where they both educated us and bantered different ideas about. Was very informative and my g.f Kelly decided on lip filler and a new form of botox on her upper face. The results are amazing. She got very natural looking lips and now her fine lines are gone. We will go back for hair removal and tattoo removal for myself. I highly recommend this place for professionalism, thoroughness convenience but mostly for great results."
On Comfort
"Got my lip fillers here through a recommendation from a friend, and I'm so glad that I chose to go here! Although I was a bit nervous the whole experience was very pleasant and in the end I got exactly what I wanted, and I couldn't be happier!! Thank you Barbara and Michael!!"
On Value
"I always have an amazing experience when I'm at Skin Med Spa! The staff is amazing and so friendly! Prices are great! I've never been disappointed! Each procedure has given me the results I'm looking for! Thank you Barb & Mike!"
On Results
"I was really interested in the Oxygeneo super facial that was featured on The Bachelor. I thought I would treat myself before my birthday party and go to the spa to get it done. And this spa was the only one in the area that did it and they did not disappoint! Barb was so professional and kind it was like getting a facial with a good friend! My skin is still glowing and bright from the treatment a week ago! I would HIGHLY recommend this spa!! They have a whole list of treatments like fillers and Botox and I can't wait to go again. (Just went back about a month later and got laser hair removal and I already see a difference with one session!)"
On Comfort
"I was so scared to get lip filler, this place is amazing! I didn't feel a thing!!! They make you feel so comfortable and are very honest! Go here for treatment!!"
On Consultation
"Visited this location for the first time and was extremely pleased with the service. I was nervous because I never received fillers before. Since my smile lines were making me feel so insecure, I became interested in fillers. Barbara and Michael have the best personalities. They have a way of making one feel at ease. Barbara performed the fillers and did an awesome job within 30 minutes!!!! Both of them listened to my concerns and patiently answered all my questions. Also, didn't try to upsell on prices. The office has beautiful decor and the receptionist/greeter was super friendly. I look forward to going back and recommending my mother and friends."
On Atmosphere
"I've been twice now and the office has been great! Nice, clean space and you're in and out!"
On Results
"I've been going to Barb for years, she's the best! She has been doing my fillers, Botox and recently jeuveau. My favorite is the lip flip with and/or without filler. Recently had a small amount of filler injected into my cheeks and am in love with the results! My main concern has always been looking like I've had too much done so I like that she listens to what you want. I am extremely satisfied with the natural and youthful appearance she has always been able to deliver for me — prevention at it's finest! I love the positive and friendly energy you get when you walk into Skin Med Spa. Highly recommend!"
On Results
"What a welcoming staff and beautiful spa. I was beyond impressed with all the services they offer and knowledge they share when explaining the procedures I had done. My face feels amazing and I definitely look refreshed!! My sun spots are so much lighter! I can't wait to go back and see Barbara!"
On Results
"Best of the best! Highly recommend. I was so nervous for my first Botox experience and I had amazing results and will definitely be going back. Thank you. Looking forward to facials and other services too."
On Comfort
"I had microneedling done here, it was painless and i loved the results… the place is also very cute and everyone that works there is so nice."
On Expertise
"Michael, as well as the rest of the staff are very knowledgeable and professional. The whole team is very nice! I will definitely be coming back. I would recommend this place to anyone!"
On Consultation
"Barbara was very thorough in explaining all types of procedures that I considered, what works best and cost. I would definitely recommend her."
On Results
"Barb is a magician! Absolutely love my results and looking to get more services done here. Already referred my aunt!"
On Results
"Very talented group, my results are much better now than when using other companies. Professional work and great products. I highly recommend this cheerful and talented group."
On Weight Loss
"Had an amazing experience at Skin Med Spa. Tried every diet out there. Decided to try the weight loss shots. I had great success and lost 35 lbs! Thrilled with the results."
On Care
"I met with Noelle for my BioRePeel and it was amazing! Great services, conversation (she's super sweet), and overall amazing experience! I would recommend. :)"
On Expertise
"Barb and Michael are wonderful, knowledgeable, and skilled. The very best of the best. Highly recommend."
On Results
"Barb did a phenomenal job on my lips, after they healed they looked so nice and so full. She does amazing work, and if you are looking for a great place to get your lips done you should look into skin med spa."
On Care
"Barb is absolutely amazing! Whatever you're getting with her, I promise you are in great hands!! i'll never go anywhere else!!"
On Atmosphere
"This place is amazing! Staff is very friendly! Micheal knows what he is talking about. The place is gorgeous! And when you leave there you just feel glamourous."
On Comfort
"Amazing place!! Clean and friendly. They made the process so easy and Barb went above and beyond to make me feel comfortable."
On Results
"Everyone at Skin Med Spa was very nice, knowledgeable, and professional. All my questions and concerns were addressed. I got the italian face peel facial and my skin looks and feels amazing."
On Comfort
"It was my first time doing lip filler. I was nervous, but Barb did a great job throughout the whole process. The pain was tolerable and I barely felt the needles because she uses a great numbing cream for the lips. 10/10 going back for more."
On Results
"I loved my facial. I left feeling amazing and I do not have to use any foundation. Everyone that has seen my face has given me compliments on my glow. Barb is amazing I trust her with all my med spa needs."
On Care
"Skin Med Spa is a wonderful place! Mike listened to my needs and is very good at what he does. You can tell they really care about their work. So happy I found this place - I will be back!"
On Care
"Highly recommend this business!! They are friendly, professional, caring and do amazing work! Michael and Barbara have been wonderful."
On Results
"Barbara is amazing!!! My first time trying Jeuveau and the result was better than expected!"
On Care
"This is the only place I'll go now for my injections! Barb is amazing and isn't pushy. She makes you feel comfortable and really listens to all your needs and goals! I'll never go anywhere else again!!! They're the best."
On Expertise
"I highly recommend going to Skin Med Spa! Barb is extremely knowledgeable about the services offered here. It was my first time receiving any services at a Med Spa and my lip filler turned out perfectly! I wish I came here sooner. My lips look natural yet have more volume and shape. 10 out of 10!"
What this site will not do
- Writing reviews, or paraphrasing real ones into new ones.
- Attaching star values to quotes where the source did not show one.
- Completing reviews whose published text was truncated — we leave those out entirely.
- Calling any practice the 'best' or 'number one' — that is a claim no review site can substantiate.
- Accepting payment, referral fees, or affiliate commission from any practice covered here.
- Presenting treatment education as medical advice about your individual case.
Frequently asked questions
Use the criteria, not the ranking
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