You know that feeling when you look in the mirror and just don't recognize the person staring back? It’s not necessarily about vanity. Honestly, it’s usually about alignment—wanting the outside to match how energetic you feel on the inside. In Little Rock, if you start asking around about who to trust with your face or body, two names come up constantly: The Skin Retreat and Shewmake Plastic Surgery.
They aren't just separate offices that happened to share a hallway. They are a combined powerhouse. Dr. Kris Shewmake and his team have built a reputation over decades that isn't based on flashy TikTok trends, but on actual, surgical-grade results and clinical integrity. It’s a bit of a "best of both worlds" situation. You have the high-end medical spa environment for the "tweakments," and then you have the heavy-duty surgical expertise for when a cream or a laser just isn't going to cut it anymore.
The Reality of Choosing Between a Spa and a Surgeon
Most people are terrified of looking "done." You've seen it—the overfilled lips, the frozen foreheads, the wind-tunnel face lifts. It’s scary. That’s why the integration of The Skin Retreat and Shewmake Plastic Surgery works so well. Because Dr. Shewmake is a board-certified plastic surgeon, the entire philosophy of the medical spa side is filtered through a surgical understanding of anatomy.
If you go into a random strip-mall medspa, they might try to sell you filler for a problem that actually requires a neck lift. They have a hammer, so everything looks like a nail. But here? If a laser can fix your sun damage, they’ll tell you. If you’re wasting your money on injectables when you really need a surgical intervention to see a difference, they’ll tell you that too. That honesty is rare. It’s also why their patient retention is through the roof.
Who is Dr. Kris Shewmake?
Experience matters. It really does. Dr. Shewmake isn't just some guy with a needle; he’s a former Chief of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at UAMS. That background in complex reconstruction means he understands the underlying structures of the face better than almost anyone. When he transitioned into private practice, he brought that "measure twice, cut once" academic discipline with him.
He’s joined by Jennifer Shelton, a PA-C who has become a bit of a local legend for her injectable work. People travel from all over the state because she has an eye for symmetry that you just can't teach in a weekend seminar. They focus on what they call "natural rejuvenation." Basically, you still look like you—just you after a really, really long nap and a green juice.
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What Actually Happens at The Skin Retreat?
The medical spa side, The Skin Retreat, is where the preventative maintenance happens. It’s the frontline defense against aging. They use medical-grade technology that is significantly more powerful than anything you’d find at a standard day spa.
- HydraFacials and Chemical Peels: This is the baseline. If your skin texture looks like a topographical map of the Ozarks, this is where you start. They use various depths of peels to resurface the skin.
- Laser Treatments: They have an arsenal of lasers. Whether it’s Sciton’s BBL (BroadBand Light) for redness and sunspots or more aggressive resurfacing for deep wrinkles, they match the wavelength to your specific skin type.
- Injectables: Botox, Dysport, and a range of fillers like Juvederm and Restylane. The goal here is "micro-optimizations."
It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the menu of services. Honestly, the best way to handle it is to not pick a service at all. Just tell them your problem. Tell them, "My jawline is sagging," or "I look tired all the time." Let the pros decide if it’s an Ultherapy session or a syringe of Voluma.
Moving Into the Operating Room: Shewmake Plastic Surgery
Sometimes, the skin is just too loose. No amount of Vitamin C serum is going to fix a redundant fold of skin on the eyelids or a post-weight-loss tummy. This is where Shewmake Plastic Surgery steps in.
Dr. Shewmake specializes in several key areas that have become his "signature" moves:
- The Modern Facelift: We’ve moved past the days of pulling skin tight. Modern techniques focus on the SMAS (the underlying muscle layer). By lifting the foundation, the skin sits naturally on top. No "surprised" look.
- Breast Enhancement: Whether it's an augmentation, a lift (mastopexy), or a reduction, the focus is on proportion.
- Body Contouring: Tummy tucks and liposuction. These are often life-changing for women after childbirth or individuals who have lost significant weight.
One thing people appreciate about the surgical side is the transparency regarding recovery. They don't sugarcoat it. Surgery is a big deal. The team is very hands-on with post-op care, ensuring that scarring is minimized and that you aren't just sent home with a bottle of pills and a "good luck" pat on the back.
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Why the Combo Approach Matters for Your Wallet
Let’s talk money. Cosmetic procedures are an investment. A mistake people often make is trying to "save" money by getting repeated rounds of a cheaper treatment that doesn't work.
Imagine spending $3,000 over two years on various "skin tightening" gadgets at a low-end spa with zero results. If you had gone to The Skin Retreat and Shewmake Plastic Surgery for a consultation first, they might have told you that you’re a better candidate for a $5,000 surgical procedure that lasts ten years.
Expertise actually saves you money in the long run. They help you prioritize. Maybe you don't need the expensive laser if a simple skincare regimen and one targeted injectable will do the trick. They help you build a "beauty budget" that actually yields a return on investment.
The Consultation Experience
It isn't a high-pressure sales pitch. It feels more like a clinical evaluation. You sit down, they take photos, and you look at them together on a big screen. It can be a little jarring to see your face in high-def 4K, but it’s necessary. They look at skin quality, volume loss, and structural integrity.
They also aren't afraid to say "no." If a patient has unrealistic expectations or wants something that Dr. Shewmake feels wouldn't look good or be safe, he’ll decline. That’s the mark of a true professional. They care more about their reputation and your face than a quick paycheck.
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Common Misconceptions About Plastic Surgery in Little Rock
People think you have to go to Dallas or Beverly Hills for "world-class" work. That’s just not true anymore. The technology is the same, and in many cases, the patient care in a smaller market like Little Rock is actually superior because the doctors aren't running a "mill."
Another myth is that these treatments are only for the wealthy or the "elite." If you walk into the waiting room, you'll see teachers, nurses, stay-at-home moms, and business owners. It’s become a standard part of self-care for many people, similar to getting your hair colored or going to the dentist. It’s about maintenance.
Actionable Steps for Your Aesthetic Journey
If you're considering a change but don't know where to start, don't just book a random appointment online. Follow this logical progression to get the best result from The Skin Retreat and Shewmake Plastic Surgery:
- Start with a Professional Skin Analysis: Before buying expensive Sephora products, have their aestheticians look at your skin under a wood's lamp. Find out what’s actually happening beneath the surface.
- Audit Your Sunscreen: If you aren't wearing SPF 30+ every single day, you are literally throwing away any money you spend at a plastic surgeon's office. The sun is the primary cause of the issues you're trying to fix.
- Book a Dual Consultation: If you’re over 40, ask to speak with both the medspa team and the surgical team. It’s better to have both perspectives before you commit to a treatment plan.
- Review Before and Afters: Don't just look at the best ones. Ask to see photos of people who have your specific "before" characteristics—similar age, similar skin tone, similar bone structure.
- Prepare for Downtime: If you’re going the surgical route, clear your calendar. Healing cannot be rushed. Listen to the post-op instructions to the letter, especially regarding activity levels and sun exposure.
Ultimately, the goal of The Skin Retreat and Shewmake Plastic Surgery is to make sure that when you leave, you don't look like you’ve had "work done." You just look like the best possible version of yourself. Whether it’s a medical-grade facial or a full surgical transformation, the focus remains on safety, anatomy, and natural beauty. It's about confidence. And in the hands of experts, that’s exactly what you get.