Q&A: Worcester medical spa works to preserve natural beauty

A woman with blonde hair pulled back wears a white and red patterned blouse with her arms crossed.

Photo | Courtesy of EA Medical Aesthetics Kasia Dodman, owner of EA Medical Aesthetics in Worcester

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By Sloane M. Perron

Kasia Dodman’s life has been a series of unexpected twists and turns. An immigrant from Poland, Dodman had no family in the U.S., no money, and could not speak a word of English when she first moved to Worcester. She worked hard and became a successful finance professional before obtaining her nursing degrees and transforming her career as an oncology nurse. Today, Dodman owns and operates EA Medical Aesthetics, a medical day spa in Worcester specializing in facials, fillers, and lasers.

Kasia Dodman bio box

Why did you immigrate to Worcester?

I immigrated to the U.S. in 2000. Looking back, it was a risky move. I was only 20 years old and had no connections in this country. I took English as a second language classes. I graduated with a history degree from Anna Maria College in 2005. After graduation, I went into banking and got a job at Bank of America. Later, I became a stockbroker at Fidelity Investments. I went on to obtain my master’s degree and MBA concentration in finance at Nichols College. I liked finance, but it did not fulfill me. I knew I wanted to help people.

I decided to do my premedical at Harvard Extension School, and then I went to the UMass Tan Chingfen Graduate School of Nursing in Worcester, where I obtained my nursing degree in 2014 and my master’s degree. It was a huge change. I got a job at Worcester’s UMass Memorial Medical Center in the bone marrow transplant department. My entire career was in oncology as a bone marrow transplant nurse and nurse practitioner. I loved my job, but it was hard to see the suffering of others.

My adventure into the med spa field began because I am a painter. I have always been interested in aesthetics, and as a nurse, I wanted to help people in a different way. EA Medical Aesthetics was established more than 25 years ago, and I purchased the business in 2022. That moment when I became a med spa owner was the best.

What services do you offer?

We're very experienced and tailor every treatment. Our services include facials, body shaping, injectables like fillers and neurotoxins. We offer laser treatments for chronic acne, rosacea, hair removal, and microneedling. Our medical-grade products are not available in most retail stores.

We do offer semaglutides, which have been popularized by drugs like Ozempic. However, our medical weight-loss program is not just a shot. It is a 12-to-20-week preventative health program using exercise and diet plans.

How are med spas different?

Medical spas must have the oversight of a licensed medical professional. These services go beyond those offered in traditional spas, such as medical-grade anti-aging treatments like skincare, lasers, or injectables such fillers and Botox. I am a provider first, and even though this is for aesthetic purposes, it is still medication.

What are the misconceptions about med spas?

People see celebrities and have a misconception that med spas are not about natural beauty. On the contrary, they are about preserving one’s natural beauty or preventative care. That stigma is being lifted because med spas are now seen as a health tool and part of self-care. Poor nutrition, stress, too much sun exposure, and the natural process of aging all have dramatic effects on the skin’s appearance and elasticity. We use restorative measures to repair skin damage and rejuvenate, so clients’ skin feels and looks beautiful.

What factors should people consider when they're going to a med spa?

It's important to look for a highly qualified and knowledgeable provider, who has an excellent track record. Make sure they are interested in what you want and they listen to you and answer all your questions. Be cautious of one-size-fits-all services, and remember you can always start with small treatments.

What are your future plans?

We are expanding, and in September we will be moving to our new location at 82 Park Ave. in Worcester. In the future, I want to expand into holistic women's health treatments.

However, one of the newest achievements I am proud of is being on the board of directors for Why Me? & Sherry’s House, a nonprofit helping children diagnosed with cancer. Even though I am no longer in oncology, I still have a special place in my heart for cancer patients. I want to help those kids and families because a cancer diagnosis is devastating and affects everybody in the family.

This interview was conducted and edited for length and clarity by WBJ Correspondent Sloane M. Perron.

CORRECTION: A previous version of this article incorrectly said Botox was a filler treatment. The correct information is filler is a gel-like substance injected beneath the skin to restore lost volume, smooth lines, and soften creases, whereas Botox is an injection using a toxin to prevent a muscle from moving for a limited time.