If you are choosing between a HydraFacial and a regular facial, here is the short version. A HydraFacial follows the same device-led steps every time and takes about 45 minutes. A regular facial is more hands-on, with more massage and more room to adjust as your provider goes. At Uplifting Medi Spa, we offer both at our New Braunfels and Spring Branch clinics, and Spring Branch is the closer one for many Bulverde clients.
Neither one is better across the board. The right pick depends on your skin and what you want from the hour, and we will help you choose when you book. This article is educational, and results vary.
What a HydraFacial is
A HydraFacial uses a handheld device to work through a set order of steps. Ours uses Vortex Fusion technology to cleanse, exfoliate with both physical and chemical exfoliation, and extract congestion with gentle suction. Then comes hydrating and antioxidant support, light therapy, a mask, and an upper body massage.
Gentle suction handles the extraction, so it tends to feel milder than manual extractions. Most clients describe the visit as comfortable and refreshing, and downtime is typically minimal, so you can go straight back to your day.
The HydraFacial options we offer
The HydraFacial is our original 45-minute version. The Deluxe HydraFacial runs 60 minutes and adds lymphatic drainage and a Power booster serum. The Express HydraFacial is a 30-minute visit without the massage. Diamond & Ice is also 30 minutes and pairs diamond-tip dermabrasion with a cold face massage for the deepest exfoliation of the group.
What a regular facial is
A regular facial is hands-on from start to finish. Our Custom Facial is a traditional-style facial picked for your skin, with physical and chemical exfoliation, extractions, a mask, and an upper body massage. The Signature Facial is the same facial with extra masking for more than one concern and more time for massage.
The slower pace is the main difference. Your provider can spend more time where your skin needs it and change the mask partway through. Manual extractions can feel stronger than suction on congested spots, so tell your provider how it feels as you go.
How to choose between them
A HydraFacial may suit you if
Your skin looks dull or tired, feels dry, rough, or congested, or you want a refresh before an event or photos. It is also a practical maintenance visit when you do not want an intense peel or laser. If you have a date in mind, tell us when it is and we will help you pick the appointment window.
A regular facial may suit you if
You want a longer, slower visit with more massage, or you want your provider to adjust steps and masks as they work. Facials also pair well with add-ons such as dermaplaning, lymphatic drainage, and skin boosters. For a full spa visit, our most layered appointment, The Ultimate, combines a Signature Facial, a Deluxe HydraFacial, dermaplaning or wet-diamond microdermabrasion, red-light skin tightening, and hand exfoliation.
What each visit costs
These prices come from our spa services page. They can change, so check the page or ask when you book.
A HydraFacial is $175 for 45 minutes. The Deluxe HydraFacial is $225 for 60 minutes, the Express HydraFacial is $150 for 30 minutes, and Diamond & Ice is $150 for 30 minutes. A Custom Facial is $125 for 45 minutes and a Signature Facial is $150 for 60 minutes. Add-ons include dermaplaning at $50, which is half the $100 standalone price when you add it to another service. Lymphatic drainage and skin boosters are $25 each, and nano-needling is $75.
When a different treatment is a better fit
HydraFacials and facials are maintenance and refresh treatments. They do not treat everything. Deeper acne concerns may need a broader plan than a facial can give.
If sun spots or redness are what bother you, an IPL photofacial is the better fit. For texture, scarring, or early laxity, we usually talk about microneedling or Morpheus8. If you want a deeper, provider-led option, the Twilight Facial combines PRP with microneedling and is aimed at texture, fine lines, and uneven tone. Your provider can also combine a HydraFacial or facial with other treatments when it makes sense.
What about HydraFacial Keravive for your scalp?
If your question is about hair, we also offer HydraFacial Keravive. It uses HydraFacial technology to cleanse and exfoliate the scalp, then applies a Keravive solution. You go home with a 30-day supply of a peptide spray. A visit takes about 60 minutes, and we recommend a series of three, about a month apart.
Keravive is aimed at scalp health and hair quality. It is not designed as a hair loss treatment. If you are noticing thinning, tell us and we will talk through what fits, including our hair restoration options.
How often to book and what to use between visits
How often depends on your skin, your routine, and your budget. Many clients treat HydraFacial as regular maintenance, and we will suggest a schedule after we see how your skin responds.
Between visits, sunscreen and hydration are the basics. In the Uplifting shop we carry Sheer Physical UV Defense SPF 50, a light mineral sunscreen, and Hydrating B5 Masque, a weekly hydration masque. Ask which, if any, fit your skin before you buy.
Common questions about HydraFacial and facials
What is the difference between a HydraFacial and a regular facial?
A HydraFacial uses a device to cleanse, exfoliate, extract with gentle suction, and hydrate in a set order. A regular facial is hands-on, with manual extractions, a mask, and more massage, and your provider adjusts it as they go.
Do you offer HydraFacial in New Braunfels, Spring Branch, and Bulverde?
We offer HydraFacial at our New Braunfels and Spring Branch clinics. Spring Branch is usually the closer drive for Bulverde clients.
Where can I get a facial near me in New Braunfels or Spring Branch?
Both clinics offer facials, including the Custom Facial, Signature Facial, and Express options. Book online or call the clinic you want to visit.
How much is a HydraFacial in New Braunfels?
A HydraFacial is $175 for 45 minutes on our spa services page. The Deluxe HydraFacial is $225 and the Express HydraFacial is $150. Check the page for current pricing.
How long does a HydraFacial take?
The original HydraFacial takes 45 minutes. The Deluxe version takes 60 minutes and the Express version takes 30.
Does a HydraFacial hurt?
Most clients find it comfortable and refreshing. It is designed to cleanse and hydrate without the feel of an aggressive procedure.
Is a HydraFacial good before an event?
It can be. Downtime is typically minimal, so many people book it before events, photos, or travel. Tell us your date and we will help you time it.
Does a HydraFacial help clogged pores or acne?
It can help with congestion and clearer-looking skin through exfoliation and gentle extraction. Deeper acne concerns may need a broader plan, which we can talk through at a consult.
Can I add dermaplaning to my facial?
Yes. Dermaplaning is a $50 add-on, half the $100 standalone price. It removes peach fuzz and the first layer of dead skin.
Book a facial or HydraFacial
If you are not sure which one to pick, book a visit and tell us what you want from your skin, what you have tried, and whether you have an event coming up. We will explain the options before you decide. You can book online for New Braunfels or Spring Branch, or read more on our HydraFacial page.
This article is for education only. Individual results vary. Your provider will review your skin and health history before any treatment.