Page 71 - South Mississippi Living - November, 2026

Lisa Furlan, a
20-year client of
Islands Center for
Women’s MedSpa
Skincare
product
display
Her journey into aesthetic medicine began about 23
years ago, when she stepped away from delivering babies
to spend more time with her growing family. Already
practicing gynecology, she saw an opportunity to explore
her longtime interests in art, makeup, and beauty.
She opened a small practice, Room to Relax, in
downtown Ocean Springs before eventually moving to
its current location. At the time, Botox and fillers were
beginning to gain popularity.
Today, the med spa offers an array of treatments
designed to address individual skin concerns, but Milam
believes the most important part of any consultation is
listening.
Rather than pointing out what she thinks a patient
should change, she asks what bothers them.
After all, the goal isn’t to recreate the face someone had
at 25 or chase an unrealistic image on social media. It’s to
help patients feel confident in the skin they’re in.
And that confidence often starts with prevention.
Milam encourages healthy eating, quality sleep, regular
exercise, and sunscreen, particularly for those enjoying
the Coast’s outdoor lifestyle. She also recommends
appropriate skin treatments throughout the year to help
maintain skin quality.
Licensed aesthetician Laura Vines, who has worked
alongside Milam for more than five years, helps patients
find treatments suited to their needs.
Among Furlan’s favorites are HydraFacials, which use
specialized equipment, suction, and serums to cleanse,
exfoliate, and hydrate the skin.
SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living | www.smliving.net HydraFacial
treatment room
Furlan also receives microneedling, a treatment that
creates tiny, controlled injuries in the skin to stimulate its
natural repair process and collagen production.
Vines said Furlan’s results reflect more than occasional
appointments.
“She’s very consistent with her regimen,” Vines said,
noting Furlan’s dedication to home skin care and
willingness to follow personalized recommendations.
For those unsure where to begin, Vines recommends
a facial or complimentary consultation to assess skin
concerns and develop an individualized plan.
Furlan particularly appreciates that the staff listens to
her concerns without pressuring her into unnecessary
procedures.
And when it came time to choose a cover model for South
Mississippi Living’s annual Golden Years issue, Milam knew
exactly who she wanted.
Furlan’s healthy habits, positive attitude, and genuine
personality made her a natural choice.
“She tries to eat healthy, she exercises, she takes such
good care of herself,” Milam said. “She’s happy, she sleeps
well, and then she comes to let us just put icing on that
cake.”
Sheli Milam, MD & Laura Vines, LE
228.818.0416
islandscenter.net/the-med-spa
November 2026 | 71