Category Archives: GROOM

Dr. Vergara Answers Your Candela Matrix Pro Questions

May 4, 2024

You asked! We answered: All your questions Matrix Pro for radiofrequency microneedling!

We chatted with the brilliant Dr. Vergarato answer all your burning questions that we received on Instagram!

 

What makes Matrix Pro different from its competitors

Matrix Pro is one of the most comfortable devices, delivering results with minimal downtime compared to other Microneedling RF devices on the market. It is the device with the smallest needles on the market. The needles are 34G and are insulated, protecting the epidermis of the skin. I’ve noticed in my practice there is less downtime, no bleeding and a faster recovery. It also shows the impedance on the tissue which determines the right energy that it is being delivered. This is amazing since we can prevent fat loss in areas we want to preserve volume and this also gives us the ability to debulk some areas by delivering more energy. With one entry point, 3 depths of the tissue can be targeted without having to do multiple passes like other devices. Multiple passes will make the treatment more painful and recovery longer. In my practice, patients have demonstrated to be more comfortable and experience less pain!

 

Is it safe for women with filler/freezer – what is the time in between having those done and getting Matrix Pro? 

It is completely safe, I suggest waiting at least 2 weeks after Botox or fillers to perform this treatment.

Is it a good for idea for women with fat loss, over 50-60?

Absolutely, if the right energy and depth are used and the right handpiece (we also offer Sublative) per patient, we can stimulate collagen and elastin, preventing any fat loss.

 

Is it ok for women who have had facelifts?

Yes, the face or any area will continue losing collagen and elastin. This is an amazing treatment to maintain the skin elasticity and prevent future aging.

 

Is it ok for women who have had RF within the same year? Months?

Yes, a proper consultation should be done. Multiple sessions are often required, and maintenance sessions are done as well. A good medical history and intake form will determine the best treatment plan.

 

Who would you say is the ideal patient?

After age 30, our collagen production decreases by 50%, so most patients over age 30 are ideal for treatment to prevent aging. Patients that are younger can benefit from this treatment in case they have acne scars, for example. Some of the indications are fine lines and wrinkles, skin texture, quality of the skin, pores, etc.

 

How about for body parts? Tightening tummy or thighs?

This device can be performed on any area of the body. It all depends on what we are trying to achieve to modify settings such as energy and depth. In my practice, knees and elbows are a very common area.

 

Does this treatment pair well with any other aesthetic treatments?

In my practice, I do multiple treatment modalities. Most of the time, different treatments need to be done to maintain the area. Other lasers can target pigmentation and redness, neuromodulators target fine lines and prevent wrinkles, dermal fillers replace the volume loss or contour certain areas of the face. Threads can be done to stimulate collagen. I love microneedling RF treatments, but most of the time I do many treatments.  The assessment should be performed and treated on a case-by-case basis.

 

About Dr. Vergara:

Mariana Vergara is a medical doctor from Colombia with extensive clinical and surgical experience. During her medical training she started her internship as part of the Latin American Program at the University of Miami School of Medicine at Jackson Memorial Hospital and then completed it at Children Hospital Boston and Deaconess Medical Center/Harvard Medical School.

Her passion for cosmetic dermatology made her pursue a second career in United States. She joined Florida International University BSN/MSN program for foreign educated physicians. She earned a Bachelor degree in Science of Nursing and a Master degree in Family Nurse Practitioner.

She gained further experience working with prestigious Plastic Surgeons and Dermatologists in Beverly Hills, California and is up to date with the latest minimally invasive procedures.  Vergara has 7 years of experience with cosmetic injectables and uses various hyaluronic acid fillers and neuromodulators to preserve the patient’s natural look. Mariana is known for treating A list celebrities and prestigious public figures worldwide.

My Journey with DAXXIFY®: A Game-Changer in the World of Neuromodulators

March 26, 2024

Daxxify

As a beauty editor deeply entrenched in the world of skincare innovations, I’m always on the lookout for treatments that offer a perfect blend of science and effectiveness. Enter DAXXIFY®, a revolutionary neuromodulator promising extended results that caught my attention. Guiding me through this journey is Michele Chahine PA, my long-time/go-to esteemed injector with a wealth of experience in aesthetic medicine. With over a decade of expertise in the field, Michele stands as a beacon of excellence in the industry. As the Founder of @methodofbeauty, her dedication to personalized treatments has garnered her a loyal following. Having been under Michele’s care for years, her credentials and commitment to her patients make her the ideal partner in exploring the wonders of DAXXIFY®.

“DAXXIFY® is FDA approved to smooth moderate to severe lines between the brows. It is the only frown line treatment powered by a peptide. The active ingredient in DAXXIFY® is a purified protein called botulinum toxin type A.”

DAXXIFY® represents a significant advancement in the field of neuromodulators, offering a unique formulation designed to deliver longer-lasting results compared to its counterparts. Unlike traditional toxin freezers like Botox, DAXXIFY® harnesses the power of peptides to enhance its efficacy and duration of action. Peptides, with their strong positive charge, play a pivotal role in DAXXIFY®’s mechanism of action, ensuring a more targeted and sustained interaction with nerve cells. This unique approach not only sets DAXXIFY® apart but also guarantees longer-lasting results and a tailored treatment experience.

As Michele administered the DAXXIFY® injections with her characteristic precision of course, I was struck by the science behind the treatment, as she filled me in about what makes it so special – and why it has now become the new go-to.  I trust Michele implicitly for her keenly natural approach to facial balance and profound knowledge of facial anatomy, which made trying something totally new – a breeze. Her expertise ensured that my treatment was not only effective but also aligned with my individual skincare goals.

“All frown line treatments require a special ingredient to stabilize botulinum toxin A, the protein responsible for helping smooth moderate to severe frown lines. For instance, Botox® Cosmetic uses human serum albumin (HSA), a blood product, as its stabilizer. Dysport®, another frown line treatment, uses HSA as a stabilizer and cow’s milk protein as a protectant.”

DAXXIFY® is unique because it is the only formulation that uses a novel peptide as a stabilizer and does not contain human or animal byproducts.

It’s now been almost two weeks since my DAXXIFY® treatment and the results speak for themselves. My skin texture already improved, and fine lines faded away. I look beyond refreshed and rejuvenated. I’m glowing in a way I had not from other neuromodulators.

How is DAXXIFY® different from other frown line treatments?

“DAXXIFY® is the only frown line treatment powered by a peptide. It’s fast acting, long lasting and slow to wear off.*

All frown line treatments require a special ingredient to stabilize botulinum toxin A, the protein responsible for helping smooth moderate to severe frown lines. For instance, Botox® Cosmetic uses human serum albumin (HSA), a blood product, as its stabilizer. Dysport®, another frown line treatment, uses HSA as a stabilizer and cow’s milk protein as a protectant.

DAXXIFY® is unique because it is the only formulation that uses a novel peptide as a stabilizer and does not contain human or animal byproducts.

*Results as early as the next day and typically within 2 days. At least 50% of patients in clinical studies had no or minor frown lines 6 months after treatment.”

The potential longevity of the results, reaffirmed my confidence in DAXXIFY® as a game-changer in the realm of neuromodulators. DAXXIFY® represents a new frontier in skincare with its innovative formulation and I thrilled to be able to share the word on this with you all!

 

 

ABOUT MICHELE MESSIAH CHAHINE, MS, PA-C

BOARD CERTIFIED PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT | CERTIFIED IN DERMATOLOGY
MASTER INJECTOR | ANTI-AGING EXPERT | SKIN SPECIALIST

Michele Messiah Chahine, PA-C is a Board Certified Physician Assistant specializing in dermatology and medical aesthetics. She earned her Masters of Science degree in Physician Assistant studies at Western University of Health Sciences and holds a degree in Psychology-Biology from UCLA.

11645 Wilshire Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90025, US
+1 310-746-3174
[email protected]
Get directions

Monday – Sunday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Special appointment times every 2-3 months. Please Pre-Book to guarantee your spot.

BEAUTYOLOGIE’S ONLINE MARKETPLACE WILL TAKE YOU ON AN ETHICALLY SOURCED GLOBETROTTING JOURNEY 

March 6, 2024

why shopIt’s wild to me that Gen Alphas are treasure-hunting Sephora stores seeking Hyaluronic Acid and anything that will prevent wrinkles on their prepubescent faces. While I appreciate their intention for self-care, I wish they’d be more thoughtful about where all their empties will end up or where their products came from in the first place. So it was incredibly refreshing to me when I learned about Robin Doyle’s online beauty marketplace, Beautyologie. Robin and I go back way before Covid times, when I was consumed in the editorial world and she was on the PR side of some amazing beauty brands and projects. 

Beautyologie is not your typical etailer hocking the latest viral Tik Tok trends. It’s a highly curated collection of 50+ beauty brands from all corners of the earth that actually give a shit about the world. Robin draws from 25 years of beauty industry experience as a writer and PR agency owner (Charmed PR). She confesses her idea to create a beauty marketplace for brands using the industry as a vehicle for soclal good came from working with clients who founded the fair trade beauty brands Shea Yeleen and Silktage. Both have been on her site since day one. 

“Once I realized that these women weren’t just making skin care products for the hell of it, but they were doing it to help the ingredient producers in places like Ghana and Morocco make a living and pay for books and food for their kids, I thought, there is so much more good that could come out of the beauty industry if people just paid attention,” she says. 

She also took a trip to India right before the pandemic which transformed her outlook on the consumer industry. Witnessing firsthand how western shopping behavior affects a developing country, she felt incredible guilt for the 20+ years she spent in PR pushing the promotion and sale of endless beauty and accessory items. 

So many of the ingredients that go into our beauty products are farmed and tended to just like the food we eat. Much of them come from the global south and are produced, not always in the best conditions by people who are not always treated or paid fairly. This topic is covered extensively on Robin’s site as well as highilghting where brands are from. In browsing the Countries tab, I can find beauty from Bangladesh to Zambia. 

What I found myself going down a rabbit hole was the Ingredient Checker, a comprehensive guide to all the ingredients used in the products she offers. “I believe that everyone deserves to know exactly what’s in their beauty products and where those ingredients come from,” she explains. 

That’s not to say you will only find crunchy Shea Butter and Argan Oil brands here. A self-admitted beauty snob, Robin looks for efficacious formulas that blend science with ethically sourced ingredients too (Moon Beings Skincare), or Zero-Waste brands (Parrotfish and Axiology). Gorgeous hair accessories and cosmetic bags from India and Guatemala are available too.

Robin dreams of opening her own beauty boutique one day, but rent in LA is ridiculous so she’s created a work around with a collections of Pop-Ups, her largest in the Valley Salt Cave in Woodland Hills on Ventura Blvd. which I plan to visit soon. I love a good Salt Cave, and I hear this one does Tarot Card Sound Baths…ahhh. 

A beauty aficionado myself, I am drooling over some of the products I found on Beautyologie that I’ve never heard of before. Here’s a sampling of my faves from above:

ABHATI Suisse Chambral Sacred Hair Oila rich, golden, healthy growth-encouraging blend of ayurvedic botanicals and Indian oils including Himalayan Wild Cherry Oil. 

Amazonian Skinfood Magic Wand: All-in-One Gentle Face Cleasner:  a travel-ready solid face cleansing stick made with Acai, Passion Fruit and Yerba Mate. 

Odylique Mineral Lipstick in Praline – it’s the perfect taupe / nude shade you dream about and it contains Fair Trade Certified Shea Butter. 

Violet Botanical Egyptian Marula Oil – Sourced from Botswana, the texture says it is lightweight and non-greasy. I just want the gorgeous blue glass bottle to have a permanent residence on my vanity. 

Nourishe Supreme Rose Invigoratin Cream – Infused with nine different types of organic roses, and Ayuvvedic herbs. The nutrients of 37 plants create this velvety cream.

Katari Beauty Argil Mediterranean Green Clay Facial Masque – Mined from the Atlas Mountains in Africa, the mineral-rich green clay helps clear acne-prone skin. Housed in a glass bottle with a cork topper. 

Use GROOMED15 for 15% off orders $50 or more. 

Introducing Well Studio: LA’s Newest Wellness Gem

March 4, 2024

well studioNestled in Pasadena, Well Studio offers a peaceful sanctuary for those seeking holistic wellness in order to look, and more importantly, feel their best. Specializing in lymphatic drainage and body-sculpting treatments, this intimate studio has garnered attention from singer/actress Rainey Qualley, model Elsa Hosk, podcast host Pia Baroncini and more.

At the core of Well Studio’s offerings is the LED/Laser Icoone machine, imported from Italy. Utilizing gentle deep tissue massage, this patented technology stimulates the lymphatic system to facilitate detoxification and fat elimination. Providing over 21,600 micro-stimulations per minute, the Icoone machine massages the skin, targeting focus areas that may be resistant to diet and exercise. Renowned in European spas, this painless and relaxing experience is now accessible in East LA. 

Benefits of treatments (named Transcendent Revival, Core Restore and Radiant Glow) include improved blood flow and circulation, reduced inflammation and water weight, digestion support, body contouring, decreased lactic acid buildup, cellulite reduction, a boost in collagen, elasticity and immunity, and more.

Founder Colette Connor’s personal journey inspired the creation of Well Studio. Battling autoimmune symptoms. Connor discovered the transformative effects of the lymphatic system and the Icoone machine. Now, she extends her expertise to others, guiding them towards optimal health. 

Well Studio provides a haven for those on a journey towards holistic well-being. Whether you’re seeking rejuvenation of mind and body, relief from ailments or simply a moment of tranquility, Well Studio is LA’s newest hidden gem for a healthier, happier you.

Well Studio
609 E. Green St.. Pasadena, Ca 91101

Instagram.com/wellstudiola

Vie Healing: Ancient Wisdom and Modern Innovation Converge for Holistic Wellness

February 12, 2024

In the labyrinthine world of wellness, where trends rise and fall like the ebb and flow of tides, there exists a sacred space nestled in the heart of West Hollywood, where the timeless wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine converges with the epitome of modern innovation. Welcome to Vie Healing, a sanctuary masterfully crafted by Mona Dan, a visionary adept in the art of healing and restoration.

Mona Dan, LAc., MTOM, the luminary behind Vie Healing, is not merely a practitioner; she is a custodian of ancient wisdom, a modern alchemist weaving threads of tradition with the fabric of contemporary wellness. With over a decade of hands-on experience, Mona’s journey has been one of relentless pursuit—of bridging the chasm between antiquity and modernity, of redefining the boundaries of healing itself.

Explore services here: VH_Service_Menu

Central to the ethos of Vie Healing is Mona’s pioneering creation: the 24k Gold Ear Seeds. These tiny treasures, heralded by the most discerning voices in fashion and wellness, have transcended mere adornment to become beacons of holistic wellness. Coveted by the elite and adorned by the enlightened, Mona’s ear seeds have earned her the illustrious title of the “Queen of Ear Seeds,” a crown befitting her unrivaled mastery.

But Mona’s influence extends far beyond the confines of her sanctuary. Her bespoke techniques and premium tools grace the halls of luxury spas and hotels worldwide, elevating healing to an art form. From the opulence of the Ritz Carlton to the serenity of the Four Seasons, Mona’s touch transforms mere mortals into vessels of vitality and vigor.

Mona’s mission transcends the realm of exclusivity. With the launch of the Vie Healing Master Class, she invites seekers of wellness into the inner sanctum of her wisdom, offering a direct conduit to her unparalleled expertise. In Mona’s world, healing is not a privilege reserved for the few; it is a birthright to be reclaimed by all.

Step inside Vie Healing, and you’ll find yourself enveloped in a symphony of ancient traditions and modern marvels—a harmonious fusion of Eastern wisdom and Western ingenuity. And let’s talk style – it’s stunning. Here, the finest contemporary tools and proprietary products converge to create an oasis of serenity and rejuvenation.

At the heart of Vie Healing lies Vybra—the latest in vibration tech-therapy—a testament to Mona’s relentless pursuit of innovation. Crafted from luxuriously soft silicone and infused with the transformative power of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Vybra transcends the ordinary to become a portal to profound healing and release.

As you surrender to Vybra’s gentle vibrations, acupuncture points harmonize and converge with the modern marvel of magnetic therapy. It’s a dance of energy and resonance—an intimate dialogue between body and soul—that leaves you transformed, renewed, and utterly revitalized.

In the illustrious repertoire of the Vybra collection, three standout gems reign supreme—each meticulously crafted to cater to the diverse needs of the modern wellness enthusiast.

First, we have The Enoki—an embodiment of precision and power. Designed to delve deep into those elusive release points, The Enoki effortlessly navigates the labyrinth of tension, targeting key areas with pin-point accuracy. From the stubborn knots nestled in the nape of the neck to the throbbing temples plagued by migraines, The Enoki offers respite with its gentle yet commanding touch. With three adjustable power settings at your disposal, you have the power to tailor the intensity to your liking, ensuring a bespoke journey to relaxation and relief.

Next in line is The Shroom—a testament to gentleness and grace. This delicately designed tool is a master of subtlety, expertly crafted to caress sensitive spots with exquisite care. Its soft contours stimulate lymphatic points with unparalleled precision, promoting optimal drainage and soothing relief. Whether gliding over the bottoms of the feet, tracing the underarms, or tenderly massaging the quads and groin, The Shroom envelops you in a cocoon of comfort, releasing tension and restoring harmony with each tender touch.

Completing the trifecta is The Fig—an embodiment of elegance and indulgence. Crafted to fit snugly in the palm of your hand, this luxurious vibrator is a symphony of sensuality and sophistication. Made from buttery-soft silicone, The Fig’s gentle yet potent vibrations awaken your innermost desires, inviting you to surrender to a realm of pure bliss. With its ideal size and pin-point accuracy, each interaction with The Fig is an intimate dance of pleasure, tailored to meet your every whim and fancy.

In the realm of Vybra, these three treasures stand as paragons of healing and rejuvenation. Whether seeking relief from chronic pain, promoting lymphatic flow, or indulging in moments of sensual delight, The Enoki, The Shroom, and The Fig offer a gateway to profound transformation—a testament to the boundless possibilities that await within the realm of holistic wellness.

In a world where wellness trends come and go, Vie Healing stands as a bastion of authenticity and efficacy.

+1 310-927-3097