Category Archives: THE LIST

A Visit with Dr. Gregory Mueller: The 411 on MyEllevate and Why It’s Revolutionizing Neck Rejuvenation

November 16, 2024

Dr. Gregory Mueller, aka The Neck Doctor, is one of those rare LA plastic surgeons whose name alone carries a certain gravitas. Known for his expertise in facial aesthetics and neck rejuvenation, he’s also the visionary inventor behind MyEllevate, a minimally invasive procedure that’s turning the world of plastic surgery on its axis. Naturally, I had to book a consultation with him, not just to learn about this groundbreaking procedure but also to see if I could be its poster child. Spoiler: I’m not. But the conversation we had was illuminating for anyone curious about the new frontier of neck and jawline enhancement.

The Meeting: Getting the MyEllevate Lowdown

Dr. Mueller’s office feels more like a chic art gallery than a medical practice—a subtle nod to his reputation as a surgeon with both technical and artistic prowess. From the moment I sat down, it was clear he has a deep passion for educating his patients. We dove headfirst into MyEllevate, his baby, and a procedure he describes as “neck contouring for the modern age.”

“This is for the patient who doesn’t need or want a full neck lift but is ready to say goodbye to early signs of aging in the neck and jawline,” Dr. Mueller explained, his enthusiasm palpable. He described MyEllevate as a hybrid between a surgical procedure and a non-surgical treatment—think the precision of surgery without the heavy downtime.

What truly floored me, however, were the before-and-after photos. Dr. Mueller pulled out a portfolio showcasing transformations that seemed almost magical—tightened, sculpted jawlines, lifted necks, and a striking sense of rejuvenation. And here’s the kicker: it works just as beautifully for men as it does for women. The natural-looking results are ideal for men who may want subtle enhancements without looking “done.”

CHECK OUT THE BEFORE AND AFTERS HERE

Dr. Mueller’s Background: The Scientist-Artist Hybrid

Dr. Mueller isn’t just a surgeon; he’s a pioneer. As a board-certified plastic surgeon with years of experience, he specializes in facial aesthetics, earning a reputation for combining cutting-edge technology with an artist’s eye. His invention of MyEllevate came from a desire to bridge the gap between non-invasive treatments and full-on surgery, creating an option for patients seeking something more precise yet less invasive.

His work has been featured in numerous medical journals, and he is a regular speaker at conferences where he trains other surgeons in the MyEllevate technique. In a city teeming with cosmetic professionals, Dr. Mueller’s name stands out as synonymous with innovation and excellence.

FOLLOW DR. MUELLER ON IG AND FALL IN LOVE

What Is MyEllevate?

At its core, MyEllevate is all about neck support. Over time, the platysma muscles in the neck start to loosen, causing sagging and that dreaded “turkey neck.” MyEllevate uses a patented ICLED® light-guided suture system to thread a supportive matrix underneath the skin, essentially creating an internal scaffold. This suturing technique lifts and tightens the area while leaving the overlying skin intact.

Unlike traditional neck lifts, which involve cutting and removing excess skin, MyEllevate targets the muscle layer, reshaping and redefining the jawline and neck contour without an incision under the chin. As Dr. Mueller puts it, “It’s like a hammock for your neck, giving you the structural support you had in your twenties.”

The Procedure: Science Meets Artistry

The beauty of MyEllevate lies in its minimally invasive nature. Dr. Mueller walks through the steps:

  1. Local Anesthesia: The area is numbed to ensure a pain-free experience.
  2. ICLED® Technology: A light-guided wand helps Dr. Mueller precisely place sutures beneath the skin.
  3. Threading the Sutures: Using this tool, he creates a lattice that lifts and holds the platysma muscles in place.
  4. Finishing Touches: Depending on the patient’s needs, liposuction or energy-based skin tightening (think FaceTite or Morpheus8) can be combined for added contouring.

Perfect Candidate or Not?

So, who is MyEllevate for? According to Dr. Mueller, it’s ideal for patients in their late thirties to early fifties with mild-to-moderate skin laxity and muscle sagging. It’s not a replacement for a facelift or neck lift but is perfect for someone who wants a subtler refresh without the scars or recovery time of a more invasive surgery.

Here’s where things got personal. After a thorough assessment, Dr. Mueller gently broke it to me: “You’d be better suited for a facelift.” The honesty was refreshing. He pointed out that while MyEllevate can perform miracles for structural issues, I also have some excess skin that would need to be removed to achieve the best results.

This, he explained, is why consultations are critical—every face is unique, and no single procedure is a catch-all. His candor reaffirmed his commitment to delivering results that are right for the patient, not just trendy.

Downtime & Results

If you’re a candidate for MyEllevate, here’s what you can expect post-procedure:

  • Downtime: Minimal. Most patients are back to work within a few days, with some mild swelling and bruising lasting up to a week.
  • Results: Immediate improvement in contour, with final results revealing themselves after three to six months as swelling subsides and collagen production kicks in.

Dr. Mueller emphasized that while MyEllevate can be life-changing for the right person, it’s not a magic wand. “It’s a tool in our arsenal,” he said, noting that combining it with other treatments often yields the most natural and youthful outcomes.

While MyEllevate wasn’t the right fit for me, I walked away impressed. This is the kind of innovation we need in beauty—solutions tailored to modern lifestyles and the nuanced needs of individual patients. For anyone teetering on the edge of committing to surgery but not quite ready for the downtime or invasiveness, MyEllevate is a genius alternative.

And let’s not forget the men, who are often underserved in cosmetic conversations. The subtlety and precision of MyEllevate make it an incredible option for guys who want to sharpen their jawline or reverse early aging in a way that’s practically undetectable.

As for me, I’ll likely be back in Dr. Mueller’s office, this time discussing the finer points of a facelift. But in a city obsessed with beauty shortcuts, MyEllevate feels like the real deal—a thoughtful, science-backed approach to looking your best without skipping a beat.

436 North Bedford Dr. Suite 212
Beverly Hills, CA 90210

310-273-9800

Revive Med Spa: Beauty and Innovation Arrives In Laguna Niguel

August 25, 2024

Laguna Niguel, renowned for its breathtaking coastline and artistic flair, is about to welcome a new beacon of beauty and sophistication: Revive Med Spa. While the grand opening is slated for the (very) near future, you can – and should – book in for a signature service as soon as August 27th, 2024. This expansion marks a significant milestone as the 11th location for the brand, with a continued commitment to elevating the standards of aesthetic care with its impeccable blend of cutting-edge technology, expert practitioners, and unparalleled service. In short: if a five star hotel and a med spa had a baby it would look very much like Revive; elegance, luxury and sophistication is at the core of what helps to make this med spa stand out from the rest.

Having experienced the magic of Revive Med Spa firsthand at their Woodland Hills location where I fell head over heels for Michelle’s transformative touch, I can’t help but be thrilled about this new addition. Her magic with injectables and treatments has always been a revelation, and knowing the Laguna Niguel locale will uphold that same standard is beyond exciting for the community.

Revive Med Spa: A Legacy of Excellence

Revive Med Spa has earned its reputation as a top-tier destination for aesthetic treatments across California. They are the leading provider of Botox® Cosmetic, Juvederm® Injectable Gel, Voluma™, and other premier treatments. This prestigious status is underscored by their Allergan Black Diamond award, a testament to their unmatched expertise and dedication to excellence.

As they expand into Laguna Niguel they bring with them a wealth of advanced services designed to meet every beauty need:

  • Botox® Cosmetic: Smooths fine lines and wrinkles for a youthful, refreshed appearance.
  • Juvederm® Injectable Gel: Restores volume and enhances facial contours with natural-looking results.
  • Halo Hybrid Fractional Laser: Combines deep dermal rejuvenation with superficial skin resurfacing for a glowing complexion.
  • Kybella®: Targets and reduces unwanted fat beneath the chin for a more sculpted profile.
  • CoolSculpting®: Non-surgical fat reduction that freezes away stubborn fat with minimal downtime.
  • Sculptra®: Stimulates collagen production to restore facial volume and reduce wrinkles.

A Membership Program That Shines

Revive Med Spa offers the Revive Radiance Membership, which is an exclusive membership that grants access to significant savings on a range of injectables and treatments throughout the year. With the Radiance Membership, you not only enjoy reduced prices but also benefit from the personalized care that Revive is known for. It’s a perfect way to maintain your beauty regimen while enjoying continuous savings.

Led by Expertise: Dr. Leif Rogers

Adding to the allure of Revive Med Spa is the presence of Dr. Leif Rogers as the medical director. An Ivy League graduate and board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Dr. Rogers is a leader in the field of aesthetic medicine. His expertise in microsurgical reconstruction and the latest techniques in facial rejuvenation and body contouring ensures that every treatment is performed with the highest level of precision and care. Dr. Rogers’s involvement at Revive Med Spa promises an extraordinary level of skill and innovation that sets the spa apart. Dr. Rogers has been my personal surgeon and I cannot rave enough about his work and integrity.

With multiple locations across California, Revive Med Spa continues to expand its reach, bringing their world-class services closer to those who seek the best in beauty and wellness. The Laguna Beach location is set to be a sanctuary of sophistication and innovation, where each visit promises a transformative experience.

For those eager to embark on a journey of radiant skin and enhanced beauty, Revive Med Spa offers complimentary consultations to explore treatment options and pricing. As they open their doors in Laguna Niguel, they invite you to discover the pinnacle of aesthetic care and experience firsthand why Revive Med Spa is a leader in the industry.

Prepare to indulge in the ultimate beauty experience with Revive Med Spa, where every treatment is a step towards achieving the best version of yourself.

24022 Aliso Creek Road
Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
info@revive.md
Sun 9a-5p, Mon-Sat 8a-8p
P: 424.610.9695

Medical spa patients can book services online  or call  or text 949.996.0510  for assistance!

Townhouse: Beverly Hills’ Newest Luxurious Nail Destination

June 13, 2024

Townhouse Beverly Hills

I’m beyond excited to report on Townhouse Beverly Hills, which just opened its first U.S. location right here in LA. The UK-born luxury nail care salon is located on S Santa Monica Boulevard, right off Rodeo Drive. The salon offers signature and luxury manicures and pedicures as well as nail color refreshes, gel treatments and specialty nail art. I personally opted for the Signature Gel Pedicure.

The minute you walk through those doors, you escape into a world of pure luxury and tranquility where every detail is designed to pamper and delight. I started off my appointment at the iPad check-in kiosks which made arrival a breeze and then waited in their beautiful waiting area as I got to take in the beautiful space.

Next, I was taken to the plush pedicure chairs to enjoy a relaxing soak where they began pampering my toes. They made sure to buff off all of the dead skin and reshape my nails to perfection. Once my skin was moisturized, I chose my gel color out of a variety of options, including their vegan range and then got to painting.

This whole process took around an hour where the artist truly took their time and made sure that the experience was super relaxing for me. I was extremely happy with the results and the gel pedicure ended up being one of the best quality pedicures I’ve ever gotten!

Throughout my appointment, I also noticed how clean the space is down to the tools. Every nail tool used came pre-sterilized in their own sealed pouches and they even had a sterilization lab in the salon to ensure that the space was safe for everyone. I  have never felt so relaxed while getting a pedicure! It was truly a premium nail care retreat.

Founded by Juanita Huber-Millet in 2018, the international-award-winning nail salon is renowned for its exceptional quality treatments, chic interiors, and curated nail art collections and has become the go-to salon for A-list celebrities like Margot Robbie, Lucy Hale, Drake, Kim Cattrall and Emilia Clarke. If you are looking for a lavish nail salon that delivers unrivaled expertise and flawless results, Townhouse is the place to go! My experience at Townhouse is one I will never forget and will forever recommend to anyone looking to get their nails done.

Phone: (213) 531-2121

9532 S. Santa Monica Blvd, Beverly Hills 90210

*Images included in this article courtesy of Townhouse Beverly Hills location

 

 

Revive Med Spa in Topanga Village: Elevating Aesthetic Excellence

May 17, 2024

I am thrilled to report on this gem in Topanga Village, as this marks our first feature on an aesthetics destination in this area.  Nestled in the tranquil ambiance of Topanga Village, Revive Med Spa stands as a beacon of advanced aesthetics and rejuvenation. From the moment you step inside, you are enveloped by a serene environment that promises an experience far beyond typical spa treatments. Revive Med Spa combines cutting-edge techniques with a retreat-like atmosphere, making it the ultimate destination for anyone seeking to enhance their natural beauty.

Revive Med Spa has been the premier medical spa in San Diego since 2006, proudly voted “Best Place to Get Botox” in the region. As a top 10 provider of MORPHEUS8, BOTOX®, JUVÉDERM®, and LATISSE in the nation, and the #1 provider of CoolSculpting® in California, they offer the most advanced and innovative treatments. The med spa also features leading brands in medical-grade skincare, including SkinMedica, Alastin, and SkinCeuticals.

As an aesthetics enthusiast, I am always on the lookout for the best treatments and practitioners. During my recent visit to Revive Med Spa in Topanga Village, I booked an appointment with Michele, one of the highly acclaimed practitioners, for a baby Botox touch-up and some facial balancing and optimizing. Her expertise and meticulous attention to detail quickly put me at ease, and I knew I was in good hands.

We decided on using Restylane Lift for my cheeks and Restylane L for my lips and nasolabial folds. Restylane Lift is known for its ability to provide volume and contour to the cheeks, delivering a subtle yet noticeable lift that enhances the natural bone structure. Restylane L, on the other hand, is perfect for adding volume to the lips and smoothing out nasolabial folds, ensuring a balanced and youthful appearance.

The procedure was efficient and surprisingly comfortable, thanks to Michele’s gentle technique and the use of a numbing cream. She carefully injected the Restylane Lift into my cheeks, providing an immediate and natural-looking lift with more defined cheekbones. This subtle enhancement made a significant difference, giving my face a refreshed, well balanced appearance.

 

Next, Michele focused on my lips and nasolabial folds with Restylane L. She skillfully added volume to my lips, enhancing their shape without making them look overdone. The nasolabial folds were softened, creating a smoother and more harmonious facial contour.

The results were immediate and exceeded my expectations. My cheeks had a beautiful lift and contour, my lips looked naturally fuller, and the nasolabial folds were significantly reduced. Michele’s artistry with the fillers ensured that all enhancements looked natural and balanced, highlighting my features without any hint of artificiality.

Revive Med Spa in Topanga Village is not just a place for treatments; it is a journey toward self-enhancement and confidence. The combination of a serene environment, state-of-the-art techniques, and skilled professionals like Michele makes it a top choice for anyone looking to elevate their natural beauty.

If you are considering facial enhancements or simply want to indulge in the best aesthetics care, I highly recommend a visit to Revive Med Spa. My experience with Michele and the transformative results of the Restylane Lift and Restylane L treatments have been fantastic.

revive.md

Phone:(747) 777-4518

6320 CA-27, Ste 1623Woodland Hills, CA 9136717.85 mi

*Images included in this article courtesy of Revive Med Spa Eastlake location

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
michelechahinepa@gmail.com
Get directions

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