Skin Care Institute in Los Angeles Celebrates 15th Anniversary

MARINA DEL REY, CA, June 24, 2011 (Press-News.org) Heralding a new era in day spas, The Institute (www.thestevensinstitute.com) at Plastic Surgery Associates, a well-known skin care center in Los Angeles, opened its doors as the world's first medi-spa 15 years ago. Serving as a model for medical day spas nationally, The Institute was the first of its kind to provide a variety of health and beauty services never before offered in a combined beauty/plastic surgery environment.

Dubbed the 'oasis for medical makeovers' by Ms. Charlie Sheridan, the Institute's director, has expanded and grown into a first-class, full service, medically-based facility dedicated to offering clients the finest in skin care, therapeutic facials, massages, makeup as well as a full range of salon treatments. Institute staff also provides on location services for movie and television shoots and executives too busy to leave their offices.

Under the medical supervision of W. Grant Stevens, M.D., a board certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon, the Institute's skilled staff provides integrated medical and aesthetic services to men and women of all ages and skin types. Not quite ready for plastic surgery or laser treatments, clients can choose therapies that eliminate or reduce wrinkles and other skin conditions.

"We chose the site specifically to enhance The Institute's peace and tranquility which is mirrored outside by the Marina del Rey harbor and Pacific Ocean," said Ms. Sheridan. She added that the boom in medi-spa treatments led to an expansion of The Institute last year into space typically used for more aggressive plastic surgery. With the explosion of fillers and other non-surgical treatments, some patients opt first for non-aggressive care before moving into surgical options down the road.

The decor, curving architecture and a large, elegant saltwater aquarium, comfort and relax clients once inside. "We believe that when you invest in yourself the payoff is priceless. And if you are fighting the effects of time, we want to be your ally, because aging should be a beautiful experience," she added.

Ms. Sheridan says the first step is an intense evaluation by a skin care expert. Then highly trained medical technicians perform a variety of services to rejuvenate all parts of the body. The Institute offers alternatives to traditional chemical peels and laser surgery. "The Institute is a unique medical salon that bridges the gap between conservative treatment and aggressive solutions. Each of our technicians is fully qualified to answer questions and concerns about skin care, aging skin, protective creams, surgery and treatments," she says.

The most unusual aspect of The Institute and highly different than other spas is that a physician is available at all times for consultations, recommendations and involvement with more complex problems. Plastic surgeons in Los Angeles work in concert with Ms. Sheridan to ensure that each client receives the proper therapeutic prescription.

Ms. Sheridan says that, "Our products and procedures are unsurpassed as a skin rejuvenation system. Dr. Stevens and his associates consider it a mandatory requirement prior to cosmetic surgery to have skin preparation." She adds that research shows improved results from laser surgery after being pre-treated with the skin care products.

Other services at The Institute include a variety of massage treatments, body contouring, laser hair removal, permanent makeup, fillers and make-up application with instruction. The Institute's highly trained cosmeticians have worked at noted salons, in the entertainment industry, as well as in private practice. Using only the finest GSI cosmetics, a clinician will study bone structure, skin condition, hair style and will formulate and blend individualized makeup.

At Marina Plastic Surgery Associates (www.marinaplasticsurgery.com), board-certified plastic surgeons Dr. Grant Stevens, Dr. Michelle Spring, and Dr. David Stoker offer innovative plastic surgery procedures including breast augmentation, face lifts, and abdominoplasty. After earning his medical degree with honors from Washington University Medical School in St. Louis, Dr. Stevens trained extensively in both general and plastic surgery before establishing his successful Los Angeles plastic surgery practice. Dr. Spring earned her medical degree from the University of Wisconsin, where the graduated with Distinction. After graduation, she went on to complete a 5-year Integrated Plastic Surgery Residency at the University of Wisconsin, and an Aesthetic Surgery Fellowship with Dr. Stevens in Marina Del Rey, California. Dr. Stoker graduated with honors from Stanford University and the University of California San Francisco School of Medicine. He completed his general surgery and plastic surgery residencies at New York University Medical Center. Dr. Stevens, Dr. Spring, and Dr. Stoker have both published extensively in clinical research publications showcasing some of the latest developments in plastic surgery procedures, and have gained recognition as pioneers in new techniques for procedures including liposuction and breast reduction.