Medalase Aesthetic Centers

Just briefly repeat my last review because they emailed me again with promotional crap: They stole my money. I paid for a package deal and never received 6 treatments. I lost $ 800 worth of treatments. And they will not stop emailing me promotions even though I have opted out and blocked them as spam. Do not even give them your email. You will regret it!

Thank you Medalase Aesthetic Center, and thank you Silvia Kentes for kindly answering the phone and scheduling my appointment with Aimee Nugent today. The immediate service and authentic sincerity in what I needing was the only concern of both of them and not the amount of money to spend. Aimee is a calm and skilled practitioner that listened to my immediate concerns and helped facilitate a plan for the future… Lucky me!

I’ll start by saying that I was never a client of Reveal — I’ve only been a patient of Medalase. I’m not sure what the issue is/​was but it won’t affect my review at all. Also, I’ll be leaving the same review for both locations because I’ve visited both.
I can’t decide where to start my praise … the staff, the services or the prices. Let’s start with prices since, honestly, that’s what drives a lot of consumer decisions. I looked around for FOREVER for pricing on Botox. It all seemed like a shell game — this much for this many units but no one would actually tell me a unit range necessary for an area — mine was the frownies between my eyes. But at Medalase they were really open and honest about it. I already knew an estimate of what I would need based on how many units my sister used so I was basically just seeing if they’d try to sell me I needed more than really necessary. They were right around what I was expecting. And because I know that Botox doesn’t last forever (but I’m getting someone to work on that — ha!) I loved that they had the discounted prices if I bought more and «banked» what I didn’t use. I’m not wealthy, I don’t have a lot of disposable income so I took all of this very seriously. I felt that they worked with me to get the results I wanted within my budget. I also purchased a laser hair removal package for the «brazilian» look. I was amazed at how affordable it was during a promotion and I couldn’t pass it up even though I probably should’ve used the money for something more responsible like food or rent. I told a male friend and he snatched up the back hair removal deal, too. They ALWAYS have specials but even without them their pricing is right on point.
Time for the staff. I have never had a bad experience with anyone — from reception to the person providing the service. The first girl who did my botox (forgot her name but she’s in the Pentagon office) was very friendly and very good with the injections. I loved the results. Aimee in the Fairfax office did my brazilian laser hair removal. It was always a very smooth process (pun totally intended — sorry!). Having someone zap your girly parts — both front and back — can be a little awkward but she was always very professional and made me feel really comfortable. Dr. Ginnan did my Juvederm injections to give my cheeks and mouth corners a little lift. My resting b!*ch face was getting out of control! He really took the time to explain how it worked, what it could and could not do and how long I could expect it to last. Then he jabbed me in the face for what seemed like an eternity. Silvia Flores-​Kentes is by far the best medical «concierge» I’ve ever had the pleasure of dealing with and before her, Stephanie was just as amazing.
And now on to the services — yay! The botox placement was always perfect and I never had any issue with drooping or wearing off very quickly or any ill effect at all. Obviously it hurts — it’s a needle going into your skin BUT it’s over pretty quickly and it’s a tiny needle. I can spend two hours under a tattoo needle but give me an injection and I want to cry like a little girl.
The laser hair removal worked better than I anticipated. I have very fair skin — I’m basically clear — so even when I would shave, the hair was visible under my skin. I did a package of 5 treatments. I’d say that about 90% of the hair is gone now. I could do maybe one or two more treatments — maybe if I get a bonus I’ll splurge on it. As with any laser treatment, it was warm and a little painful but sooooo much better than the upper lip area (I had that done at another spa in Michigan). I thought it was much less painful than waxing.
The Juvederm is a success. The placement gave me the results I was looking for without looking weird or plumped up. Dr. Ginnan seems to lean on the subtle side so I wasn’t worried about looking like a Housewife of Loudoun County. We’ll have to see how long it lasts — he explained that because I’m a runner, it may not last as long.
I have referred several people to them and will continue to do so. I’ve seen a few other medspas with a monthly special here or there but I don’t even consider it. I trust Dr. Ginnan and the staff to give me the best treatment possible.

My face has been showing its age, I know it. Everyone seems to be doing botox now, so I thought I should try it. Medalase took me in for a same day appointment and I was treated by a nice girl, can’t remember her name, who administered the injections painlessly. Now, my forehead muscles stay in place, I am happy knowing that the wrinkles aren’t getting any worse. It is a pricey experience though! Be prepared to pay, although all us women should already know the price of beauty. I will be going back here for my next treatment.

I was originally a Reveal client, but vowed never to return after I became horribly fed up with their poor customer service. I then discovered that Medalase replaced the Reveal Medspa with a new name, owner and staff (thank God because Reveal had the worst staff). Medalase is taking a lot of flak from previous Reveal clients which is partially due to them purchasing Reveal’s client database that makes it appear the business has simply been transferred rather than started anew. I used my Reveal package prior to visiting Medalase, so I have not experienced any issues.
Customer service at Medalase is far superior to that of Reveal. It’s much easier to get information and schedule appointments under the new name (no more waiting three months). The prices are more reasonable too. In or around May, they offer the lowest priced package deals of the year. Also, they continue to offer Beauty Bucks on your birthday — $ 50 off. I am not sure they advertise the deal but they did honor the promotion. Note: they offer deep discounts often. Make sure to get on the email list. I was able to secure a 5 package deal for under $ 400. This was the same package I paid $ 1200 for at Reveal.
The downside is that I liked Reveal’s lasers better. Their laser treatment required the use of numbing cream and the lasers made a quick popping sound like a rubber band and it was quick and effective. Medalase’s lasers do not require numbing cream and feel more like a hot/​heated massage wand. I did not like the feeling. The procedure seemed to take longer and required more interaction with the technician. For more delicate areas, there was much more poking and prodding involved than I remembered last time. Let’s just say I didn’t leave with as much of my dignity intact. Plus, the results have not been as long lasting. I planned to simply use a touch up treatment but I will likely have to purchase another package since the touch up was not as effective as Reveal’s touch up treatments. Note: they apparently are able to switch lasers upon request.
Update: I am much happier with the laser that is available in the first room — I think it’s called the harmony. It also requires less prodding. For the underarms, I suggest asking for numbing cream (the procedure always makes me feel like my heart is going to stop). In addition, I had a short lived disagreement with management but Hannah worked diligently to get it resolved to my satisfaction. She is truly wonderful and a great asset to Medalase — a far cry from the customer service of Reveal.
Note: I was just told that there is an additional $ 55 fee to see Dr. Ginnan. The staff is not transparent about this when you purchase a package.

This location is great so far. I have had 3 out of 6 treatments and there are major results. Staff is friendly, punctual and professional. The office is clean and presentable. I will update on the review after all the treatments are complete — so far I am a happy customer.

I would have given zero stars if it was an option. They are over priced and don’t follow through on their promises… Unless you purchase ANOTHER package to supplement the hundreds of dollars you already spent. They are really great about apologizing profusely though. They were «really sorry» and «so sorry» that they wouldn’t honor their previous deal with me. Avoid this place. You’ve been warned.

The basics for Botox: Great service at a great price!
I’ve been using Botox for over 15 years and utilized so many offices that I’ve lost count (yes, I move a lot). Medalase charges by the unit, so you know what you’re paying for and can regulate how much they use. I spend about $ 250 – 300 a visit (I have them inject 2 units per spot) and only need to go back about once every 5 months. A huge savings over many other places in this area. Plus, the staff are always registered nurses or an MD and they are always professional and honest. I’ve been to so many establishments that try and inject too much (or, say they did to pad the bill) and that utilize people with spotty training from the manufacturer (who instruct them to use a lot so they sell more).
I transferred over from the previous place (Reveal) that was in the space (Arlington — add: great location too) because some of the RN’s and the MD went with Medalase after Reveal went out of business (which is no surprise how poorly managed in was. Even trying to make an appointment was a disaster with the lousy phone system they had).
They still utilize a «bank» system of pre-​paying (so you won’t just cancel and not show up I think), but all you have to do is what I do and pay for a nominal amount (I usually buy 4 – 5 units and then pay the balance after the visit).
Again, I’ve been to Med spas and dermatologist offices, plastic surgeons offices and finding a place that sells by the unit and has professionally trained and HONEST staff is rarer than you’d expect.

Let me preface this by saying, I’d never heard of Reveal Med Spa or Medalase until yesterday. I read the reviews while sitting in the waiting room with a friend from work who was there on her first visit for a little «spring face freshening treatment» aka… botox.
Before I detail my opinion on Medalase, I’d like to comment on the singular complaint of the one-​star reviewers. From what I can gather, Reveal Med Spa use to be at this location. Whether Medalase bought the Pentagon Row Reveal franchise or Reveal left and Medalase took up occupancy in this location is fuzzy. Whatever the case, anyone who took Intro to Business in college understands that Medalase is under no contractual obligation to honor a previous business’s financial promises. You one-​star people should be blasting Reveal. Reveal Med Spa took your money while undoubtedly knowing they would not be in business when you came to receive your prepaid services. Write the BBB and Virginia Department of Consumer Services to demand your money back from REVEAL.
I had to say that because it just seemed people are uncontrollably angry and operating within a foggy rage instead of thinking before Unilocaling.
Any who, I’ve been here once. As I mentioned above it was yesterday, 18 June 2013. I went with a co-​worker who was excitedly trying botox for the first time. Finding this place was an adventure. I guess they are relatively new to this location so they have not installed a sign out front yet. But lucky for you I’m going to tell you exactly where they are so you don’t get a pre-​facial workout pacing up and down Joyce St. They are directly across from Bed, Bath, and Beyond. Secondly door from the corner. If you pass Sur la Table, you’ve gone too far.
Upon entering, the décor is very spa like and the ladies at the desk were friendly. My friend (whom I won’t name here b/​c of the superfluous shame she feels over getting a simple botox treatment) was nervous about her first needle facial. Enter Alex, a tall, clean-​shaven guy who confidently answered all of her questions and ultimately put her at ease. He knew so much about the treatments to come my friend thought he was one of the doctors.
The actual doctor, I forget his name, was very professional and explained everything in detail before beginning. He had my friend hold up a mirror so she could detail exactly what areas she wanted done. My co-​worker was worried about having a Kim Kardashian like cat face from botox. That permanent smile seen on the botox barbies of California. The doctor explained he would keep her appearance very natural looking. She received botox injections between her eyebrows and a few injections above each eyebrow. She also got filler (Derma — something) around her mouth. The filler erased wrinkles instantly.
After seeing her results I became interested in possibly getting a little filler treatment for a line under my eye. I don’t like needles so whether or not I go back for a treatment on myself will have to do solely with my own fears of being poked with sharp objects.
All in all an enlightening experience. I’d never seen botox or filler done on anyone in person. My co-​worker commented that botox feels more like tweezing your eyebrows. She says the filler hurt a little more, but she’s willing to do it again.

I’ve had GREAT experiences with Medalase… Hannah, Carla, Janice and Louise are all super nice and helpfu, I’ve been totally happy with everything. I saw the negative reviews online but those issues have to do with the prior ownership, not the current one. So if you haven’t tried this place, seriously, give them a chance… the customer service I’ve experienced has been truly excellent! Oh, and if you’re there for an hour or less, use the parking in front of Harris Teeter… you can press a button on the meter and it’s free for an hour. It’s all part of Pentagon Row so it’s perfectly fine, but a lot of folks don’t realize about the parking.

I would give zero stars if I could. My medical file was automatically transferred from the former Reveal medspa to Medalase, which has the same locations and employees as the former Reveal, and teh previous Reveal Medical director is now the Owner of Medalase.
I purchased a package from Reveal on April 30, 2012. Unbeknownst to me, Reveal had filed for Bankruptcy on April 6. When I called Medalase, they made an appointment for me without hesitation, which led me to believe that the two companies were affilitated, and that maybe Reveal had just been renamed, since it was all the same people and the same location. When I went in, the desk attendant told me that Reveal was out of business, but that they as Medalase would honor the package I purchased with Reveal, as long as I signed a waiver that I wouldn’t try to recoup any losses from Reveal or Medalase. I asked again if they were going to honor the package, and they said yes, inputting my credits into their database while I was standing there. I had two treatments in July and November 2012 respectively, which accounted for approximately half of the package I had purchased. When I called to make my next appointment in March 2013, the attendant informed me that they were no longer honoring the Reveal packages (even though they had promised me they would). They said they were not responsible for honoring the package, and there was nothing I could do about it because I signed the waiver.
Whether they have a legal obligation or not, Medalase was dishonest with me, and got me to sign the waiver under false pretenses. They also sent me a written letter saying they would have honored my package if only I had purchased other items with them– so basically telling me that I didn’t spend enough money with them to be considered important enough to honor their promise to me. They have shown me that they have terrible ethics, and that money is more important to them than their reputation, and their relationship with their clients. I guess it’s another case of «buyer beware». So beware of Medalase!

I too just recently became aware of the NEW owner no longer honoring the packages that were purchased through Reveal. I completely understand why individuals would be highly disgruntled, especially when they’ve dished out thousands of dollars on treatments that they have not yet used up. My advise would be to contact your bank and possibly dispute it that way. Unfortunately just like any other company that goes bankrupt, its an uphill battle to get some sort of financial compensation when there is nothing to pull from.
Luckily I was able to use 80% of my packages (six different packages to be exact). However, because of the staff’s sincerity and generosity of discounting me, I’ve decided to stick with them. The nurses have ALWAYS been so sweet and honest with me. :)
Overall I was pleased with both Reveal and Medalase. Call it a lesson learned to not invest in packages that go out more than a few months, with any company period.
As far as the treatments go: EXCELLENT!!! So glad i decided to get laser hair removal! No more waxing and so far VERY minimal shaving!
** Only reason for 4 stars is due to the prices, its not cheap! But totally worth it!

I turn 57 next week, and what a years it has been — becoming disabled, followed by surgery and a long recovery, and, throughout, suing a former business partner for fraud (I WON!). So, a lot more frown lines piled up than in a normal year. I’ve had surgical and cosmetic procedures from Dr. Ginnan for several years — both under the old Reveal MedSpa, and then with Medalase, of which he is part owner. He is an outstanding physician, and attends to the WHOLE body, not just the cosmetic procedures, offering advice on nutritional supplements, vitamins, etc that will enhance overall health, and thus the outcome of the cosmetic procedure. For those Unilocalers complaining about the switch from Reveal to Medalase — all I can say is that I have had only positive experiences. All credits, pricing agreements etc from my Reveal account were carried over to my Medalase account, and the quality remains exceptional.

I have been a long-​time customer of Medalase’s previous owner Reveal and Alase before that. Despite the name, management, and ownership changes, I have received very consistent service over the 10 years I’ve been going here. Over the past 10 years, I’ve gotten laser hair removal in two areas, chemical peels, and most recently Juvederm.
Cost: The cost has actually been going DOWN with the name changes. The Juvederm, purchased during a sale, might have been the cheapest I’ve ever seen in DC, which is what prompted me to finally take the plunge. For the chemical peels, I thought the price was high until I saw the results. The product is superior, hence the cost. Medalase uses the same peel as its predecessor did.
Scheduling: Scheduling with Medalase has never been a problem. I had much more trouble with Reveal in trying to get those precious 5:30 PM Thursday coming-​home-​from-​work-​and-​recovering-​on-​Friday procedures. I think Medalase is still building its customer base and expect this to change, but for now it’s been great!
Service: The service has also improved since becoming Medalase. I feel like there is also only one aesthetician, because I get her every time. Service is great, and I’m always greeted by everyone in the office when I arrive.
Results: One word: Fantastic. Highly trained professionals and noticeable results!
PS-​I notice a lot of negative reviews because of not honoring agreements with the previous owner’s customers. I DID NOT have an existing agreement and cannot speak to this. I had finished one agreement with Reveal, then went back and started a new one after the change in ownership with Medalase. I would expect any NEW customer to have a similar experience as me.

Oh my goodness, I can’t believe the negativity that I am reading regarding Medalase. I am a former Reveal client and now a Medalase client. Since the inception of Medalase last year, I have utilized their services for laser hair removal, tattoo removal, and functional medical advice. The service and caring attitude of the entire team are two of the main reasons that I will continue to turn to Medalase for future needs. They take time to discover what you are trying to accomplish with the treatments/​procedures, and then work with you within your budget to get the best possible results. They also won’t let you waste your money on treatments that may not actually accomplish your desired results. I have been so satisfied with the center that I have now referred a family member and a co-​worker to Medalase.
One quick note regarding the negativity that I am reading. The anger that is being directed at Medalase is misplaced and should be directed toward the owners of the former Reveal Medspa. They are the ones that sold packages and then closed their doors. A quick google search revealed their names, and I was quickly able to determine that they actually are operating another business in Vienna called WeightNot. The clients of that company are the ones that would benefit from knowing your stories regarding Reveal, not the Medalase clients.

Beware of Medalase!
I contracted with Medalase’s predecessor company, Reveal, to receive laser hair removal treatment. In mid 2012, Reveal closed its doors. Medalase somehow inherited the previous company’s client list, building leases, and equipment, but not its financial responsibilities (right).
In email and verbally, Medalase’s employees agreed to continue to provide treatment to those clients, like me, who had already had signed contracts with the previous provider. Medalase had several opportunities to tell me they were not planning to honor the contract they inherited. But they waited until early January 2013 to inform me they were going back on their word.
Medalase employees informed me they would not honor the treatment I had paid for… unless I signed up for more treatment.
I believe that is called extortion.
I would stay away from this company, if I were you. I encourage you to obtain dermatology services from a medical provider that is reputable, not from a doctor who takes his business management cues from Tony Soprano. Unless you want to be fighting to get your money back like I am now. I prepaid for treatments that might never take place.
Stay away from Medalase.

I cannot be happier with my results and the entire staff! Dr. Thesiger does AMAZING work! I had been wanting a certain procedure for 17 years! I finally did it! Dr. T. and his staff answered all 1,000 questions that I had in a timely fashion. My recovery was SOOOOOO much better than I expected because Dr. T. advises to use Arnica and other holistic meds (in addition to the good stuff) plus he added drains which tremendously helped with pain, swelling and recovery. feel free to private message me for details. Again — SOOOO happy and I’m only 2 weeks post op!

Be careful. 1^st they have your account information. then — they can’t find it !! then — they find it — HowEver — the points THEY called you about have now vanished. well — they did not vanish — they told me they were points that must have been comped and are no longer available. we’re only talking about 6 points or so. But — they lost my business. like i said — BE CAREFUL !!

I am a convert from formerly known as «RMS» to new and improved Medalase.
I got the bikini/​brazilian laser treatment and from my belly button to my booty crack I am in love with Medalase. I have had 6 of 8 treatments am a light skinned black female with dark hair and probably have about 75% hair reduction and the time it takes to grow back has tripled and when and if it does, it is so thin you have to be my boyfriend to notice it and even he doesnt most of the time. I was concerned about the change from RMS to Medalase– first they were honoring the treatment package that I purchased from the previous owners and in return I was looking into more treatments and referring anyone with hair or the bo-​curious friends I have who may want to try a shot of botox…
Now they are not! So if you are a new customer you are good to go, if not, I would jump on the March specials which actually are priced really well… Sucks to pay more money but a lifetime of smoothness will be worth it… They are working with people so if you had 2 sessions left like I did, you buy two and then get to sped that money on other services or more treatments if you need it so they are trying… a little bit.
To end on a positive note– the technicians who are all medical professionals– not just employees at a spa-​are so friendly, knowledgable and make a not so comfortable session almost fun and feel totally worth it!

Whoa Nelly. Is that new math or what? Medalase has been in business about 4 months and by some miracle you’ve had treatments over the course of 10 months?
The time space continuum is warped some where. Or somebody’s taking liberties with the truth.
Anyhoo, I’m a Medalase convert and have been mighty pleased with my lipo, filler, Botox work. I usually go to the fairfax centre. Reviewing PR as I brought an elderly friend in who lives in D. C for filler. Nice gal but face was looking a little like a hound dog. Not any more. Can’t say she looks 20 but got a good few years shaved off.
In my estimation, and I’m an authority in my own mind, as I’m determined to not look like father time’s wife, this is the best place to head to keep looking fine. Period.