Carl Powell, DO, FACS, FAACS, FAAARM

When going to Powell Cosmetic Surgery office, Dr. Powell did a great job, and I am satisfied with the service. Thank You!

I had planned to have a surgical procedure with Dr Powell and had been given a quote in writing. I made an appt. to meet with Dr Powell and go over the procedure. When I showed up for the appt. I was informed that the doctor was not there and would be in surgery all day, my name was there on the book for the appt but no one had called me to inform me there was a mistake and that the doctor wouldn’t be there. The office is unprofessional and disorganized. The girl that was there apologized but I never received a call back from the office or apology from the doctor or person that made the appt. I will not be having my procedure done with Dr. Powell, there are too many other surgeons and professional offices in San Diego for me to be treated poorly at this one.

Upon recommendation of a friend, I went to Cardiff Medical Spa for laser hair removal on a small area. I went the first time, and no one was there. Me and another patient sat in the waiting room for 30 minutes for someone to show up. Inside, the place looks dingy and old.
I initially worked with an RN, who was nice, but always put a «please tip me» sign in my face after my treatment. I went back for my 6^th treatment to learn the RN was gone, and I was going to work with a new doctor. No prior call on this at all.
This doctor was very nice, and because of the bad advice and service received by the RN, she made a new financial agreement for future treatments. After a few treatments with this doctor, the place went MIA. No return calls, no confirmation calls for my future booked appointments… nada.
I finally received a prompt call back today after leaving a message this morning. The caller was very nice and respectful, however informed me that they would not honor the financial arrangement I made with the doctor because she was no longer there.
After almost a year of treatments with decent but not great results, after getting bad advice initially about what to do between treatments (confirmed by the doctor), and after twice showing up to a closed business, I am amazed this place would risk bad publicity for a few already agreed to discounted treatments of a small area.
I would not recommend this place to anyone.

Run from this Office. Extremely poor customer service. Purchased a UT DEAL — $ 289…In the fine print it states can be redeemed for purchase value…$ 289…and that does NOT EXPIRE. Contacted the clinic today and they OUTRIGHT LIED, stating the Spa was under new management and would not honor that. This clinic is still run by a Dr Carl Powell, and owned by him. Why lie? Do not use a clinic that does not honor it’s offers.
************************Replying to Follow up left by TODD P from Dr Carl Powell’s CARDIFF MEDICAL SPA… yes you have a new OFFICE MANAGER, SO WHAT? Still owned and operated by Same Doc. Same company. Now leave another nasty reply, and this just shows what I mean by poor customer service.

I saw Chelsea Papin last week for a Facial/​Microdermabrasion. She was so nice and did such an great job! My skin has never been so clear/​felt so smooth. I would trust anything Chelsea advices me to use on my skin! Thanks again!

This is the best place to get any kind of cosmetic procedures done at! I love love the work they have done on me! Dr Powell is number 1. I will be back soon!

I went to Dr. Powell for a breast augmentation. I loved that he empowers his patients to decide for themselves what they really want, and he provides straight and honest guidance if your dreams can become a reality. Every step of the process was walked through, every moment after the procedure I was handled with care. I was called to ensure I was healing properly, my follow up appointments were scheduled so I can make it after 5pm so I didn’t have to take time off of work. I couldn’t be happier with Dr. Powell and his staff.
I am a mother of three and I was a 34 «b». One of my breasts was uncomfortably larger than the other to me. I went to three different doctors for consults and each actually had their own favored method of the procedure. One was through the «armpit», the other was the under the breast and Dr. Powell is the areola.
Its been 6 months since my procedure and I dont regret a single thing. I am now a 34DD you cant even see a scar, I healed very quickly and the stitching was done very well. I chose Moderate Plus silicone and they are amazing. I was able to «try» them on to figure out what fit me and my ideal size. There was no glamour and Dr. Powell is very technical. I appreciate that, I wasn’t looking for the sunshine and roses. I wanted to know what the Dr’s don’t tell you and he does and he’s honest. I am more satisfied with myself than I have been in a long time. Thank you Cardiff Medical Spa!

I tried laser hair removal about 6 years ago at another location and it was so painful I never went back. At Cardiff Medical Spa they used a newer laser that was pain free. I went in about 5 times for treatment and I no longer need to shave. They have great deals every month which made it affordable.

I’ve read some of these reviews and I can’t fathom where some of these comments are coming from. I’ve been seeing Dr. Powell for a few years now and have the utmost respect for him and his practice. Not only have I trusted this facility with my care but family members have too. All with great success! The latest is having him do blood work up on me and my husband for menopausal issues. Dr. Powell reviewed and fully discussed with us a treatment option using Bio Identical Hormone Replacements. We both feel like we shed 10 years away by doing this. Energy, weight (with the help of Metagenics) is what we both weighed in high school, sex is welcomed back into our lives (menopausal women you know what I mean) and men reading this the hormones my husband is taking — well let’s just say … Thank you Dr. Powell:-). I feel myself once again! I know my husband feels the same!

I received a laser treatment for hair removal and appreciated the fact the procedure was virtually pain free (in comparison with other lasers which have always resulted in a painful experience). I only had one treatment but it is nice to not have the pain.

Last week I went in to get a pixel laser treatment from Dr. Powell. After a week of healing, I have come out with great results. My skin looks new and fresh. One couldn’t hope for better results. Don’t be afraid of the week long (depending how deep he goes) healing process and layers of Aquaphor… its all worth it in the end.

I was quite pleased with the professionalism of the staff members here. I got laser hair removal which was not painful and was with a machine in which each patient had a special piece which was attached to ensure theat each patient had hygenic treatment. The staff was kind and efficient and I had noticeable results after the laser hair removal. Additionally I found it relatively easy to book an appointment which is not always the case for other medical laser centers.

I visited the Cardiff Medical Spa in December and was given a wonderful mini peel facial by Andrea. I really enjoyed it and I noticed a difference in the brightness of my skin. I am looking forward to my next appointment.
I would definitely recommend the Cardiff Medical Spa!

I bought a signonsandiego (i think it is now called utsandiego) daily deal for 6 treatments of laser hair removal.
I just went in for the first treatment for the back of my neck. I was a little skeptical with buying a daily deal because i have heard that the companies will always try and upsell you on extras just to make money off the deal.
When i called to make the appointment, the lady answered any questions i had, told me i needed to shave the area the night before and scheduled the appointment. I received a call a few days later confirming my appointment.
When i got there i wasnt treated like someone who just bought a deal, but was treated like any other customer (i know because there were other people in the waiting room too)
i went to the backroom with the lady (i forgot her name, sorry) and she asked me questions to determine how sensitive my skin is, explained to me what the process would be, explained why there needed to be multiple treatments and then went ahead and did the laser removal process.
The shock on the laser was a little more than i expected, but the whole process didnt take to long which was nice. Afterwards she gave me lotion to put on my neck and also some sunscreen, explained to me to try not to sweat that night and stay out of the sun because the skin is very sensitive after the procedure.
They tell you that you need to purchase a cover piece for the laser treatment for $ 10, and to bring it back with you every time, I am ok with that as it is not a lot of money, and it makes sense.
No one tried to sell me on buying more products or anything, i didnt even bring my wallet with me, and they said i could pay the $ 10 the next time i come in.
They do ask that you leave a tip, which is a little weird, but if my neck hair clears up, i would probably kiss their feet ;)
i have read other reviews of people getting burnt, and from what i understand it just depends on your skin sensitivity. I was asked if the laser was to hot or painful and she would have been able to lower the heat. So i am assuming that if you have sensitive skin you probably want the heat lowered. I personally want my hair gone so i dont care if they blast it up the whole way.
Overall i had a very good first experience, i still have 5 more sessions. But i do recommend this place.

I purchased a daily deal through Sign on San Diego several months ago have just completed my third round of laser hair removal and am pleasantly surprised by the results. The majority of the hair is already gone even though I was told it would take six visits.
When I first came in, they explained what was included in the certificiate so there would be no confusion, and gave me an incredible rate on adding another area. I was treated like a customer who was paying full price and not like someone who had a «deal».
The staff has been extremely professional from day one and I have never had any problems scheduling an appointment.
I was surprised to read another reviewer say her appointments were canceled and rescheduled since that has never happend to me.
Bebe, my RN, makes the sessions as comfortable as possible and after meeting her, I wasn’t as embarrassed or as shy as I thought I would be. She is really careful about making sure you are not experiencing any discomfort and uses an ice pack to help numb the area.
I completely trust her and know she is doing an incredible job. I have had such a great exprerience at The Cardiff Medical Spa that I have told several of my friends and now they are booking sessions too.
I will never go anywhere else!

I started receiving treatments here for Laser hair removal and on my 4^th visit I noticed it was much much more painful then usual, so I mentioned it to the Babe (the Nurse who does the Laser hair removal) and her solution was to simply ice the area more so it was less uncomfortable. As I was getting my full legs done the appointment was quite long and the whole time I had the sensation of burning and I simply didn’t think it was normal as I’d never experienced this much discomfort. When I would tell her I thought it was too hot her response again was to ice the areas more and to try and distract me from the pain. Because I trusted that she was a medical professional (big mistake) I continued with the appointment despite my nagging feeling that it felt very wrong.
when I stood up to leave I realized there were black and red welts all over my legs. When I showed her she responded that it would go away in a few hours and just put lotion on it… not so much. Turns out I was burned all over my legs and I ended up unable to sleep at all that night as the pain was so intense. I went back the next day to see the doctor and his response was not very comforting he basically said sorry she turned it up to high and that the scabs would fall off and eventually I would be fine. The pain lasted for quite a few days, I had to chill aloe vera gel and apply it every hour or so, not to mention take advil for the pain. I was shocked that they really were not very responsive and that they seem pretty ok with what had happened.
Andrea (a girl who works there) was helpful and understanding and because I was very, very upset she gave me a refund on the rest of the treatments I had already purchased (although I feel they should have also refunded me for that appointment that left me burned and scarred). I could not wear dresses or shorts for almost three weeks because it looked so bad. Even now I am left with white marks all the way up and down both my legs. I will never go back there and I would never refer someone to them. Of course I knew there were risks with Laser hair removal, however a professional who is concerned about your safety and your well being would not ignore when someone tells them the pain is too much and it feels like its burning.
The doctor was very nonchalant about it and when I explained that I had a trip to Miami planned and that now I would not be able to be in the sun, or show my legs, his response was, «well wear pants». When I asked him what could be done for the white marks on my legs he suggest I do spray tanning, So ridiculous! Why should I have to pay to cover up a condition that your incompentent staff caused me? I felt he didn’t take my situation nearly as seriously as he should have considering he is the doctor on staff there and I was burned quite bad in his clinic. Nor did they offer me anything to help with the scarring I was left with.
I hope I can save someone else the horrible experience I went through by writing this review. If I could give them zero stars I would.

This is the absolute worst place I have been to in regards to laser hair removal. The nurse and office staff are fine, however the doctor (DO not MD) is absolutely ridiculous and gives the most bizarre medical advice I have heard.
I was left with white marks all over my legs, resulting from burn marks after one laser treatment. I had a consultation with the «doctor» to discuss how to treat the marks and besides being completely dismissive, he advised me to tan until I sunburn to accelerate pigmentation. Expose your skin to UV rays and sun damage to help diminish the appearance of white marks associated with laser hair removal. Are you kidding?
Instead of offering to provide microdermabrasion services and being sympathetic, he could not be bothered and made it clear that he «could barely see» the marks, while every other person was astonished at how noticeable they were.
Further, EVERY appointment I made with them had to be rescheduled. They would make appointments so far out in the future and then call 2 days before to reschedule for another 6 weeks later. Terrible, terrible experience. Do your research.
I’ve had laser hair removal at two other establishments and was ecstatic with the professionalism of the doctors and staff, and the results. Dermacare in Carlsbad and Laser Clinique were far better!

Mary is the BEST. She’s fun to spend this «otherwise would be weird» time with. Her prices are reasonable, she’s completely honest and works with you to get the results you want.
I’ve heard horror stories of other laser experiences and other then the discomfort of being lasered (kind of like being snapped by a rubberband, though numbing and ice really do help!) I’ve never had a bad experience. Mary is fun to visit with and knows what she’s doing! Highly highly highly recommend her.

I have now referred five people to see Mary at the Cardiff Medical Spa for laser hair removal and they’ve all loved her. She is such an amazing women she makes the process as pain free as she possibly can. And she’s just fun to be around.
She’s a trauma nurse as well so you don’t feel weird baring all cause come on there’s nothing she hasn’t seen. Plus she keeps the prices totally reasonable $ 150 for both the bikini and underarms plus numbing. Which I recently found out some people charge extra for. No numbing cream are you crazy!
Anyways, go see Mary if you want to get rid of unwanted hair. She’s amazing!